A New India
Chapter 251 - 251: Discussion with Head of NCERT

The clock struck 11 a.m. as Dr. Shyam Sundar, the head of NCERT, entered the Prime Minister's office.

He carried a thick folder.

The past months had seen unprecedented reforms in Indian education under Prime Minister Rohan's leadership, but today's meeting was about charting the next phase: quality.

Rohan stood by the window, looking out at the bustling lawns of South Block.

As Dr. Sundar entered, he turned with a smile.

"Dr. Sundar, thank you for coming. Please, take a seat," Rohan said, gesturing toward the chair in front of his desk.

"It's an honor, Prime Minister," Dr. Sundar replied, settling into his chair. "I understand you have some specific directions for us to take Indian education forward?"

Rohan nodded and sat across from him. "Dr. Sundar, we've done the groundwork. Schools are being built, extremist influences have been rooted out, and infrastructure is improving. But this is just the foundation. What we need now is to ensure our education system produces citizens who are not only skilled but deeply connected to our cultural roots. Quality is our next frontier."

Dr. Sundar listened intently as Rohan continued. "Our education system must reflect who we are as a civilization. For too long, our history, our philosophy, and our achievements have been undermined or misrepresented. This needs to change."

"How do you envision this change, Prime Minister?" Dr. Sundar asked, his pen poised to take notes.

"First," Rohan said, leaning forward, "we need practical education integrated into our schools. I'm not talking about token workshops but real, hands-on skills. Farming, carpentry, sewing, local crafts, students should learn skills relevant to their environment. In urban schools, introduce technology and basic engineering. In rural areas, let children learn techniques to improve agricultural yield or preserve local crafts. These are life skills, not extras."

Dr. Sundar nodded. "I see. These clubs would be part of the curriculum?"

"Yes, but affordable and accessible. The idea is not to add financial burdens but to make education meaningful. If we can teach a student how to grow food or fix a machine, we prepare them for life. We're not just teaching; we're building resilience."

"That's ambitious, Prime Minister," Dr. Sundar said thoughtfully. "But it will require extensive teacher training. Many of our educators lack these practical skills."

"I've already instructed Mira to allocate resources for that," Rohan said firmly. "Funds from Gati Shakti will be redirected for teacher training programs. Implementation is your department's task, but the foundation is ready."

Dr. Sundar scribbled a note. "Understood. And beyond practical skills?"

Rohan leaned back in his chair. "Critical thinking. Our students memorize answers but rarely learn to question. I want problem-solving exercises introduced at the primary level. At higher levels, philosophy and debates must become central to the curriculum."

"Philosophy?" Dr. Sundar raised an eyebrow.

"Yes, Indian philosophy," Rohan said emphatically. "Our Upanishads, the Bhagavad Gita, the writings of Vivekananda they are treasures the world admires, but we've neglected them in our own classrooms. Teach these alongside Plato, Descartes, and Kant. Let our students understand that the essence of dharma and logic coexists with critical reasoning."

Dr. Sundar looked intrigued. "It's an excellent idea, Prime Minister, but introducing philosophy at the school level might face resistance. How do we counter that?"

"With facts," Rohan replied. "These are not religious texts in the narrow sense, they are philosophical treatises. We're not preaching; we're teaching. Philosophy sharpens the mind, and no nation's youth can claim to be enlightened without engaging with its intellectual heritage."

Dr. Sundar nodded, his pen moving rapidly. "And how would you like debates structured?"

"Start with smaller debates in middle school topics like ethics, fairness, problem-solving," Rohan suggested. "In higher secondary, let them tackle bigger questions: morality, governance, environmental responsibility. Encourage them to think beyond rote answers. Let them argue about the ideas of Gandhi and Ambedkar, and the lessons of Indian kings and scholars."

Dr. Sundar hesitated, then said, "And history, Prime Minister? Do you want a revision?"

Rohan's gaze sharpened. "Not revision, Dr. Sundar, restoration. Teach real history. Include the atrocities of colonialism, but also the achievements of our ancient mathematicians, scientists, and astronomers. Teach about Aryabhata, Chanakya, and Patanjali alongside Newton and Einstein. Talk about the valiant women of Indian history, from Rani Laxmibai to Ahilyabai Holkar. Show our students that India was not merely a passive victim but a civilization of pioneers."

"And our struggles?" Dr. Sundar asked. "The freedom struggle?"

"Give them the full picture," Rohan said. "Gandhi and Nehru, yes, but also Bose, Tilak, and Savarkar. Let them understand that the fight for freedom was multifaceted. The truth is complex, and our students are smart enough to grasp it."

Dr. Sundar paused, his face thoughtful. "Prime Minister, this will require a significant overhaul of the curriculum. Do you anticipate resistance?"

"Of course," Rohan replied. "But we cannot let fear hold us back. If we want a generation that is both confident and capable, we must teach them to take pride in who they are. This is a Hindu-majority country, Dr. Sundar, but this is not about religion, it's about reclaiming our identity. Let no student leave school without understanding what dharma truly means."

Dr. Sundar nodded. "Prime Minister, I agree with you in principle. But executing this vision will be a challenge. Teachers will need extensive training, and we'll need to ensure academic rigor."

"I expect nothing less, Dr. Sundar," Rohan said. "Workshops and training programs are already in the budget. Your job is to create the framework and ensure it reaches every corner of the country."

Dr. Sundar rose, gathering his notes. "I'll assemble a team immediately. You'll have the first draft of the revised syllabus in three months."

Rohan stood as well, extending his hand. "Thank you, Dr. Sundar. Let's give our children an education that prepares them for the future without forgetting their past."

As Dr. Sundar left the office, Rohan turned to Neeraj. "Call Mira and arrange a meeting. I want her updated on this by the evening."

"Yes, sir," Neeraj said, already making a note.