Panvel Mayor Nitin Patil has called for efforts to take nation-first values and Hindu thought to disadvantaged sections of society, saying the National Education Policy (NEP) offers an avenue to promote these ideas through education.
He was speaking at the launch of the Diwali edition of Shikshanache Dohi Anand Tarang, a cultural newsletter that has completed 25 years of publication. Patil praised the publication for taking its content to ordinary readers and said he welcomed the role of the NEP in bringing a nation-first perspective into education.
The launch ceremony was held on Saturday evening at CKT Senior College in Khanda Colony, Panvel. Sanskriti Samvardhan Sanstha vice-president Atul Phadke and joint secretary Chidambar Dixit were present on the dais.
A 25-year journey in cultural publishing
In her introductory remarks, chief manager Sunita Pendharkar outlined the newsletter’s journey over the past 25 years.
She said the publication had sought to bring important news and information concerning national interests to readers, including those in remote and difficult-to-reach areas. She also highlighted its practice of bringing out special editions around national festivals to communicate verified information on significant subjects to the public.
The Diwali edition was presented as part of this continuing effort to take cultural and educational ideas beyond a limited readership.
NEP and the Indian knowledge tradition
The programme featured an address by Santosh Bhange, a member of the steering committee for the implementation of the National Education Policy.
Bhange explained key aspects of the policy, including the Indian knowledge tradition and the Panchakosha-based approach to education. He discussed how these concepts could contribute to the development of students with a strong sense of national identity and commitment.
He argued that although education had long existed in India, its content had not always adequately reflected India’s own intellectual and cultural traditions. He said the NEP could help address this gap and called on those present to work towards taking awareness of the policy to a wider audience through the newsletter.
RSS representative delivers concluding address
The concluding presidential address was delivered by the sanghchalak of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh’s Colaba district. He briefly reviewed the points raised by the speakers.
District publicity chief Arvind Thaplu delivered the vote of thanks. Teachers and residents from the Panvel area, including men and women described by the organisers as committed to national causes, attended the event.
The programme began with the lighting of a ceremonial lamp and worship of Bharat Mata. It concluded with a musical rendition of the Pasaydan, sung by Prathamesh Godse.
Sales officer Vivek Mutalik compered the event, while sales officer Sameer Mulmule and his colleagues worked on its organisation.
