REPORT ON THE MULTI DISCIPLINARY INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON INDIAN KNOWLEDGE SYSTEM FOR HOLISTIC EDUCATION (IKS): EXPLORING TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION

organised by Devaki Amma Memorial Teacher Education College (DAMTEC), Chelembra. & Council for Teacher Education Foundation (CTEF), Kerala  on 13, 14, 15 February 2025

 

            The Multidisciplinary International Conference in collaboration with Council for Teacher Education Foundation (CTEF) was held on 13 February 2025 at Devaki Amma Memorial Teacher Education College, Chelembra with a Flag Hoisting Ceremony by Dr. K. Abdul Gafoor, Dean, Faculty of Education, University of Calicut, along with the Principal Dr. K.P. Anil Kumar and  Sri. M. Narayanan, Managing Trustee, Devaki Amma Memorial Group of Institutions .

The formal meeting started with a prayer followed by the Welcome Address by Dr. K.P. Anil Kumar, Principal of the College. Prof. Dr. Nimmi Maria Oommen, General Secretary of CTEF, Kerala and Professor in Education at Titus II Teachers College, Thiruvalla, provided a briefing on the Conference. Dr. M. S. Geetha, Chairperson of CTEF Kerala and Former Dean, Faculty of Education, University of Kerala, delivered the Chairman’s Address.

Dr. Grace Annie Mathews, (Patron,CTEF Kerala and Former Principal, Peet Memorial Training  College, Mavelikkara), Prof. Dr. Bindu C M ( Vice Chairperson of CTEF Kerala and Professor & Head, Department of Education, University of Calicut), Dr. Archana Bhattacharya (Vice Chairperson of CTEF, Assam and Assoc. Prof. & Former Head of English Department, Kakojan College, Jorhat, Assam) shared the Words of Appreciation. Dr. Ashokan Nochad (Vice Principal of DAMTEC and Co-ordinator of the International Conference) concluded the formal meeting by expressing gratitude to all the participants.

The Theme Presentation on the topic “Co-creating Knowledge Base for Informed Decision and Lifelong Learning’  with the emphasis on the importance of 21st century skills  was dealt  by Dr. Premnadh M Kurup (STEM Academic, Latrobe University, Melbourne, Australia) which was followed by a  discussion session.

The Panel Presentation Session on the Theme: Indian Knowledge System was handled by Prof. Dr. Maya S (Prof. in Education, Mar Theophilus Training College, Trivandrum).The presentation on ‘Integrating Psychology and Indigenous Knowledge System for Holistic Mental Health,’ was dealt by Dr. P B Kavyakishore  (Faculty & Research Supervisor, R.V. Teachers  College, Bengaluru), Indian Philosophical Traditions by Dr.Anees Mohammed.C(Assoc.Prof.,Farook Training College, Calicut), Safeguarding Cultural Heritage Through Technological Innovations by Dr Jayakrishnan.K( Assoc. Prof.Govt. College of Teacher Education, Kozhikode),Indian Knowledge System (IKS) and Sustainable Development by Dr. Smitha Jose (Asst. Prof. St. Joseph College  of Teacher Education for Women, Ernakulam).The Moderator concluded the presentation mentioning the key points of the topic.

The Theme Presentation on the topic ‘Building Consistency: The Key to Success in Student Life’ was presented by Ms. Buthaina Mahmoud Abu Shaib,(English Language Instructor, Jordan) and Global Students to Indian Higher Education : Attractions and Opportunities by Hussein Omer Ali Hussein Ageed(Teaching Assistant, English Department,Arts College, Hodeidah University Yemen).

            The Inauguration of the Offline Session of  the Conference on  14 February 2025 was graced by esteemed dignitaries on the dais, including  Shri. E T Mohammed Basheer, Member of Parliament, Malappuram Constituency (Former Minister for Education, Govt. of Kerala), Prof.(Dr.) P Raveendran, Honourable Vice Chancellor, University of Calicut, Dr.K.P. Anil Kumar, (Principal,Devaki Amma Memorial Teacher Education College), Dr.M.S. Geetha,( Chairperson, CTEF Kerala/Conference Director (Former Dean, Faculty of Education, University of Kerala), Prof. Dr. K M Bhandarkar, (President, CTEF, National), Most Rev. Dr. Joseph Mar Thomas, (Bishop of Bathery & CBCI Vice President) Sri. M. Narayanan, (Managing Trustee, Devaki Amma Memorial Group of Institutions), Prof. Nilima Bhagabati (International Secretary General, CTEF), Prof. K Y Benedict, Chairman, CTEF South Zone (Mother Theresa College of Teacher Education, Perambra), Dr. Premachandran P (Treasurer, CTEF, Kerala), Dr. Anvar K (State Co-ordinator, CTEF Kerala), Dr. Sam V. Daniel (Convener Award Committee), Prof. Dr. K. Rajeswari (Vice Chairperson, CTEF Kerala), Dr. Anila Chacko (Secretary, Publications), Prof. Dr. K. Abdul Gafoor, (Dean, Faculty of Education, University of Calicut),Dr. T K Mathew, (Advisory Board Member, CTEF Kerala), Dr. Asokan Nochad, (Co-ordinator, International Conference), other distinguished persons, teachers and students.

            Dr. K.P. Anil Kumar, Principal of the College, welcomed the gathering. Dr. M S Geetha, delivered the Chairman’s Address. The Inaugural Address by  Shri.E.T. Muhammed Basheer, (Member of Parliament, Malappuram Constituency, Former Education Minister, Kerala) emphasized the need for student-centric reforms that integrate modern advancements while ensuring inclusivity. Highlighting the global nature of education, he stressed the importance of collaboration, skill development and continuous learning. He praised Kerala’s leadership in education and supported the three-language formula for better career prospects. Addressing AI in education, he acknowledged its benefits but cautioned against ethical concerns and the loss of human touch in learning. Dr. P. Raveendran, Honourable Vice Chancellor, University of Calicut, delivered the  Keynote Address on Educational Technology. He highlighted its role in making learning engaging and skill-focused. He urged educators to embrace technology responsibly while preserving human values. Most Rev. Dr. Joseph Mar Thomas, Bishop of Bathery & CBCI Vice President emphasized the Indian Knowledge Systems focusing on values, ethics and emotional well- being. Prof. Dr. K M Bhandarkar, President, CTEF, National in his Presidential Address emphasized that teachers shape society and guide students, as in the Bhagavad Gita.

CTEF honoured two distinguished individuals, Most Rev. Dr. Joseph Mar Thomas, Bishop of Bathery & CBCI Vice President and Dr. P. Raveendran, Vice Chancellor, University of Calicut at the event. Prof. Nilima Bhagabati, International Secretary General, CTEF, delivered a Special Address in which she emphasized the shift from content-based to competency-based learning, stressing the need for skills beyond memorization.

Prof. K.Y. Benedict, Chairman, CTEF, South Zone (Principal, Mother Theresa College of Teacher Education, Perambra) introduced the topic, “Indian Knowledge System for Holistic Development in Tune with Changing Technological Innovations. Prof. Dr. V Reghu, (Former Dean and Controller of Examinations,Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Youth Development, Government of India, Tamil Nadu) was honoured by CTEF for his 50 years of meritorious contributions in the field of Education. He received the Citation and token of love from Dr. P. Raveendran (Vice Chancellor University of Calicut).

Dr. Premachandran P (Treasurer, CTEF Kerala) made the announcement of Awardees.Prof. K. Sivadasan Pillai Memorial Award of Academic Excellence was presented to Prof. Nilima Bhagabati (International Secretary General, CTEF ). Dr.K. Soman Memorial Award for  the Teacher Educator of the Year 2025 was awarded to Dr. Suni Kumari P. M (Vice Principal, BNV College of Teacher Education, Thiruvallom, Trivandrum). The Award for Inspiring Teacher Educator was given to Dr. Bindu T. V., (Asst. Prof. Central University of Kasaragod). Prof. K. R. Sivadasan Memorial Award for Innovative Researcher in Education was conferred upon Dr. Lakshmi.V (Asst Prof. NSS Training College, Ottapalam). The Award for Talented Writer was presented to Dr. Sheeja Kumari T. R., (Retd. Principal, DIET Thiruvananthapuram) Ms.Sojiya John received the Award for Most Committed Extension Work for her dedication to education and community service. Dr. Jayadevan S. K. was honoured as the Best Teacher Educator at DIET and SCERT levels. Mr. Abhijith S. from Badhariya B.Ed. College, Kollam, was recognized as the B.Ed. Exam Topper, while Ms.Geethu Shivan from Kollam was awarded for being the topper at the D.El.Ed. Exam. Devaki Amma Memorial Teacher Education College received the Dr. N. D. Joshi Memorial Award for Institutional Excellence for its outstanding contributions to Teacher Education. Prof. Dr. K. M. Bhandarkar, President CTEF, National, released the CTEF Kerala 2025 Newsletter, presenting a copy to Dr. Mohan B. Menon, followed by the release of the Assam Chapter Newsletter. The release of the Manual of Awards was done by Prof. Nilima Bhagabati (International Secretary General, CTEF). Felicitation Speech was rendered by Dr.T.K.Mathew (Advisory Board Member, CTEF,Kerala) and Dr. Asokan Nochad (Conference Co-ordinator) delivered the Vote of Thanks.

The first Memorial Lecture about Dr. Gulab Chaurasia (Founder President, CTEF) was presented  by Dr. Madhuri Isave (General Secretary, Maharashtra Chapter & Assoc. Prof.Tilak College of Education, Pune.) The second Memorial Lecture was done by Dr. B R Sharma (Former Principal, Punjabai College of Education, Maharashtra ) about Dr. Dev Raj Vij who was the National President of Council for Teacher Education (now CTEF) .The third Memorial Lecture by Dr. K M Bhandarkar, National President, CTEF was about Dr. J P Naik, (Founder, Indian Institute of Education). The fourth Memorial Lecture was by Dr. K Sivarajan, (Former Dean, Faculty of Education, University of Calicut)  about  Dr. K. Sivadasan Pillai on the theme Emerging Challenges of Teacher Education. The final Memorial Lecture was delivered by Dr. G. Valsala, (Former Principal, IASE, Thrissur and Vice Chairperson of CTEF Kerala) about Prof. Dr. N. P. Pillai. This was followed by the General Body Meeting of CTEF in the Auditorium and the cultural programmes were held by the students of Devaki Amma Memorial Teacher Education College.

 The Third Day started  with the Paper Presentation Session  which was followed by a Discussion on ‘Implementation, Challenges and Key Findings of KSHEC -ITEP  Curriculum Committee Report Kerala’.The Moderator of the Session was Prof. Dr. V Reghu (Former Dean and Controller of Examination Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Youth Development, Govt. of  India, Tamil Nadu).First speaker, Prof. Mohan B Menon (Former Deputy Vice Chancellor, Wawasan Open University, Malaysia & Chairman, KSHEC-ITEP Curriculum Committee) discussed the topic" Towards Transformational Changes in Teacher Education in India". The  ‘Implementation Challenges of ITEP in Central University of Kerala’ was discussed by Prof (Dr) M.N.Mohammedunni Alias Mustafa( Prof. Dept of Education, Central University of Kerala). The ‘Implementation Challenges of ITEP in NIT Calicut, Kerala’ was presented by Dr. Chandrasekhara Praveen, (Faculty, Dept. of Education, NIT Calicut). Dr. Pramod Dinakar, (Head, School of Ethics, Governance, Culture and Social Systems, Chinmaya Vishwa Vidyapeeth Deemed to be University, Ernakulam) discussed on the topic ‘Implementation Challenges of ITEP in Chinmaya Vishwa Vidyapeeth Deemed to be University’. Prof. Mohan B Menon presented the ‘Key findings of the Report and Recommendations of KSHEC-ITEP Curriculum Committee regarding the Implementation of ITEP in Kerala’ .

During the interactive session based on the topic Dr. Saramma Chandy (Former Principal, Lords University College of Education, University of Mumbai), Dr. K.J Suresh (Former Assoc. Prof. NSS Training College, Ottappalam), Dr. K.Sivarajan (Former Dean, Faculty of Education, University of Calicut) and Prof. Nilima Bhagabati, International Secretary General, CTEF) shared their valuable insights. The Moderator of the Session Prof. Dr. V Reghu made the concluding remarks.

 The Theme Presentation  on  ‘Traditional Indian Approaches to Mental Health Care’ was delivered by Prof. Dr. Nilima Bhagabati in the Afternoon Session.

The following CTEF Officials  chaired the Paper Presentation Sessions in different venues.

1.Dr. Joseph Kacharayil, Principal(Crescent B.Ed. College, Kannur)

2.Dr. Niranjana K.P( Asst Prof.,Farook Training College, Calicut

3.Dr. Meenakshy Ramachandran (Former Principal,Christ Nagar College ofEducation Thiruvallam)

4..Dr. Vijayalekshmi N S (Asst. Prof.M.Ed Dept,Fathima Memorial Training College Kollam )

5.Dr.Saramma Chandy(Former Principal, Lords Universal College of Education,Univ. of Mumbai)

6.Dr. Mridula. K, (Assoc. Prof., N. S. S. Training College, Ottappalam, Palakkad)

7.Dr. Arun Kumar P.( Assoc. Prof. Govt. College of Teacher Education, Calicut )

8. Dr. Lekshmi V., (Asst Prof. NSS Training College, Ottapalam)

9.Dr. Geethanjali. M Asst. Prof.,Devaki Amma Memorial Teacher Education College, Chelembra

10.Dr.Surekha P M Asst Prof., Devaki Amma Memorial Teacher Education College, Chelembra

11.Dr. Sajan K S (Asst.Prof, NSS Training College Ottappalam)

12.Dr. Bindu T.V (Asst. Prof. -ITEP, Central University of Kerala, Kasargod)

13.Dr.Sunikumari.P.M (Vice Principal,BNV College of Teacher Education,Thiruvallom,Trivandrum

14.Dr. K. J. Suresh (Assoc. Prof., (Retd)  NSS Training College, Ottappalam)

15.Dr. Shankaranarayanan Paleri (Assoc Prof. NSS Training College Ottappalam)

16.Dr. Ashokan Nochad. (Vice Principal DAMTE, Chelembra)

17.Prof.Dr. Bindhu C. M. (Professor and Head, Department of Education, University of Calicut)

18.Dr. Malini P. M. (Retd. Principal, NSS Training College, Pandalam)

19. Dr. K. Y. Benedict (Principal, Mother Teresa College of Teacher Education, Perambra)

20 Dr. Anila Chacko  (Principal, St. Thomas Training College Thiruvananthapuram)

21.Dr. Premachandran P. (Asst Prof. Navajyoti College of Teacher Education for Women, Thrissur)

22. Dr. Sam V. Daniel( Prof and Head, Titus II College of Teacher Education, Thiruvalla)

23.Dr. Umer Farooque T K ( Assoc. Prof. Farook Training College, Kozhikode)

24. Dr. G. Valsala  (Former Principal Govt. IASE Thrissur)

25. Dr. Mariamma Mathew (Former Principal, Peet Memorial Training College, Mavelikkara)

26.Dr. K Anvar  (Principal, KTCT College of Teacher Education, Kallambalam)

 In the Valedictory Session of the Conference Prof. Dr. Mariamma Mathew, Programme Secretary,CTEF Kerala and Former Principal, Peet Memorial Training College, Mavelikkara, welcomed the gathering.The Valedictory Address was delivered by Prof. Mohan B Menon (Former Deputy Vice Chancellor, Wawasan Open University, Malaysia and Chairman, KSHEC-ITEP Curriculum Committee). Prof. Dr. Rajeswari K, (Vice Chairperson, CTEF Kerala, and Professor & Head, Centre for Research & Development, NVKSD College of Education, Attoor, Tamil Nadu) delivered the Presidential Address. The Presentation of the Malappuram Declaration was done by Dr. Anees Mohammed.C,(Executive Member, CTEF Kerala, and Assoc. Prof. Farook Training College, Calicut). The Resume of the Conference was presented by Dr. Geethanjali M and Ms. Binikumari K(Asst Professors, Devaki Amma Memorial Teacher Education College, Chelembra.) The names of the Ph.D holders were announced by Dr. Premachandran P(Treasurer, CTEF Kerala and Asst. Prof. Navajyothy College of Teacher Education for Women, Thrissur) and Certificates and Mementos were distributed by Prof. Nilima Bhagabati, (International Secretary General, CTEF). Words of Appreciation were extended by Dr. M.S Geetha, Chairperson, CTEF Kerala and Conference Director (Formerly Dean, Faculty of Education, University of Kerala).Felicitation Speech was rendered by Dr. Smitha. R,Principal (N S S Training College, Ottapalam). The Session concluded with the Vote of Thanks by Mr.Ashokan Nochad (Conference Co-ordinator).