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NEW DELHI: In a charged keynote address at the “Social Harmony and Education” seminar organized here by Bharat Vikas Parishad , Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh said National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 amalgamates education, aptitude, ethos, egalitarianism and vocational skill… all in a single package for an individual’s harmonious and holistic growth.
Dr Jitendra Singh hailed NEP 2020 as a revolutionary step and a “game-changer” in restoring virtues of India’s cultural roots, dismantling colonial legacies and igniting the virtues of social harmony.
“Why have we reached a time where we need to remind ourselves that we are brothers, that we are human?” Dr. Jitendra Singh asked, questioning the very need for celebrating World Brotherhood Day, calling it a reflection of how far some sections of society have strayed from basic human values.
Dr. Jitendra Singh did not mince words in his critique of the past education policies, calling them remnants of a colonial mindset that failed to instill pride or self-awareness among generations of Indians. He pointed out that many unlettered individuals often possess more wisdom and character than degree-holders produced by this outdated system.
“The NEP will free our children and parents from the dogmas of a flawed system,” he declared. “It is time to stop being slaves and prisoners to subjects and circumstances forced upon us.” said Dr. Jitendra Singh
Dr Jitendra Singh credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the vision and courage to break from the status quo. “This is the first generation to witness the change. Two to three generations from now will thank us for the seeds we are sowing today.” he said.
The Minister emphasized that NEP has done away with the outdated idea of “drop-outs” by introducing flexible entry-exit options and freedom of subject choice, making students active participants in their own educational journey. Teachers, too, stand to benefit from engaging with students who are truly interested and capable in the subject matter.
“Can social harmony be taught or preached?” Dr. Jitendra Singh asked the gathering. “Or is it something to be realized through self-introspection and self-discipline?”
In a philosophical yet grounded tone, he urged the youth to focus inward and not waste time comparing themselves with others. “The first beneficiary of social harmony is the individual himself-it gives peace, purpose, and power.”
Recounting major reforms under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted the move to end the colonial practice of attestation by gazetted officers, replacing it with self-attestation-a symbolic yet powerful message that the government trusts its citizens.
He also praised the removal of interviews for several government posts, eliminating discrimination and bias, and ensuring a level playing field for all youth. He noted with pride that most recent civil service toppers are now from government schools and remote areas, proving the effectiveness of 360-degree democratization in recruitment.
Cautioning parents against spending exorbitant sums on coaching institutes, Dr. Jitendra Singh urged them to abandon the ‘Sarkari Naukri’ obsession and instead encourage entrepreneurship.
“We had only 300 startups in 2014; today India is the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem. These are the best times to be young in India,” he declared.
Reflecting on his long-standing association with Bharat Vikas Parishad and his early days in Jammu & Kashmir, Dr. Jitendra Singh shared stories of resistance and resilience-standing firm with nationalist values during difficult times. He fondly recalled delivering a keynote speech in 1990 in the presence of Kedarnath Sahni, and his role in the Amarnath protest movement of 2008.
The Minister condemned the Partition of India as “one of the greatest blunders in world history,” asserting that ordinary people never demanded it-rather it was the ambition of a few elites who couldn’t accept one nation with one Prime Minister.
Paying tribute to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar on the occasion of his birth anniversary, Dr. Singh lauded him as a living embodiment of social harmony, who despite facing systemic oppression, never harbored ill-will and rose to become the chief architect of the Indian Constitution.
Dr. Jitendra Singh concluded his address with a poignant message to the youth: “Personal ambition is often the greatest enemy of social harmony. True strength lies in collective progress.”
The event was graced by prominent personalities including former Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel, Suresh Jain, Karnal Singh, Prof. Balram Pani, and Rajesh Goyal.
