Personal & Academic Excellence and Sustainability: A Heartfulness Approach
Event Date: 5th - 9th February 2024
The School of Liberal Education at Galgotias University recently hosted a Special Invited Talk on the "INDIA-JAPAN: Educational Exchange Program." Japanese delegates, Mr. Takashi Emoto and Mr. Takeshi Kuga from Shikoku University, along with Ms. Ashima from Nihonkai, shared valuable insights into the collaborative efforts between India and Japan in fostering educational ties. Initiated by Dr. Anuradha Parasar, Dean of SLE, the event emphasized the significance of cross-cultural experiences and academic collaboration. The interactive session with faculty members and students provided a platform for a fruitful exchange of ideas, further strengthening the educational bonds between the two nations. The School of Liberal Education looks forward to continued initiatives that enhance global perspectives and enrich the learning experience for students.
The School of Liberal Education at Galgotias University proudly hosted a transformative and innovative five-day Faculty Development Programme (FDP) from February 5-9, 2024, in collaboration with the esteemed Heartfulness Education Trust. Themed 'Personal & Academic Excellence And Sustainability: A Heartfulness Approach,' the FDP aimed to foster a dedicated community of educators committed to shaping the next generation of leaders through the integration of sustainability principles. This comprehensive report provides a detailed overview of the program's structure, key highlights, and the impact it aims to have on faculty development and educational practices.
Program Inauguration: The inauguration of the FDP marked a significant milestone for Galgotias University, bringing together academia and the Heartfulness Education Trust to explore the intersection of personal and academic excellence with sustainability. Dr. Anuradha Parasar, the Dean of the School of Liberal Education, played a pivotal role in the event's commencement, delivering a welcome address that underscored the profound importance of a heartful approach to the intellectual development of faculty members.
Heartificial Intelligence and Teaching-Learning Paradigm: A central focus of the FDP was the exploration of a unique 'Heartificial Intelligence' approach, aiming to rejuvenate the entire teaching-learning paradigm. The program emphasized the transformative potential of infusing this heart-centered approach into the lives of faculty members and extending its benefits to the student community. This innovative perspective sought to reshape conventional teaching methods and cultivate a more holistic and mindful educational environment.
Relaxation & Meditation Sessions: An exceptional feature of the FDP was the incorporation of daily relaxation and meditation sessions conducted by experts. These sessions provided practical tools for personal well-being and mindfulness, recognizing the crucial link between education and meditation. The holistic approach to teaching and learning was underlined, emphasizing adaptability and sustainability in educational practices. Such sessions not only contributed to the well-being of participants but also provided tangible strategies for integrating mindfulness into the educational experience.
Exploration of Holistic Education: The FDP delved into the profound connection between education and meditation, advocating for a holistic approach that addresses the mental, physical, and spiritual dimensions of individuals. In times of crisis, such as the contemporary landscape, the program emphasized the necessity of equipping faculty members – the architects of future generations – with sustainable tools. The need for a holistic approach, blending body, mind, and soul, was consistently highlighted throughout the five days of the program, earning it the designation as an 'inspiration for building a new future.'
Integration of Sustainability Concepts: The primary objective of the FDP was to inspire and equip participants with tools to seamlessly integrate sustainability concepts into their teaching methods, research endeavors, and institutional practices. The program recognized the evolving global landscape and the imperative for educators to possess the knowledge, abilities, and innovative approaches needed to navigate and contribute to a more sustainable future. By emphasizing sustainability as a critical element in faculty and student development, the FDP aimed to instill a sense of responsibility and awareness of global challenges.
Dignitaries' Support and Wishes: Key figures in the university, including Mr. Suneel Galgotias (Hon'ble Chancellor), Mr. Dhruv Galgotias (Hon'ble CEO), Adv. Aradhana Galgotias (Hon'ble Director Operations), and Prof Dr. K M Babu (Hon'ble Vice Chancellor), extended their best wishes and support for the success of the program. Their contributions set a positive tone, emphasizing the significance of the initiative in shaping the future of education at Galgotias University.
Acknowledgment of Resource Persons: Mr. Navin Parasar, CFO of Galgotias University, played a crucial role in acknowledging and expressing gratitude to the esteemed resource persons involved in the FDP. A special moment was marked by presenting a memento to these individuals, symbolizing the university's appreciation for their valuable contributions to the program.
Active Participation and Appreciation: Ms. Shilpi Chandra, the Director of HR, actively participated in the meditation sessions, underscoring the practical applicability of the program's teachings. Her involvement served as a testament to the program's effectiveness in reaching across different facets of university administration. Ms. Chandra expressed gratitude to Dr. Anuradha Parasar for organizing such a wonderful and impactful series of sessions.
Coordination and Success: The successful coordination of the event was attributed to Dr. Shadab Ahamad Ansari, faculty member of the School of Liberal Education at Galgotias University. Dr. Ansari's efforts in orchestrating a seamless and impactful FDP were instrumental in ensuring the program's success and effectiveness.
Conclusion and Future Implications: In conclusion, the Faculty Development Programme on 'Personal & Academic Excellence And Sustainability: A Heartfulness Approach' at Galgotias University stands as a testament to the institution's commitment to fostering a holistic and sustainable approach to education. By exploring innovative teaching methods, integrating mindfulness practices, and emphasizing the importance of sustainability, the FDP aimed to equip faculty members with the tools necessary to navigate the challenges of the evolving educational landscape.
Moving forward, the program's impact is anticipated to extend beyond the duration of the FDP, influencing teaching methodologies, research directions, and institutional practices at Galgotias University. As faculty members integrate the principles of heartfulness, mindfulness, and sustainability into their roles, the university aims to cultivate a generation of leaders who are not only academically proficient but also socially responsible and environmentally conscious.
Galgotias University expresses its gratitude to all participants, resource persons, and supporters for their active involvement in this transformative journey towards personal and academic excellence through a heartful and sustainable approach. This FDP serves as a foundation for future initiatives and endeavors that align with the university's vision of holistic education and responsible leadership.
Mentor Name – Prof. Dr. Anuradha Parasar, Dean, School of Liberal Education
Department Name – School of Liberal Education
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