Shimla: APG Shimla University successfully concluded a week-long Faculty Development Programme (FDP) focused on emerging trends in higher education policy, with special emphasis on the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The event brought together renowned scholars, including Dr. P.K. Ahluwalia (Former Professor, HPU), Prof. Dev Dutt Sharma (Head, Geography Dept., HPU and former VC, Sardar Patel University), Dr. Sandeep Chauhan (Head, Chemistry Dept., HPU), Dr. Ankit Thakur (Dean of Engineering, APG), Dr. Anand Mohan (Dean Academics, APG), and Dr. Devika Rana (UGC-NEP Coordinator), as keynote speakers and resource persons.
Dr. Maninder Kaur, the FDP coordinator, said the event aimed to enhance faculty knowledge about evolving educational policies, research integration, and modern assessment systems aligned with NEP 2020. Around 60 participants, including faculty and lab technicians from APG and other institutions, actively engaged in the sessions. The event was efficiently supported by Dr. Bhavna Verma, Dr. Devika Rana, Bharti Nanta, and Mehak Kaur.
The programme started with a powerful keynote by Prof. P.K. Ahluwalia, who spoke on the vital role of research and development in the context of NEP 2020. His insights set the tone for the entire FDP. In the second session, Dr. Ankit Thakur explained the core principles of Outcome-Based Education (OBE), such as Course Outcomes (CO), Program Outcomes (PO), and Program Educational Objectives (PEO). The third session featured Prof. Dev Dutt Sharma, who spoke about the importance of soft skills in an educator’s professional journey. These skills, he noted, are key to both teaching effectiveness and leadership.
Dr. Sandeep Chauhan led the fourth session, covering multidisciplinary education, skill development, and the impact of research-driven policies on modern teaching. In the final session, Dr. Anand Mohan and Dr. Devika Rana gave a comprehensive view of how APG Shimla University is aligning its academic strategies with the implementation framework of NEP 2020.
On the successful conclusion of the FDP, Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Rajendra Singh Chauhan applauded the efforts of all speakers, participants, and coordinators. He emphasized the significance of NEP 2020 and stressed the need for stronger collaboration among scholars and policymakers to overcome challenges in its rollout. The event closed with a vote of thanks by Registrar Prof. Dr. R.L. Sharma, who praised the team for its dedication. He highlighted the role of ongoing workshops, research, and innovation in uplifting both educators and students.
The Chancellor of APG Shimla University, Er. Suman Vikrant, along with the Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Rajendra Singh Chauhan, Registrar Prof. Dr. R.L. Sharma, and Dean Academics Prof. Anand Mohan Sharma, presented certificates of participation and appreciation to all faculty members, heads, deans, and organizers. This FDP marked an important step toward fostering academic excellence and adapting to the future of Indian higher education under the NEP 2020 vision.
