New Delhi: Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Monday said India has been the hub of knowledge and continuous strides in the education sector is taking the country closer to achieving the goal of 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047. Dhankhar was addressing the 62nd Foundation Day ceremony of the School of Open Learning (SOL) here.
Lauding the SOL, Dhankhar said it has provided education to people across socio-economic barriers, age groups, help close the education gap, and provided easy access to all quarters of the society. He highlighted the illustrious legacy of institutions like Nalanda and Takshashila, underscoring India's historical eminence as the epicentre of knowledge and education.
The vice president said the paradigm shift and resurgence in India's educational landscape in contemporary times has set the country firmly on its way to regain its past glory. "Education as the most impactful transformational mechanism for change. It is not merely a means to acquire knowledge but rather the cornerstone of progress, empowerment and social transformation. It is the key that unlocks the door to progress, prosperity, and empowerment.
"Education is the greatest right and donation. There can be no fundamental right greater than education and no donation can be greater than education," he said. Praising the theme of the event 'Role of Education in the Creation of Viksit Bharat', he said open learning has played a pivotal role in fostering the development of our nation.
"The liberalisation of education by the SOL has contributed significantly in building a developed India and the country's rise as a knowledge superpower globally," the vice president added. bDhankhar further emphasised that "SOL has opened doors for those previously handicapped by circumstances, enabling them to pursue education without disrupting their routine".
He commended SOL for offering a second chance to those who missed formal education earlier, empowering marginalised communities through knowledge and skills, thereby fostering an environment of true inclusivity.
Dhankhar also asked students to take inspiration from the Chandrayaan journey where after initial setback it made a smooth landing on the south pole of the moon, underscoring the need for a resilient mindset in navigating the complexities of the modern world.
He also talked about the National Education Policy (NEP) and said it has brought out transformative changes in the country's educational landscape creating a knowledgeable society equipped for the 21st century challenges. The event was also attended by Delhi University Vice Chancellor Yogesh Singh and SOL director Payal Mago.
