IIT Goa Spearheads Innovative Initiatives in Cancer Biology and Vaccine Development

Goa Khabar:A press conference was convened at NIT Goa today, where representatives from various educational institutions converged to present the exemplary progress made in the implementation of the National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020) in Goa. The panel included Prof. B.K Mishra, Director of IIT Goa, Dr. Neelakandan, NEP2020 Coordinator at IIT Goa, Prof. O. R. Jaiswal, Director of NIT Goa, Dr. Damodar Reddy, NEP2020 Coordinator at NIT Goa, Shri. C.S Murthy, Regional Director of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), Maharashtra and Goa, Shri. Ravi Pratap Singh, Principal of Kendriya Vidyalaya – INS Mandovi, and Shri. Animesh Pal, Principal of Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Cancona.

Prof. B.K. Mishra eloquently presented the pioneering initiatives undertaken by IIT Goa, which included the establishment of the School of Inter-Disciplinary Life Sciences (SILS). This unique academic unit focuses on critical domains like cancer biology, vaccine development, drug discovery, and pandemic modeling. The institute’s visionary approach also includes mechanical modeling of cells, harnessing biomimetic knowledge to revolutionize structural design elements.

The Internship Policy at IIT Goa has been instrumental in nurturing students’ industry-oriented problem-solving skills during their final year. The institute has also fostered international collaborations with foreign universities, enriching postgraduate students’ thesis work and encouraging cross-border research opportunities.

Noteworthy initiatives such as the “Learning to Achieve Multi-disciplinary Perspectives (LAMP)” and “Technology and Society Learning (TASLe)” courses empower students to develop problem-solving abilities and address regional developmental challenges effectively.

Prof. O.R. Jaiswal, Director of NIT Goa, emphasized the institute’s steadfast commitment to NEP 2020 implementation, beginning from the academic year 2023-24. The institute has introduced Minor programs in specialized branches like Computer Science and Engineering, Electronics and Communication Engineering, Electrical and Electronics Engineering, and Computational Mathematics, which broaden students’ knowledge domain and enhance employability.

NIT Goa’s integration of the Indian Knowledge System was also higlighted, with courses like ‘Health and Happiness’, ‘Yoga’, ‘Vedic Mathematic’, ‘Science and Technology in Vedic Literature’ and ‘Professional Ethics and Human Values.’ The institute’s focus on flexible and inter-disciplinary learning offers students the freedom to choose electives and open courses, fostering holistic education.

Adhering to NEP 2020’s vision of multiple exit options, NIT Goa offers course completion certificates, ITI certificates, and diploma certificates after the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd years, respectively. This approach also enables temporary exits for students to engage in industry work and return to complete their degrees within a prescribed time frame. Environmental education receives due prominence through the dedicated course “Environmental Studies” for undergraduate students.

Shri. Ravi Pratap Singh, Principal of Kendriya Vidyalaya – INS Mandovi, shared remarkable achievements in the Vidyalaya’s NEP 2020 implementation. The realignment of admission age to the 5+3+3+4 design and the introduction of the NIPUN INITIATIVES (National Initiative for Proficiency in reading with Understanding and Numeracy) have contributed to tracking students’ progress effectively.

Kendriya Vidyalayas have introduced Balvatika classes for ages 3+, 4+, and 5+ on a pilot basis, endorsing play-based learning with NCERT curriculum and resources. The Vidya Pravesh, a 3-month school preparation module for Grade I, bolsters pre-literacy, pre-numeracy, cognitive, and social skills. The implementation of the National Curriculum Framework for Foundational Stage (NCF FS) aligns with NEP 2020’s pedagogy, promoting a learner-centered approach.

Shri. Animesh Pal, Principal of Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Canacona, underscored the Vidyalaya’s unwavering commitment to NEP 2020 principles. The focus on competency-based learning in core subjects like language, Science, and Maths has transformed the learning approach, promoting conceptual understanding over rote learning.

Teachers have undergone essential CPD training from the DIKSHA portal, aligning them with NEP 2020’s implementation. The Principal’s leadership development training by CBSE has effectively enhanced school management.

The introduction of art-integrated, sports-integrated, toy-based pedagogy, and experiential learning has brought joy and creativity to the classrooms, fostering life skills, value, gender sensitivity, and environmental awareness among students. Traditional classrooms have been transformed into digital classrooms, embracing modern learning methodologies.

Various skill subjects like Handicrafts, Healthcare, IT, Physical Activity Trainer, and Library & Information Science have been introduced, catering to students’ diverse interests. Special classes for JEE and NEET, supported by various NGOs, have facilitated students’ pursuit of higher education aspirations. Shri. Pal also highlighted the collaboration with TATA-Karta, an NGO offering free support to students pursuing higher studies abroad.

Shri. C.S. Murthy, Regional Director of MSDE, highlighted the successful integration of vocational education with general education in country, offering students conscious choices in selecting vocational skills. The implementation of technology-enabled learning and skill development programs have significantly enriched students’ learning experiences.

MSDE’s identification and initiation of skill hubs have empowered students with vocational education and upskilling opportunities. The exemption of examination and tuition fees for girls’ students fosters gender empowerment in vocational education.

The press conference showcased the collective dedication of educational institutions in Goa towards successful NEP 2020 implementation. These initiatives aim to create a transformative impact on education, empowering students with holistic development and inclusive learning opportunities.