Education continues to be the foundation of India’s journey toward becoming a self-reliant and developed nation, said the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta. He was addressing the Valedictory Session of the 5th Edition of the Shiksha Mahakumbh Abhiyan 2025 at the National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER) in Mohali, where he attended as the Chief Guest.

I found this topic important because it reflects how India’s education policies and initiatives are directly shaping the country’s developmental goals. As we move towards a ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047, education is not only seen as a means of literacy but as a driving force behind innovation, economic strength, and national pride. The connection drawn by LG Kavinder Gupta between education and self-reliance echoes the spirit of the Atmanirbhar Bharat mission envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This approach reminds us that building a future-ready India begins in classrooms, where ideas, skills, and values are nurtured to meet tomorrow’s challenges.

Education as the Cornerstone of Viksit Bharat

Speaking at the event, LG Kavinder Gupta said that education is the most powerful tool to realise Prime Minister Modi’s dream of a Viksit Bharat — a developed India that stands on the pillars of self-reliance, sustainability, and innovation. He highlighted how the government’s education reforms, including the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, are reshaping the learning landscape by making education more inclusive, flexible, and skill-oriented.

Gupta stressed that these reforms are creating a generation of youth who are confident, self-sufficient, and capable of driving India’s progress in science, technology, entrepreneurship, and research. He said, “Education is not only about degrees. It is about building a mindset of innovation, responsibility, and nation-building.”

Key Highlights from the Shiksha Mahakumbh Abhiyan 2025

The Shiksha Mahakumbh Abhiyan 2025 brought together educators, policymakers, students, and innovators from across the country to discuss the future of Indian education. This year’s edition focused on making the education system more dynamic and industry-linked, while also preserving India’s cultural and ethical values.

Some of the important themes discussed included:

• The role of NEP 2020 in transforming higher education and research
• Integrating vocational and skill-based learning from school level
• Promoting regional languages and mother-tongue education for inclusivity
• Encouraging collaboration between educational institutions and industries
• Strengthening teacher training and capacity building in rural areas

The event showcased various projects and initiatives by institutions across India that are contributing towards PM Modi’s Viksit Bharat@2047 vision.

PM Modi’s Vision: Education as a Catalyst for Self-Reliance

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has repeatedly emphasised that education should not only create job seekers but also job creators. Under his leadership, programmes like Skill India, Digital India, and Startup India have been aligned with the NEP to equip students with practical skills and an entrepreneurial mindset.

LG Gupta pointed out that such initiatives are helping bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world applications. He also lauded the government’s efforts in promoting technology-driven education, digital literacy, and research innovation — especially in remote areas like Ladakh.

“From smart classrooms in rural schools to world-class research labs in our universities, the government’s focus is clear — to empower every learner with the ability to contribute to India’s growth story,” he said.

Education Empowering the Youth of Ladakh

Referring to developments in his own Union Territory, LG Gupta shared how education is empowering the youth of Ladakh. He mentioned several new initiatives being introduced to improve school infrastructure, teacher training, and digital access in the region.

He also spoke about promoting environmental and value-based education to help students stay connected with Ladakh’s unique culture and ecosystem. Gupta added that the region’s young population is showing great interest in science, technology, and sustainable practices — an encouraging sign for the nation’s northernmost territory.

Building a Future-Ready Generation

The address concluded with a message of optimism. LG Kavinder Gupta urged all stakeholders — teachers, parents, students, and administrators — to work together in realising the vision of a self-reliant India. He emphasised that the goal of Viksit Bharat cannot be achieved merely through policies but through collective effort and commitment to educational excellence.

“Education,” he said, “is not only the foundation of individual success but the soul of national development. When our students grow with confidence and clarity, India grows with strength and stability.”