Asem Bhakta Singh, Special Correspondent North East
Imphal: The seven-day faculty development programme on “Indian knowledge systems and modern disciplines” kicked off today at the multipurpose hall of TS Paul Manipur women’s college, Mongshangei Imphal West District. The programme was under the aegis of the Department of University and Higher Education, Government of Manipur.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Ningthoukhongjam Urmila Devi, Head Department of Political Science TS Paul Manipur Women’s College, delivered an introductory speech.
Dr.Urmila expressed that the Comprehensive Faculty Development Programme is one of the vital points of the implementation of New Education Policy 2020. As Manipur University has already implemented the policy, the teachers have to understand the salient features of the policy as well as the common thread of the policy. Such programmes are being conducted in various higher institutions on several topics ranging from mushroom cultivation to n-violence, which are the backbone of skill enhancement and value-adding Adding Courses. The Indian Knowledge System is one of the common threads that spread across different disciplines.
She further expressed that the perfect education cannot be derived only from Western rational thinking and theories; the Indian system of knowledge and Indian perception of the world should also be considered in imparting education. This question does not confine itself to academic and philosophical inquiries. It is at the heart of the policy, hence the need for the Indian Knowledge System in every branch of human cognitive exercise. From mathematics to literature, from physics to political science, Indian knowledge systems, which are evolving over time and tested through ages, should be incorporated in imparting education.
The Department of Political Science of this college, under the guidance of principal, Thiam Nandita Devi, proposed this comprehensive faculty development program. We know that this week-long programme will not be able to cover all aspects of the Indian Knowledge System and various traditional knowledge systems. However, for a humble beginning, we try to cover the basic areas of the system. There will be 20 lectures and one group discussion. Many experts in the basic areas will deliver lectures, and there will be discussion and interactions with experts as well as among the participants. These lectures are not designed for teaching but for two-way learning through interactions and discussions, said Dr. Urmila.
Elangbam Dolendra Singh Chairman, Governing Body of the College addressing the inaugural function said the ancient Indian systems were based on knowledge. Early Vedic scriptures depict deep knowledge of in mathematics, science, philosophy , he said. The concept of moral science ingrained in the education system make the knowledge system sound and perfect he added.
Oinam Priyokumar Singh, Secretary of the Governing Body said India’s contributions in the field of science and knowledge were immense since ancient times and such a programme will enrich the faculty from various educational institutes.
Thiam Nandita Devl, Principal of the College said the cultural traditions espounded by the Vedic and other early texts cover all aspects of knowledge and science as seen in Arthasastra, Yoga, Ayurveda.
The inaugural function was attended by Elangbam Dolendro, Chairman, Governing Body TS Paul Manipur Women’s College, Oinam Priyokumar, Secretary, Governing Body TS Paul Manipur Women’s College, and Thiam Nandita Devi, Principal, Governing Body TS Paul Manipur Women’s College, as Chief Guest, Guest of Honour, and President.
