NEP Seeks to Replace Colonial Mindset with Indian Outlook, Says Dharmendra Pradhan

Bhubaneswar, Sep 13 – Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan today stated that the education system introduced by T.B. Macaulay in India was aimed at promoting a colonial mindset and keeping the nation subjugated for long. Addressing the 35th convocation of Sambalpur University at Burla, he emphasized that the new National Education Policy (NEP) under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership seeks to replace this mindset with a self-reliant and confident Indian perspective.

Dr Pradhan said the NEP reflects the holistic and multilingual education ideals of visionary leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi, Rabindranath Tagore, Swami Vivekananda, Maharshi Aurobindo, Madan Mohan Malaviya, and Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan. “The NEP is helping realize the dreams of these great thinkers by providing education that fosters critical thinking, cultural roots, and self-confidence,” he added.

The minister highlighted the policy’s focus on mother tongue-based education, encouraging learning in regional and native languages. He urged universities to take steps to enhance the happiness, prosperity, and well-being of the people of Odisha, stressing that education in local languages plays a vital role in preserving cultural heritage and fostering inclusion.

Pointing to Sambalpur’s prominence in Odisha’s education landscape, Dr Pradhan said, “Sambalpur is home to nationally recognized institutions like IIM Sambalpur, Sambalpur University, Gangadhar Meher University, Burla Medical College, Veer Surendra Sai University of Technology, OUAT’s Chipilima campus, and an Open University. It is the second major educational hub of Odisha after Bhubaneswar.”

He further noted that Sambalpur played a key role in Odisha’s formation as a language-based state and that the double-engine government is committed to transforming it into a hub for a knowledge-driven economy. “For Odisha to progress in the 21st century, we must improve the quality of education across all levels,” he said.

The convocation was attended by Odisha Minister for Higher Education Surjyabanshi Suraj, Minister of State for Industries, Skill Development & Technical Education Sampad Chandra Swain, Minister for Panchayati Raj, Rural Development & Drinking Water Rabi Narayan Naik, MLA Jay Narayan Mishra, and Vice Chancellor Bindu Bhushan Mishra, among others.

The event underscored the government’s resolve to reshape the education system in India to reflect indigenous values and promote academic excellence.