St. Thomas' College of Education
ST. THOMAS’ COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
NAAC Accredited
Dr. Biswajit Saha
Chief Guest Of VAC
Biswajit Saha, Director, Training & Skill Education at the Central Board of Secondary Education, is a distinguished educationist with extensive experience in curriculum development, teacher training, and skill education. In his current role, he is actively involved in the design of curriculum, development of student resource books, and preparation of training manuals. He also monitors the effective execution of various teacher training programmes conducted through 16 CBSE Centres of Excellence across the country.
He has successfully managed development projects supported by the World Bank, the Ministry of Education, and the All India Council for Technical Education. He also contributed significantly to the drafting of the National Skill Qualification Framework and the Credit Framework for Skills and Education, strengthening the integration of skill-based learning in the education system.
During his address to B.Ed. students on the importance of Value Addition Courses, Dr. Saha emphasized that modern teachers must continuously upgrade their professional competencies to meet the evolving needs of learners. He highlighted that value addition courses enhance essential skills and innovative teaching practices. He encouraged students to adopt a lifelong learning approach and actively participate in skill-based programmes to improve their employability and teaching effectiveness. Dr. Saha concluded by motivating future teachers to remain committed, adaptable, and dedicated to improving the quality of education and contributing meaningfully to society.
Mr. Himadri Sekhar De
Chief Guest of Orientation Program
Mr. Himadri Sekhar De, Ph.D. Scholar in Psychology and Founder of the Acrophile Adolescent Healing Center and the Acrophile Foundation, served as the Chief Guest for the Orientation Programme of B.Ed. students. He is a renowned positive psychology therapist and researcher whose work focuses on building resilience and wellbeing among adolescents and young adults.
With over two decades of experience in the fields of education and mental health, Mr. De has designed several psychometric tools and positive education programmes that effectively connect scientific knowledge with practical human experiences. His organisations work actively to integrate the principles of positive psychology into schools and communities, especially focusing on providing mental health and wellbeing support to under-served populations.
Mr. De has pursued advanced studies in Positive Psychology and Developmental Psychology from prestigious institutions such as the University of Pennsylvania, Harvard University, and the University of Queensland. Currently, he is a Ph.D. scholar in Psychology, conducting research on Resilience in Adolescents in the 21st Century, which reflects his deep commitment to promoting mental health awareness and emotional strength among young learners.
During his address to the B.Ed. students in the Orientation Programme, Mr. Himadri Sekhar De emphasized the importance of emotional wellbeing, resilience, and positive thinking in the teaching profession. He highlighted that teachers play a crucial role not only in imparting academic knowledge but also in nurturing students’ mental health and personal growth. He encouraged future teachers to create supportive, empathetic, and inclusive classroom environments where students feel safe to express themselves and develop confidence.
He also stressed that wellbeing should be treated as a daily practice and a teachable skill, rather than merely a concept. His inspiring words motivated the B.Ed. students to adopt a balanced approach towards teaching, focusing on both academic excellence and the holistic development of learners.
Dr. Biswajit Saha, Director (Skill Education), CBSE, New Delhi, was the guest speaker in the Faculty Development Programme held from 18th to 22nd August 2025 on the theme Future Directions for Education in the Perspective of NEP- 2020. He delivered his session on 20th August 2025 on the topic “Vocational Education and Skill Development” highlighting the importance of integrating skills with formal education.
Dr. Prabhat Mittal, Professor of Business Data Processing at Satyawati College (Eve.), University of Delhi, was the guest speaker in the Faculty Development Programme held from 18th to 22nd August 2025 on the theme “Future Directions for Education in the Perspective of NEP-2020.” He delivered his session on 21st August 2025 on the topic “Artificial Intelligence and the NEP-2020.”
He highlighted the transformative role of AI in reshaping teaching and learning processes in alignment with NEP goals. Dr. Mittal emphasized the importance of integrating technology with pedagogy to promote innovation, critical thinking, and digital literacy among students.
Dr. Neelam Mehta Bali, Associate Professor of Maharshi Valmiki College of Education, University of Delhi, was the guest speaker in the Faculty Development Programme held from 18th to 22nd August 2025 on the theme “Future Directions for Education in the Perspective of NEP-2020.” She delivered her insightful session on 19th August 2025 on the topic “Teacher Training and Professional Development.” Her talk emphasized the need for continuous professional growth among educators in line with the transformative vision of NEP-2020. She also highlighted innovative approaches to teacher education that promote reflective practice, pedagogical excellence, and lifelong learning.
Dr. Jyoti Raina, Professor of Education at Gargi College, University of Delhi, was the guest speaker in the Faculty Development Programme held from 18th to 22nd August 2025 on the theme “Future Directions for Education in the Perspective of NEP-2020.” She delivered her insightful session on 18th August 2025 on the topic “Holistic and Multidisciplinary Education.” In her session, she emphasized the importance of integrating diverse disciplines to nurture well-rounded learners and foster creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. She also discussed how the NEP-2020 envisions a learner-centered approach that bridges knowledge, values, and real-life experiences.
Dr. Jyoti Bhardwaj, psychologist, educator, special needs consultant, and counsellor, was the guest speaker in the Faculty Development Programme held from 18th to 22nd August 2025 on the theme “Future Directions for Education in the Perspective of NEP-2020.” She delivered her insightful session on 22nd August 2025 on the topic “Equitable and Inclusive Education.” In her session, she emphasized the importance of creating learning environments that cater to the diverse needs of all learners, ensuring accessibility, empathy, and equal opportunities for every child. She also highlighted the pivotal role of teachers in fostering inclusivity and promoting a culture of acceptance and understanding within educational institutions.
Dr. Bineeta Agarwal was our esteemed guest in the Faculty Development Programme held from 18th to 22nd August 2025. Her gracious presence added great value to the event. She motivated the participants and faculty members with her encouraging words and inspiring insights. Dr. Agarwal appreciated the collective efforts of the organizing team and congratulated us for successfully conducting the FDP on such a significant theme. Her warm appreciation and positive remarks truly inspired everyone and added to the spirit of academic collaboration and excellence.