Union Human Resource Development Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ attended the 59th Foundation Day of NCERT in New Delhi today. He also laid the foundation stone of the auditorium of the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT).Speaking on the occasionthe Minister said that NCERT is one of the unique educational and research institutes in the world. It develops curriculum, syllabus and teaching-learning materials for school students and teachers in the country. He said that Indian Education System includes 26 crore students, 90 lakh teachers and 15 lakh schools which makes it very huge and NCERT has been addressing the needs of this huge system with its innovative curricular material and teacher education courses.The Minister hope after two years we will celebrate 61st foundation day of NCERT in the new auditorium. Minister further added that we have to develop interest in students for research based education. Also we need to focus on job based research oriented technical and professional education.Appreciating the Council’s efforts, he highlighted the training programmes being conducted by NCERT for the 42 lakh teachers under the NISHTHA endeavour. While releasing the books on this occasion, he appreciated the efforts of NCERT for developing ‘Veergatha’, ‘Mazedar hai Ganit’ and tactile book of ‘Teaching-Learning of Economics’. He further stated that the valour of our soldiers must reach every child to instil the spirit of patriotism. Also, he praised Mazedar hai Ganit’ for making mathematics interesting and fun for children. Tactile book ‘Teaching-Learning of Economics’ will be very useful for the divyang students. He encouraged NCERT for taking forward the digitisation of education through its programmes of ‘Swayam’and‘SwayamPrabha’.He also released the results of the National Talent Search Examination Scheme scholarship for the year 2018-19. On this occasion, NCERT had showcased its activities on different themes of research, development, training and extension. The Minister visited these stalls.Director, NCERT Prof. Hrushikesh Senapaty and senior officials of HRD Minister were presented in the event.