NIT Rourkela Begins Five-Day Teachers’ Training Program for PM SHRI Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya Educators
8 December 2025: NIT Rourkela inaugurated a five-day Teachers’ Training Program for educators from PM SHRI (Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India) Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs) on 8 December. The programme, held from 8–12 December, brings together 38 teachers from 20 JNVs across Odisha (Bargarh, Bhadrak, Boudh, Cuttack, Kalahandi, Khurda, Nabarangpur, Nayagarh, Sambalpur, Nuapada, Balangir) and from Chhattisgarh (Surajpur, Raigarh, Raipur, Korea, Durg, Dhamtari, Baloda Bazar, Rajnandgaon).
Organised by the Centre for Continuing Education (SRICCE)-NITR, the event is led by Prof. Samit Ari, Associate Dean (SRICCE) as Convenor, with Prof. Madhurima Jana, Associate Dean (SRICCE), serving as Co-Convener and host of the inaugural session. In her welcome, Prof. Jana highlighted that the initiative aims to contribute to the growth and empowerment of teachers, who form the backbone of the learning ecosystem, and explained that the sessions are designed to enhance teaching methodologies and introduce updated tools for inspiring the next generation.
Prof. Samit Ari noted that the programme focuses on innovative teaching methods and the effective use of technology in classrooms. He added that 14 technical sessions and interactive activities are planned over five days, covering various aspects of learning and professional development, and encouraged the participants to interact freely, ask questions and build networks that support their academic journey. The inaugural event was attended by NIT Rourkela administrators: Prof. Ashok Kumar Turuk, Dean (Academic); Prof. Swadesh Kumar Pratihar, Dean (SRICCE); and Registrar, Prof. Rohan Dhiman.
Prof. Rohan Dhiman, who is himself an alumnus of Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, expressed that NIT Rourkela takes pride in hosting this programme and remarked that Navodaya schools have contributed significantly to national talent development. He added that the training will help teachers refine classroom practices and adopt approaches that strengthen clarity and confidence among students.
Addressing the participants, Prof. S. K. Pratihar emphasised that the 50-hour training programme reinforces the importance of continuous professional development. He stated that teachers not only impart subject knowledge but also play a vital role in understanding the emotional well-being of students and motivating each student to grow with self-belief.
Speaking on the occasion, esteemed guest Prof. Ashok Kumar Turuk said, “While technology-enabled learning is important, it can only complement, not replace, the value, depth and essence of a physical classroom. With increasing dependence on technology, students often rely on online sources or quick digital responses, which may result in identical answers and reduced critical thinking. Therefore, it is advised to call students randomly to solve problems on the board, interact directly with the content, and demonstrate their reasoning. Such practices not only strengthen comprehension but also cultivate discipline and originality in learners.”
He concluded by stating that the aim should be to create classrooms where technology enhances teaching without diminishing the human connection and intellectual rigour that define effective education. He also advised teachers to integrate traditional blackboard teaching with technology-enabled learning so that concepts are reinforced through active participation.
The technical sessions of the programme cover a broad range of themes such as competency-based learning, identifying student strengths, technology-supported engagement and assessment, experiential learning approaches, and social-emotional development. The training also includes discussions on security and privacy in digital education, quantum computing for science learning, blended learning methods, effective use of modern technologies, ongoing professional excellence and pedagogical strategies for integrating technology meaningfully in school education. The programme aims to equip JNV teachers with updated skills, practical insights and a renewed approach to teaching, contributing to the national vision of strengthening school education under the PM SHRI initiative.
