AICTE-VAANI seminar begins at RVS College Jamshedpur with focus on sustainability

Local languages empower students for real-world success: Education Minister Ram Das Soren

Jamshedpur, July 17: A two-day national seminar titled “Energy, Sustainability, and Climate Change: Innovations and Solutions for a Resilient Future” commenced on Thursday at RVS College of Engineering and Technology (RVSCET), Jamshedpur. The event is being organized under the guidance of AICTE-VAANI and in alignment with the objectives of the National Education Policy 2020. Notably, the seminar is being conducted entirely in Santhali language, highlighting the role of regional languages in technical education.

The seminar was formally inaugurated by Ram Das Soren, Minister of School Education, Literacy & Registration Department, Government of Jharkhand, who graced the event as the Chief Guest. In a warm welcome ceremony, he was felicitated with a shawl and a memento by Binda Singh, Chairman of RVS Educational Trust, and Mr. Bharat Singh, Secretary of the institution.

In his keynote address, Mr. Soren lauded the initiative of conducting the seminar in Santhali, calling it a “progressive step” toward making education inclusive and locally relevant. He emphasized, “Local languages empower students to better understand concepts and apply their skills in real-world settings. They are a natural and powerful medium of expression.” He further added that whether in schools or higher education, regional languages serve as bridges that make learning more effective for a broader section of society.

The Minister also shared that the Jharkhand government has taken significant steps to promote tribal languages and culture. Highlighting one such initiative, he mentioned the Pandit Raghunath Murmu Tribal University established in East Singhbhum, which houses 29 departments dedicated to tribal languages and cultural studies. He also spoke about the state’s efforts in promoting Ayurvedic education based on local herbs, demonstrating Jharkhand’s rich natural resources and traditional knowledge systems. Recalling the state’s origins, he reminded the audience that the formation of Jharkhand was rooted in the fight for protecting the state’s jal, jungle, and zameen (water, forest, and land).

 Bharat Singh, Secretary of the institution, expressed that among various regional languages, Santhali was chosen deliberately to encourage educational discourse in local dialects. He urged participating scholars to author technical and engineering books in local languages, making quality education more accessible. He also praised Mr. Soren’s unwavering efforts in championing tribal education and linguistic heritage.

The program began with a welcome note by Dr. Vikram Sharma, Associate Professor of Chemistry and Head of Training and Placement, who introduced the seminar’s theme and its significance in today’s environmental context.

Several dignitaries were present on the dais during the inaugural session, including  Shatrughan Singh, Treasurer of RVS Educational Trust, Shakti Singh, Governing Body Member, and Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Seminar Coordinator.

Following the inauguration, five technical sessions were held. The first featured Sahitya Akademi Award winner Mrs. Rani Murmu, while other sessions included prominent figures such as Mr. Ramesh Hansda (President, All India Santhali Film Association),  Shambhunath Soren (Associate Professor, Manbhum College),  Ravindra Nath Murmu (General Secretary, All India Santhali Writers Association), and Nishon Hembram (Assistant Professor, Kolhan University).

The sessions drew enthusiastic participation from scholars, educators, and students, marking the event as a significant milestone in integrating sustainability, technology, and indigenous knowledge systems.