One Week Faculty Development Program
(16-22 July 2024)
Organized by
Rahul Sankrityayan Subharti School of Linguistics and Foreign Languages Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences
Swami Vivekanand Subharti University, Meerut
Holistic Faculty Development Program: Bridging Tradition with Innovation
DAY ONE/INAUGURAL SESSION
The inaugural session of the six-day Faculty Development Program (FDP) titled “Holistic Faculty Development Program: Bridging Tradition with Innovation” commenced on 16th July 2024, organized by the Rahul Sankrityayan Subharti School of Linguistics and Foreign Languages under the Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences at Swami Vivekanand Subharti University, Meerut. The event, held in the Seminar Hall on the ground floor of the Faculty of Education, marked the beginning of a significant initiative aimed at enhancing the academic and professional capabilities of the university’s faculty members.
The Department of Languages, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Swami Vivekanand Subharti University is committed to fostering academic excellence and professional growth among its faculty. The FDP aims to provide structured professional growth opportunities, thereby enriching the academic environment and improving student outcomes. The specific objectives of the program include creating a well-rounded, knowledgeable, and resilient faculty body, enhancing the quality of education and research, equipping educators with a comprehensive and diverse skill set, and ensuring that faculty members are well-prepared to navigate the evolving educational landscape and meet the diverse needs of their students.
The inaugural session commenced with addresses from esteemed dignitaries, setting a tone of enthusiasm and commitment to the program’s goals. The Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, SVSU Maj Gen (Dr.) G.K. Thapliyal emphasized the importance of continuous professional development and the integration of traditional and modern educational practices. He highlighted the university’s dedication to fostering a culture of academic excellence and the role of faculty development in achieving this objective. The Pro Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Himanshu Aeran spoke about the rapidly evolving educational landscape and the need for faculty to adapt and innovate to meet the challenges and opportunities it presents. The Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Prof. Sudhir Tyagi discussed the specific objectives of the FDP and the expected outcomes for both faculty and students.
A highlight of the inaugural session was the keynote address delivered by Prof. N.C. Lohani, Head of the Department of Hindi Evam Bharteeya Bhasha Vibhag at CCSU. Prof. Lohani’s address focused on Bharteeya Knowledge Systems, providing an insightful exploration of traditional Indian knowledge and its relevance in contemporary education. He emphasized the importance of blending traditional wisdom with modern teaching methodologies to create a holistic and enriching learning experience.
In his enlightening address, Prof. N.C. Lohani underscored the pivotal role of Indian languages in the New Education Policy (NEP). He emphasized that regional languages are not merely modes of communication but repositories of rich cultural heritage and traditional knowledge. The NEP’s inclusion of mother tongues in early education aligns with the vision of preserving and promoting India’s linguistic diversity. Prof. Lohani highlighted that incorporating regional languages into the curriculum fosters a deeper connection to one’s roots and facilitates a more inclusive and equitable educational framework. He also delved into the “Bhartiya Gyan Parampara” (Indian Knowledge Tradition), illustrating how ancient wisdom embedded in our languages can enrich contemporary learning and innovation.
The second session of the FDP continued the theme of Bharteeya Knowledge Systems, delving deeper into its application across various academic disciplines. This session aimed to provide participants with a thorough understanding of how traditional Indian knowledge can be integrated with contemporary academic and professional topics.
The FDP is designed to be delivered through a combination of lectures, workshops, hands-on exercises, case studies, group discussions, and experiential learning activities. Guest lectures by subject matter experts provided real-world insights and practical knowledge, while participants remained engaged in self-reflection, peer learning, and action planning to ensure the application of acquired skills and knowledge.
Dr. Seema Sharma, Head of the department and Convener of the FDP said that Faculty Development Program is an essential initiative by the Department of Languages aimed at fostering a culture of continuous improvement and academic excellence. By investing in our faculty, the program ensures the sustained growth and success of the department, ultimately benefiting students and the broader academic community. The organizing committee for the FDP includes Dr. Seema Sharma (Convener), Dr. Manisha Luthra (Co-Convener), and members Dr. Rafat Khanam, Prof. Rajeshwar Pal, Dr. Yeshpal Sharma, Ms. Swati Sharma, Dr. Shobha Raturi, Dr. Ranveer, Dr. Anuj Bawara, and Dr. Farha Hashmi. The inaugural session’s anchoring and vote of thanks were managed by Dr.Manisha Luthra and Dr. Seema Sharma respectively setting a positive and professional tone for the week-long program.
The first day of the FDP set a strong foundation for the rest of the program, leaving participants inspired and motivated to engage in the forthcoming activities. The program promises to be a transformative experience, contributing significantly to the professional growth of the faculty and the academic excellence of the institution.
