S K Narvar, Chairman of Capital India Corp, talks about PM Modi’s dream of making Indians future-ready with the National Education Policy (NEP) being modern and progressive. Prime Minister’s appreciation of India’s traditional gurukul system is a lesson for future generations.

Ques — PM Modi recently spoke about building India’s education infrastructure. What are the key highlights?

SK Narvar: Honourable PM Shri Modiji recently spoke of knowledge being the highest pursuit of life. The National Education Policy (NEP) has been designed to ensure that future Indians are ready to build a better world through superior education and training. Physical infrastructure must complement knowledge infrastructure to ensure that our country progresses meaningfully. Scientific thinking and innovation, like the invention of ‘zero’ came from India, and we need to celebrate and revive our glory days with Azadi Ka Amrit Kaal.

Ques – How does India’s education system rank as compared to our global peers?

SK Narvar: As PM Modi rightly commented, since Independence, India’s education system has always tried to copy the western model of education where scientific thinking is the focus. India’s ancient education system focussed on science and moral values, which must return to our system. Alongside scientific teachings, morals and values are a bedrock of India’s ancient education approach. Today, much Indian science, be it in medicine like ayurveda or traditional forms like yoga, is well accepted in the West and worldwide.

Ques — How is the NEP working towards making India’s education system future ready?

SK Narvar: Today, Indian talent, especially for the under and post-graduation studies, often seeks opportunities abroad. It leads to not just brain drain but the future citizens not being exposed to India’s education system that imbibes our rich culture and values. The key focus of the NEP is the overhaul of not just the curriculum but creating a better ecosystem by strengthening teacher training, reorienting the current examination system of early childhood care, and relooking at the regulatory framework of education. The focus should be on developing future citizens with a holistic and knowledge-driven approach rather than a rote-based pressure. The gurukul system of learning has important lessons for us to implement.

Ques — How do you view PM Modi’s focus on revamping India’s education system with the country’s overall development?

SK Narvar: PM Modi’s thoughts resonate with his respect and admiration for creating a strong India which is physically strong and intellectually alert. For example, the vision of “Make In India Made for the World’ can be successful only if we have talented and skilled brains to build globally ready products and solutions. A knowledge-driven society that believes in sharing, caring and creating a community living in peace and harmony is the ultimate goal of Prime Minister. As one of the world’s oldest and finest civilizations, the Indian education system needs to incorporate past learnings while designing for the future.