In The Hindu Mind conversation, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan spoke live with Nistula Hebbar and Jigeesh A.M., discussing key education reform, updates on policy implementation, and respond to concerns from various stakeholders. Much of discussion centered on how National Education Policy (NEP) is being execute, the status of curricular reforms, language policy, and ensuring quality education across India.

Pradhan clarified certain misunderstanding around NEP, especially those related to medium of instruction and emphasis on Indian Knowledge Systems. He underscored that tradition and heritage are integrate but not at cost of scientific temper or foundational competency. He emphasize that reforms aim to build capacity, improve teacher training, enhance infrastructure, and ensure curricular changes are inclusive.

During session, there were live questions and interaction about concerns from academia over UGC draft curricula (including mathematics), concerns about ideological bias, and fear that heritage content might overshadow essential subjects. Pradhan respond that feedback from experts is taken seriously and that government aims to balance heritage modules with rigorous core subject teaching.

He also spoke about measures being taken to improve access, especially in less developed region, ensuring resources reach all, and that reforms under NEP are not theoretical but will be support with investment in teacher training, digital tools, quality assessment systems, and monitoring.

Pradhan message was that NEP and UGC’s curriculum reforms are evolving process, with room for stakeholder feedback. He acknowledge challenges and assure that quality, equity, and preserving scientific rigor remain central to ongoing reforms.