NEP will lead to transformation of the nation, says President Murmu

New Delhi: President Droupadi Murmu, recalling her days as a student and teacher, said education is the greatest tool of social empowerment. In her address to the nation on the eve of 77th Independence Day, the President touched upon education and research policies such as National Education Policy (NEP), 2020, and Anusandhan National Research Foundation.

The President said, “I am happy to note that along with economic growth, human-development-concerns have also been accorded high priority.”

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Speaking on the NEP 2020, she said she had interacted with students and educationists at various levels. As per them the learning process has become more flexible, she added.

“The visionary policy, which aims to merge ancient values with modern skills, will bring in unprecedented changes in the education sector over the years, leading to a great transformation of the nation. India’s economic progress is powered by the dreams of its people, particularly the young generation for whom limitless opportunities have opened up. From start-ups to sports, our youth have explored new horizons of excellence,” she said.

National Research Foundation (NRF)

The President also touched upon the fields of research and scientific exploration. She said the Anusandhan National Research Foundation which will have a budget of Rs 50,000 crore for next five years will foster the spirit of entrepreneurship, innovation and research in the country. “The foundation will seed, grow and promote research and development in our colleges, universities and research institutions,” the President said.

Talking about the aspirations of “new India” she hailed the accomplishments of Chandrayaan 3 mission. “The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) keeps scaling new heights and setting higher benchmarks of excellence. This year, ISRO launched Chandrayaan-3, and its lander named ‘Vikram’ and its rover named ‘Pragyan’ are slated to land on the moon in the next few days. It will be a proud moment for all of us,” she said.

While starting her speech, the President recollected her memories from childhood and said, “Independence Day celebrations also remind me of my childhood days. We could not contain our excitement of participating in the Independence Day celebrations in our village school. When the tricolour was hoisted, we felt an electrifying energy pass through us. With our hearts full of patriotic pride, we saluted the national flag and sang the national anthem.”

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She added she was fortunate in having an opportunity to relive these experiences when she became a school teacher.

The President in her address highlighted the union government’s efforts to take the G-20 (Group of 20) to the grassroots during the country’s presidency. “There has been a first-of-its-kind campaign to encourage people’s participation. It is delightful to see, for example, students enthusiastically participating in diverse contests organised in schools and colleges touching upon the themes of G-20,” she said.