PIB New Delhi, September 1, 2025 – Union Education Minister Shri Dharmendra Pradhan today addressed the 65th Foundation Day celebrations of NCERT in New Delhi, urging the premier institution to emerge as a reform-oriented and technology-driven change leader in education. On the occasion, the Minister launched a series of initiatives, including DIKSHA 2.0, and released a book titled “Utkal Jananinkara Sujogya Santana” on the life and contributions of 100 great personalities of Odisha.
Shri Sanjay Kumar, Secretary, DoSEL, Ministry of Education; Shri Chamu Krishna Shastry, Chairman, Bharatiya Bhasha Samiti; Prof. Dinesh Prasad Saklani, Director, NCERT; Prof. M. Jagadesh Kumar, Chairperson, UGC; Dr. Sreedhara Panicker Somanath, Former Chairman, ISRO; and Prof. J. S. Rajput, Former Director, NCERT, along with senior officials of the Ministry of Education and NCERT.
Calling NCERT a “Gyan-Kumbh” at the heart of India’s education system, Shri Pradhan highlighted its pivotal role in nation-building since inception. He urged NCERT to adopt global best practices, drive critical and creative thinking among students, and promote multilingualism to empower the Amrit Peedhi (new generation).
The Minister stressed that the vision of a Samridhh Bharat by 2047 would be realized only through competency-based education, transforming knowledge into skills.
Unveiling DIKSHA 2.0, Shri Pradhan emphasized its role in technology-driven learning. The upgraded platform offers structured lessons, adaptive assessments, and AI-powered features such as Read Aloud and translation in 12 Indian languages, making digital learning more inclusive. He shared positive student feedback on DIKSHA, noting how it is personalizing learning experiences and empowering teachers and students alike.
The Minister reaffirmed that NCERT, with its reform-oriented and tech-enabled approach, will continue to be a cornerstone of India’s educational reforms, shaping the future of millions of learners.
