Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan underscored the significant potential of Australian university campuses in India, highlighting this initiative as just the beginning of deeper educational ties between the two nations. Speaking during his visit to Australia, Pradhan stated that education cooperation is pivotal to the India-Australia relationship, and both countries have a unique opportunity to leverage technology and knowledge to tackle global challenges and foster innovation and entrepreneurship among students.
In a bilateral meeting with his Australian counterpart, Jason Clare, Pradhan discussed the establishment of additional Australian university branch campuses in India. Clare noted that by 2035, one in four people worldwide obtaining a university degree will do so in India. He also pointed out that Australian universities, such as Deakin, have been active in India for over 30 years, with the University of Wollongong recently opening a campus.
Shared Priorities in Education
The two leaders engaged in productive discussions about shared educational priorities, including early childhood care, teacher capacity building, and potential school twinning initiatives. They agreed to further strengthen partnerships in critical and emerging technologies, building on the existing institutional linkages between Indian and Australian higher education institutions.
Addressing the Australian International Education Conference in Melbourne, Pradhan praised the robust partnership between India and Australia, emphasizing its historical ties and the future opportunities it presents. He articulated the necessity of equipping students to be creators and managers of technology within the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
India’s National Education Policy (NEP)
Highlighting India’s National Education Policy (NEP), Pradhan stressed its focus on digital literacy, soft skills, critical thinking, and interdisciplinary studies to meet the demands of evolving job markets. The key objective, he stated, is to transition India’s education system into a competency-based framework with an emphasis on skills-based education, aligning with the goals set in NEP 2020.
Pradhan reiterated India’s commitment to being a trusted partner in human-centric development, aiming to nurture global citizens who contribute to a brighter future for the next generation. His visit also included interactions with young learners at South Melbourne Primary School, where he explored innovative approaches to early childhood education, emphasizing the importance of universal and stress-free learning environments.
Innovations in Higher Education
During his visit to the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT), Pradhan praised the university’s focus on industry experience and hands-on skills in transforming ideas into products. He expressed interest in potential collaborations with leading Indian higher education institutions to equip Indian students with the skills needed for future job markets.
At Monash University, Pradhan gained insights into its research and innovation ecosystem, noting its long-standing relationship with Indian students since the late 1960s. He commended Monash’s facilities, including the Innovation Lab and Centre for Nanofabrication, for their role in fostering talent and driving impactful innovations.
