-Chandigarh 23 July 2025
A Three-day Faculty Development Programme (FDP) on “Inculcating Universal Human Values in Higher Education” commenced today at the Government College of Education, Sector 20-D, Chandigarh. Organised in collaboration with the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) the programme runs from July 23rd to 25th and aims to integrate value-based education into the teaching-learning process and foster holistic development in the higher education system.
The event commenced with Principal and Patron Dr. Sapna Nanda formally welcoming the Chief Guest, Sh. Vivek Atray. This was followed by the ceremonial lamp lighting and a soulful chanting of mantras, invoking wisdom and clarity. The college anthem was sung with pride, setting a dignified tone for the day. A green welcome was extended to Sh. Vivek Atray by Dr. Nanda, who presented him with a sapling as a symbol of sustainable growth and reverence for nature. In her address, Dr. Nanda emphasized the importance of integrating value-based education in higher learning and expressed her pleasure in hosting such a transformative initiative. The event witnessed the participation of more than 60 faculty members from colleges of Chandigarh and adjoining states, contributing to a lively and thoughtful environment.
Delivering a thought-provoking keynote address, Sh. Vivek Atray highlighted the core of human values, emphasizing that real contentment extends beyond material success. Citing the life of John Rockefeller, he explained how self-realization and service bring inner peace. He urged educators to lead by example, nurturing ethical and value-based learning among students.
The FDP is being conducted under the guidance of Mr. Ajay Kumar Pal as the Resource Person, Dr. Manisha Gupta as Co-facilitator, and Dr. Yashveer as Observer. The Local Programme Coordinators, Dr. Sheojee Singh and Dr. Nisha Singh of Government College of Education, Sector 20-D, are coordinating the event at the institutional level.
The academic sessions for day 1 included insights by Mr. Ajay Kumar Pal, who focused on holistic development, self-exploration, and the role of education in higher learning. He engaged participants with reflective questions on happiness, prosperity, and sustainability, and introduced a value-based framework consisting of right understanding in the self, harmony in relationships, and alignment with nature—core elements for achieving mutual happiness and prosperity. This was followed by sessions led by Dr. Manisha Gupta, who discussed harmony within the human being through the lens of the “Story of Stuff,” critiquing consumerist attitudes. She further elaborated on the coexistence of the self and the body, emphasizing internal balance, ethical living, and values-based transformation.
The rapporteurs for the day were Dr. Anjali Puri, Dr. Balwinder Kaur, and Dr. Anurag Sakhian, who diligently recorded the proceedings.
The session concluded with a warm vote of thanks by Dr. Sheojee Singh, expressing gratitude to all dignitaries, facilitators, and participants. The FDP’s inauguration set a reflective and inspiring tone for the days ahead, focusing on embedding universal human values in higher education for a harmonious, value-based society
