Jammu, April 1: As part of ongoing Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav and under the patronage of Vice Chancellor, Prof. Sanjeev Jain, Department of English, Central University of Jammu in collaboration with English language Teachers’ Association of India, Jammu Chapter organized a National level Open House Discussion on “Re – imagining English Studies Vis-à-vis Indian Languages: Roadmap for Implementation of NEP -2020” on the university campus, today.
Eminent academicians, scholars and students from different parts of the country participated in the discussion.
Prof. Z. N. Patil from EFLU Hyderabad and President ELT@I Pune Chapter, Prof. Pankaj Sharma from CDLU Sirsa, Haryana Prof. Geetanjali Rana from Cluster University of Jammu, Prof. Ashu Vashisth, Principal GDC, Ramkote, Prof. Rasal Singh, Dean, School of Languages,Dr. Vandana Sharma, Head, Department of English CUJ, Dr J N Baliya Head, Dept. of Education Sciences deliberated upon implementation of NEP-2020.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Vandana Sharma in the welcome address initiated the discussion with thrust on reinventing the pedagogies wherein a balance can be made English language studies and Indian languages. Prof. Z N Patil in his keynote welcomed the NEP2020’s thrust on Indian languages however he also iterated the difficulties in achieving its herculean aims.
Dr. Pankaj Sharma emphasised on the need for fresh approaches in fluency, translation, communication and life skills and also the global importance of English with special thrust on skill oriented courses.
Prof. Rasal Singh emphasised that NEP2020 is not a competition between English and the Indian languages rather a competition with the idea of linguistic hegemony of English. Prof. Gitanjali Rana emphasised that the thrust on the revival of Indian languages is much necessary as the endangered Indian languages also mean the loss of culture and heritage. She reiterated the need for English studies to diversify its curriculum to accommodate the needs of the NEP2020.
Prof. Ashu Vashisth deliberated that NEP2020 laid a clear road map that aims at developing a cognitive ecosystem that is holistic and all inclusive. Prof. J.N. Baliya highlighted the need for a pedagogical environment in classrooms in general and language classes in particular focusing on experiential learning.
This was followed by an engaging question and answer session wherein students and various participants who had joined through online mode participated. The event was moderated by Dr. Neena Gupta Vij and concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Raj Thakur.
