Dates: 29th May 2025
Time: 2.00 pm onwards
Venue: Seminar Hall, Dr. D.Y. Patil B School
Resource Persons: Academic Leaders for B- Schools
Participants: Faculty members, Academic leaders
Faculty Coordinators: Dr. Arpit Trivedi
Student Coordinators: -
Organizer (Dept./Cell/Committee): Dr. D. Y. Patil B-School, Pune in Association With Centre for Education Growth and Research (CEGR) and Media & Entertainment Skills Council (MESC)
Objectives:
To bring together stakeholders for strategic dialogue on academic transformation and future-readiness.
To explore the synergy between academic institutions and skill development councils for employability enhancement.
To deliberate on the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 implementation challenges and opportunities.
To address student attendance, psychological well-being, and mental health in academic spaces.
To promote value-based education and the revival of Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) as part of holistic learning.
To envision futuristic academic ecosystems that are inclusive, industry-oriented, and socially responsible.
Brief Report
Dr. D. Y. Patil B-School, Pune an institution known for its innovative pedagogy, industry integration, and commitment to global education—hosted a high-impact round table conference titled “A Strategic Dialogue on Academic Excellence and Skill-Driven Futures” on 29th May 2025 at its Tathawade campus. The event was organized in collaboration with CEGR, India’s leading education think tank, and MESC, under the aegis of the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC).
The round table served as a platform for dialogue among distinguished academic leaders, policy influencers, and skill development experts. It focused on evolving educational practices to meet the demands of the dynamic global economy, with a special emphasis on innovation, employability, value-based learning, and mental well-being.
Dr. Parag Kalkar, Pro Vice Chancellor, SPPU, delivered a compelling address on the future of higher education in India. He emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary learning, digital integration, and flexible academic structures aligned with NEP 2020. He proposed institutional reforms that would enable universities to transition from traditional teaching models to outcome-based, skill-integrated learning ecosystems.
b. Value-Based Education and Leadership Perspectives
Deans and Directors from leading institutions across Maharashtra participated in a focused discussion on value-based education. They highlighted how ethics, empathy, civic consciousness, and social responsibility must form the foundation of academic curricula. The discussion stressed that the moral compass of education is as crucial as technical skills, especially in a rapidly changing world.
c. NEP 2020 – Implementation, Flexibility, and Credit Integration
Participants explored the challenges and opportunities in implementing the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Key concerns included the multi-entry/exit framework, academic bank of credits, and ensuring faculty readiness for blended learning. Several leaders emphasized the urgent need for policy-level clarity and institutional autonomy for successful execution.
d. Students' Attendance and Psychological Issues
A pressing theme was the decline in student attendance post-pandemic and the increasing prevalence of psychological distress, anxiety, and burnout among students. Academic leaders discussed implementing:
Mandatory counselling sessions
Flexible attendance policies tied to performance
Mental health support systems on campus
The round table advocated for mental well-being to be a formal part of the academic structure.
e. Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS)
The integration of Indian Knowledge Systems into modern education was discussed as a transformative step. Speakers pointed out that IKS—including ancient sciences, arts, values, and sustainable practices—can contribute meaningfully to the curriculum and instil a strong sense of cultural identity among students. Proposals included IKS electives, local heritage projects, and interdisciplinary modules.
f. Role of CEGR and MESC
CEGR representatives discussed their ongoing initiatives in education policy, accreditation frameworks, and institutional quality improvement. MESC leaders highlighted the demand for creative skill development and capacity building in media, arts, and entertainment—a sector rapidly growing with the digital economy.
4. Key Outcomes and Recommendations
Curriculum Reform: Inclusion of skill modules, emotional intelligence, and Indian Knowledge Systems.
Mental Health Action Plans: Creation of institutional policies on student psychological support and awareness.
Industry-Ready Models: Strengthened industry-academia linkages for real-world application of learning.
NEP Readiness: Development of administrative frameworks for implementing NEP guidelines effectively.
Value-Based Learning: Designing academic environments that promote integrity, leadership, and inclusiveness.
Collaborative Certifications: Integration of MESC-certified programs and CEGR-driven policy recommendations.
5. Conclusion
The round table on “A Strategic Dialogue on Academic Excellence and Skill-Driven Futures” was an enriching platform for thought leadership and strategic alignment in education. Dr. D. Y. Patil B-School reaffirmed its vision of academic excellence blended with humanistic values, employability, and innovation. The collaborative contributions of CEGR, MESC, and academic leaders created a shared vision for transforming Indian higher education into a global force.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks, acknowledging the participation of all delegates, institutional partners, and supporting staff whose efforts made the conference a success.