Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has called upon the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) to embrace its crucial role in shaping a "Samridhh Bharat" (Prosperous India) by 2047. Addressing the 65th Foundation Day of NCERT in New Delhi today, Pradhan emphasized the institution's responsibility to lead educational reforms and cultivate critical and creative thinking among students.

Pradhan described NCERT as a "Gyan-Kumbh" (a fountain of knowledge), lauding its contribution to nation-building through education since its inception in 1961. He urged NCERT to adopt a reform-oriented, tech-driven approach, incorporating global best practices to strengthen its role in shaping the future of India's education system.

The Minister underlined that building a "Samridhh Bharat" by 2047 would be possible only if students were encouraged to develop critical and creative thinking skills. He also stressed the importance of promoting multilingualism to foster deeper learning and competency-based outcomes in the "Amrit Peedhi" (the generation of India's golden era). Pradhan urged NCERT to focus on transforming knowledge into competency, aligning with the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

During the event, Pradhan launched DIKSHA 2.0, an upgraded and device-responsive digital learning platform designed to revolutionize education. DIKSHA 2.0 features structured lessons, adaptive assessments, and AI-powered tools such as "Read Aloud" and real-time text translation in 12 Indian languages, aiming to provide personalized education and empower both students and teachers. Pradhan shared positive feedback from students using the platform, highlighting its potential to transform teaching and learning.

In addition to the launch of DIKSHA 2.0, Pradhan also released a book titled "Utkal Jananinkara Sujogya Santana," which documents the lives and contributions of 100 eminent personalities from Odisha. This release underscores NCERT's efforts to celebrate regional contributions to India's cultural and intellectual heritage.

Several eminent dignitaries attended the 65th Foundation Day celebration, including Sanjay Kumar, Secretary of the Department of School Education and Literacy; Prof. Dinesh Prasad Saklani, Director of NCERT; Prof. M. Jagadesh Kumar, Chairperson of UGC; and Dr. Sreedhara Panicker Somanath, Former Chairman of ISRO. Their presence highlighted NCERT's significance as a cornerstone of India's educational framework.

Pradhan expressed confidence that NCERT would continue to drive educational reforms, bring a paradigm shift in teaching and learning, and play a pivotal role in realizing the vision of a "Samridhh Bharat". He urged NCERT to embrace its role as a change leader by adopting a new avatar – reform-oriented, tech-driven, and focused on global best practices. As NCERT embarks on its next chapter, Pradhan's call to action sets the stage for the institution to lead India's education system into a future of innovation and inclusivity.