Argus News - NCERT Turns 65: Dharmendra Pradhan Unveils Odia Book Honouring 100 Odia Icons

New Delhi, Sep 1: The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) celebrated its 65th Foundation Day with grandeur and cultural pride.

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan graced the occasion as the chief guest and inaugurated several key initiatives aimed at enriching India’s educational landscape.

Among the highlights was the unveiling of a special Odia book titled “Utkal Janani ra Sujogya Santan”, which chronicles the lives and contributions of 100 eminent Odia personalities.

The book features legendary figures such as Jayee Rajguru, Buxi Jagabandhu, and Veer Surendra Sai, showcasing Odisha’s rich heritage and its role in shaping India’s history.

What sets this publication apart is its integration of QR codes, allowing readers to access digital content and multimedia resources for an immersive learning experience. This initiative aligns with the government’s push toward digital education and regional language empowerment.

The event witnessed the presence of several distinguished personalities, including Sanjay Kumar, Secretary of School Education and Literacy; M. Jagadesh Kumar, former UGC Chairman; S. Somanath, former ISRO Chairman; Chamu Krishna Shastri, Chairman of Bharatiya Bhasha Samiti; and Dinesh Prasad Saklani, Director of NCERT.

Minister Pradhan emphasized the importance of regional languages in education and the need to celebrate local heroes who have contributed to India’s cultural and intellectual legacy. The NCERT’s efforts to promote inclusive and multilingual education were widely appreciated.

This Foundation Day not only honoured NCERT’s legacy but also marked a renewed commitment to educational innovation, cultural preservation, and digital transformation.