Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan met Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav during his visit to Bhopal on Saturday and discussed issues related to education, youth development and governance. CM Yadav welcomed Pradhan at his official residence, presenting him with a bouquet and a traditional angavastram.
The two BJP leaders later held discussions on key matters related to governance and development. Earlier in the day, Pradhan participated in a cleanliness drive at Nageshwar Mahadev Temple in Suraj Nagar as part of programmes being organised to mark 12 years of the Narendra Modi-led government at the Centre.
Describing the initiative as a reflection of the spirit of public participation, Pradhan urged citizens to make cleanliness a part of their daily lives and contribute towards the vision of a clean, healthy and developed India. Later, accompanied by Madhya Pradesh Sports and Youth Welfare Minister Vishvas Sarang, the Union Minister visited the Shooting Academy in Bhopal and interacted with athletes.
Addressing the gathering, Pradhan highlighted the Centre's focus on skill development and sports under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership. He said the National Education Policy (NEP) has laid special emphasis on promoting sports and physical education and integrating them with mainstream academics.
He informed that a dedicated academic framework is being developed to ensure that sports and studies progress simultaneously. The government is also working on linking athletes' academic records and sporting achievements through their APAAR IDs.
Pradhan said efforts are underway to connect participation in sports activities with a credit-based academic system, enabling students to receive formal recognition for their sporting pursuits. He further noted that premier institutions such as the IITs have introduced sports quotas, a move aimed at encouraging talented athletes to pursue higher education without compromising their sporting careers.
Emphasising the country's long-term goals, the Union Minister said India must continue moving towards self-reliance over the next two decades. He described hosting the 2036 Olympics as a national aspiration and reiterated the commitment to realise Prime Minister Modi's vision of a "Viksit Bharat" by 2047. "When India completes 100 years of Independence, it should emerge as a developed nation and a global power," Pradhan said.