Jammu, Jul 12: The Universal Human Values (UHV) Cell, in collaboration with the Academic Affairs Section, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU), Katra, successfully organized a Three-Day Faculty Development Programme (FDP) on Universal Human Values (UHV-II) under the aegis of the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) and PM-USHA.
The programme was aimed at strengthening the understanding and practice of Universal Human Values among faculty members, thereby promoting value-based education and holistic human development in higher education institutions.
The inaugural session commenced with a welcome address by Prof. (Dr.) Balbir Singh, Dean, Academic Affairs and University Coordinator, Universal Human Values. In his address, he highlighted the significance of Universal Human Values in nurturing ethical consciousness, responsible citizenship, and harmonious living.
Prof. (Dr.) Pragati Kumar, Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, SMVDU, graced the inaugural session as the Chief Guest. Addressing the participants, he underscored the pivotal role of educators in shaping not only competent professionals but also responsible human beings.
He encouraged the faculty members to internalize the principles of Universal Human Values and integrate them into their teaching practices, thereby inspiring students to lead meaningful, ethical, and socially responsible lives.
The FDP featured a series of highly interactive and reflective sessions conducted by Jitender Narula, AICTE Resource Person for Universal Human Values.
Through engaging lectures, group discussions, experiential activities, and practical illustrations, he facilitated meaningful deliberations on themes including self-exploration, harmony within the individual, harmony in family, society and nature, ethical human conduct, and professional ethics.
The sessions encouraged participants to reflect on the interconnectedness of values, education, and sustainable societal development. Faculty members from SMVDU as well as various higher educational institutions across the country actively participated in the programme.
The FDP provided an enriching platform for intellectual exchange, collaborative learning, and self-reflection, enabling participants to explore practical strategies for integrating Universal Human Values into classroom teaching, institutional culture, and professional practice.
The programme concluded with a valedictory session, during which participants shared their experiences and acknowledged the relevance of Universal Human Values in both academic and personal spheres.
The participants appreciated the experiential pedagogy adopted during the programme and expressed their commitment to incorporating value-based approaches into their teaching and mentoring practices.
The successful organization of the programme was coordinated by Dr. Madhu Mangal, Dr. Shafaq Rasool, Dr. Pooja Sharma, Dr. Amit Sinha, Dr. Bharat Bhushan Jindal, Dr. Anil Bhardwaj, and Dr. Sunny Kumar Sharma, under the guidance of Prof. (Dr.) Balbir Singh.
The organizing committee expressed its sincere gratitude to AICTE, PM-USHA, the distinguished resource person, the University administration, and all the participants for their enthusiastic support and active engagement in making the programme a grand success.
The Faculty Development Programme reaffirmed SMVDU’s unwavering commitment to fostering ethical leadership, human values, and holistic education in alignment with the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
By equipping educators with the knowledge and perspective to integrate Universal Human Values into higher education, the University continues to strengthen its mission of creating socially responsible, compassionate, and value-driven graduates capable of contributing meaningfully to society.
