Union Minister for Education, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, performed the Bhoomi Poojan for a new auditorium at the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) in New Delhi. The auditorium, with a capacity of approximately 900 seats, is poised to become a state-of-the-art facility for academic and cultural events.
The event also marked the signing of a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between NCERT and Flipkart, aimed at improving the availability of NCERT textbooks by delivering them directly to learners across the country, including remote areas. Additionally, Shri Pradhan inaugurated the Google Learning Centre and launched several key initiatives, including the NISHTHA Integrated Teacher Training Modules, furthering efforts to strengthen India’s education system.
Key Highlights of the Event
- Collaboration Between NCERT and Flipkart
- The MoU ensures seamless access to NCERT textbooks nationwide, particularly benefiting students in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.
- Flipkart, in collaboration with NCERT, will facilitate the sale and distribution of authentic and affordable NCERT publications through authorized sellers on its platform, enhancing last-mile connectivity in urban and rural areas alike.
- Inauguration of Google Learning Centre
- The Google Learning Centre is equipped with cutting-edge digital tools, including AI and networking facilities, designed to upskill teachers and educators.
- The facility can accommodate 40 participants and is part of efforts to bridge the digital divide, a vision outlined in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
- It also supports the simulcast of educational content through 200 YouTube channels for PMeVIDYA DTH TV Channels.
- Launch of NISHTHA Integrated Teacher Training Modules
- The NISHTHA (National Initiative for School Heads’ and Teachers’ Holistic Advancement) training modules focus on experiential learning, digital education, and leadership.
- The newly introduced NISHTHA-ET, Kaushal, and Edu-Leader modules aim to empower teachers and strengthen their pedagogical skills.
Shri Dharmendra Pradhan’s Address
The Education Minister lauded NCERT as a cornerstone of India’s education system and a collective academic repository of the nation. Highlighting NCERT’s evolving role as it transitions into a research university, Shri Pradhan called for the institution to become a hub for content creation, innovative pedagogy, and technology integration.
He emphasized the importance of textbooks enriched with locally relevant content to cater to diverse learners and communities. Shri Pradhan encouraged NCERT to adopt global best practices while aligning its efforts with the NEP 2020 vision of inclusive, equitable, and modern education for India’s youth.
Partnerships for Inclusive Education
Shri Rajneesh Kumar, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at Flipkart Group, emphasized the company’s commitment to leveraging its technology and distribution network to make educational materials more accessible and affordable. He noted that this initiative supports the Government of India’s mission to empower youth through inclusive learning.
Shri Sanjay Jain, Head of Google for Education, India, highlighted the role of the Google Learning Centre in equipping teachers and students with emerging digital skills, including Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), while ensuring equitable access to digital education.
Looking Ahead
The initiatives announced during the event underscore the Government of India’s focus on democratizing education through innovative partnerships and digital empowerment. These measures aim to not only improve access to learning resources but also prepare students and teachers for the challenges of the 21st century.
The ceremony was attended by dignitaries, including Smt. Prachi Pandey, Joint Secretary, Department of School Education & Literacy; Prof. Dinesh Prasad Saklani, Director, NCERT; and other senior officials, academicians, and education leaders.
