In a significant statement regarding the role of the education sector in realizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of a developed India by 2047, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan addressed a two-day Chintan Shivir (brainstorming camp) of Vice-Chancellors held in Kevadia, Gujarat on Thursday. He stated unequivocally that if India is to be established as a b and developed nation by 2047, its foundation will rest on a robust and value-based education system. He emphasized the education sector as the most important pillar, asserting that we now need to move away from the definitions of the Western model and forge a new Indian development model based on our cultural heritage and values.
Time to Forge a Definition of a Developed Nation Based on Indianness
In his address, the Education Minister said that India is a culturally rich country with a clear tradition of duties for every section of society. He highlighted that such depth and inclusivity are not found in any other civilization in the world. Therefore, we should no longer adopt the same definition of a developed nation that prevails in the Western world, but rather, through dialogue and consultation, formulate a new model according to our cultural identity. He added that this new vision will only be realized when the education sector takes the lead.
Message to Educational Institutions on Guru Purnima
Addressing the Vice-Chancellors from across the country at the Chintan Shivir held on Guru Purnima, Dharmendra Pradhan said that the camp is not only a platform for brainstorming the future of higher education but also a shared opportunity where institutions can be redefined. He described it as a significant step towards empowering future generations and developing an inclusive education model based on Indian values. He appealed to the Vice-Chancellors to strive not only to be academic institutions but also to shape a new civilization and ethos.
NEP is a Strong Foundation for Change
The Union Minister stated that in the past decade, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, there have been extensive reforms in the country's higher education system. He attributed this to the continuous efforts of Vice-Chancellors and teachers, adding that there is a continuous need for in-depth reforms in the education sector to make this transformation permanent and effective. He called the National Education Policy (NEP) a historic and generational opportunity to restructure higher education.
Dharmendra Pradhan clarified that the NEP is not just a document, but a roadmap to make Indian higher education globally competitive and connected to Indianness. He also said that it is now the need of the hour to create a concrete and practical action plan to implement this policy on the ground.
Special Request to Vice-Chancellors
The Education Minister made a special appeal to the Vice-Chancellors, stating that India is rapidly moving towards the goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047. At this historic juncture, the role of universities and higher education institutions becomes extremely important. He said that each institution should prepare a specific implementation model based on NEP at its own level, which is student-centric and incorporates Indian culture and values.
Dharmendra Pradhan said that the time has come to not only shape careers but also civilization and heritage. He urged to create an India through education that is rooted in its values and recognized in the world for its unique model.
