National Education Day 2024: Education Experts Emphasize Holistic and Innovative Learning to Build Future-Ready Citizens

Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized India's aspirations in his vision for education: "We want to develop an education system so that the youth of our country don’t need to go abroad...”

National Education Day, celebrated on November 11 in honor of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, India’s first Education Minister, serves as a tribute to his visionary leadership that laid the foundation for the nation’s education system. This day underscores the transformative power of education in shaping India’s future. With 65% of the population under the age of 35, India’s educational reforms have never been more critical. As the government allocates a historic ₹73,498 crore for school education and ₹47,620 crore for higher education in FY 2024-25, institutions are focused on equipping the younger generation with the skills needed to thrive in the 21st century.

Notable initiatives like PM SHRI Schools aim to revamp 14,500 institutions, while enrolment figures reflect significant progress, with female enrolment rising by 32% since 2014. Education experts stress the importance of holistic, inclusive learning, with a particular emphasis on research, social responsibility, and critical thinking to build future-ready citizens.

Reimagining Education for a Brighter Future

Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized India's aspirations in his vision for education: "We want to develop an education system so that the youth of our country don’t need to go abroad... We also want to create such institutions that attract people from abroad to come to Bharat instead." His vision encapsulates the ongoing efforts to strengthen education infrastructure and make India a global hub for learning.

The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 represents a comprehensive attempt to reform India’s education system. Since its launch, the NEP has aimed to create an inclusive and holistic learning environment aligned with global standards. Several initiatives have been introduced to foster student development and prepare them for the 21st century, including the PM SHRI Schools, Samagra Shiksha, NIPUN Bharat, and DIKSHA platforms.

Empowering Future Leaders

Educational leaders across India echo the importance of a holistic approach to learning. Dr. P. Venkat Rangan, Vice Chancellor of Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, shared his institution's commitment: "Education is the cornerstone of societal progress, empowering individuals to lead with knowledge, compassion, and purpose. At Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, we emphasize research and innovation to address real-world challenges, creating future leaders who combine technical expertise with a deep sense of empathy."

Ajitesh Basani, Executive Director-Administration at Acharya Bangalore Business School, elaborated on the transformative essence of education: “Education is not just gathering facts, but the awakening of curiosity that turns every moment into an opportunity to learn and grow. It builds bridges between ignorance and understanding, empowering individuals to shape their world for the better.” Basani underscored education's role in fostering adaptability, critical thinking, and lifelong learning.

Somak Raychaudhury, Vice Chancellor of Ashoka University, celebrated India’s evolving education landscape: “On National Education Day, we honor the legacy of our leaders who have laid the foundation of a transformative education system. As we advance into a tech-driven world, Indian education is evolving to nurture holistic, well-rounded learners. At Ashoka University, we focus on interdisciplinary education, critical thinking, and inclusivity to contribute to the realization of Viksit Bharat.”

Government Initiatives for Educational Transformation

As per a statement issued by the Ministry of Education, the government has allocated substantial resources to strengthen both primary and higher education. The Department of School Education & Literacy has received a record ₹73,498 crore for FY 2024-25, a 19.56% increase over the previous year. Investments in Kendriya Vidyalayas (₹9,302 crore) and Navodaya Vidyalayas (₹5,800 crore) are at an all-time high, highlighting the government's focus on quality education.

Additionally, the Department of Higher Education has been allocated ₹47,619.77 crore, with a focus on schemes aimed at increasing inclusivity and skill development. This year’s budget emphasizes support for foundational literacy and higher education infrastructure, crucial for preparing students for future challenges.

Celebrating Progress in Higher Education

The Education Ministry has also stated data from the All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) 2021-22 revealed significant advancements. Female enrolment has risen by 32% from 2014-15 to 2021-22, and the Gender Parity Index has reached 1.01. These milestones underscore a commitment to inclusivity and equal opportunity. Notably, enrolment in STEM disciplines is on the rise, with women excelling in fields such as Medical Science and Social Science.

Conclusion

Education remains a powerful tool for breaking barriers and driving societal change. As India honors Maulana Abul Kalam Azad’s legacy, the nation continues to innovate and invest in education, creating pathways for students to contribute meaningfully to a Viksit Bharat. The emphasis on holistic education, inclusivity, and global perspectives will ensure that India’s youth are equipped to lead and shape a brighter tomorrow.