Indian philosophy timeless, teachers vital to Viksit Bharat, says Dhanda

State Education Minister Mahipal Dhanda on Monday emphasised the crucial role of teachers in realising the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, calling Indian philosophy a source of “timeless and unparalleled wisdom.” He urged educators to integrate this vision into their teaching practices and inspire the youth to build a self-reliant and progressive nation.

Speaking at the valedictory session of the two-day National Conclave 2025 on ‘Transforming Teacher Education Towards Viksit Bharat 2047’ at Kurukshetra University, Dhanda said, “Teachers have a crucial role to play in achieving the target of a developed India because education is at the core of every subject. When teachers prepare good students and those students move forward in various fields, the dream of a developed India will be fulfilled.”

He said, “The conclave’s goal will be achieved only if delegates take the insights gained here back to their institutions and classrooms.”

Prof Kailash Chander Sharma, chairperson, Haryana State Higher Education Council, said the Indian education system mirrors national progress. “Education is like a tree that bears fruit for a long time. The Integrated Teacher Education Programme (ITEP), now implemented in 64 institutions, is a vital step forward,” he said.

Kurukshetra University Vice-Chancellor Prof Som Nath Sachdeva acknowledged the challenges in the initial phase of ITEP but called them “gateways to numerous career opportunities.” Prof Pankaj Arora, chairperson of NCTE, provided a detailed overview of the conclave, which saw 380 participants and four plenary sessions.

Earlier, Dhanda, speaking at a school function in Babain, said Haryana was the first state to implement the National Education Policy-2020. “This policy will not only impart knowledge but also promote entrepreneurship. The aim is to create self-reliant youth who can seek self-employment,” he said.

Dhanda said, “Teachers must identify students’ interests and tailor education to their needs. The government is improving school facilities to ensure no child is left behind.”

Haryana Tribune