Kumar Bahukhandi
In line with the visionary academic initiatives of Manipal University Jaipur, spearheaded by President Prof. Niti Nipun Sharma to strengthen teaching excellence and foster continuous pedagogical innovation, the Teacher Empowerment Centre (TEC) successfully concluded a five-day Faculty Development Programme (FDP) titled “Foundations of Inspired Teaching.”
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Participants of the Faculty Development Program organised by Manipal University Jaipur
The programme was designed to equip educators with innovative pedagogical approaches, learner-centric teaching practices, and transformative strategies for higher education in an increasingly technology-driven academic landscape.
The FDP brought together faculty members from diverse disciplines for an enriching and engaging learning experience focused on reimagining higher education teaching in a dynamic, interdisciplinary, and technology-driven environment.
A key driving force behind the conceptualisation and design of the programme was Prof. Aravind Chinchure, whose academic vision and insights, in collaboration with the leadership of Manipal University Jaipur, played a significant role in shaping the FDP into a meaningful initiative centred on teaching excellence, innovation, and transformative learning.
The programme commenced with an inspiring inaugural address by Prof. Rajan Saxena, Former Vice Chancellor of SVKM’s NMIMS, Mumbai. Speaking on transformational leadership in higher education, he emphasised the evolving role of educators in nurturing critical thinking, multidisciplinary learning, innovation, and technology-enabled education to prepare students for future challenges.
On the second day, Prof. Arun Sreekumar from the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad conducted an interactive session on the Case Method of Teaching. Through engaging discussions and practical illustrations, he demonstrated how real-world scenarios and case-based pedagogy can enhance classroom learning while strengthening students’ analytical thinking, decision-making, and problem-solving capabilities.
Day three featured a session by Prof. Veena Vohra, Professor at the School of Business Management, NMIMS Mumbai, on Experiential Learning. She highlighted the importance of active participation, reflective learning, and immersive educational experiences in fostering deeper student engagement and conceptual understanding.
The fourth day focused on emerging dimensions of education, including the neuroscience of learning and the growing impact of Artificial Intelligence in academia. Prof. Sophia Gaikwad, Head of the Symbiosis Teaching Learning Resource Centre at Symbiosis International University, Pune, shared valuable learner-centric teaching insights based on how students process, retain, and apply knowledge effectively. The sessions also featured Prof. Shailesh Kumar, Chief Data Scientist at Jio and Dean at Jio Institute, who explored the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence in education and discussed how AI-driven innovations are reshaping teaching methodologies, academic research, and institutional practices.
The FDP concluded with an insightful session by Prof. N. Jayasankaran, Former Vice-Chancellor of Kanchi University and Director General of Bharathidasan Institute of Management, on “How to Become a Masterful Teacher.” Drawing from his extensive academic and leadership experience, he shared perspectives on reflective practice, continuous professional growth, effective communication, and meaningful student engagement.
The valedictory ceremony included certificate distribution, reflective learning activities, the launch of Faculty Learning Circles, and the TEC Teaching Pledge Ceremony, reaffirming Manipal University Jaipur’s commitment to continuous teaching excellence and collaborative faculty development.
The Faculty Development Programme successfully created a vibrant platform for dialogue, innovation, reflection, and peer learning, leaving participants with renewed purpose and actionable strategies to transform classrooms into spaces of inspired, meaningful, and future-ready learning.
Dr. Nitu Bhatnagar, Provost, MUJ and Dr. Vijaylaxmi Sharma, Director, MUJ Teacher Empowerment Centre played a pivotal role in organising and successfully executing the Faculty Development Programme.
About Manipal University Jaipur
Manipal University Jaipur (MUJ) is a NAAC A+ accredited leading institution of higher education known for its commitment to quality teaching, research, and innovation. With a strong focus on holistic development and global exposure, MUJ continues to be a preferred choice for students across the country and beyond.
For more details, please visit the official website of Manipal University Jaipur: jaipur.manipal.edu
