Governor Kambhampati Emphasizes Teachers’ Pivotal Role In Shaping Future At IIT National Conclave
Bhubaneswar, Odisha – Education plays a central role in shaping the future of individuals, society, and the nation, stated Odisha Governor Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati while inaugurating the National Conclave 2026 at IIT Bhubaneswar. The two-day event, organized by the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) in collaboration with IIT Bhubaneswar, focuses on capacity building of stakeholders for the nationwide rollout of the National Professional Standards for Teachers (NPST) and the National Mission for Mentoring (NMM), in alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
Conclave Overview
The conclave brings together educators, administrators, policymakers, and representatives from school education departments across 12 eastern states, including:
- Arunachal Pradesh
- Assam
- Bihar
- Jharkhand
- Manipur
- Meghalaya
- Mizoram
- Nagaland
- Odisha
- Sikkim
- Tripura
- West Bengal
Participants include directors of State Councils of Educational Research and Training (SCERTs), District Institute of Education and Training (DIET) principals, state nodal officers, and heads and teachers from Kendriya Vidyalayas, Navodaya Vidyalayas, CBSE, and state board schools. The Governor highlighted this diverse participation as a reflection of India’s educational diversity and unity.
Teachers as Architects of the Future
In his address, Dr. Kambhampati described teachers as architects of students’ mindsets, curiosity, and sense of responsibility, thereby building the nation’s future. He invoked India’s ancient guru-shishya tradition, which emphasizes knowledge, values, and character formation.
Noting the rapid global changes driven by technology, artificial intelligence, digital connectivity, and globalization, he stressed the need for education systems to adapt accordingly. Students must be prepared not just for examinations but for creativity, entrepreneurship, and global challenges.
NEP 2020: A Forward-Looking Roadmap
The Governor praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visionary leadership in launching NEP 2020 as a forward-looking roadmap to modernize India’s education system for the 21st century. He commended Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s leadership in translating these reforms into action.
While over five years have passed since NEP 2020’s introduction, true transformation requires empowering teachers with necessary skills, standards, and professional support—not merely policy documents. Dr. Kambhampati underscored NPST and NMM as key initiatives under NEP 2020, placing teacher development, professionalism, and lifelong learning at the core of national change.
National Professional Standards for Teachers (NPST)
NPST, led by NCTE, provides teachers with a clear professional identity, outlining expectations, competencies, values, and career progression paths. This initiative aims to enhance the quality of teaching and learning across the nation.
National Mission for Mentoring (NMM)
NMM aims to create a large pool of excellent mentors—regardless of age or position—to support school teachers, strengthen the teaching community, and advance India’s 21st-century development goals. Such initiatives are crucial for fostering a supportive environment for teachers and ensuring that they are well-equipped to face the challenges of modern education.
Bridging Policy with Practice
Dr. Kambhampati emphasized that conclaves like this serve as vital platforms to bridge policy with practice, enabling hands-on orientation, information sharing, capacity building, and demonstration of digital platforms for NPST and NMM. These interactions are essential for translating educational policies into effective classroom practices.
Vision for the Future
The event reinforces the vision of “Samart Shikshak, Sashakt Bharat” (Capable Teachers, Empowered India), promoting inclusive, innovative, and future-ready education across the country. This vision aligns with the overarching goals of NEP 2020 and aims to create a robust educational framework that empowers both teachers and students.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the National Conclave 2026 at IIT Bhubaneswar serves as a significant step towards enhancing the role of teachers in India’s educational landscape. By focusing on professional standards and mentoring, the initiatives discussed aim to equip educators with the tools they need to thrive in an ever-evolving global environment. The commitment shown by stakeholders at this conclave is a promising sign for the future of education in India.
Note: The information presented in this article is based on the events and statements made during the National Conclave 2026 held at IIT Bhubaneswar.
