Bharat now stands at the forefront of the global economy, despite being the most populous country in the world. At the heart of this achievement lies the nation’s greatest asset—its youth. This dynamic energy equips Bharat with immense potential across all sectors and positions to take leadership roles on the global stage. In the years ahead, it is this very youth that will carry forward Bharat’s future with a vision rooted in the Bharatiya Gyan Parampara and guided by the timeless ideal of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.
Yet, economic growth and technical skills alone cannot define Bharat’s progress. For it to be sustainable and meaningful, education must embrace holistic development—nurturing the mind, character, emotional resilience, and social responsibility. Grounded in the philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, this approach encourages learners to view themselves as responsible members of a global family.
Reviving Bharatiya Gyan Parampara within modern education reconnects students with Bharat’s rich knowledge traditions while inspiring innovation informed by culture. As Swami Vivekananda aptly said, “We want that education by which character is formed, strength of mind is increased, the intellect is expanded, and by which one can stand on one’s own feet.” It highlights the critical role of values-driven, holistic education in shaping Bharat’s leaders.
Recently, the Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan Bill, 2025 was introduced in the Lok Sabha by the Union Minister for Education, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan. This comprehensive reform in the governance of higher education institutions was originally envisaged under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Earlier proposed as the Higher Education Commission of India (HECI), it has now been structured as the Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan. The Adhishthan and its three councils are entrusted with realising the NEP vision “to instill among the learners a deep-rooted pride in being Bharatiya, not only in thought, but also in spirit, intellect, and deeds, as well as to develop knowledge, skills, values, and dispositions that support responsible commitment to human rights, sustainable development and living, and global well-being, thereby reflecting a truly global citizen.” Anchored in this vision, the Bill seeks to reconnect young people with Bharat’s knowledge, traditions and cultural roots while preparing them to become capable, innovative, and responsible global citizens.
Fillip to Holistic Education
To strengthen concept of global citizenship in higher education, the University Grants Commission (UGC) had released the “Educational Framework for Global Citizenship in Higher Education” in 2021. Its objective was to equip students with cultural understanding, social responsibility, and sensitivity to global challenges. The Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan will now oversee the effective implementation of this framework, facilitating international collaborations that help students retain a strong understanding of Bharatiya values while gaining insights into global perspectives. Such partnerships encourage knowledge exchange, foster innovation and empower students to emerge as responsible global citizens.
Bharat’s cultural heritage has always emphasised openness to noble ideas, as reflected in the Rig Veda—“Aa no bhadrahkratavo yantu vishvatah” meaning “Let noble thoughts come to us from all directions.” Reflecting this ethos, the Government is encouraging Bharatiya institutions to establish campuses abroad while inviting foreign universities to set up operations in Bharat. The Bill places special emphasis on such international collaboration, ensuring that education becomes a bridge for cultural and knowledge exchange.
The Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan Bill, 2025 proposes the repeal of three existing Acts—the University Grants Commission Act, 1956; the All India Council for Technical Education Act, 1987; and the National Council for Teacher Education Act, 1993—consolidating them under a single apex body. Under the Adhishthan, three key councils are proposed: the Regulatory Council, the Accreditation Council, and the Standards Council. The Regulatory Council will be responsible for policy formulation and regulation of higher education institutions, including granting permission to select foreign universities to operate in Bharat and enabling high-performing Bharatiya universities to establish campuses abroad. It will also frame policies to prevent commercialisation of higher education.
The Accreditation Council will assess institutional quality and grant accreditation, while the Standards Council will develop non-binding frameworks for innovation in curricula, pedagogy, assessment, and student support. In addition, the Standards Council will establish standards for student mobility, credit transfer, and equivalence across national and international institutions, thereby facilitating smoother academic pathways.
By embracing Bharatiya Gyan Parampara and principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, this Bill ensures that Bharat’s youth will excel academically and professionally
Beyond improving educational standards, the Adhishthan aims to instil pride in Bharatiya values and ethics among the youth. By creating pathways to create global benchmarks, it seeks to prepare young Indians for leadership, innovation, and become responsible participants on the world stage. As Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya emphasised, “Bharatiya culture and traditions should be preserved and nurtured through education,” and according to another of his statements, “Education should aim to develop students into responsible and conscientious members of society.” It is this vision—rooted in our heritage, yet open to the world—that will guide our youth towards becoming thoughtful, capable, and globally respected leaders of tomorrow.
With Government initiatives such as Make in India, Skill India, Digital India, Startup India, and Ease of Doing Business already laying the foundation, the Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan Bill, 2025 can catalyse transformative reforms in higher education—fostering holistic learning, innovation, global collaboration, and the confident presentation of Bharat’s rich cultural and knowledge heritage on the international stage. By embracing the Bharatiya Gyan Parampara and the principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, this Bill ensures that Bharat’s youth will not only excel academically and professionally but also carry forward a legacy of ethical, culturally grounded, and globally responsible leadership—truly shaping the nation for Viksit Bharat @2047.
