Chandigarh- In collaboration with All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), a three-day Faculty Development Programme (FDP) on “Inculcation of Universal Human Values in Higher Education” was inaugurated today at Government Education College, Sector 20-D, Chandigarh. The programme aims to integrate value-based education in the teaching-learning process and promote holistic development in the higher education system.
The programme commenced with the formal welcome of the Chief Guest Shri Vivek Atre by the Principal and Patron Dr. Sapna Nanda. This was followed by lighting of the lamp and soulful chanting of mantras invoking wisdom and clarity. The college’s national anthem was sung with pride, creating a dignified atmosphere for the entire day. Dr. Nanda gave a green welcome to Shri Vivek Atre and presented him a sapling as a symbol of sustainable development and reverence for nature.
In his brief address, Dr. Nanda emphasised the importance of incorporating value-based education in higher education and expressed his delight at hosting such a transformative initiative. The event was attended by over 60 faculty members from colleges in Chandigarh and adjoining states, who contributed to creating a vibrant and thought-provoking atmosphere.
Delivering a thought-provoking keynote address, Shri Vivek Atre highlighted the core of human values and emphasised that real satisfaction lies beyond material success. Citing the life of John Rockefeller, he explained how self-realisation and service bring inner peace. He urged the teachers to set examples by themselves, while promoting ethical and value-based education among students.
The FDP is being conducted under the guidance of Shri Ajay Kumar Pal, who is the resource person, Dr. Manisha Gupta as the co-facilitator and Dr. Yashveer as the supervisor. Local Program Coordinators, Dr. Shyoji Singh and Dr. Nisha Singh, Government Education College, Sector 20-D, are coordinating the program at the institutional level.
The academic sessions of the day saw Mr. Ajay Kumar Pal present his views on the role of education in holistic development, self-exploration and higher education. He asked the participants reflective questions on happiness, prosperity and sustainability and introduced a value-based framework that includes a right understanding of self, harmony in relationships and harmony with nature—the fundamentals for achieving mutual happiness and prosperity.
This was followed by sessions led by Dr. Manisha Gupta, who discussed harmony within human beings through the “Story of Stuff” and critiqued the consumerist approach. She discussed in detail the coexistence of self and body, emphasising on inner balance, ethical living and value-based transformation.
The rapporteurs for the day were Dr. Anjali Puri, Dr. Balwinder Kaur and Dr. Anurag Sakhiyan, who diligently recorded the proceedings.
The session concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks by Dr. Shyoji Singh expressing gratitude to all the dignitaries, moderators and participants.
The inauguration of the FDP set a reflective and inspiring tone for the days to come, with a focus on inculcating universal human values in higher education for a harmonious, value-based society.