Union Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal 'Nishank' addressed a virtual National Conference on ‘Empowering through Zero- Shunya Se Sashaktikaran' organised by Sri Aurobindo Society on 24th November, 2020. In the presence of education officers and teachers connected through digital platforms across the country, Shri Pokhriyal honoured more than 40 education officers for their leadership role and 26 teachers for their innovative practices during Covid-19 pandemic. The Minister also launched 'Innovation and Leadership Casebook - Covid Edition', the e-books comprise of the innovative efforts and work of the education officers and teachers.Recalling Shri Aurobindo Ghosh, Shri Pokhriyal, reiterated the glorious past of India’s educational heritage, where world famous universities such as Nalanda and Takshashila thrived and invited students from all over the world with the slogan, ‘Vasudev Kutumbakam’.Union Minister said that NEP 2020 is most comprehensive and futuristic policy document in educational history of this country. NEP lays the foundation of the New India as it focuses on development of competencies, skills and critical thinking of children, he added. He also urged people to work together with determination to implement the National Education Policy.Shri Pokhriyal congratulated the organisers for launching these initiatives which will complement the vision of the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi of an ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Ek Bharat, Shresth Bharat’.”
Shri Pokhriyal reassured the organisers and representatives from the University of Cambridge, Mr. Rod Smith, that India will take forward its role as a leader in the field of education.Mr. 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”.Cambridge University, the world’s leading University, lauded the National Education Policy of India and honoured Union Education Minister Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ for spearheading Education Reforms to build a coherent and resilient education system, he added. He appreciated Union Education Minister for his commitment to sustainable education through the National Education Policy 2020.He further said for the last seven decades, India has largely focused on expanding access to education. Now, with the recently launched NEP 2020 the focus has rightly shifted to the curriculum, pedagogy and assessment reforms. It promises to move the education system towards real understanding, away from the culture of rote learning.The Cambridge Partnership for Education, Cambridge University collaborates with the Government around the world to develop quality coherent education systems.