The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 emphasises fostering a holistic, inclusive, and supportive education system that nurtures the academic, social, and emotional growth of every student. A shining example of this vision is the Buddy System initiative implemented at PM SHRI KV No. 1 IIT Kharagpur, designed to promote collaboration, mentorship, and community among students.
The Buddy System creates a dynamic learning environment where students of diverse abilities collaborate, fostering a culture of inclusion and mutual aid. Through this initiative, senior students serve as mentors, guiding their junior counterparts—mentees—not only academically but also socially, promoting interpersonal growth for both groups.
The program provides mentees with personalised academic guidance, enabling them to address challenges with support tailored to their needs. Senior students develop key life skills such as leadership, resilience, and empathy as they mentor their juniors.
The initiative nurtures a sense of belonging and camaraderie, bridging gaps between students across grades and abilities.
Beyond academics, the Buddy System encourages social and emotional growth, equipping students to thrive in collaborative settings.
Aligning with NEP 2020’s focus on inclusion and equity, the Buddy System ensures that no child is left behind. This initiative helps students achieve their academic goals while simultaneously cultivating critical life skills such as problem-solving, communication, and teamwork. The dual-role framework of mentors and mentees exemplifies the policy’s commitment to building an education system that values collaboration over competition.
As initiatives like the Buddy System flourish, they set a benchmark for how schools can integrate NEP 2020’s principles into their curricula effectively. The program at PM SHRI KV No. 1 IIT Kharagpur is a model for fostering holistic development, ensuring that students grow as empathetic, self-reliant individuals ready to face real-world challenges. With such innovative approaches, India’s education system is progressively realizing the transformative aspirations of NEP 2020, creating well-rounded individuals who are not just academically proficient but also socially responsible.
