“Innovation is the ability to see change as an opportunity – not a threat,” Steve Jobs
When Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled the National Education Policy 2020 on India’s 74th Independence Day, he asserted that it was aimed to make the country more self-reliant. NEP will give special attention to National Research Foundation because innovation is at the heart of India’s progress. Approved by the Union Cabinet and helmed by the newly named Education Ministry, NEP 2020 is all set to usher in immense transformations in higher education. Change driven towards innovation sounds like the need of the hour. But what does it actually mean?
Ministry sources have reiterated that NEP 2020 has been designed to promote skills-based education to arm students with practical skills. Moreover, the aim is to shape lateral thinking professionals of the future through an emphasis on multidisciplinary learning. The Education Ministry intends to follow through on these goals through these proposed changes:
-
Setting up a large multidisciplinary college in every district by 2030.
-
Setting up a large multidisciplinary college in every district by 2030.
-
All higher learning institutions will teach languages, music, arts, and literature.
-
In fact, the clear demarcations in Science and Arts streams’ curriculum will be blurred.
-
IITs and other institutions will be encouraged to create a holistic learning experience.
-
There will be a strong impetus for practical training and skills development (internships will be imbibed into curriculums from sixth grade)
-
Every higher learning institution will have an International Students Office in a bid to make India a sought after destination for foreign students.
These are just some of the changes NEP 2020 set into motion after its implementation. They are expected to promote these broad changes in higher education in the country. -
Students will be encouraged to gain practical exposure instead of simply learning theoretical concepts.
-
Students will develop research focus and will be geared towards innovation while gaining insights into Liberal Arts.
-
Value-based learning will come into focus as there will be a push for nurturing future professionals with a strong sense of ethics.
-
Overall, the proposed changes have the potential of transforming Indian colleges and universities and bringing them on par with the best in the world.
The announcement of NEP 2020 is probably one of the most unanticipated moves in the Indian education system. Several higher learning institutions are bound to be caught off guard and will be playing catch up for some time. On the other hand, universities like SRM AP will have the edge with its multidisciplinary approach and focus on practical training, already in place. The University is also leading the way with its emphasis on research and innovation as students get an enriching experience through numerous projects and internships.
That’s one of the primary goals for NEP 2020, and SRM AP is already on it. After all, it has come into being with the purpose of becoming an Indian University that truly is at global standards; a while before NEP 2020 made it a mission.