Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel highlighted the crucial role of Anganwadi centres in shaping India’s education system. She asserted that unless these foundational institutions are strengthened, the overall education system cannot progress effectively. She was addressing students and teachers at Saraswati Shishu Vidya Mandir, Arjunganj, where she inaugurated a new computer lab and launched the school’s official website. During her address, the Governor underlined the importance of early childhood care and education, noting that Anganwadi centres should become “centres of attraction” for young children, places that inspire curiosity, creativity, and learning from the very beginning.
Her message was clear: India’s progress depends on how well it nurtures its youngest learners. Strong, vibrant, and value-based Anganwadi centres can serve as the bedrock of a robust education system i.e., one that blends tradition with technology and compassion with competence. Referring to her extensive work in Gujarat’s Anganwadi sector, the governor shared how the state successfully linked Anganwadi centres with universities, integrating them into the broader education framework. She explained that Gujarat introduced a ‘KG to PG’ concept, allowing for a seamless learning journey from kindergarten to postgraduate levels. This model could serve as an inspiration for other states like Uttar Pradesh to improve early education outcomes.
Governor Patel lauded Vidya Bharati for its consistent efforts in promoting value-based education. She emphasised that while adopting modern education systems, including digital learning and artificial intelligence, is necessary in today’s world, it is equally important not to lose touch with India’s deep-rooted cultural and moral foundations.
Patel said that while modern education and the study of artificial intelligence are important, it is equally vital to preserve and uphold India’s rich cultural heritage and traditions. She urged teachers and parents to educate children about Indian culture, traditions, and epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata, as well as the scientific contributions of ancient sages and saints. According to her, such teachings foster a sense of identity, moral strength, and national pride among young learners.
Focus on Girls’ Health and Vaccination
In addition to educational reforms, Governor Patel also raised an important public health issue, such as cervical cancer prevention among girls. She appealed to parents and educators to ensure that girls aged 9 to 14 years receive the cervical cancer vaccine, and emphasised that awareness and preventive care are key to women’s health and empowerment.
She informed the audience that, with public cooperation, around 40,000 girls in Uttar Pradesh have already been vaccinated against cervical cancer. Furthermore, she also revealed that a major vaccination campaign targeting 1.5 lakh girls is currently underway with the support of the Serum Institute of Pune and Jan Bhavan. Patel stressed that community participation and awareness were essential for the success of such health initiatives.
The inauguration of the computer lab at Saraswati Shishu Vidya Mandir symbolised the state’s growing focus on digital learning and technological literacy. Patel encouraged schools to adopt innovative teaching tools and digital platforms to equip students with modern skills. However, she reiterated that while technology must be integrated into education, it should be complemented with value-based instruction, ensuring that students develop both intellectual and ethical strength.
Governor Anandiben Patel believes that building strong Anganwadi centres will create a sturdy foundation for lifelong learning. By nurturing children in their formative years with a balanced blend of modern education, moral values, and cultural understanding, she envisions a generation that is not only academically capable but also emotionally and socially responsible.
