From Idea To Impact: Redefining The Future Of Education

As devoted followers of the Bhagavad Gita, we draw deep inspiration from its timeless wisdom. One of its most powerful teachings, "The mind is everything; what you think, you become," unveils a profound truth: our thoughts shape our reality. By nurturing positive and purposeful thinking, we influence our actions, character and ultimately our destiny. Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is witnessing remarkable progress, paving the way for a future filled with empowerment and opportunity for its youth.

The National Education Policy 2020, championed by PM Modi, represents a revolutionary step in nurturing talent and fulfilling aspirations. Anchored in five foundational pillars; access, equity, quality, affordability and accountability, this policy is not merely a reform but a monumental leap toward transforming India's educational landscape and unlocking the nation's full potential.

In the Mahabharata, the revered Dronacharya proclaims, "Knowledge is the greatest wealth." This timeless wisdom reminds us that true prosperity lies not in material riches but in intellectual and spiritual enlightenment. It underscores the need to prioritise education as the foundation of personal growth and societal progress. As India celebrates its 78 year, the Modi government’s transformative, education-focused initiatives are steering the nation towards remarkable achievements, bringing us ever closer to the vision of a Viksit Bharat.

A landmark investment in youth empowerment and educational excellence

The Union Budget 2024–25 for Viksit Bharat stands as a powerful testament to the government’s unwavering commitment to youth empowerment and aligning policy with the aspirations of future generations. The ambitious Rs 2 lakh crore package, encompassing five transformative schemes, signifies a bold step towards creating a future-ready workforce for the 4.1 crore young citizens of India.

This budget's unprecedented focus on education is reflected in historic allocations. The Department of School Education and Literacy has been awarded Rs 73,498 crore, marking the highest-ever investment in school education in India’s history. In higher education, funding has been significantly bolstered, with an increase of Rs 3,525.15 crore (7.99 per cent), signalling a strong commitment to academic excellence.

Key institutions will see major funding boosts:

Central Universities have been allocated Rs 15,928 crore, an increase of Rs 4,314.03 crore from the previous year.

Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) will receive Rs 10,202.5 crore, a rise of Rs 841 crore.

National Institutes of Technology (NITs) have been granted Rs 5,040 crore, reflecting an increase of Rs 219.40 crore.

Deemed universities will benefit from an allocation of Rs 596 crore, marking a Rs 96 crore increase.

In addition, the Multidisciplinary Education and Research Improvement in Technical Education-EAP (MERITE) programme receives a 100 per cent increase, with Rs 200 crore earmarked to advance technical education. Centres of Excellence (CoEs) in Artificial Intelligence (AI) will receive Rs 255 crore to establish three new centres, driving innovation in this critical field.

The budget also prioritises internships, creating opportunities for 1 crore youth to gain industry-ready skills through placements with leading companies. Financial support has been significantly enhanced, with scholarships of up to Rs 7.5 lakh annually for 25,000 students and up to Rs 10 lakh for higher education in domestic institutions for 1 lakh students each year, complemented by a 3 per cent annual interest subvention.

This budget is more than a financial plan, it is a visionary blueprint for harnessing the potential of India’s youth to fuel national growth. By strategically investing in education, skills development and innovation, the government is not only equipping young citizens for the future but also laying the foundation for a resilient, prosperous and globally competitive India. This reflects a transformative vision poised to position the nation as a leader on the world stage.

Breaking barriers: NEP 2020 paves the way for every student to achieve their dreams

As Lord Krishna wisely said, “The true teacher is one who helps you realise the divinity within yourself,” reflecting the true purpose of education: to unlock the boundless potential within every individual. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 embodies this transformative vision, marking the dawn of a new era in India's educational journey.

NEP 2020’s progressive and future-oriented framework aims to modernise and decolonise our education system, breaking down barriers so that every student, regardless of their socio-economic background, can realise their dreams and aspirations.

At its core, NEP 2020 emphasises technology-driven education and the preservation of India’s rich linguistic heritage. Initiatives like the Bhasha Sangam program and the Machine Translation Cell are crucial in promoting and sustaining India’s linguistic diversity. The DIKSHA platform, empowered by the Samagra Shiksha scheme, delivers high-quality, localised e-content, fostering a more engaging, inclusive and accessible learning experience.

Moreover, the Samagra Shiksha scheme addresses the diverse needs of students, including children with special needs, from preschool through class XII. This approach ensures both equity and excellence, advancing a more inclusive and dynamic education system.

NEP 2020 is not just a policy reform; it is a visionary roadmap for nurturing self-realisation, fostering national pride and equipping India's youth to thrive in an ever-evolving world. These transformative initiatives are laying the foundation for a brighter, more equitable future where every student can reach their full potential.

India's higher education and R&D surge: From record enrolments to global innovation leadership

India's higher education sector has undergone a remarkable transformation, with enrolments skyrocketing from 3.42 crore in FY15 to nearly 4.33 crore in FY22. This growth is driven by increased participation from underserved communities and an impressive 31.6 per cent rise in female enrolment, climbing from 1.57 crore to 2.07 crore in the same period.

India's progress in research and development has been equally impressive. In FY24, nearly 1,00,000 patents were granted, showcasing the country's thriving innovation ecosystem. Recognised by the World Intellectual Property Organisation for achieving the highest global growth rate in patent filings up by 31.6 per cent in 2022. India is making its mark on the world stage.

Our leap in the Global Innovation Index, from 81 in 2015 to 40th in 2023, further underscores India's growing influence. Ph.D. enrolments have surged by 81.2 per cent between FY15 and FY22, while Gross Expenditure on Research and Development (GERD) more than doubled, reaching Rs 127,381 crore in FY21.

These milestones highlight India's unwavering commitment to academic excellence and innovation, firmly positioning the nation as a global leader in the knowledge economy.

The path to a transformative Viksit Bharat

As we advance on the journey toward a Viksit Bharat, we find deep inspiration in the Ramayana, which teaches us that every action brings its consequences and that tapping into our inner strength and resilience is key to unlocking our full potential. Maharishi Valmiki’s timeless wisdom, "Every action has its fruits, good or bad," reminds us that progress is shaped by our deeds, and our youth stand at the heart of this transformation.

The evolution of India’s education system into a world-class framework underscores the government’s unwavering commitment to inclusivity and excellence. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 is a testament to fairness, equity, and accessibility, laying the foundation for a developed and empowered India. This policy is not merely about reforming education; it represents a bold vision to meet the diverse needs of all students and create a transformative system that fosters holistic growth.

With the spirit of Jai Shiksha, Jai Hind, and Jai Bharat, let us embrace the power of education as the key to building a future that reflects our highest aspirations and values.

Dr Anil Agrawal

Guest Author The author is a Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha

Dr. Anjul Aggarwal

Guest Author Dr. Anjul Aggarwal, Pro Chancellor, HRIT University