In this conversation, Professor Sujata Bhan discusses her journey into the field of inclusive education and her experience in teaching special education. She explains the teacher education qualifications in India for pre-service teachers, including bachelor's and master's programs in special education. She also highlights the challenges that pre-service teachers face when engaging with special education and the broader topic of inclusive education. The conversation then delves into the current state of inclusive education policy in India and the direction it is headed. The government is taking initiatives for capacity building of in-service teachers and making changes to the pre-service education curriculum to better equip teachers in handling inclusive classrooms. In India, there is a push for comprehensive and inclusive teacher training programs to ensure that all teachers are equipped to manage diverse classrooms. Special educators have historically been treated as second-class citizens, but efforts are being made to bridge the gap and provide them with equal opportunities. The government is taking steps towards inclusive education, while still recognizing the need for special schools for students with severe and profound disabilities. The SNDT Women's University in India was founded in 1916 to empower women and provide education to widows who were marginalized in society. The university now offers a wide range of disciplines and aims to empower women in all fields. The university is hosting an International Conference on Education in 2025, focusing on embracing diversity and intersectional experiences. The conference aims to bring together international speakers and discuss best practices and challenges in inclusive education.

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

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