Amity Institute of Social Sciences (AISS), Amity University, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, organized a Conference on "Human Values in Higher Education" from 26 to 27 April, 2022 in virtual mode, as a part of “Amity Human Values Quarter-2022” which is an annual event celebrated during the First Quarter of every year, commemorating the birthday of Dr. Amita Chauhan, Chairperson, Amity Schools.
Amity University, besides emphasizing upon the importance of a high standard of education and all-round personality development of the students, also inculcates and imbibes Human Values in them which help them to become good human beings and responsible citizens of the country. The aim of Human Values Quarter is to create the foundation for developing a value-based society through higher education and to develop moral and ethical responsibilities of teachers in shaping the character and personality of students.
Sharing her views on “Value-based Society with an emphasis on Persons with Disabilities”, Dr. Sujata Bhan, Professor & Head, Deptt. of Special Education, SNDT Women's University, Mumbai, said, “According to the National Education Policy 2020, inclusive education paves way for an inclusive society which is basically a value-based society. Our society attaches stigma to people with disabilities, there is rejection, prejudice and intolerance which disabled people have to face. Also, there are attitudinal barriers and lack of opportunities for them and they are not treated at par with other people. We need to be highly sensitive and caring towards disabled people, our acts of love and kindness can boost their morale and they must be treated with great dignity and respect. Providing access to quality education, health care, recreation and independent living are some of the ways in which we can remove the barriers towards persons with disabilities.”
Speaking about “Foundations of Values & Ethics for a Just Society”, Dr. Shewli Kumar, Associate Professor, Mumbai Campus, Chairperson - Women Centred Social Work, School of Social Work - Mumbai Campus, averred, “Promotion of equality requires equitable redistribution of resources, because the foundation of a free society is the equal worth of all citizens, as stated in Article 14-18 of the Constitution of India. Everyone is entitled, as a right of citizenship, to lead a life of dignity and respect. In order to become a good citizen, one has to be accountable to all other citizens and communicate respectfully. Empathy, ability to connect, non-violence, maintaining boundaries and ethical conduct are the essential traits to inculcate human values in individuals so as to make them responsible citizens of the country.”
Prof. Sushim Dubey, Professor, Department of Philosophy, Nava Nalanda Mahavihara, Ministry of Culture, Government of India, stated, “The word “Dharma” does not only mean religion, as we usually understand the word, instead it has larger meaning which includes human values and duties. A sound, value-based education system will induce the development of humanistic, ethical, constitutional and universal human values of truth, righteous conduct, peace, love, non-violence and also life skills. Lessons in service to others and participation in community service programmes should be considered an integral part of holistic education.”
Explaining Human Values, Prof. Akhaya Kumar Nayak, Assistant Professor, Indian Institute of Management, Indore, mentioned, “Values are the broad guidelines which decide what is good, beautiful, desirable, worthy and thus shape the behaviour of individuals in the society. The principle of “Gratitude” has been mentioned and emphasised in our Holy Scriptures including the “Rig Veda”, “Atharva Veda” and “Mahabharata”. Having a sense of gratitude is of great significance in our lives and when we have gratitude for others, we treat them with respect and honour which is an essential element of Human Values.”
Welcoming the guests on this occasion, Dr Nirupama Prakash, Director, Amity Institute of Social Sciences, averred, “Human values and ethics define the qualities of a person, an organisation or society at large. Educational institutions play a critical role in building an ethical society as the fundamental character of children is formed in educational institutions. Human values and virtues inculcated in the students, in educational institutions heavily influence the future generations. Through education and universities, the realization of meaning and purpose human values and ethics is enabled and its larger outcome is benefitted by the stakeholders of the society.”
During the two-day Conference, a “Free Health Check-up Camp” was organized at Amity for Health Screening of the Faculty and Staff including Dental Check-up, Body-pain Assessment, BMI and Blood Pressure Testing and Physiotherapy Consultation. Various sessions, on topics including, “Foundation For Developing A Value Based Society”, “Moral and Ethical Responsibilities of Teachers in Shaping the Character and Personality of Students: Vision of NEP 2021”, “Human Values and Technology: Changing Dynamics in Post Covid Scenario”, will also be held amongst others, as a part of the celebrations during “Amity Human Values Quarter-2022”.