Driving India’s Next Golden Age through Education: A Vision for the Future

Greater Noida, 5th August 2023: As a teacher, I have always found inspiration in the wise words of Bharat Ratna and Former President of India, Pranab Mukherjee. His belief that “As Indians, we must, of course, learn from the past; but we must also remain focused on the future,” resonates deeply with me. Education, I believe, holds the power to bring about a genuine alchemy that can usher in India’s next golden age.

Pranab Mukherjee’s vision calls upon all educators in India to work tirelessly to make this dream a reality. The task ahead may be daunting, but it is essential that we plan for the future and implement measures that will lead us to a brighter tomorrow. Our National Education Policy plays a pivotal role in driving this transformation. It envisions a holistic and multidisciplinary approach to education, institutional restructuring, and a foundation for a New India.

India possesses a vast, vibrant, and youthful population, with over 90 crore individuals under the age of 35. This demographic dividend provides a unique opportunity for growth and development. To maximize the potential of this young population, our educational system must be aligned correctly. Embracing entrepreneurship and innovation is key to unlocking the creative energy that can drive the nation’s progress.

Galgotias University stands as an exemplar in promoting entrepreneurship and innovation. With NAAC A+ accreditation and recognition as one of the top five universities in India for filing patents, Galgotias has played a significant role in driving innovation and research.

The establishment of Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) and business incubation centers under the National Education Policy 2020 further fosters a culture of innovation and supports aspiring entrepreneurs. These centers provide the necessary resources, mentorships, and financial support to nurture dynamic entrepreneurs and impactful inventions.

Additionally, the policy paves the way for international expansion of educational institutions like IITs. With campuses opening in countries like Tanzania, the United Arab Emirates, and Malaysia, the internationalization of education not only deepens global ties but also provides valuable research and learning opportunities for students.

Teacher education is crucial to any education reform, and the NEP recognizes this. Multidisciplinary inputs and high-quality content and pedagogy are integral components of teacher education programs, which will be conducted within composite multidisciplinary institutions.

To harness the power of emerging technologies, the National Educational Technology Forum (NETF) was established to provide evidence-based guidance on the use of appropriate technology in educational institutions. This includes the development of multilingual instructional software for students and teachers at all levels, aiming to enhance teaching, learning, and evaluation methodologies.

While significant reforms in the education system require time and concerted efforts, the NEP 2020 sets India on a transformative path. In the years to come, we will witness the fruition of these efforts, and people will look back at this moment in history to declare that “India’s change began in 2020 with NEP.” As the wheels of the Sun God’s chariot in Konark drive it forward, the National Education Policy propels India towards a brighter and more promising future through education.