The Aryavarth Express
Agency (New Delhi): Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar underscored India’s historic prominence as a knowledge hub and expressed confidence in the nation’s resurgence, firmly on the path to reclaim its past glory. He highlighted renowned educational institutions like Nalanda and Takshashila while acknowledging the paradigm shift in India’s contemporary education landscape.
Speaking at the 62nd Foundation Day celebration of the School of Open Learning (SOL), University of Delhi, Dhankhar commended the institution for providing a transformative platform for learners from varied backgrounds, including working professionals, homemakers, and students. He praised SOL for offering a “second chance” to those who had previously missed formal education and for empowering marginalized communities by fostering inclusivity through knowledge and skill development.
Dhankhar emphasized the importance of faculty over infrastructure in shaping educational institutions and emphasized that education is not just a pathway to knowledge but the cornerstone of progress, empowerment, and societal transformation. He called education “the greatest right and donation” that unlocks the door to progress and prosperity.
Reflecting on India’s Chandrayaan lunar mission, which successfully landed on the moon’s south pole after an initial setback, he urged students to see failure as a stepping stone to success and highlighted the necessity of resilience when navigating the complexities of today’s world.
Dhankhar praised the New Education Policy (NEP) for charting a roadmap for holistic learner development and establishing a knowledgeable society equipped for modern challenges. He highlighted the NEP’s focus on flexible learning, technology integration, and recognizing diverse aspirations, which aligns with SOL’s mission.
He expressed optimism that the School of Open Learning will play a pivotal role in increasing access to quality education and bridging long-standing educational gaps, as envisioned in the NEP.
Prof. Yogesh Singh, Vice Chancellor of Delhi University, and Prof. Payal Mago, Director of the Campus of Open Learning, were also present alongside faculty members, students, and other dignitaries.