Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, speaking at an international conference in Mysuru on Thursday, declared technology as a powerful equalizer in today's world and called for presenting an Indian model of education for global human empowerment. The event, titled 'Beyond the Western Paradigm: Shaping the Future of Higher Education through Bharat's Worldview,' was part of the 'Ekatma Manav Darshan: Bharat's Worldview' conference held at the KSOU Convocation Hall.
Indian Thought as a Global Solution
Pradhan expressed firm belief that numerous development models worldwide are failing, making India's lifestyle-based, value-driven, and culture-centric thinking increasingly relevant. "Indian thought has become a powerful intellectual influence globally," he stated, noting practices like yoga are now recognized as solutions across continents.
Technology and Interdisciplinary Learning
The minister highlighted that technology, including artificial intelligence and related subjects, has evolved into a horizontal topic essential for all students. "If students from humanities, commerce, or STEM fields neglect these interdisciplinary areas, they risk becoming unfit in today's competitive landscape," Pradhan warned.
New Education Policy's Multidisciplinary Approach
To address this, he explained that the New Education Policy (NEP) was designed with India's needs in mind, featuring a multidisciplinary framework. "We have established a new credit architecture and prioritized quality education to ensure comprehensive learning," Pradhan added, emphasizing the policy's role in preparing youth for future challenges.
Rooted in Indian Values
Stressing the importance of early education in mother tongues, Pradhan advocated for an education system that cultivates global citizens while remaining anchored in Indian values, languages, culture, and traditions. "With the world's largest youth population, India's role in knowledge creation is crucial," he remarked.
Call to Replace Macaulay's System
Echoing this sentiment, Prajna Pravah Chaitra, director of the Indian Knowledge Systems and Heritage Association (IKSHA) and National Research Coordinator, urged replacing Macaulay's education system with India's own framework before it completes 200 years. The conference also saw attendance from KSOU Vice-Chancellor Sharanappa V Halase and former IAS officer M Madan Gopal.
Strengthening Indian Languages
Pradhan engaged in discussions with the Central Institute of Indian Languages (CIIL) team on expanding its mandate to bolster Indian languages through research, innovation, and collaboration. Talks focused on linguistic diversity beyond Scheduled Languages, decolonizing frameworks, incorporating indigenous perspectives, building institutional capacity, achieving measurable outcomes, and adopting a coordinated, long-term strategy to revitalize India's language ecosystem.
Exhibition and Student Interaction
Later, the minister visited an exhibition at CIIL, where students from Purna Chetana School presented him with a book titled 'Paat Shaala – Jeevan Yatra.' The book, featuring 189 articles all authored by students, showcases the school's innovative learning culture. Students Toshan (class 5), Mahesh (class 8), Suhas, and Suditi (class 10) handed over the publication in the presence of school CEO B Darshan Raj.
Earlier in the day, Pradhan visited the Suttur mutt and met with its seer, Shivaratri Deshikendra Swami, further highlighting the integration of cultural and educational outreach in his Mysuru engagements.
