Tue Nov 12 08:26:10 UTC 2024: ## India Celebrates National Education Day, Focusing on Skill Development and Holistic Learning
**New Delhi, India** – On the occasion of National Education Day, celebrated annually on November 11th in honor of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, the country’s first Minister of Education, India is taking stock of its educational landscape and highlighting the need for a more skilled and inclusive workforce.
The day commemorates Azad’s vision for a nation where education is a fundamental right and a cornerstone of a thriving society. The Ministry of Education has outlined key initiatives like the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, PM SHRI, and Samagra Siksha, which aim to create an equitable and inclusive education system.
While India has witnessed significant progress in education, experts warn of a growing skills gap. According to the National Skill Development Corporation, the country faces a projected deficit of 30-32 million skilled workers by 2025, impacting critical industries like manufacturing, healthcare, and construction.
Kirti Kabra, Director at RR Global, emphasizes the need for collaboration between government, industry, and society to bridge this gap. She highlights the role of businesses in providing scholarships, mentorship, and partnerships with academia to empower young minds.
Hari Krishnan Nair, Co-Founder of Great Learning, stresses the importance of accessible and affordable quality education, particularly in emerging technologies like AI. He advocates for policies that enable youth to acquire in-demand skills to lead in an AI-driven future.
Somak Raychaudhury, Vice-Chancellor of Ashoka University, commends the NEP 2020 as a shining example of progressive change in the education system, fostering holistic learning and addressing emerging challenges.
Dr. Maithili Tambe, CEO of The Academy School (TAS), Pune, underscores the significance of early childhood education in nurturing cognitive, social, and emotional growth. Play-based learning, she believes, enhances critical thinking and problem-solving skills, fostering essential social skills.
Kalpesh Banker, Managing Partner at EduShine Search Partners, advocates for a more hands-on learning approach in the country’s educational system. He calls for collaborative partnerships between higher education institutions and the industry to encourage an entrepreneurial mindset.
Sachin Alug, CEO of NLB Services, points to the critical challenge of youth unemployment, with graduates facing a jobless rate of 29.1 percent. He emphasizes the need to prioritize digital skills like analytics and self-management, as well as advanced technologies like AI, IoT, and data visualization.
By addressing the skills gap and promoting a holistic and inclusive education system, India aims to equip its youth with the necessary skills to thrive in the 21st century, contributing to a brighter future for the nation.
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