Mumbai: R-Day Message by Dr A F Pinto, chairman, Ryan Int’l Group of Institutions

Bellevision Media Network

• Building a Robust India

Mumbai, 26 Jan: We are on the threshold of the 70th Republic Day of our country on January 26. On this day in 1950 India adopted the constitution drafted by Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar. Various events organized with great zeal by the Government of India in the capital showcases India’s strength and power. A grand military parade with participation from the Indian Army, Air Force and Navy beautifully exhibits our nation’s military preparedness while traditional dances from different states symbolise unity in diversity. It is the day of display of India’s might, democratic sovereignty and cultural harmony amidst different cultures, societies, religions and languages.

 

India’s demographic denotes that India has more than 50% of its population below the age of 25 and more than 65 percent below the age of 35. This is one of the greatest resources our country can boast of. It is expected that, in 2020, the average age of an Indian will be 29 years.  In view of this huge & vibrant young population of our country, education is the tool that can empower them and instil capabilities that will drive our nation to rise above in every sphere. ‘Education has power to transform lives.’ Therefore, it needs to be on the top most agenda of any country that seeks social transformation and sustainable development. India needs to strengthen its education systems to drive its efforts towards progress and sustainable development. On the importance of education, the UNESCO has aptly stated, ‘Education is one of the most powerful tools by which economically and socially marginalized children and adults can lift themselves out of poverty and participate fully in society.’  

 

While we stress on the importance of education, it is imperative to note that our world is also changing rapidly, and in order to prepare our young generation for this ever evolving world, we need to change the way we educate them. A prominent HR consultancy ManpowerGroup, had stated that the Specific Skill Set among our youth will be the driver as the future job opportunities will be higher in VFX Artist, Computer Vision Engineer, Wireless Network Specialist, Embedded System Programmer, Data Scientist, Data Architect, AI Research Scientist, Automobile Analytics Engineer, 3D Printing Technician, Vehicle Cyber-security Expert, Sustainability Integration Expert and so forth. Therefore, for India, the need of the hour is to focus on promoting 21st century education. Effective planning, policy formation and its implementation right from the grass root level will provide opportunity for our youth to be lifelong learners. Equitable quality education will only equip our young minds to be prepared for the future job market.

 

Twenty-first century jobs demand skills for work and skills for life in general. In order to inculcate skills among our youth, teachers are one of the most influential and powerful agents. They can help students transform knowledge in order to apply it in real life situations. Teacher training and upgrading is vital to keep our teachers abreast of the global learning patterns.

 

It is time for us to focus on the 21st century skills such as ability to collaborate, team work, critical thinking skills, communication skills, usage of technology and social responsibility. Dr A P J Abdul Kalam would say that ‘Robust India or Developed India’ is not merely a vision but a mission that every Indian should undertake and succeed.This will certainly help establish the constitutional principles of justice, liberty, equality and fraternity in our country. Finally, as we commemorate our Republic Day, along with Dr Ambedkar let us say with deep patriotism in our heart that we are Indians, firstly and lastly.

 

Wish you all a very Happy Republic Day!

 

Dr A F Pinto

Chairman,

Ryan International Group of Institutions