JK News Today
Jammu, January 19: A six-day capacity building workshop titled “Leadership and Digital Educational Competences”, jointly organized by the Department of Lifelong Learning (DLL) and the Malaviya Mission Teacher Training Centre (MMTTC), commenced today at Department of Lifelong Learning, University of Jammu.
The workshop was formally inaugurated by Prof. Umesh Rai, Vice-Chancellor, University of Jammu, who graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. In his inaugural address, Prof. Rai emphasized that meaningful leadership is rooted in an individual’s sense of responsibility and commitment to the institution. He highlighted the growing importance of e-governance and digital transformation in higher education, noting that digital leadership is central to improving institutional efficiency, transparency, and responsiveness. The Vice-Chancellor underscored that universities must equip educators with digital and leadership skills to navigate future challenges with confidence and adaptability.
The keynote address was delivered by Prof. Prakash Narain, Former Head, Department of Continuing Education, University of Delhi. He spoke on the contemporary relevance of leadership and digital educational competencies in an increasingly technology-driven academic environment. Prof. Narain stressed that the integration of leadership skills with digital proficiency is essential for strengthening teaching practices, improving learning outcomes, and fostering sustainable institutional growth in higher education.
Addressing the gathering, Prof. Suman Jamwal, Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, reflected on the role of social sciences in shaping responsible and ethical digital leadership. She emphasized the need to combine ethical sensitivity, critical thinking, and digital competence to respond effectively to emerging societal and educational challenges in the digital age. She also appreciated the Department of Lifelong Learning for organizing a workshop on themes of contemporary relevance.
Earlier, Dr. Priyanka Sharma, Director, Department of Lifelong Learning, delivered the welcome address and outlined the objectives of the workshop and highlighted the increasing significance of digital competencies in education, particularly in the context of disruptive technologies reshaping teaching and learning processes. She also noted that leadership and digital competencies occupy a central place in the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
The workshop has drawn participation from 38 faculty members representing various higher educational institutions, including those from far-flung areas such as Dudu, Basantgarh, Basohli, and Udhampur.
The programme concluded with a formal vote of thanks presented by Dr. Bharti Pathania, Coordinator of the workshop.
