We are entering an era in which the higher education is assuming multi-national Character. Students from different countries have access to the education of their choice. Multinational Institutions have reached far off places by cutting across the physical boundaries. Information Technology Revolution has further made the task more simple and quick. Virtual universities are on there way to dispel the thick mist of ignorance with ease. It is the prominence of changing socio-cultural economic and political milieu that there is multi-dimensional pressure on higher education. Environment is the main raison d'etre of restructuring of higher education in the world.

The previous century has seen phenomenal growth in the human progress, which has put exceptional strains on the educational system of the country. The educationists have been struggling hard to understand the multitudes of these changes as well as their impact on human society. The new developments in the world of science, technology and electronics are creating shocking upheavals in cultural and aesthetic spheres, forcing rethinking and transformation in established values and ethics, Education in the current millennium would not break any gap between the content and the living experience of its pupils, between the systems of values it preaches and goals set up by society, between its ancient curriculum and the modernity of science and technology. The knowledge is making prodigious leaps forward and the gap between scientific discoveries and their actual application is expected to disappear.

Today, millions of young minds leaving the portals of higher education institutions turn out to be a burden on society as their potential remains untapped, their vision proves to be myopic, capabilities remain unutilized, and attitudes are found to be self centered. In such a scenario, reengineering of education system is imperative. It requires strong political will and commitment on the part of teachers. Politicians may not see their motives being served. Hence, it is the teacher only who can play the catalytic role. He must emerge as a dynamic artist who should play not on others' tunes but must create his own. Which would ensure welfare of all concerned. He must understand the psychology of students, learn about the advancements in teaching pedagogy, and develop the students as enlightened and self-reliant citizens. He should update his knowledge and skills and equip himself for adapting to changing needs of the society. He must learn to assess the societal needs and acquire new knowledge without any resistance.

Past experience shows that teachers are slow to change, They remain orthodox unless their orthodoxy becomes a challenge to their very economic survival. The time has come when teachers who do not agree to change themselves may find it difficult to remain in the education system. The UGC is conscious of these challenges, therefore, in addition to may other schemes, it has launched Academic Staff Orientation Scheme under which 52 Academic Staff College (ASCs) have been set up. They are attempting to remove academic obsolescence and make the teacher vibrant and professionally more competent. Our ASC have trained more than 8000 teacher by the end of December 2005. Besides, formal endeavors aimed at improving the teaching competence, humble effort like publishing a journal will help the teachers to improve their awareness about the society, its needs and challenges. They have got a platform for sharing their experiences. I am confident that this effort of our ASC will go a long way in shaping the present education system.

- Prof. Yoginder Verma