By Our Correspondent
BHUBANESWAR/NEW DELHI: India is the greatest example for understanding human society and culture, said Union Education Minister Shri Dharmendra Pradhan while participating in the 58th Foundation Day of the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) and the CII Annual Business Conference – 2026 in New Delhi today.
Speaking on the occasion of the 58th Foundation Day of the Indian Council of Social Science Research on the theme “Decolonization of Social Science Research: Reviving India’s Intellectual Heritage”, Shri Pradhan said that India is a living laboratory for understanding human civilization. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the country is today freeing itself from the ideology of T.B. Macaulay and establishing its cultural consciousness and intellectual tradition in the world court. Then, like the reconstruction of the Somnath Temple, we have to combine India’s self-esteem and national consciousness with a new definition of social science. He opined that for ‘Developed India 2047’, it is important to present the Indian knowledge tradition in a modern context.
Similarly, addressing the session on ‘Education, Skill Development and Future-Ready Talent’ at the CII Annual Business Summit, Minister Shri Pradhan spoke about the revolutionary changes taking place in the education sector. He said that skill-based education from class 6 onwards and credit-based academic system are preparing students for global competition. The Modi government is giving priority to women empowerment. He called for greater participation of the industry along with government investment in research and development and infrastructure development.
Shri Pradhan said that a strong partnership between academia and industry is required to build a skilled, literate and innovation-driven India. This will not only fulfill India’s aspirations but will also pave the way for solving various global problems. Government investment in education is essential along with active partnership with industry. Especially, private sector collaboration in the areas of research and development, infrastructure development, nutritious food and innovation can fill the gaps in the country’s education system.
Shri Pradhan appreciated the efforts of CII for honouring successful women officers through the ‘Women Exemplary Awards’ at this event.
