Two-day NCTE conclave brings together representatives from nine states and Union Territories to discuss teacher development under NEP 2020
Agra, : The two-day Northern Regional National Conclave 2026 commenced at Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Agra, with Uttar Pradesh Governor and University Chancellor Anandiben Patel inaugurating the event at the Jai Prakash Narayan Auditorium on the Khandari campus.
Organised jointly by the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE), the Ministry of Education, Government of India, and Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar University, the conclave focuses on strengthening teachers’ professional development under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
Representatives from nine states and Union Territories—Chandigarh, Delhi, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand—are participating in the event.
Governor Anandiben Patel Emphasises Teachers’ Role in Nation-Building
Addressing the inaugural session, Governor Anandiben Patel highlighted the crucial role of teachers in shaping individuals and building the nation. She encouraged educators to become lifelong learners, embrace innovation and adopt effective teaching practices that stimulate students’ curiosity.
She emphasised that teacher training should go beyond formalities and focus on research, innovation and continuous professional development. She also stressed the importance of using child-friendly methods to teach fundamental concepts at the primary level rather than relying solely on rote learning.
The Governor noted that meaningful discussions on education should extend beyond capital cities, highlighting Agra’s role as the host city for this national-level academic initiative.
PUSHTI and MITRA Initiatives Take Centre Stage
NCTE Chairperson Professor Pankaj Arora explained the significance of two key initiatives under NEP 2020: PUSHTI (NPST), linked to National Professional Standards for Teachers, and MITRA (NMM), associated with the National Mission for Mentoring.
He highlighted the importance of professional teaching standards, collaborative mentoring and digital platforms in strengthening the capabilities of in-service teachers.
According to the organisers, the participating states and Union Territories will have flexibility to adapt these initiatives to their respective languages, cultures and geographical conditions.
Higher Education Minister Highlights NEP 2020
Uttar Pradesh Higher Education Minister Yogendra Upadhyay welcomed representatives from participating states and highlighted the role of NEP 2020 in connecting education with Indian cultural values, employability, self-reliance and modern technology.
He said that quality education and skill development would be important in achieving the vision of a developed India by 2047.
University Vice-Chancellor Professor Ashu Rani described hosting the national conclave during the university’s centenary year, 2026–27, as a significant achievement. She also highlighted the institution’s academic legacy, research activities and social outreach initiatives.
Governor Appreciates Students’ Creativity at Hunar Haat
A special Hunar Haat exhibition was organised by the university’s Institute of Fine Arts and the Family Resource Management department of the Institute of Home Science.
During her visit, Governor Anandiben Patel appreciated the handmade products created by students. She purchased silk-thread bracelets, earthen lamps and a mandala-art painting, encouraging students’ creativity and entrepreneurial skills.
The university’s Institute of Fine Arts and Institute of Engineering and Technology also presented specially designed idols of Goddess Saraswati, created using 3D-printing technology, to the dignitaries.
Technical Sessions Focus on Digital Mentoring and Teacher Training
The first day featured technical sessions on the implementation of MITRA (NMM), covering mentoring strategies, the digital portal, mobile application, registration, onboarding and institutional-level implementation.
Experts and resource persons, including Professor Chand Kiran Saluja, Dr. Gyanendra Kumar, Dr. Parul Singh, Professor Rajni Ranjan Singh, Sunil Bajaj and Professor Ashish Srivastava, participated in discussions and training activities.
The inaugural programme was attended by Union Minister of State Professor S. P. Singh Baghel, while a video message from Union Minister of State for Education Jayant Chaudhary was also screened.
The conclave aims to strengthen professional standards, promote collaborative mentoring and improve the effective use of digital resources in teacher education.
TIMES OF TAJ | Disclaimer: This report has been prepared on the basis of information provided by the organisers. Readers are advised to refer to official university and NCTE communications for further details.
