Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar appeals to States that have not implemented NEP to reconsider decision
Addressing the students and faculty of Pondicherry University before winding up his two-day visit to Puducherry, the Vice-President said the framing of the policy will be considered a watershed moment in the country's academic journey.
'It is one of the best education policies in the world. It lays emphasis on mother tongue. The policy calls upon universities to foster multi-disciplinarity, critical thinking, skill development and innovation. NEP allows our youth to fully exploit their talent and energy,' he felt.
According to him, the new framework for education would play an important role in making the country a developed nation in 2047 as envisaged by the Prime Minister. As we march towards becoming a developed nation, the country should be able to create institutes of excellence rivalling the best globally. Industries and corporate entities should consider investing in the country's educational eco-system.
'The endeavour should not be driven by commodification and commercialisation of education but should align with India's traditional gurukula system, emphasising character development alongside knowledge acquisition. This ethos of 'education as service' stands at odds with the current commercial model,' he said.
Opining he was optimistic about the country's growth prospects, Mr. Dhankhar said India was no longer a nation with potential but a country on the rise. 'This is unstoppable and there will be many challenges. As a result of phenomenal development of last decade, those challenges to us will becomes complex if our politicians do not measure the requirement of always listening to national interest and national development,' he said.
'Sanatan pride' being rebuilt
The Vice-President said the country has a glorious past. The country's educational geography and history have been dotted with great centres of learning. Scholars from all over the world came to share their ideas and learn about our wisdom. Due to invasion, the country suffered a blow to its knowledge heritage, he said.
'Sanatan pride is rebuilding. What was lost is being rebuilt with stronger determination,' he added.
Referring to the rich diversity of our country and languages, Mr. Dhankhar said the country cannot be divided on languages as no other nation in the world was so rich when it comes to languages as India. In Parliament, discourse is allowed in 22 languages and these languages indicate the country's inclusivity, he added.
'Sanatan teaches us nothing but to be in togetherness for the same sublime purpose,' he believed.
Lt. Governor K. Kailashnathan and Chief Minister N. Rangasamy also participated. The Vice-President left Puducherry around 1.30 p.m. He was seen off at the airport by Mr. Kailashnathan, Mr. Rangasamy, Ministers and senior officials.
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