Prof. Dinesh Prasad Saklani, Director, National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), visited the Regional Institute of Education (RIE), NCERT, Bhubaneswar, on 31 October and 1 November 2026. During the visit, he participated in institutional, academic and environmental activities, interacted with faculty members, non-academic staff and teachers of PM SHRI Demonstration Multipurpose School, and reviewed the progress of on-going infrastructure development projects.
On the occasion of Rashtriya Ekta Divas, commemorating the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Prof. Saklani inaugurated Swachhata Freedom Run 7.0 and Run for Unity. The initiative underscored the importance of national unity, integrity, cleanliness, physical fitness and collective responsibility. He also planted a sapling on the Institute campus as part of its environmental sustainability initiatives.
Emphasising the role of faculty members in implementing national educational reforms, Prof. Saklani, during an academic interaction with faculty members, highlighted the importance of translating the vision and recommendations of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, National Curriculum Framework for the Foundational Stage (NCF-FS) 2022 and National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCFSE) 2023 into effective academic practices. He called upon faculty members to demonstrate a strong sense of ownership, and commitment in discharging their academic and institutional responsibilities in implementing NEP 2020.
During his interaction with teachers of PM SHRI Demonstration Multipurpose School, RIE Bhubaneswar, the Director stressed their critical role in translating the vision of NEP 2020 and NCFSE 2023 into classroom practices with NEP 2020 aligned textbooks, Learning–Teaching Materials.
Prof. Saklani also held a meeting with officials of the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) to review on-going infrastructure development works at the Institute. He subsequently visited the construction sites to review the progress of the projects.
At the outset of the interaction meetings, Prof. Laxmidhar Behera, Principal (In-Charge), RIE Bhubaneswar, welcomed the Director and acknowledged his guidance and leadership in strengthening the academic ecosystem of NCERT and its constituent units. Prof. Amarendra Prasad Behera, Joint Director, CIET, NCERT; Prof. Ritanjali Dash, Head, DEE; All Heads of Departments; HM PM SHRI DM School; Administrative Officer; Academic and Non–Academic Staff member were present.