Higher Education and Society (ppt)...UGC-MMTTC, GU..30th January 2026
The relationship between Higher Education and Society is a dynamic, symbiotic one. In the contemporary Indian context—especially following the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020—higher education institutions (HEIs) are no longer viewed merely as centers for granting degrees, but as the primary engines for social transformation, economic growth, and intellectual sovereignty.
1. The Socio-Economic Catalyst
Higher education serves as the bridge between individual aspirations and national development.
Human Capital Formation: HEIs provide the specialized skills (Technical, Vocational, and Professional) required for a $5 trillion economy.
Social Mobility: For marginalized communities, higher education is the most effective tool for breaking the cycle of poverty and achieving social equity.
The "Karmayogi" Ideal: Modern education aims to move from a "Rule-based" to a "Role-based" workforce, emphasizing empathy and public service.
2. Knowledge Production and Global Competitiveness
Society relies on universities to solve complex, real-world problems through research and innovation.
R&D and Innovation: As seen with the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), there is an urgent push to link academic research with industry needs to foster a "lab-to-market" ecosystem.
Sustainable Development: Higher education is increasingly focused on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), addressing issues like climate change, public health, and digital divides.
3. Preservation and Evolution of Culture
Higher education acts as the custodian of a nation's heritage while steering its future.
Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS): There is a renewed focus on integrating ancient Indian wisdom (like the teachings of Swami Vivekananda) with 21st-century values to create "wholistic" individuals.
Sā Vidyā Yā Vimuktaye: The philosophical root that "Education is that which liberates" remains central, aiming to free the mind from prejudice and stagnation.
4. Contemporary Challenges
The intersection of education and society currently faces several hurdles:
The AI Era: The rapid rise of Generative AI is forcing a re-evaluation of teacher roles, academic integrity, and the "human connection" in learning.
Institutional Governance: Ensuring transparency, adherence to UGC Regulations, and protecting academic freedom is essential for a healthy educational environment.
Access vs. Quality: Balancing the "Massification" of higher education with the maintenance of "Excellence" remains a critical policy debate.
5. Summary Table: The Shifting Paradigm
| Feature | Traditional View | Modern/NEP 2020 View |
| Focus | Degree-centric | Outcome-Based Education (OBE) |
| Role of Teacher | Knowledge Giver | Facilitator & Mentor |
| Boundaries | Disciplines stay distinct | Interdisciplinary & Transdisciplinary |
| Societal Goal | Job Seeking | Job Creation (Entrepreneurship) |
No comments:
Post a Comment