A significant weeklong internship program designed specifically for philosophy honours students at BN College successfully concluded on Monday, marking an important step in implementing the New Education Policy 2020 recommendations.
Program Structure and Objectives
The internship, organized for fifth-semester undergraduate students, was conducted under the guidance of the UGC-sponsored Centre for the Study of Social Inclusion at Patna University. This initiative represents a concrete implementation of the New Education Policy 2020, which emphasizes practical learning experiences alongside theoretical education.
The program spanned an entire week and was specifically tailored for undergraduate philosophy students, providing them with real-world applications of their academic studies.
Distinguished Speakers and Key Insights
During the concluding ceremony, several prominent academic figures shared valuable perspectives with the participating students. R S Arya, former vice-chancellor of Veer Kunwar Singh University and former head of Patna University's philosophy department, delivered an inspiring address to the young scholars.
Arya emphasized the enduring relevance of philosophy in developing critical thinking skills and fostering deeper environmental awareness. He powerfully referenced Socrates' famous declaration that "the unexamined life is not worth living" to underscore the importance of critically evaluating the moral foundations of various socio-economic systems.
Md Ziaul Hassan, the current head of the college's philosophy department, presented a compelling argument about wealth distribution and social justice. He asserted that limiting excessive wealth accumulation is fundamental to achieving true justice, functional democracy, and environmental sustainability.
Hassan urged policymakers to critically reassess current socio-economic models and take concrete actions toward building more equitable, inclusive, and sustainable societies.
Program Leadership and Significance
The event was presided over by College principal Rajkishore Prasad, who oversaw the successful completion of this innovative educational initiative.
This internship program represents a forward-thinking approach to philosophical education, bridging theoretical concepts with contemporary social concerns. By focusing on critical examination of socio-economic systems and values, the program equipped students with tools to address pressing global challenges.
The integration of such internships into undergraduate philosophy curriculum demonstrates how the New Education Policy 2020 is transforming higher education in India, creating more engaged and socially conscious graduates.
