Shri Dharmendra Pradhan Leads Key Initiatives for Education Reform
Major Announcements for NCERT and Digital Learning. Shri Dharmendra Pradhan presides over signing of MoU between NCERT and Flipkart, inaugurates Google Learning Centre and releases NISTHA Integrated Teacher Training Modules
What Happened at the NCERT Event?
The Union Education Minister, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, spearheaded several groundbreaking initiatives for NCERT, reinforcing its pivotal role in shaping India’s education system. He performed the Bhoomi Poojan for a new NCERT auditorium with a seating capacity of 900 people. This marks a major step in improving academic infrastructure to better serve students and educators.
In addition, Shri Pradhan presided over the signing of an MoU between NCERT and Flipkart to enhance the distribution of NCERT textbooks. He also inaugurated the Google Learning Centre and launched the NISTHA Integrated Teacher Training Modules, demonstrating a clear vision for empowering teachers and students with digital and academic resources.
What is the MoU Between NCERT and Flipkart?
The signing of the MoU between NCERT and Flipkart is a game-changing initiative. This collaboration will ensure that NCERT publications reach students and parents across the country, especially in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.
Key Highlights of the MoU:
- NCERT textbooks will now be available through Flipkart’s platform, ensuring affordability and accessibility.
- The initiative aims to deliver books directly to learners’ doorsteps, bridging the gap between urban and rural areas.
- Only authorized sellers designated by NCERT will provide these textbooks, ensuring authentic and high-quality content.
Shri Pradhan emphasized, “This partnership aligns with the Government of India’s mission to promote inclusive and accessible education for every student in the country.”
What is the Role of the Google Learning Centre?
The Google Learning Centre, inaugurated by Shri Pradhan, is a cutting-edge facility aimed at building teachers’ capacity to use advanced digital tools and technologies.
Features of the Learning Centre:
- It has been designed to accommodate 40 participants with state-of-the-art computers and networking facilities.
- The Centre will train educators in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and other emerging digital skills.
- The initiative supports the vision of NEP 2020, which emphasizes bridging the digital divide and offering equitable access to education.
Shri Sanjay Jain, Head of Google for Education, India, highlighted, “This facility will provide teachers with the necessary skills to adopt digital tools and ensure that students benefit from modern learning experiences.”
What Are the NISTHA Teacher Training Modules?
Shri Dharmendra Pradhan released the NISTHA Integrated Teacher Training Modules at the event. These modules are designed to empower educators with advanced teaching methodologies.
Modules Released:
- NISHTHA-ET
- Kaushal Modules
- Edu-Leader Modules
These modules will enhance teachers’ professional skills, enabling them to create engaging and innovative learning environments for students.
Why is NCERT Considered a Cornerstone of Indian Education?
During the event, Shri Pradhan described NCERT as Bharat’s pride and a collective academic repository. He emphasized that NCERT plays a vital role in shaping India’s education by integrating:
- Content development
- Syllabus design
- Innovative teaching practices
- Teacher training
- Technology-driven education
He further stated, “As NCERT transitions into a research university, it must aspire to integrate content development, pedagogy, and technology under one roof, preparing Bharat’s new generation for 21st-century education.”
How Will Flipkart Support This Initiative?
Flipkart, through its vast technological expertise and reach, will play a significant role in delivering NCERT textbooks and publications to the remotest parts of India.
The collaboration aims to:
- Democratize access to affordable educational materials.
- Ensure last-mile connectivity to rural and urban learners.
- Support India’s vision of creating an empowered and educated youth.
Shri Rajneesh Kumar, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at Flipkart, stated, “Our goal is to bridge the gap in access to high-quality educational resources, supporting India’s young learners in their educational journeys.”
What Does This Event Mean for Indian Education?
The initiatives launched at this event demonstrate a clear roadmap for transforming India’s education system:
- Infrastructure Development: The new NCERT auditorium will serve as a hub for academic and cultural activities.
- Teacher Empowerment: The NISTHA training modules and the Google Learning Centre will enable teachers to adopt modern pedagogical practices and digital skills.
- Inclusive Education: The partnership with Flipkart will ensure that no learner is left behind, regardless of their geographical location.
Who Attended the Event?
Several dignitaries and education leaders attended the event, including:
- Smt. Prachi Pandey (Joint Secretary, Department of School Education & Literacy)
- Prof. Dinesh Prasad Saklani (Director, NCERT)
- Shri Rajneesh Kumar (Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, Flipkart Group)
- Shri Sanjay Jain (Head, Google for Education, India)
- Shri Aman Sharma (Secretary, NCERT)
Academicians, institutional heads, and officials from the Ministry of Education also participated in this landmark event.
The Bhoomi Poojan of the NCERT auditorium, the collaboration with Flipkart, and the inauguration of the Google Learning Centre mark a significant step forward in India’s education sector. These initiatives reflect the government’s commitment to inclusive, accessible, and technology-driven education for all.
The event showcased a clear vision for preparing Bharat’s youth for global challenges while staying rooted in local contexts. These efforts are expected to revolutionize education, empower teachers, and inspire students across the nation.
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