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University of Southampton to Establish First Campus in India Under NEP 2020

Ministry of Education

The Ministry of Education has taken a significant step towards advancing the goals of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 by issuing a Letter of Intent (LoI) to the University of Southampton (UoS), UK, for establishing its first campus in India. This announcement was made during the event titled “Internationalization of Education under NEP 2020,” held in New Delhi on August 29, 2024. The occasion was attended by Union Minister for External Affairs Dr S. Jaishankar, along with other dignitaries, including Sanjay Murthy, Secretary, Department of Higher Education, and Ms Christina Scott, Deputy High Commissioner, UK in India.

This initiative marks the first issuance of a Letter of Intent under the University Grants Commission (UGC) regulations, allowing foreign universities to set up campuses in India. The University of Southampton, ranked among the top 100 global higher education institutions, is set to offer Indian students unparalleled access to international education while maintaining a strong connection to Indian values.

Dr. Jaishankar, in his address, emphasised the significance of this collaboration, stating that it reflects India’s commitment to elevating educational standards to global levels and enhancing India-UK educational cooperation. He highlighted that this initiative aligns with the broader India-UK Road Map 2030, fostering international understanding and cooperation.

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan also expressed his support, noting that this move is a step towards realising the NEP 2020 vision of “internationalisation at home.” He highlighted India’s commitment to fulfilling its global responsibilities and creating a vibrant ecosystem of research, knowledge exchange, and international collaboration. Pradhan extended his congratulations to the University of Southampton for strengthening India-UK relations through this initiative and invited other top international institutions to consider establishing campuses in India.

Also Read | Ministry of Education Rolls Out Second Phase of Learning Disability Training Program

The University of Southampton’s Delhi campus will initially offer programs in business, management, computing, law, engineering, art, design, biosciences, and life sciences, with a 10-year plan for course expansion. This development is expected to significantly enhance India’s reputation as a global study destination, fostering educational collaborations and contributing to the nation’s fast-growing knowledge economy. This initiative is seen as a major step forward in India’s journey towards becoming a global education and talent hub, in line with the goals outlined in NEP 2020.

Education Ministry Refines Literacy Standards to Align with NEP 2020

Literacy

In order to propel India towards its literacy goals, the Department of School Education and Literacy, under the Ministry of Education, has unveiled a refined and comprehensive definition of literacy tailored to the Indian context. This initiative, a crucial step under the ULLAS – Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram, aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and supports the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4.6, which aims to ensure that all youth and a substantial proportion of adults achieve literacy and numeracy by 2030.

Addressing the ULLAS Mela in New Delhi on February 6, 2024, Education Minister Shri Dharmendra Pradhan emphasised that the ULLAS scheme lays the foundation for a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India) and highlighted the pivotal role of literacy in realising this vision as envisioned by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.

The National Education Policy 2020 underscores the importance of innovative government initiatives for adult education. It calls for community involvement and the integration of technology to expedite the nation’s goal of achieving 100% literacy. The policy draws a direct link between literacy rates and per capita GDP, pointing out the numerous disadvantages faced by non-literate individuals, from financial transactions to job applications, understanding media and technology, and participating in higher productivity sectors.

Recognising the need for a clear and inclusive definition of literacy, the Department of School Education and Literacy has expanded the traditional understanding of literacy beyond basic reading and writing skills. Literacy is now defined as “the ability to read, write, and compute with comprehension, i.e., to identify, understand, interpret, and create, along with critical life skills such as digital literacy, financial literacy, etc.” This updated definition ensures that individuals are equipped to engage in and contribute to society fully.
Additionally, the Department has set a benchmark for what constitutes full literacy within the Indian context, stating that “achieving ninety-five per cent literacy (95%) in a State/UT may be considered equivalent to fully literate.” This enhanced definition was developed through a collaborative process involving experts from NCERT, UNESCO, and other educational advisors. The consensus reached during this process emphasises the need for a literacy framework that meets global standards while being firmly rooted in India’s unique socio-cultural landscape.

The introduction of this comprehensive literacy definition marks a significant milestone in India’s journey toward full literacy. It reinforces the Government’s commitment to ensuring that every citizen has the opportunity to attain foundational skills necessary for personal and societal advancement. The recent achievement of over 97% literacy in the Union Territory of Ladakh under the ULLAS scheme further demonstrates the effectiveness of these efforts. It sets a benchmark for other regions to follow.

The Government of India has called upon all stakeholders to renew their efforts in promoting literacy and to work collaboratively towards the shared goal of a fully literate nation. This initiative represents a critical step in fulfilling the vision outlined in NEP 2020 and ensuring that India continues to make strides towards achieving full literacy by 2030, with ULLAS leading the way to a ‘Jan Jan Saakshar’ (Literate Society).

Department of Higher Education Recognizes 16 Educators with National Awards

Ministry of Education

The Department of Higher Education, under the Ministry of Education, has recognised the exceptional contributions of 16 teachers from Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) and Polytechnics across India by selecting them for the prestigious National Awards to Teachers (NAT) 2024. This marks a significant expansion of the NAT program, which was traditionally focused on school teachers and now includes educators from higher education and polytechnic institutions.

The selection process for NAT 2024 is rooted in the principles of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasises the importance of motivated, energised, and capable faculty in advancing student outcomes, institutional performance, and the broader educational profession. The NEP 2020 also advocates for rewards and recognition to foster a culture of excellence within the education ecosystem.

This year, the NAT program introduced two distinct categories for awards: one for teachers in Higher Educational Institutions and another for those in Polytechnic Institutions. The awards are distributed across various academic disciplines, including Engineering, Technology, Architecture, Pure Sciences, Mathematics, Arts, Social Sciences, Humanities, and more.

The selection criteria for these awards were based on a comprehensive evaluation of the teachers’ performance, focusing on Teaching Learning Effectiveness, Outreach Activities, Research and Innovation, and Sponsored Research/Faculty Development Programs/Consultancy Teaching. Among these, learning effectiveness and outreach activities held the highest weight in the evaluation process.

The selection procedure involved a two-step process: first, a Preliminary Search-cum-Screening Committee shortlisted the nominees, and then a Jury Committee selected the final awardees from this list. Nominations were invited online through the Rashtriya Puraskar Portal, which allows for self-, institutional, and peer nominations.

Also Read: IIT Madras and IIT Ropar Join Forces to Boost Data Science Education

The 16 awardees represent a diverse group of educators from Polytechnics, State Universities, and Central Higher Education Institutions across India. Below is a list of the honoured teachers and their respective institutions:

  1. Dr. Gandhimathi A – Thiagarajar Polytechnic College, Tamil Nadu
  2. Prof. Parmar Ranjitkumar Khimjibhai – Government Polytechnic Khadiya, Gujarat
  3. Prof. Nidhi Jain – Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Delhi
  4. Dr. Smiline Girija – Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Tamil Nadu
  5. Prof. Birinchi Kumar Sarma – Banaras Hindu University, Uttar Pradesh
  6. Prof. Srinivas Hotha – Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Pune, Maharashtra
  7. Dr S R Keshava – Bangalore University, Karnataka
  8. Prof. Shilpagauri Prasad Ganpule – PDEA’s Prof. Ramkrishna More College, Maharashtra
  9. Dr. Chayapuram Jaya Sankar Babu – Pondicherry University, Puducherry
  10. Prof. Nilabh Tiwari – Central Sanskrit University, Madhya Pradesh
  11. Prof. Vinay Sharma – Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Uttarakhand
  12. Dr. Nandavaram Mrudula – Govt. Degree College for Women, Telangana
  13. Dr. Shimi S L – Punjab Engineering College, Chandigarh
  14. Prof. Kapil Ahuja – Indian Institute of Technology Indore, Madhya Pradesh
  15. Dr. Anitha Suseelan – CHRIST Deemed to be University, Karnataka
  16. Prof. Dr. Shahanaz Ayub – Bundelkhand Institute of Engineering and Technology, Uttar Pradesh

These awards not only recognise the individual achievements of these educators but also underscore the critical role they play in shaping the future of higher education in India. The Department of Higher Education’s initiative to include higher education faculty in the NAT awards is a testament to its commitment to fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement in the educational landscape.

 

IIT Madras and IIT Ropar Join Forces to Boost Data Science Education

IIT

The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) and the Indian Institute of Technology Ropar (IIT Ropar) have entered into a landmark collaboration aimed at enhancing educational and research opportunities for students pursuing a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Data Science and Applications at IIT Madras. This partnership opens new pathways for these students, including the opportunity to pursue a Master of Science (MS) at IIT Ropar without the need for GATE scores.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for this collaboration was signed on August 28, 2024, by Professor V Kamakoti, Director of IIT Madras, and Professor Rajeev Ahuja, Director of IIT Ropar. Key faculty members from both institutions attended the signing ceremony, highlighting the significance of this partnership.

Key Features of the Collaboration:

  1. Direct MS Admission: Select students from the IIT Madras BS in Data Science program will be eligible for direct admission to the MS program at IIT Ropar without requiring GATE scores, provided they meet the specified academic criteria.
  2. Credit Transfer and In-Person Learning: IIT Madras BS students can now complete their credit requirements by taking in-person courses at IIT Ropar, enriching their learning experience and facilitating the exchange of academic resources and expertise.
  3. Research and Internship Opportunities: The collaboration enables IIT Madras students to engage in research programs and internships under the mentorship of the IIT Ropar faculty, particularly during the summer months.
  4. Extended Learning Pathways: Students from IIT Ropar will also benefit from this partnership by gaining access to courses in data science and programming offered through the IIT Madras BS program, ensuring a comprehensive and well-rounded education for all participants.

Leadership Perspectives:

Professor V Kamakoti, Director of IIT Madras, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, “This partnership aligns with IIT Madras’s vision of democratising higher education opportunities. The initiative by IIT Ropar to admit exceptional students from our BS programs into their postgraduate programs is a visionary step that will greatly benefit deserving students, especially those from rural India. I extend my gratitude to the Director of IIT Ropar for this forward-thinking initiative.”

Echoing this sentiment, Professor Rajeev Ahuja, Director of IIT Ropar, remarked, “We are excited to embark on this transformative journey with IIT Madras. By joining forces, we are expanding academic and research horizons and creating new opportunities for our students and faculty. This collaboration sets the stage for groundbreaking advancements in education and research, establishing new benchmarks for success.”

Also Read: Kreedo Edtech Secures $4 Million Funding from Heritas Capital

Expanding Educational Horizons:

IIT Madras introduced its innovative BS in Data Science and Applications program in June 2020. This program, designed to provide high-quality education through online content delivery combined with in-person assessments, has attracted over 30,000 active students. The collaboration with IIT Ropar is the latest in a series of strategic partnerships that IIT Madras has forged with other premier institutions, including IIT Gandhinagar and the Chennai Mathematical Institute (CMI), to provide in-person learning opportunities for students in the final year of the program.

Professor Vignesh Muthuvijayan, Coordinator of the BS Degree program at IIT Madras, highlighted the significance of such collaborations, stating, “These partnerships will greatly enhance opportunities for both students and faculty. Our BS (Data Science) students, who have primarily been learning online, can now experience the benefits of in-person learning and deeper engagement with their peers and instructors.”

A New Era of Academic Collaboration:

The collaboration between IIT Madras and IIT Ropar is poised to set new standards in academic partnerships. With a well-defined roadmap and specific areas of engagement, both institutions are committed to achieving excellence in research, education, and social impact. This MoU lays the groundwork for a series of initiatives that will benefit both organisations and serve as a benchmark for future collaborations in the field of higher education.

The partnership exemplifies the growing trend of integrating online and offline education, offering students a flexible yet rigorous pathway to advanced degrees and research opportunities in data science and beyond.

 

Kreedo Edtech Secures $4 Million Funding from Heritas Capital

kreedo

Bengaluru-based early childhood education startup Kreedo has successfully raised $4 million (INR 33 crore) in a Series A funding round. The round was co-led by Heritas Capital and UBS Optimus Foundation, with participation from existing investors, including Gray Matters Capital, 1Crowd, The Chennai Angels, and The Joka Angel Network, among others.

Kreedo plans to leverage the fresh capital to enhance its product offerings and expand its reach to new geographies across India. The startup has set ambitious goals to bring its innovative education programs to over 7,000 schools across multiple cities.

“With the current round, we will take Kreedo to more geographies in India. With incoming demand from our school partners, we also plan to extend our product offerings moving upwards to Grades 3-5 and enhance Practico, our digital home learning platform,” said Mridula Shridhar, co-founder of Kreedo.

Kreedo’s growth trajectory has been impressive over the past two years. The startup claims to have doubled its revenue, expanded its reach to 1,700 schools and preschools, and increased the number of children benefiting from its programs from 55,000 to more than 140,000.

Also Read: Education Ministry Unveils New Standards for Literacy and Full Literacy

The successful funding round comes at a time when the Indian edtech sector is facing a challenging environment. Following a surge in investment during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the industry has witnessed a significant decline in investor interest as schools and colleges reopened. The sector has also been plagued by issues such as heavy cash burn, mounting losses, and governance challenges, leading to layoffs and the shutdown of several startups.

Despite these challenges, the Indian edtech market remains a significant growth opportunity, with an estimated potential to reach $29 billion by 2030, according to a report by Inc42. Kreedo’s recent funding success indicates that investors still see value in innovative and sustainable models within the sector, particularly those focused on foundational education.

Education Ministry Unveils New Standards for Literacy and Full Literacy

Ministry of Education

The Ministry of Education (MoE) has issued a clarion call to all States and Union Territories to achieve ‘full literacy’ by the year 2030. In a letter addressed to State governments, School Education Secretary Sanjay Kumar outlined the renewed push for adult literacy under the New India Literacy Programme (NILP), a five-year initiative (2022-2027) targeting the onboarding of one crore learners annually across the nation.

Redefining Literacy and Full Literacy

In his communication, Secretary Kumar provided a detailed definition of ‘literacy’ and what it means to achieve ‘full literacy’ in India. He emphasised that literacy is not merely the ability to read and write but also encompasses numeracy and critical life skills such as digital and financial literacy. The goal of ‘full literacy’ is to be achieved when a State or Union Territory attains a 95% literacy rate, which will be considered equivalent to 100% literacy under the NILP guidelines.

The MoE’s directive also clarified that under the NILP, individuals previously classified as non-literate could be considered literate upon passing the Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Assessment Test (FLNAT). In the latest FLNAT conducted in March 2024, out of 34,62,289 participants, 29,52,385 (85.27%) were certified as literate. This marks a slight decline from the previous year, where pass percentages ranged from 89.64% to 91.27%.

Budget Allocation and Utilization

The NILP has been allocated ₹160 crore for the fiscal year 2024-25, reflecting the government’s commitment to enhancing adult literacy. However, the actual utilisation of funds in previous years reveals a mixed picture. In 2022-23, only ₹76.41 crore of the allocated ₹160 crore was spent. In 2023-24, the budget was initially raised to ₹157 crore but was later revised downward to ₹100 crore.

The Literacy Challenge in India

India continues to grapple with a significant literacy challenge, particularly among adults. According to Census 2011, 25.76 crore individuals in the 15 years and above age group remain non-literate, comprising 9.08 crore males and 16.68 crore females. Despite the progress made under the Saakshar Bharat programme, which certified 7.64 crore individuals as literate between 2009-2018, an estimated 18.12 crore adults in India are still non-literate.

Also Read: VCs, Staff Appointments in Telangana Universities to Begin Soon

The Road Ahead

The letter from the School Education Secretary underscores the disadvantages faced by non-literate individuals, including challenges in financial transactions, job applications, media comprehension, technology use, and understanding of rights. The MoE’s ULLAS initiative, under the NILP, is seen as a critical tool in addressing these gaps and pushing India towards achieving full literacy by 2030.

“I urge all States and Union Territories to strive for Bharat reaching full literacy by 2030 with the ULLAS (NILP) initiative,” Mr Kumar wrote, emphasising the importance of collective effort in this nationwide mission.

This renewed focus on adult literacy is expected to play a crucial role in India’s broader development agenda, empowering millions of citizens to participate more fully in the country’s economic and social life.

VCs, Staff Appointments in Telangana Universities to Begin Soon

A. Revanth Reddy

In order to rejuvenate Telangana’s higher education sector, Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy announced the appointment of new vice-chancellors for all state universities within the next 15-20 days. Speaking at a cheque distribution event for the ‘Rajiv Gandhi Civils Abhaya Hastham’ scheme at Dr BR Ambedkar Telangana State Secretariat on August 26, the CM emphasised the state government’s commitment to filling all vacant teaching and non-teaching positions, including those of assistant professors and professors, across universities.

The event, which saw the distribution of Rs 1 lakh cheques to civil services aspirants who cleared the UPSC prelims, highlighted the CM’s resolve to uplift the education sector. Reddy underscored that the cheque distribution at the secretariat was not just financial aid but also a symbolic gesture to instil confidence in the public, particularly the youth, that the government is accessible and supportive.

Reflecting on his own experiences and those of other leaders like Seethakka, who faced barriers when trying to address public issues at the secretariat, the CM reassured the aspirants that the government is now playing a supportive role, akin to a family. He encouraged them to excel in the upcoming UPSC mains exam and contribute to the pride of their villages, districts, and the state.

Revanth Reddy also announced plans to educate 2,000 students at the Young India Skills University on a temporary engineering college campus this year. By next year, the university aims to enrol 20,000 students in various certificate, diploma, and degree programs, reflecting the government’s commitment to skill development and higher education.

Also Read: TPG to invest $150M in Indian edtech start-up Eruditus

Addressing concerns about competitive exams, the CM urged students to compete confidently, dismissing calls for postponement as politically motivated. He assured that the government is always open to addressing genuine concerns and pointed to the recent postponement of the Group II exams as an example of their responsiveness.

In total, 135 out of 172 civil aspirants received their Rs 1 lakh cheques under the ‘Rajiv Gandhi Abhaya Hastham’ scheme, marking a significant step in the government’s efforts to support and encourage the next generation of civil servants in Telangana.

This initiative is part of a broader strategy by the Telangana government to restore faith in public education and ensure that students have the resources and support needed to succeed in their academic and professional pursuits.

TPG to invest $150M in Indian edtech start-up Eruditus

ERUDITUS

Eruditus, the Indian edtech start-up, is reportedly close to securing a significant investment from TPG, a leading private equity firm. According to TechCrunch, TPG is in advanced talks to lead a $150 million funding round for Eruditus, which could mark one of the largest fundraising efforts by an Indian education company in recent years.

The new investment is expected to value Eruditus at up to $2.3 billion, a figure contingent upon the start-up meeting specific performance targets. Should these targets not be met, the valuation could drop to a minimum of $1.8 billion. This valuation reflects a decrease from the $3.2 billion Eruditus achieved during its last funding round in August 2021.

Founded 14 years ago, Eruditus partners with top global universities to offer executive education programs, with over two-thirds of its revenue generated from international markets. Discussions for the funding began last year, initially aiming for a $50 million secondary round to allow early investors to exit. However, following a full year of EBITDA profitability, Eruditus decided to pursue a larger round, aiming to close it before relocating its base from Singapore to India.

Also read: Indian EdTech Titans Unacademy And K12 Techno Eye Landmark Merger

The proposed $150 million round would be Eruditus’s first significant equity raise since August 2021. In the interim, the SoftBank-backed start-up secured $350 million in debt from the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB) in 2022 to fuel mergers and acquisitions and consolidate its position in a competitive market. Looking ahead, Eruditus plans to shift its domicile from Singapore to India within the next 12-18 months, signalling a strategic move in its ongoing expansion.

From Chalkboards to Algorithms: AI’s Role in India’s Educational Shift

AI in education

The Indian education system is on the cusp of a revolutionary change. With the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI), the way we teach and learn is undergoing a transformation that promises to make education more personalised, efficient, and inclusive. In a country with over 250 million students enrolled in schools and millions more in higher education, AI is not just a buzzword but a necessary tool to address the challenges of scale, diversity, and quality.

The AI Revolution in Indian Classrooms

India’s education system has long been criticised for its one-size-fits-all approach. However, AI offers a solution by enabling personalised learning experiences. Imagine a classroom where students’ learning paths are customised based on their strengths, weaknesses, and interests. AI-powered platforms like BYJU and Vedantu already implement adaptive learning technologies that tailor content to individual learning speeds. These platforms use AI algorithms to analyse student performance and provide personalised feedback, helping students improve in areas where they struggle.

According to a recent report by NITI Aayog, using AI in education could enhance learning outcomes by 40%. The report also highlights that AI can help bridge the gap between urban and rural education by providing quality resources and teachers to remote areas. With initiatives like the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which advocates for digital literacy and AI integration, the Indian government is laying the groundwork for an AI-driven education system.

Another report by TeamLease EdTech, titled “Revolutionising Classrooms: The Impact of Generative AI on the Future of Education,” reveals a significant shift in Indian education, with over 60% of educators already integrating AI tools into their classrooms for teaching, preparation, and student engagement. The survey, which included over 6,000 educators ranging from school teachers to university professors, highlights that 64.87% of respondents recognise AI’s potential to transform and personalise learning experiences. However, the report also underscores ethical concerns, with 87.85% of educators advocating for government regulation and monitoring of AI in education. Despite these concerns, 70.85% of educators believe that AI’s impact on education will surpass even that of the smartphone revolution. TeamLease EdTech CEO Shantanu Rooj and co-founder Neeti Sharma emphasise the importance of using AI to augment human potential rather than replace it. The report serves as a roadmap for responsible AI adoption in education, offering valuable insights for schools, colleges, universities, policymakers, and other stakeholders on how to integrate AI while addressing ethical considerations.

Transforming Assessment and Evaluation
Traditional assessment methods often fail to capture students’ true potential. AI is changing this by offering more comprehensive and continuous evaluation techniques. Tools like Mindspark, an AI-based adaptive learning program, assess students’ understanding in real-time and provide instant feedback. This helps teachers identify learning gaps but also supports students in mastering concepts at their own pace.

In recent news, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced its plan to integrate AI into its evaluation process. In 2025, CBSE will employ AI algorithms to analyse exam papers and provide more accurate, unbiased grading. This move is expected to reduce human errors and biases in assessment, ensuring a fairer evaluation system.

AI-Powered Teacher Training and Development

Teachers are the backbone of the education system, and their development is crucial for the successful integration of AI in classrooms. AI can assist in teacher training by providing personalised learning paths like it does for students. Platforms like CENTA (Centre for Teacher Accreditation) use AI to offer customised professional development programs for teachers based on their needs and performance.

In 2023, the Government of Karnataka launched an AI-based teacher training initiative in collaboration with Microsoft. The program uses AI to analyse teaching patterns, identify areas of improvement, and suggest personalised training modules. This initiative has already shown promising results, with participating teachers reporting a 30% improvement in classroom engagement and student outcomes.

Inclusive Education Through AI

One of AI’s most significant advantages is its potential to make education more inclusive. In a diverse country like India, where students come from various linguistic and socio-economic backgrounds, AI can help bridge the gap. For instance, AI-powered language translation tools can break down language barriers, enabling students from different regions to access the same quality of education.

All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) recently launched an AI-driven platform that offers learning resources in multiple Indian languages. This platform, developed in collaboration with Google, provides translated content for engineering and technical courses, making it accessible to students in their native languages. The initiative has been a game-changer for students from rural and non-English speaking backgrounds, allowing them to compete on a level playing field.

The Road Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities
While AI’s potential to transform Indian education is immense, it is not without challenges. The digital divide, lack of infrastructure, and the need for AI literacy are significant hurdles that must be addressed. However, with the Indian government’s push towards digital inclusion and the increasing adoption of AI in various sectors, these challenges can be overcome.

Moreover, AI presents an opportunity to revolutionise education in ways we never imagined. From personalised learning experiences to inclusive education, AI is set to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Indian education.

Integrating Artificial Intelligence into the Indian education system is no longer a distant dream but an ongoing reality. With continuous innovations, government support, and increasing AI literacy, India is on its way to creating an education system that is not only world-class but also accessible to all. As we move forward, embracing AI will be key to unlocking the full potential of our students and, ultimately, the nation.

By leveraging AI, we can ensure that the Indian education system is not just a system of rote learning but one that nurtures creativity, critical thinking, and lifelong learning. The future of education in India is bright, and AI is at the forefront of this transformation.

Dharmendra Pradhan Unveils ‘Sapno ki Udaan’ E-Magazine on National Space Day

Dharmendra Pradhan

In a landmark event coinciding with India’s National Space Day, the Department of School Education & Literacy, Ministry of Education, in collaboration with NCERT, released the inaugural edition of the e-magazine ‘Sapno ki Udaan.’ The e-magazine was launched to commemorate the first anniversary of the historic landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the lunar South Pole.

Union Minister of Education Dharmendra Pradhan virtually released the inaugural issue, which will be available online on the NCERT portal. Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State for Education, also graced the virtual launch with his presence.

During the event, Dharmendra Pradhan emphasised that the e-magazine aligns with the recommendations of the National Education Policy 2020 (#NEP2020) by making education more accessible and equitable. He noted that the current theme of the magazine, ‘space,’ reflects the vastness of children’s imagination and prepares them to tackle the global challenges of the 21st century.

Jayant Chaudhary highlighted the significance of launching the magazine on National Space Day, stating that it celebrates India’s scientific achievements and fosters a spirit of scientific inquiry among students.

Sanjay Kumar, Secretary of the Department of School Education and Literacy, unveiled the magazine, describing it as a vibrant mix of poetry, essays, stories, and riddles contributed by students, teachers, and parents across India. He announced that the e-magazine, currently published quarterly, is expected to transition to a monthly publication in the future.

Also read: Dharmendra Pradhan Launches NATS 2.0, Ensuring Rs. 100 Crore Stipends to Nurture Young Talent

The virtual event was attended by several distinguished officials, including Vipin Kumar, Additional Secretary; Prof. D.P. Saklani, Director of NCERT; Rahul Singh, Chairperson of CBSE; and Prof. Saroj Sharma, Chairperson of NIOS. They all expressed their optimism that the collaboration among stakeholders would yield long-term benefits for the educational community.

The e-magazine ‘Sapno ki Udaan’ and its subsequent issues will be accessible online for readers through the NCERT portal.

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