Three-Day Multidisciplinary National Conference Inaugurated at YCMOU, Nashik
Nashik | January 8, 2026:
A three-day multidisciplinary national conference on “Inclusive and Equity-Based Education: Teacher Preparedness for Diversity in the Context of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020” was inaugurated at Yashwantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open University (YCMOU), Nashik.
The conference is being jointly organised by the School of Education, YCMOU, and the Council for Teacher Education Foundation (CTEF), along with the 39th Annual Conference of CTEF, and will continue from January 8 to 10, 2026.
The inaugural address was delivered by Prof. Shashikala Wanjari, Vice-Chancellor of the National University of Educational Planning and Administration (NUEPA), New Delhi. The programme was presided over by Prof. Sanjeev Sonawane, Vice-Chancellor, YCMOU.
Inclusive Education Key to ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’
Speaking at the inauguration, Prof. Wanjari emphasised that achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 requires an education system that is inclusive, equitable, continuous, and value-based. She highlighted the importance of India’s cultural heritage, the Guru–Shishya tradition, and ethical education as envisioned in NEP 2020.
“Educational institutions must focus on curriculum direction and teacher quality. With the rapid growth of private institutions, monitoring the quality of teachers and education has become essential,” she said, adding that teacher education reforms must begin with a clear long-term vision.
She also praised YCMOU’s role in lifelong learning, calling its initiatives a microcosm of Viksit Bharat 2047.
Calls for Structural Reforms in Teacher Education
In his presidential address, Prof. Sanjeev Sonawane urged stakeholders to define their roles responsibly using available knowledge and resources for national development.
Dr. K. M. Bhandarkar, National President of CTEF, proposed the creation of an Indian Education Service (IES) on the lines of the IAS and demanded a permanent national-level fund for teachers, from primary to university levels.
Prof. Neelima Bhagwati, International Secretary of CTEF, informed that the organisation’s work has expanded to Nepal and Bhutan, with plans to extend activities to Thailand and Sri Lanka.
Publications Released and Academic Sessions Held
On the occasion, dignitaries released two publications:
- “Teacher Education through Distance Mode: A Critical Study of YCMOU’s B.Ed. Programme”
- A booklet of research paper abstracts presented at the conference
A panel discussion on Viksit Bharat 2047 was held in the afternoon session, led by Prof. Shashikala Wanjari, with participation from Prof. Sanjeev Sonawane, Dr. K. M. Bhandarkar, Dr. Gajanan Gulhane, and Prof. Manoj Saxena (Himachal Pradesh). The day concluded with research paper presentations by students and scholars.
Awards and Recognitions
During the event:
- Prof. Sanjeev Sonawane, Vice-Chancellor, YCMOU, was honoured with the “Icon of Teacher Education Award” by CTEF
- Prof. Shashikala Wanjari, Vice-Chancellor, NUEPA, received the “Award of Excellence in Teacher Education”
Dignitaries Present
The inaugural session was attended by:
- Prof. N. J. Pawar, Vice-Chancellor, Dr. D. Y. Patil University, Pimpri–Pune
- Dr. Jogendrasingh Bisen, Pro Vice-Chancellor, YCMOU
- Dr. Sanjeevani Mahale, Director, School of Education, YCMOU
- Dr. Jaydeep Nikam, Director, School of Continuing Education
- Faculty members, researchers, students, and education experts from across India
The programme was coordinated by Dr. Sanjeevani Mahale and anchored by Ms. Shubhangi Patil.
