Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University today organized a National Seminar on "The Role of Regional Languages in Nation-Building with Respect to NEP 2020" in collaboration with Bhartiya Bhasha Samiti, Ministry of Education, Government of India.
In his address, Vice Chancellor BGSBU, Prof. Jawaid Iqbal stated stated that NEP 2020 has marked a significant change in India's education system by emphasizing multilingualism and the promotion of regional languages. Prof. Iqbal emphasized that Universities must take the lead in implementing NEP 2020's vision by encouraging research, curriculum development, and academic discourse in regional languages, ensuring their sustained relevance in the globalized world.
Prof. Jawaid said that such academic initiatives will motivate faculty members to come up with vibrant academic activities that contribute to research, innovation, and interdisciplinary collaborations. He mentioned that BGSBU remains committed to promoting regional languages as a cornerstone of India’s cultural and intellectual heritage. He announced that the University is going to open new Departments in the School of Humanities and Languages including Sanskrit. He also mentioned that FYUP programs based on NEP2020 will be rolled out in various Departments of the University including the college of Engineering and Technology.
Shri Chamu Krishna Shastry, Chairman, Bharatiya Bhasha Samiti, in his video message commended BGSBU for hosting this seminar on a subject of national importance. He underscored the vision of NEP 2020 in promoting multilingual education and stressed the need for collective efforts to strengthen regional languages as pillars of India’s knowledge ecosystem. Shri. Shastry also emphasized that language is the foundation of cultural identity and intellectual empowerment, urging universities to take a leading role in promoting linguistic inclusivity and research.
Eminent linguist Prof. R.C. Sharma from the Department of Linguistics, University of Delhi, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest and shared insights on language as a powerful tool for thought, creativity, and policymaking. In his address, Prof. Sharma appreciated BGSBU for organizing the seminar on a theme of national importance, acknowledging the university’s commitment to promoting regional languages as a driving force for educational and socio-economic development.
Prof. Shreedhar Mishra, Director, Central Sanskrit University, Jammu, in his address, appreciated BGSBU for organizing this significant academic initiative and highlighted the importance of Rashtriya Bhasha in nation-building, cultural preservation, and knowledge dissemination.
Mr. Sudhanshu Bhushan, Bhartiya Bhasha Smiti graced the occasion with his presence and commended the efforts of the BGSB University in organising the seminar.
The seminar witnessed the participation of prominent educationists, Associate Deans, Heads and Coordinators of various departments, research scholars, and students from the university, fostering a rich academic exchange on language and national development.
The event featured insightful discussions, paper presentations, and interactive sessions focusing on leveraging linguistic diversity for national progress. Scholars and researchers presented papers in Hindi, English, Urdu, Gojri, Pahari, and other Indian languages, reflecting the rich linguistic diversity of India.
