‘Strengthening our education system is a collective moral responsibility’

Education, to me, is the true foundation of a progressive and prosperous nation. The word ‘education’ comes from the Latin roots educare (to bring up or train) and educere (to draw out or lead forth). This etymology captures its essence — it is not merely about memorising facts, but about nurturing the inner potential of every individual and guiding them from ignorance to knowledge, darkness to light and dependence to self-reliance.

A strong education system, in my view, is the cornerstone of national development. It moulds individuals into responsible citizens who meaningfully contribute to society. The real wealth of any nation does not lie in its natural resources but in the wisdom, values and vision of its educated people.

India has long been a pioneer in learning. The beautiful verse, “Jab zero diya mere Bharat ne, duniya ko tab ginti aayi…” reminds me of the intellectual brilliance that defined ancient India. Centres like Takshashila, Nalanda and Vikramshila attracted students from across the world. The Gurukul system then emphasised discipline, morality and self-control alongside academic learning. I often draw inspiration from scholars like Aryabhata, Panini and Chanakya, who laid the intellectual foundations of humanity.

Today, we are attempting to revive that spirit through the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. I believe this visionary policy rightly focuses on holistic development, multidisciplinary learning and skill enhancement. Its aim is to nurture confident, creative and ethical citizens, echoing the ideals of our golden past.

Yet, challenges persist. In rural areas, inadequate infrastructure, scarcity of trained teachers and limited digital access remain obstacles. To bridge these gaps, we need sustained investments in technology, teacher training and inclusive initiatives. I firmly believe that education must be made accessible to every child, regardless of background or circumstance.

Education, in my experience, also drives gender equality and social justice. When a girl is educated, she uplifts not only herself but her entire community. As Dr APJ Abdul Kalam said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” Strengthening our education system is not just a policy objective—it is a collective moral responsibility that will pave the way for a more enlightened, equitable and progressive India.