Lecture 2 - NEP Lecture Series: Situating Life Skills Education in NEP 2020 for Transformative Learning
The Centre for Life Skills, Loreto College, Kolkata, in collaboration with the Indian Association of Life Skills Education (IALSE), hosted the second lecture of the NEP Lecture Series titled "Situating Life Skills Education in NEP 2020 for Transformative Learning" on October 29, 2025. The session began with Ms. Nayanika Saha introducing the objectives of integrating life skills within NEP 2020's vision of holistic and value-based learning.
Sr. (Dr.) A. Nirmala, representing both Loreto College and IALSE, delivered the welcome address, expressing appreciation for the ongoing partnership between the two institutions and reaffirming their shared commitment to transformative education. Distinguished educationists such as Dr. A. Radhakrishnan Nair, President of IALSE, and Dr. K. S. Chandrashekhar, Vice Chancellor of Cluster University, Jammu, graced the session as the presidential and keynote speakers respectively.
Dr. Nair, in his Presidential Address, highlighted the increasing demand for social and emotional competencies in modern workplaces, referencing the India Skills Report 2025 and OECD 2023 findings. He emphasized that empathy, ethics, teamwork, and communication are now as vital as technical expertise. He further discussed UGC's Life Skills Syllabus 2.0, advocating for its integration into institutional frameworks to develop emotionally intelligent and socially responsible graduates.
The Keynote Address titled "Imbibing International Vocational Education and the Future with Reference to NEP in India" was delivered by Dr. K. S. Chandrashekhar. He elaborated on NEP 2020's structural reforms, including the 5+3+3+4 system, vocational integration, and flexibility through multiple exit and entry points. Dr. Chandrashekhar underscored the importance of aligning education with emerging skills such as AI, digital literacy, leadership, and ethics. He stressed that while AI-driven learning is vital, human values and emotional balance remain indispensable for sustainable growth. He also emphasized vocational exposure for 50% of learners by 2025, aligning education with employability and future skill demands.
The session concluded with Ms. Gauri Hardikar extending the Vote of Thanks, appreciating the speakers and organizers for sustaining a platform that advances NEP 2020’s vision of holistic, skill-enriched education.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
