Lucknow, March 13 Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday said that Uttar Pradesh will set new benchmarks in the field of education in the years to come, as the state's focus is to create an ecosystem where children can develop and flourish within a positive learning environment.
Speaking at the inauguration of the main building at the City Montessori School Golf City campus in Lucknow, Singh said, "Educational institutions here will emerge as centres of attraction not only for students within the state, but also for students across the entire nation."
He said the focus within the state is not merely on opening schools and colleges. Rather, an endeavour is underway to create an ecosystem wherein children can develop and flourish within a positive learning environment, alongside their academic studies.
"I am confident that, thanks to such concerted efforts, Uttar Pradesh will set new benchmarks in the field of education in the years to come," Singh added.
The Lucknow MP said that Uttar Pradesh is moving ahead with a comprehensive vision.
"Over the past few years, we have all witnessed the state making significant strides across all sectors. In the realms of infrastructure, investment, industry, and education, Uttar Pradesh has gained a new momentum," Singh said.
He also said that when the identity of a city extends beyond its streets and buildings and is defined by its educational and cultural institutions, that city is truly shaping the future of society.
Citing Savitribai Phule and Jyotiba Phule, he said that these visionaries extended education to the marginalised sections of society; that is, to those situated at the very lowest rung of the social ladder.
"They demonstrated that education is the most effective instrument for fostering equality and awareness within society," he said.
The minister said, "India, true to its very name, has always remained engaged in the pursuit of knowledge. If you look at its history, from ancient times right up to the present day, India has remained steadfastly dedicated to this quest for knowledge.
Within India's knowledge traditions, education was never regarded merely as a means to acquire information; rather, it was considered a vital medium for character formation, he said.
He added that when great universities such as Takshashila, Nalanda, and Vikramshila flourished, students would travel from distant corners of the world to India to study at these esteemed educational institutions.
"You have likely heard the names of Fa-Hien and Hiuen Tsang. These individuals, too, came to India. They undertook this journey because, in this land, education encompasses not only the acquisition of knowledge but also the inculcation of 'Jeevan Mulya' (life values). That is precisely why they came to India. And in that era, India was perceived by the world not merely as a geographical unit, but was renowned as a global epicentre of knowledge and culture," Singh said.
Singh, on this occasion, also said that Dr M S Swaminathan played a pivotal role in making the nation self-reliant in the realm of food grains through the application of agricultural science. Dr Verghese Kurien, through White Revolution, propelled India to one of the world's largest milk-producing nations.
"The example of Dr Jagadish Chandra Bose stands before us. In his early days, he did not have access to highly modern, magnificent, or sophisticated laboratories. Yet, the inquisitiveness, the curiosity, and the spirit of discovery within him have today immortalised him in the world of science," Singh said.
"A common thread runs through all these examples: First, they acquired knowledge, and subsequently, they dedicated that very knowledge to the welfare of society.
"This constitutes the true objective of education, that an individual utilises his knowledge not merely for personal gain, but also for the advancement of society. It is this very ethos of education that naturally fosters a sense of curiosity and inquiry among children. It develops their thoughts, and also inspires them to move ahead," he said.
Giving a new definition of school, he said that a school is not merely a place for imparting knowledge, it is also a laboratory for character building.
"It is a place where not only mathematics, science, or languages are taught, but where the values of life are also instilled," he said, and added that along with the education of our children, attention has also to be given to character building.
The true objective of education is for an individual to utilise their knowledge not solely for their own benefit, but also for the progress of society, he said.
"Children certainly pursue their studies at school, but their personality is shaped at home. The school provides them with knowledge, discipline, and exposure, whereas the home gives them the experience of life, sensitivity, and moral values," Singh said.
Securing a good job, a lucrative salary package, or admission into a prestigious institution does not constitute the entirety of success in life.
"True success is achieved when an individual is able to bring about positive change in society through their knowledge and ideas. It is essential to prepare children not merely to secure marks, but to face the challenges of life," Singh said.