In Rajasthan, Pradhan credits NEP for India's jump in global university rankings
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Thursday credited the National Education Policy-2020 for the five-fold jump in the number of Indian institutions, from 11 in 2014 to 54 now, getting the QS World University-2026 rankings. He said the new high was achieved because of educational reforms launched in the country.
Mr. Pradhan addressed the ninth convocation ceremony of the Central University of Rajasthan at Ajmer district's Kishangarh and participated in a programme at Manipal University on the outskirts of Jaipur, where he inaugurated a new lecture hall complex.
In his convocation address, Mr. Pradhan said the NEP-2020 had changed the country's educational landscape with its emphasis on research and innovation. 'The NEP has encouraged a multidisciplinary, skill-based and employment-oriented education system, which will immensely benefit the youth,' he said.
'With the NEP, we are integrating India's heritage and knowledge traditions into modern education and fostering a sense of rootedness and pride in our culture,' Mr. Pradhan said. He described Rajasthan as a 'powerful symbol' of the country's heritage, as the rulers in the erstwhile Rajputana had put up a strong resistance during the medieval period.
The Minister praised the talent of the State, while referring to the consistent excellence of students in competitive examinations like JEE and NEET. NEET 2025 topper Mahesh Kumar is from Rajasthan's Hanumangarh. Mr. Pradhan also called upon the youth to become job-creators, giving employment to at least five persons, through start-ups and entrepreneurship, rather than seeking jobs.
'As India emerges as the world's fourth-largest economy, it is essential to harness the innovation, skills, and leadership potential of the youth to realise the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047,' Mr. Pradhan said. He awarded gold medals to 94 students who had secured the highest marks in their respective courses, while the degrees were conferred on a total of 1,770 students in various disciplines, including 77 Ph.D. scholars, at the convocation.
Central University of Rajasthan's Vice-Chancellor Anand Bhalerao called upon the students to use their knowledge and skills for betterment of society, while reminding them of the university's role in building their character and making them responsible citizens. Union Minister of State for Agriculture Bhagirath Choudhary was among those present at the convocation ceremony.
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