Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, while speaking at the national education conference Gyan Sabha in Kochi, described the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 as India’s first significant step toward dismantling the legacy of colonial-era education. The event was organised by the Shiksha Sanskriti Utthan Nyas.
Arlekar remarked that although India achieved political independence in 1947, its education system — and by extension, societal thinking — continued to reflect a colonial mindset. “The framework imposed during colonial rule shaped our way of thinking, and unknowingly, it permeated our homes and cultural values,” he said.
He urged citizens to embrace the transformative vision of NEP 2020, calling it a much-needed departure from outdated educational models. Arlekar credited the Modi government’s reforms as an opportunity to realign India’s education system with its civilisational ethos and philosophical roots.
Highlighting India’s historical role as a Vishwa Guru (world teacher), Arlekar expressed confidence that the country could reclaim that status if NEP 2020 was implemented with sincerity and commitment.
Reflecting on the post-independence era, the Governor posed a poignant question: “While we secured political freedom, are we truly prepared for a deeper, more holistic transformation?” He said that the vision of Viksit Bharat (Developed India) should not be limited to economic growth alone, but must encompass the overall development of society.
The conference was attended by key figures including RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, underlining the broader ideological and institutional support behind the policy.
(This story is published from a syndicated feed)