India will take leadership role in education further: Dr Pokhriyal

Union Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal 'Nishank' has said that India has been adept at giving leadership in the field of education for centuries, due to which it is being appreciated abroad.

Dr Pokhriyal, who was presiding over the 'Empowering through Zero- Shunya Se Sashaktikaran' organised by Sri Aurobindo Society here on Tuesday, said India was ready to face new challenges through the new National Education Policy 2020. Through 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam', India has taught education lessons to the whole world.

Referring to the contribution of Maharishi Aurobindo, he said through his efficient leadership, he gave birth to a new revolution in the country. Reiterating the glorious past of India's educational heritage, the Union Minister said, "We have delivered a worldwide message with the slogan 'Vasudev Kutumbakam' through world renowned universities like Nalanda and Taxila."

The minister in the presence of education officers and teachers connected through digital platforms across the country, honoured more than 40 education officers for their leadership role and 26 teachers for their innovative practices during Covid-19 pandemic. He also launched 'Innovation and Leadership Casebook - Covid Edition', the e-books comprise of the innovative efforts and work of the education officers and teachers.

Ashima Bhat, head of Trade and Finance, HDFC Bank group, praised the Education Minister and said the NEP-2020 will prove to be a milestone. "Today, it is imperative for the enhanced abilities of the students that teachers get a creative atmosphere with collaborative spirit and collective successes to work with," she said.

Rod Smith, Managing Director, Global Education at Cambridge University Press, speaking on the history of education in India said, "Education and research are important tools of the world. India’s education system has long and illustrious history. The first University in the world was established in 700 BC whereas, the first and oldest women’s college in Asia was established in Kolkata. The studies of trigonometry, calculus and algebra all originated in India."

Dr Pokhriyal assured the organisers, particularly Mr Smith of the University of Cambridge, that India would pursue its role as a leader in the field of education. He also thanked the Sri Aurobindo Society for carrying forward the promise of qualified education of the students.

Apart from Higher Education Secretary Amit Khare, the meeting was attended by officials of Sri Aurobindo Society and Ms. Bhat, Head of HDFC Bank Group, Business and Finance, Nusrat Pathan, Head of Corporate Social Responsibilities including 'Zero-Investment Innovation for Education Initiatives'. Thousands of education officers and teachers from all over the country and abroad got an opportunity to join this virtual conference.