North Eastern Hill University (NEHU) acting Vice Chancellor Prof. T B Subha today said that the new National Education Policy does not address decolonising of the curriculum.
Speaking at the inaugural function of the two-day exhibition cum awareness programme celebrating 75 years of India’s Independence and Covid Appropriate Behaviour at the North Eastern Hill University (NEHU), he stressed on the need to decolonise the curriculum and cited examples of Universities like Oxford and Cambridge which are undertaking huge exercises to do the same.
“We need to think differently about decolonising and also about decolonising institutions of higher education which have been running in an archaic fashion.”
Subha said despite gaining freedom 75 years ago, our thinking, our ideas, values and practices are still influenced by western culture. “It is only when we free ourselves from habits and practices which are not ingrained in our culture, we can really say that we are totally free or Azad,” he added.
The programme is being organized by the Regional Outreach Bureau, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India in collaboration with the Dean Student’s Welfare, NEHU and Research Scholars Forum, NEHU.
NEHU registrar, Dr. Jay Narayan in his address reminded the gathering that India with universities like Nalanda and Taxila, was the pioneer of higher education and will continue to remain so. Instead of always turning to the West, we should learn from our past and move forward with determination in propelling India towards a brighter future, he added.
Dr. Engam Pame, Director, Regional Outreach Bureau, Shillong and Dr. R. L. Nongkhlaw, Dean of Students’ Welfare, NEHU also attended the programme.
As part of the programme prizes were also given away to the winners of the Patriotic Lori Writing competition held earlier.
