The second lecture of the NEP Lecture Series, jointly organized by the Indian Association of Life Skills Education (IALSE), Chennai, and the Centre for Life Skills, Loreto College, Kolkata, was held online on 29 October 2025. The lecture series focuses on “Situating Life Skills Education in NEP 2020 for Transformative Learning.”
The session highlighted the growing importance of life skills, social-emotional learning, and vocational education in shaping holistic, employable, and ethically grounded learners, in alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The inaugural remarks emphasized the role of life skills in integrating academic, vocational, and value-based education.
The keynote address was delivered by Dr. K. S. Chandrashekhar, Vice Chancellor, Cluster University, Jammu, on “Imbibing International Vocational Education and the Future with Reference to NEP in India.” Drawing from global vocational education models across Europe, the US, and Asia, he highlighted strong industry–academia linkages, dual-training systems, and flexible learning pathways as key lessons for India’s education reforms.
The lecture elaborated on NEP 2020 initiatives such as the 5+3+3+4 structure, multidisciplinary education, integration of vocational training at all levels, multiple entry–exit options, and alignment with the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF). Emphasis was placed on developing critical thinking, empathy, leadership, digital literacy, and ethical awareness, while cautioning against over-dependence on artificial intelligence in education.
An interactive Q&A session addressed employability, AI in skill education, early childhood life skills development, rural access to education, and ethical challenges in technology-driven learning. The discussion reinforced that life skills education is essential for adaptability, equity, and humane progress in a rapidly changing world.
The session concluded with a vote of thanks, reaffirming the lecture series as a meaningful platform for translating NEP 2020’s vision into educational practice
Report Prepared by:
Ms. Tania Mondal, Coordinator, Centre for Life Skills, Loreto College, Kolkata.