Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi emphasised that the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 will transform India into a global knowledge power, describing it as a perfect blend of Indian philosophical thought and modern scientific knowledge.
Addressing the national seminar on “National Education Policy 2020 and Indian Knowledge Tradition,” organised by Sikshya Sanskriti Uthan Nyas at the Central Sanskrit University in Puri, the Chief Minister stated that the policy represents India’s first education framework of the 21st century, designed to meet the nation’s developmental aspirations and future needs.
“The NEP 2020 is deeply rooted in our traditions and value systems. It aligns with Sustainable Development Goal-4 (SDG-4) and emphasises the need for reform and reconstruction across all aspects of education—from structure to governance and management—to meet the demands of a fast-changing world,” he said.
Majhi highlighted that the policy focuses on the holistic development of every learner’s creative potential. “Education is not merely the accumulation of knowledge; it must equally nurture literacy, numeracy, analytical thinking, and fundamental skills,” he asserted.
The Chief Minister remarked that NEP 2020 envisions an education system deeply rooted in Indian ethos, contributing directly to the nation’s transformation. “Its goal is to ensure equitable and high-quality education for all, creating an energetic, knowledge-based society where India emerges as a true global knowledge superpower,” he noted.
Majhi underscored the importance of familiarising youth with India’s rich knowledge traditions, cultural legacy, and glorious history. “India is a nation that preserved its ancient wisdom and cultural values despite centuries of foreign invasions. Safeguarding and reviving this legacy is our collective responsibility,” he remarked.
He elaborated that preserving ancient wisdom and culture is a sacred national duty, adding that India’s contributions to art, music, literature, law, philosophy, architecture, yoga, science, metallurgy, astronomy, geography, mathematics, medicine, chemistry, and agriculture are unparalleled.
Majhi stated that the ultimate purpose of education is to create responsible and enlightened citizens who embody rationality, compassion, empathy, courage, resilience, scientific temperament, creative imagination, and moral integrity.
“An ideal educational institution is one where students feel a sense of belonging—like their second home—a place that ensures safety, inspiration, and equality,” he said.
He added that NEP 2020 plays a crucial role in instilling constitutional values and patriotism among students. “Education is not solely for personal benefit, but for the welfare of society and the nation. That is the essence of the Indian knowledge tradition,” Majhi stated.
Drawing inspiration from India’s ancient sages, he said, “Our rishis made education universal and welfare-oriented. The same spirit must guide today’s education system.”
The Chief Minister referred to India’s timeless contributions to various disciplines—from art, literature, and philosophy to mathematics, medicine, and agriculture—and emphasized the need to present this intellectual heritage to the younger generation.
Citing Kautilya’s Arthashastra, Majhi said, “Public welfare is the true happiness of a ruler.” He elaborated that the foundation of India’s democratic philosophy lies in duty and civic responsibility, where the relationship between ruler and citizens is akin to that of a father and son.
“It is essential to incorporate Indian values, ideals, and cultural consciousness into our present education system,” he said. “If we treat education as a tool for nation-building, our future generations will become knowledgeable, dutiful, and patriotic citizens.”
Majhi reiterated that the NEP 2020 exemplifies the synthesis of Indian philosophical thought and modern scientific understanding. “Through this policy, we can strengthen our cultural roots while progressing with a global outlook,” he concluded.
Speaking as the chief guest, Dr Atul Kothari, Secretary of Shiksha Sanskriti Utthan Nyas, New Delhi, remarked that education is not merely a means of livelihood, but the foundation of life itself.
The event was attended by Dr Pankaj Mittal, Advisor, Association of Indian Universities, and Prof Prabhat Kumar Mahapatra, Director of Central Sanskrit University, Puri.
Scholars and academicians from across the country engaged in in-depth discussions on the objectives of NEP 2020, educational reforms, and the revival of India’s traditional knowledge systems.
The seminar aims to harmonize India’s ancient educational philosophy with the needs of contemporary learning, ensuring that Indian knowledge systems continue to guide the nation’s intellectual and moral progress in the 21st century.
