The Department of Education, National Institute of Technology Calicut, inaugurated its Departmental Seminar Series on 13 October 2026 at Bhaskara Seminar Hall. The programme was inaugurated by Prof. Satyananda Panda, Dean (Students' Welfare), NIT Calicut, in the presence of Dr. A. Sujith, Head of the Department of Education, faculty members, and students.
The programme commenced with a welcome address by Dr. A. Sujith, followed by an overview of the vision and objectives of the seminar series presented by Dr. Tarun De, Assistant Professor and Seminar Coordinator, Department of Education. The initiative aims to foster interdisciplinary learning and academic interactions by bringing together distinguished experts from Education, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and allied disciplines.
The department plans to organize two seminars every month — one featuring an expert in Education and the other featuring an expert from the Science disciplines. The series will focus on emerging research trends, innovative teaching methodologies, scientific advancements, and traditional approaches to knowledge, including Indian Knowledge Systems. It also aims to provide students with opportunities for academic networking, intellectual exchange, and learning beyond the classroom.
Prof. Panda delivered the inaugural lecture titled “Value Education: Strategies and Challenges.” His lecture highlighted the importance of value-based education in developing responsible individuals and enlightened citizens. He discussed the core values of democracy, including respect for law and order, freedom and responsibility, equality, self-discipline, responsible citizenship, openness, critical thinking, and solidarity. He also addressed key challenges in implementing value education, such as its limited emphasis in academic curricula, difficulties in assessing learning outcomes, and the gradual nature of value development. Emphasizing the pivotal role of teachers as role models, Prof. Panda highlighted how effective educators go beyond delivering subject knowledge to inspire students through their values, actions, and conduct.
The programme concluded with the presentation of a memento to Prof. Panda as a token of appreciation, followed by a vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Shashank Singh, Assistant Professor, Department of Education.
The inaugural session marked the beginning of a departmental initiative aimed at promoting academic dialogue, intellectual curiosity, meaningful interactions with experts, and lifelong learning among future educators.