Minister of State for Education stresses on NEP that envisions Education system rooted in Indian Ethos

Hon’ble MoS for Education Dr. Rk. Ranjan Singh addressed the 6th Edition of EduMeet & Education Excellence Awards, organized by Associated Chambers of Commerce (ASSOCHAM) in Kolkata on 18th January 2023 as the Chief Guest for the programme.

While addressing this, he laid emphasis on the purpose of education as to develop good human beings who possess compassion & empathy, are capable of rational thought & action, and have courage, resilience, creative imagination along with sound ethical values.

He said that National Education Policy 2020 envisions an education system rooted in Indian ethos that contributes directly to transforming India into an equitable and vibrant knowledge society by providing high-quality education to all.

He added that universities, institutions, and schools have a pivotal role in providing new knowledge & skills to meet the challenges of sustainable development, contribute to social change and develop cultural values.

The event also witnessed the presence of Dr. Anil Sahasrabudhe, Chairman, the National Educational Technology Forum and also the Chairman of the National Board of Accreditation as the Guest of Honour.

During his address, Dr. Sahasrabudhe stressed on early childhood education and said that early childhood education should be in the mother tongue. He also said that it is necessary for every child to understand 3 languages in early childhood education. “It is essential for every child to enjoy learning and story-based learning here plays an important role,” said Dr. Sahasrabudhe.

During the award ceremony, Heritage Institute of Technology, Kolkata bagged the “Best Engineering College of the Year” Award which was handed over to the Principal of the Institute, Dr. Basab Chaudhuri by Hon’ble Mos for Education Dr. Rk. Ranjan Singh while The Heritage School, Kolkata bagged the “Best School for Innovation and Value-Based Education” Award which was handed over to Ms. Seema Sapru, Principal of the School by Dr. Anil Sahsrabudhe.

The event was also addressed by the officials of ASSOCHAM, Kolkata Chapter including Mr. P.K.Agarwal, Vice Chairman, ASSOCHAM Higher Education Council- East who spoke about the internationalization of Higher education and the positive outcome of the same.

“Foreign Universities who are entering into the Indian Education sector should collaborate with the top Institutes and universities in the NIRF ranking so that India in future becomes a hub for education in the world,” said Mr. Agarwal during his address.

The programme was also addressed by several higher education leaders namely Mr. Taranjit Singh, Co-chairman, Assocham Eastern Regional Council and MD, JIS Group, Mr. Simanpreet Singh, Member, Assocham National Council and Director, JIS Group, Prof. Dr. Satyajit Chakrabarti, Director, Institute of Engineering and Management, Kolkata, Dr. Subarno Bose, Chairman, Indismart Group Worldwide, Ms. Niti Mahendra, Director, Edify School, Bengaluru, Mr. Aloke Tibrewal, Vice Chairman, Assocham School Education Council- East and Pro VC, DPS Ruby Park, Mr. Ravi Agarwal, Chairman, Assocham Eastern Regional Council, Ms. Perminder Kaur, Senior Director, Assocham East and North East Council and many more.

There were various panel discussions on early childhood education, the Internationalization of education and many such demanding topics where experts felt that it is a good step that foreign universities are entering the Indian education sector. Moreover, vocational training and skill development should be emphasized to a greater extent which the NEP also does.

In early childhood education, skill development, teacher training and experiential learning were given equal importance following the current NEP.