Jalandhar March 30 (Jaswinder Singh Azad)- In an era where education is increasingly measured in degrees, placements, and pay packages, DAV University, Jalandhar, is attempting to shift the conversation back to its deeper purpose. Hosting a thought-provoking academic session on “Indian Education Vision and Holistic Development,” the university brought together students, faculty, and academic leaders to reflect on what it truly means to be educated.
The session featured Sh. Des Raj Sharma, Akhil Bharatiya Mahamantri, Vidya Bharati, as the keynote speaker. Welcoming him, Dr. Manoj Kumar, Vice-Chancellor, emphasized the university’s commitment to an education system that harmonizes modern academic excellence with India’s rich cultural ethos. He reiterated that the goal is not merely to produce skilled professionals, but individuals who are socially conscious and ethically grounded.
At the core of the discourse was Sh. Des Eaj Sharma’s articulation of education through the lens of the Panch Kosha philosophy. Moving beyond the idea of education as information transfer, he described it as a transformative journey that nurtures the five dimensions of human development: the physical (Sharir), vital (Pran), emotional (Mann), intellectual (Buddhi), and spiritual (Atma). His perspective reframed education as a holistic process, deeply rooted in Indian knowledge traditions.
Sh. Des Raj Sharma highlighted how the policy resonates with this vision
Drawing connections to the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, Sh. Des Raj Sharma highlighted how the policy resonates with this vision by advocating skill-based, experiential, and value-oriented learning. He noted that the shift away from rote memorization toward meaningful engagement marks a significant step toward reclaiming the essence of education.
The session also brought language and identity into sharp focus. Highlighting the significance of the mother tongue, he underscored that language goes beyond communication—it shapes thought, preserves cultural heritage, and fosters intellectual confidence, all of which are vital for nurturing a progressive and self-assured society.
The session concluded with an interactive exchange, where students engaged with the speaker on questions of purpose, identity, and the future of education. The dialogue reflected a growing awareness among young learners about the need to redefine success beyond conventional metrics.
Dr. Samriti Kholsa, Member, Centre of IKS, DAV University extended her heartfelt gratitude to the esteemed speaker for illuminating the audience with such profound insights. She said that the session reaffirmed DAV University’s commitment towards education, in its truest sense, is not just about making a living, but about learning how to live.