Dr. Krishnaswamy Kasturirangan the man of Science, was the chair person under whom the New Education Policy (NEP) of India was drafted. It is the third educational policy, reformed after independence. Scientist and Atrophysist by profession, he is presently the Chancellor of Central University of Rajasthan and NIIT University. He was the Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation and also a former Member of the Rajya Sabha. He has been conferred with the highest civilian honours Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan and Award of ‘Officer of the Legion d’honneur’ by the President of the French Republic, France. The NEP was evolved in consultation with many stakeholders and after a four-years long experiential study. In the new education policy, Teaching in Mother Tongue & Multi disciplinary learning are the two points that are debated with intense.
Mother tongue for effective understanding and learning: It emphasizes that a chid’s early education could be effectively imparted through the regional language or the mother tongue though learning through other languages are not restricted. It imparts the ability to comprehend things, cognitive abilities and understand their surroundings. The policy aims to facilitate competitive edge amongst the poorer sections of the society by providing financial support. It is during this foundational period that the ability of an individual’s perceptual, conceptual, prescriptive and abstract thinking is identified.
Multi disciplinary and Integrated learning approach: Comprehensive, holistic, integrated approach for knowledge acquisition with adequate specialisation at undergraduate level would provide the basis for a student to choose his best career in life. The present undergraduate education is highly streamlined to its domain. NEP stipulates synergy between multiple themes and subjects by which a dynamic knowledge base can be achieved. Likewise, skill education would be integrated with professional education.
This restructuring and reconfiguring of higher education with focus on research and teaching methods is set to improve the quality standards. It also encourages appreciating and understanding the interconnections of our ancient Indian traditional systems with the scientific temper. India has the resolve to achieve its vision and with technological strength & research capability, backing the nation, to improve its sociol – economic status.