More Indian Curriculum Schools Likely in UAE After Pradhan’s Talks in Abu Dhabi

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan met the head of Abu Dhabi’s Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) to explore the possibility of opening more Indian curriculum-based schools in the UAE. The meeting focused on supporting the educational needs of the large Indian community in the Emirates, where demand for affordable and quality CBSE and Indian syllabus schools continues to grow.

I am writing about this because the UAE is home to nearly 3.5 million Indians, making it one of the largest overseas Indian populations. For many families living there, education in their home curriculum is not just a matter of familiarity but also an essential link to India’s schooling and higher education system. With waiting lists in several Indian schools in the UAE, this discussion between the Indian minister and Abu Dhabi authorities could directly affect thousands of parents and students. It is important to highlight how such steps not only strengthen India-UAE ties but also bring relief to families seeking continuity in education for their children.

Why the demand for Indian curriculum schools is growing

Indian families in the UAE often prefer CBSE or state syllabus schools so that children can easily transition back to India for higher studies or competitive exams. Currently, many Indian schools are running at full capacity, with parents struggling to secure admissions. Affordable fee structures also make Indian schools more practical compared to international institutions.

Key outcomes of the meeting

Pradhan discussed ways to expand the number of Indian curriculum schools in Abu Dhabi.
Both sides highlighted the importance of cultural exchange and academic collaboration.
Talks also touched upon skill development and future educational cooperation between the two countries.

Indian schools in the UAE – the current scenario

There are over 100 Indian curriculum schools in the UAE, with a majority following CBSE. While they cater to a large student base, the demand is much higher than availability. In Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah, some schools report waitlists running into hundreds of students every year.

Benefits of expanding Indian schools in UAE

Parents get access to familiar teaching standards and syllabi.
Children can stay connected with Indian culture and languages while abroad.
Cost-effective education compared to Western curriculum schools.
Builds stronger educational bridges between India and the UAE.

Puducherry CM Rangasamy Highlights How Medical Education Builds the Nation

Puducherry Chief Minister N. Rangasamy addressed the induction ceremony for new MBBS students at Takshashila Medical College, under Takshashila University in Tindivanam, and emphasised that medical education is a key pillar of nation-building. He called on young doctors to serve society with both compassion and integrity as they embark on their journey in the medical profession.

I’m writing about this because when a senior political leader highlights the value of medical education in such a way, it’s a reminder how future doctors are not just healthcare providers — they are nation-builders. In a country like ours, where healthcare and public service are deeply tied to societal progress, leaders’ messages like these matter a lot. New MBBS students often feel the weight and promise of their choice; to hear from the CM that their role goes beyond hospitals and clinics gives them a broader purpose. This also signals the government’s long-term commitment to supporting quality medical education in Puducherry, which can motivate more students to contribute meaningfully to public health.

Why Medical Education Matters for Nation-Building

Medical education is more than just learning to treat illness — it shapes the very infrastructure of a country’s health system. With strong medical training, future doctors contribute to public health, innovation in medicine, and healthcare equity. By urging graduates to use their education in service of others, the CM reinforced that these students are part of a larger mission: creating a healthier, stronger nation.

What CM Rangasamy said at the Induction Day

He praised the establishment of Takshashila Medical College, saying it aligns with the vision of building a socially responsible healthcare future.
Rangasamy reminded students that skills must be matched with values: “Compassion and integrity should guide your decisions,” he said, urging them to treat patients not only as cases, but as people in need.
He mentioned that medical education in Puducherry must serve all sections of society, encouraging graduates to go beyond personal ambition and contribute to public service.
He also called for leveraging government support and infrastructure to improve healthcare access, reinforcing that training alone is not enough without purpose.

The Prominence of Takshashila Medical College

Takshashila Medical College, under the larger umbrella of Takshashila University, represents a fresh push in healthcare education in the region. By starting a new MBBS batch, the college is playing its part in developing more doctors who can serve both local communities and national needs. For many students in Puducherry and nearby regions, this college offers an opportunity to receive good medical education without having to move far from home.

Challenges and Opportunities Ahead

Even as the CM’s words inspire, there are practical challenges:

Infrastructure: Medical colleges need strong labs, hospital attachments, and patient inflow for effective training.
Faculty Quality: To uphold the CM’s vision of compassionate education, the institution will need teachers who are excellent clinicians as well as educators.
Affordability and Access: There is always a risk that medical education remains out of reach for economically weaker students. Government policies and scholarships will play a big role.
Public Health Orientation: Graduates must be encouraged to work in underserved areas, not just big cities, so that the promise of nation-building becomes a reality in poorer communities.

Why This Message Is Important for Students and Society

For students, this is a moral call: being a doctor is not just a profession, it’s a public trust.
For parents, it underscores that supporting a child through medical college has wider societal value.
For society, strong medical education means having trained professionals who can respond to public health crises, improve healthcare access, and innovate in medical research.
For policymakers, it’s a cue to continue investing in medical colleges, infrastructure, and ethics-driven training.