Ryshivana is an institute of Spirituality, one of the most scenic locations in Mangalore. It is an institute well known for inner silence and contemplation. Besides, the annual certificate course in spirituality, this institute conducts other short and long term programmes. One of the annual features of this institute is “Rev Fr. Boniface Baracho, ocd Memorial Lectures.” Due to Covid pandemic, for the last couple of years the seminar could not held. This year the seminar was held on Saturday, 18 February in collaboration with the “Chair in Christianity” headed by Rev. Dr. Ivan D’Souza. The topic chosen was “National Education Policy 2020.” The seminar was attended by over 200 participants, most of them were teachers, lecturers and professors from various educational institutions in and around Mangalore.

Right at the outset, Rev. Dr. Archiblad Gonsalves, the Director of the Institute extended a cordial welcome to one and all. The NEP 2020 was inaugurated by Most Rev Peter Paul Saldhana., Bishop of Mangalore. In his opening address he said, merely following school curriculum cannot guarantee real education. He invited the audience to study NEP 2020 and find ways and means of implementing the same.

Dr. Richard Gonsalves, Director, of Loyola Centre for Research and Innovation, at St. Aloysius College, Mangalore gave an overview of NEP 2020. His detailed presentation gave a bird’s eye view of the Policy. Prof Valerian Rodrigues, the former Professor of Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi gave a Critical Appraisal. His insights into NEP 2020, emerging from his rich academic experience were thought provoking. The inputs by both the speakers were well appreciated. The two sessions were moderated by Prof. Flosy D’Souza of St. Ann’s B Ed College and Rev. Prof Gregory D’Souza, OCD, former Head of the Dept of Christianity of the University of Mysore respectively. The resource persons responded patiently all the questions raised from the floor. Prof. Jayaraj Amin, Dean of the Mangalore University was introduced by Rev Dr. Ivan D’souza. He chaired the closing session, where on the one hand he appreciated NEP 2020 and on the other, he highlighted the practical difficulties in implementing this new policy. Ryshivana Students sang the ‘Opening Chorus’ and the ‘Ryshivana Anthem’. Rev Dr. Wilfred Rodrigues, compered the programme. The participants enjoyed the scenic location, the Carmelite hospitality and the thought provoking input sessions.