Beyond Classrooms: Why Pune University Is Focusing on Skill-Based and Social Learning

Pune, 5th November 2026: The Department of Lifelong Learning and Extension at Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) plays a crucial role in implementing the National Education Policy (NEP) by promoting practical, skill-based education and connecting students with society, Pro-Vice Chancellor Dr Parag Kalkar said.

He was speaking at a programme coordinators’ meeting and seminar organised by the university’s Department of Lifelong Learning and Extension. Programme coordinators from affiliated colleges across Pune, Ahmednagar and Nashik districts attended the event.

Dr Kalkar was the chief guest at the inaugural session, which was presided over by Dr Vilas Adhav, Director of the Department of Lifelong Learning and Extension.

The programme began with the university anthem, followed by introductory remarks by Dr Adhav. Highlighting the department’s role, he said its primary objective was to ensure that knowledge generated within the university reaches every section of society rather than remaining confined to classrooms.

Dr Adhav also outlined the initiatives undertaken through affiliated colleges during the year. These included health camps, cleanliness drives, environmental awareness campaigns, skill development activities and women’s empowerment programmes. He emphasised the importance of taking university-led initiatives to the grassroots level and encouraging students to contribute to social development.

Addressing the coordinators, Dr Kalkar said the expanding scope of knowledge had made classroom-based and textbook learning alone insufficient. Education beyond the four walls of a classroom was increasingly important for the younger generation, he said.

He noted that the National Education Policy emphasises practical, skill-based and employment-oriented education, making the department’s role particularly significant. He also appreciated its efforts to connect students with communities and develop a sense of social responsibility among them.

During the session, Prof Dr Navnath Tupe spoke about the department’s activities, while Prof Dr Geeta Shinde, Head of the Department of Education and Extension, shared her views on the relationship between education and society.

In the second session, programme coordinators from Pune, Ahmednagar and Nashik districts presented their plans for activities to be undertaken in their respective colleges during the current academic year. Discussions were held on proposed initiatives, implementation strategies and challenges faced by coordinators. Participants also exchanged suggestions on addressing these challenges.

Dr P. V. Gupta, coordinator of the seminar, interacted with the participants and highlighted the department’s broader objectives. He said providing lifelong learning opportunities to every individual in society was central to the department’s vision.

The programme was compered by Dr Minal Bhosale, while Prof Dr Sangita Salve proposed the vote of thanks. Faculty members and coordinators of the department contributed to organising the seminar.