Prime Minister Narendra Modi stressed the significance of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which focuses on nurturing curiosity, holistic development, foundational literacy, and joyful learning in India. He encouraged people to read an article written by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, emphasizing the shared responsibility in education. The NEP 2020 aims to transform India’s education system to be more inclusive, equitable, and aligned with 21st-century skills.
In an opinion piece published in The Indian Express, Union Minister Pradhan highlighted the NEP’s emphasis on curiosity, understanding, and holistic development in learning, moving away from rote memorization. He described each academic year as a meaningful step towards realizing this vision, emphasizing the importance of early years in laying a strong foundation for children. Pradhan underscored the significance of integrating pre-school learning into formal schooling to enhance foundational skills.
Union Minister Pradhan emphasized a national commitment to foundational literacy and numeracy, stating that education should focus on nurturing the “whole child” – mind, body, and heart. He highlighted the importance of arts, sports, nutrition, and physical activity in education. Pradhan also stressed the collective responsibility of governments, schools, teachers, parents, and communities in framing education as a shared duty.
Through initiatives like the NIPUN Bharat Mission, India aims to ensure that every child can read with understanding and perform basic arithmetic by the end of Grade II. Pradhan advocated for a shift from memorization to understanding concepts in classrooms, encouraging children to ask questions. He also addressed the significance of measures like mandatory physical education, nutrition programs, and integrating socio-emotional learning into curricula.
