The new HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar has started his innings on a note that could go a long way in ending the atmosphere of animosity between a section of the student community and the Modi Government. Himself product of students’ agitation, Javadekar on Thursday hailed the traits of rebellion and exhorted the students to challenge status quo.
The Minister said that India lacks in innovation in education as children are discouraged to ask questions in schools something which should not be allowed to go on, contending “unless you rebel, unless you challenge the status quo, how can you innovate anything”.
Emphasising the Modi Government’s focus on innovation in education, the Minister said, “Innovation is a process of rebellion essentially. Unless you rebel, unless you challenge the status quo, how can you innovate anything.”
Unlike her predecessor Smriti Irani, who was more interesting in preaching students nationalism and taming their spirits, Javadekar has send the right signal by reaching out to them in a language that is far more accommodative.
“Why do we lack innovation in IndiaIJ Because, we don’t allow questioning. We don’t promote inquisitiveness. If a child asks questions in school, he is asked to sit down. This should not go on. We need to promote inquisitiveness, children should ask questions,” the newly appointed HRD Minister said.
The Minister was speaking at an event, ‘Infocom 2016’, organised by the Ananda Bazar Patrika Group. He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s mantra is sustainable development which does not impact adversely the nature but ensures progress of all, for which innovation is the key.
He said the development in IT Sector has brought a revolution in the media industry. Transformation is the result of new ideas. There are doomsayers, but one should always be positive and look for innovation, he said.
Javadekar also recalled his interaction in the 1990s with late Steve Jobs of Apple who had then predicted the evolution of smart phone and its varied functions.
After taking over charge of his Ministry at spate function, the Minister said that prime challenge that the education sector faces in the country is raising the quality of education and ensuring it reaches all, HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar, who took charge, said on Thursday. “The major challenge that is there in the education sector is to raise the standard. Quality education is vital as it lays the foundation for life and builds overall personality,” he told reporters.
His predecessor Smriti Irani, who has been given the charge of Textiles Ministry, however, did not turn up for the event.
Javadekar said she could not join the occasion because of “family reasons”. He had yesterday met Irani, whom he had described as his “little sister” and said he would carry on with the “good initiatives” taken by her.
The sole purpose of education is not just employment which is a “byproduct”, he said. “The aim of education is to lay the foundation for life on the basis of which societies are created. It is the duty of the education sector and we accept this challenge. Our mission will be to ensure quality education reaches all,” he said.
Javadekar, who was flanked by Ministers of State for HRD Upendra Kushwaha and Mahendra Pandey, said that there are ample opportunities as well as challenges in the sector on which they will work jointly.
Javadekar also said that he will soon go for a programme in Pune where those who had taught him will be honoured.