NEP liberal edu model encourages students to explore interests beyond academics

Visakhapatnam: The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 promotes a liberal education model that gives students the freedom to choose minors and electives from disciplines beyond their core subjects. This approach was reflected during the ‘Vāggēyakara Vaibhavam - Annamacharya' event at Gitam Deemed to be University in Visakhapatnam on Feb 2, where nearly 50 students presented a dance and music programme before hundreds of faculty, students, and music exponents. The programme celebrated the life and works of Tallapaka Annamacharya, hailed as the Tholi Telugu Vāggēyakarudu (first Telugu composer), and featured performances by around 50 Gitam students, after the performances of eminent Carnatic musician Dr Dwaram VKG Tyagaraj and his disciples from outside the university.
The event demonstrated how NEP's flexible framework is influencing campus life and encouraging students to explore interests beyond academics. Several state and private universities across Andhra Pradesh have embraced the liberal education model under the NEP in recent years.Kasibhatla Krishna Saketh, a first-year BSc microbiology student, and K Sanjana, a second-year BBA student, said choosing Carnatic music as a minor helped them pursue their passion alongside their academic commitments as the courses are designed to fit well within their schedules, and allow them to learn without disturbing their regular classes.Pekala Chinmayi, a first-year BTech (CSE) student, and Badampudi Purna Srija, a biotechnology student, said the opportunity to combine their passion with career goals through minors is a rewarding experience. "Such programmes support overall development, reduce stress, improve concentration, and may also open future career opportunities," they said.Officials of another private university said the benefits for students are significant, as the liberal education under NEP allows students to pursue their passion alongside their academic studies. "Earlier, students had to learn anything other than academics early in the morning or after regular classes. Now, it functions almost like a dual degree. We will launch these programmes from next academic year," they said. Dr K Maalyada, head of the department of fine and performing arts at Gitam, said nearly 300 undergraduate students have opted for minors, while 400 have chosen electives in disciplines such as Kuchipudi, Bharatanatyam, Carnatic vocal, Mridangam, theatre arts, and fine arts. "The curriculum is designed in a structured manner, progressing from introductory and basic levels to intermediate and advanced stages across semesters. Many students have reached advanced levels without external coaching, as the electives provide strong foundational training," said Maalyada.