India's digitization is creating new opportunities: Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan

Union Education and Skill Development Minister Dharmendra Pradhan participated and addressed the Inaugural Session of the International Conclave on "Digital Transformation and Internationalization of the Higher Education,” organized by the Deakin University in association with TCS in Delhi on 27 September.

Addressing the inaugural session, the education minister said there is a new ‘digital lifestyle’ taking shape in India. From indigenous 5G by end of 2023 to world leadership in digital payments, upcoming digital universities, and networking all villages with high-speed internet, India's digitization is creating new opportunities.

Pradhan further stated that India and Australia share a long relationship based on shared values. “Our partnership in the education and skill sectors is going from strength to strength. India aspires to lead the Industrial Revolution 4.0 and the India-Australia partnership can play a major role in this journey."

Pradhan further added that knowledge is a critical pillar of any civilization. Indian civilization has always been knowledge-based and knowledge-driven. Taking this forward, India is implementing NEP 2020. Challenge today is educating and skilling the vast population in the 15-25 age group.

The minister also called for new knowledge networks with international institutions setting up campuses in India and Indian institutions going global, widening their foreign outreach. “India has always enriched society with wisdom. In the ever-evolving world, Indian knowledge networks will be for the benefit of humanity."

During the event minister Pradhan was joined by Prof. Ian Martin, VC, Deakin University, Shri Subramaniam Ramadorai, Prof. C Rajkumar, Founding VC, OP Jindal University, and Mr. Mathew Johnston.