Activity Dates: 10/08/2024
Type of Activity: Faculty Development Program
Organizing Department: Department of Physics
Program Coordinators: Dr. Swapnil S. Arsad and Dr. Pankaj P. Khirade
Head of the Department: Dr. P. A. Nagpure
External Collaborator (if any): Amravati University Physics Teachers' Association (AUPTA) and , UGC Malviya Mission Teacher Training Center, Sant Gadge Baba Amravati University, Amravati
Objectives:
No of Beneficieries: 60
Classes Involved: Teachers from colleges affiliated to Sant Gadge Baba Amravati University, Amravati
Venue of the Activity: Sir C.V. Raman Auditorium, Shri Shivaji Science College, Amravati
Activity Report:
A one-day workshop titled "Revolutionizing Undergraduate Physics: Insights and Innovations in NEP Implementation at Sant Gadge Baba Amravati University, Amravati," was organized on August 10, 2024, by the Department of Physics at Shri Shivaji Science College, Amravati. This significant event was sponsored by the DBT-Star Project and conducted in collaboration with the Amravati University Physics Teachers Association (AUPTA) and the UGC Malviya Mission Teacher Training Centre. The workshop took place at the prestigious Sir C.V. Raman Auditorium of Shri Shivaji Science College, Amravati, and attracted 60 participants from various institutions.
The workshop aimed to address the key transformations in the education system brought about by the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. It sought to establish a common platform to raise awareness of the reforms in the undergraduate physics curriculum at Sant Gadge Baba Amravati University (SGBAU) in accordance with the new policy. The NEP 2020, a vital part of India’s educational landscape, emphasizes restructuring higher education to better equip students with the skills and knowledge required for future challenges. In this regard, the workshop explored how the NEP 2020 could revolutionize undergraduate physics education by incorporating innovations, practical learning, and interdisciplinary approaches.
Inaugural Session and Welcome Addresses
The workshop was chaired by the Principal of Shri Shivaji Science College, Hon. Dr. G.V. Korpe, who also delivered the inaugural address. He emphasized the importance of adaptability during the transition phase of implementing NEP 2020. He encouraged participants to actively engage with the curriculum reforms and advocated for the crucial role of physics educators in shaping the future of education. Dr. Korpe highlighted that the NEP's emphasis on choosing major and minor subjects could create new opportunities and challenges, both for students and teachers, but urged participants to embrace this shift.
The chief guest of the event, Dr. Mohammed Atiqe, Director of the UGC Malviya Mission Teacher Training Center at SGBAU and Head of the Computer Science Department at SGBAU, formally inaugurated the workshop. Dr. Atiqe, in his address, underscored that change is inevitable in education and emphasized the role of teachers as facilitators who help students navigate through these changes. He remarked on the importance of adapting to the NEP and its implementation, which, he noted, would reshape the way students and teachers interact with knowledge and skill development. He advocated for teachers to embrace their role in this transformation as they would be at the forefront of its implementation.
The guest of honour for the event, Dr. Ajay Lad, Director of the Board of Research, Innovations, and Incubation Foundation at SGBAU, spoke about the university's initiatives to foster research and innovation under the NEP framework. He praised the workshop's collaborative efforts and stressed the importance of nurturing creativity and problem-solving skills among students.
Keynote Speeches and Technical Sessions
The workshop featured an array of distinguished speakers and resource persons. Among them was Dr. Dinesh Khedkar, Head of the Botany Department at SGBAU, Chairman of the Board of Studies in Botany, and coordinator of the "Career Katta" scheme in the Amravati division. As a keynote speaker, Dr. Khedkar delivered a thought-provoking address on the evolving nature of education, stressing that “revolution happens faster than evolution.” He emphasized the importance of the DBT-Star Project, which is designed to enhance undergraduate education through innovative teaching methods, interdisciplinary collaboration, and hands-on activities. Dr. Khedkar advocated for a shift from traditional classroom learning to more experiential, student-centered approaches that encourage critical thinking.
The workshop's technical sessions were a major highlight, with eight sessions being conducted by expert subject teachers and members of the Board of Studies in Physics. These sessions focused on the integration of hands-on learning, research-oriented projects, and interdisciplinary approaches in undergraduate physics education as per NEP 2020 guidelines. Topics covered included curriculum reforms, innovative teaching methods, and strategies to enhance student engagement through experiential learning. Participants were encouraged to actively participate in discussions and share their experiences and insights into the challenges and opportunities presented by NEP 2020.
Collaboration with AUPTA and AGM Proceedings
A key feature of the workshop was the active participation of the Amravati University Physics Teachers Association (AUPTA). The association’s annual general meeting (AGM) was held during the event, offering a platform for members to discuss and reflect on the progress of physics education in the region. Dr. Ashwini Kumar Vajpayee, President of AUPTA, delivered a stirring address to the attendees, calling for a united effort among physics educators to lead the changes brought by NEP 2020.
Other notable figures at the AGM included Dr. S.A. Waghule, Vice President; Dr. S.S. Kawar, Joint Secretary; Dr. G.T. Lamdadhe, Treasurer; Dr. M.R. Belkhedkar, Joint Treasurer; and Dr. V.S. Kalyamwar, Public Relations Officer. Dr. G.R. Dhokane, Chairman of the Board of Studies in Physics at SGBAU, also played a significant role in the discussions.
The workshop convener, Dr. Swapnil S. Arsad, along with co-convener Dr. Pankaj P. Khirade, were instrumental in organizing the event and ensuring its success. The organizing committee, which included dedicated members like Dr. R.G. Korpe, Dr. R.G. Deshmukh, Dr. V.V. Deshmukh, Dr. A.B. Bodade, Dr. P.A. Fartode, S.M. Butte, and D.P. Rathod, worked tirelessly to make the event a success. Dr. Arsad also acted as the anchor for the workshop, guiding the proceedings smoothly.
Book Release and Future Prospects
One of the key moments during the workshop was the ceremonial release of a new book published by AUPTA for B.Sc. 1, Semester 1, Physics (NEP2020). The publication, which aligns with the NEP 2020 curriculum, represents the collective efforts of educators in promoting updated, student-centered learning materials. The book’s release was a symbolic representation of the progress being made in physics education under the new framework.
The workshop concluded with reflections on the potential of NEP 2020 to transform the landscape of undergraduate physics education. Participants discussed how the policy’s emphasis on interdisciplinary learning, research-oriented teaching, and hands-on activities would likely lead to improvements in student engagement, academic performance, and career readiness. By embracing these changes, Sant Gadge Baba Amravati University has emerged as a model for other educational institutions seeking to enhance their undergraduate programs in line with the NEP 2020.
Overall, the workshop offered valuable insights into the NEP’s implementation, showcased innovations in physics education, and reinforced the critical role of educators in shaping the future of science education in India.
Outcomes:
Photos:
![]() Release of a book on NEP 2020 Physics Curriculum of B.Sc. Semester I | ![]() Inaugural Address by Dr. Mohd. Atique, Director, MMTTC, SGBAU. |
![]() Panel Discussion on National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, specifically its implications for undergraduate physics education. | ![]() Panel Discussion on National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, specifically its implications for undergraduate physics education. |
![]() Inaugural session of the workshop | ![]() Certificates awarded to participants |
Attendance Sheet:
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