Sri Vijaya Puram, Jan. 5: A five-day capacity building programme for Key Resource Persons (KRPs) of the A&N Islands on foundational stages for effective implementation of Balvatika as per NEP 2020 was inaugurated today at the State Institute of Education (SIE), Sri Vijaya Puram. The programme is being organized by the Regional Institute of Education (RIE), NCERT, Bhubaneswar, in collaboration with SIE, Sri Vijaya Puram, and will continue from January 5 to 9, 2026.
The Principal, SIE and DIET, Ms. Sangeeta Chand as the chief guest, highlighted that Balvatikas are the foundational pillars of lifelong learning and play a crucial role in ensuring holistic development of young learners. In his keynote address, Prof. Laxmidhar Behera underscored the critical importance of Balvatikas as envisioned in NEP 2020, with special emphasis on the pedagogical significance of Jaadui Pitara in promoting joyful, play-based, and experiential learning.
Earlier, the inaugural session commenced with a welcome address by the Programme Coordinator, SIE while the inaugural session concluded with the vote of thanks proposed by Dr. Varun Ashokan, Assistant Professor, RIE, NCERT, Bhubaneswar. A total of 40 KRPs from different parts of the Islands are attending the programme.