The National Curriculum Framework for Teacher Education (NCFTE) 2009 is more than a policy document—it’s a vision to shape the future of education by nurturing teachers who are not only knowledgeable and innovative but also compassionate, reflective, and deeply human in their approach.

Recognizing the urgent need for comprehensive reform in teacher education, NCFTE redefines the paradigm of ‘teaching how to teach.’ It acknowledges the complexities that educators face and pledges to bridge the gap between theory and classroom realities by building a cadre of professional, thoughtful, and socially responsive educators.

Central to this transformation is the understanding that teachers must be more than content deliverers—they must become creators of knowledge and facilitators of curiosity. They must empower children by connecting learning to their homes, cultures, and lived experiences. The National Curriculum Framework’s (NCF) recommendations highlight this shift, moving away from the textbook-centric view of knowledge to one that values exploration, dialogue, and discovery.

Over the past decade, the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) has collaborated with key bodies like National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), the Distance Education Bureau (DEB), and the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI) to strengthen inclusive and distance-mode teacher education. These partnerships have led to meaningful improvements in curriculum design, quality assurance, and accessible professional development. But systemic change is only possible when the teachers on the ground level are empowered—emotionally, intellectually, and professionally. They must be equipped with the skills, confidence, and motivation to engage with learners in participatory and interactive ways.

This is where modern initiatives like MBD DISHA’s Teacher Training Program come into play. In alignment with the goals of NEP 2020, this program is designed to help educators internalize the policy's vision, adopt innovative pedagogies, and foster an environment where critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving thrive.

Moreover, the program integrates the Panchakosha Vikas philosophy as articulated in the National Curriculum Framework 2022. This holistic approach to development emphasizes five dimensions:

• Sharirik Vikas (Physical Development)
• Pranik Vikas (Vital Energy Development)
• Manasik Vikas (Emotional/Mental Development)
• Bauddhik Vikas (Intellectual Development)
• Chaitsik Vikas (Spiritual Development)

By embedding these elements into teaching practices, teachers can nurture the all-round growth of every child—not just academically, but as thoughtful, self-aware, and emotionally intelligent individuals.

The path to educational excellence lies in the hands of our teachers. By investing in their capacity building, we invest in a brighter, more enlightened future for our learners and the nation at large.