New Direction Needed for Education to Tackle Present and Future Challenges: CM Devendra Fadnavis

Nagpur, April 2026: Emphasising the need to align education with evolving global realities, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that the education system must be reshaped by taking into account both present and future challenges. He stated that the core objective of the new education policy is to globalise Indian knowledge while also Indianising global knowledge.

He was speaking as the chief guest at the opening session of the national conference “Maharashtra Gyan Sabha 2026: Education for a Developed Maharashtra,” held at Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology (VNIT). The conference is jointly organised by Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University, Gondwana University, VNIT, IIM Nagpur, and Shiksha Sanskriti Utthan Nyas, New Delhi. Several dignitaries, including Atul Kothari, Dr Prashant Narnavare, Dr Bhimaraya Metri, Dr Manali Kshirsagar, Prashant Bokare, Madabhushi Madan Gopal, Dr Premlal Patel, and Ravneet Khurana, were present.

Fadnavis said that merely glorifying historical achievements will not make the nation great; instead, education must address contemporary and future global challenges. Highlighting the rapid pace of change, he noted that while the first industrial revolution began around 1760 and the next three unfolded over nearly 250 years, the world has experienced three major industrial transformations in just the past 15 years.

He underlined the significant contribution of Indians in the development of Artificial Intelligence and deep technology, adding that the goal is to create human resources through education that ensure holistic development along with strong ethical and professional values. Individuals should be capable of contributing meaningfully to the nation’s economy while possessing physical, moral, and professional strengths.

The Chief Minister pointed out that nearly 60 percent of jobs are expected to change in the next 1,000 days due to advancements in AI and deep technology. However, he clarified that this does not necessarily mean increased unemployment, drawing parallels with the computer revolution when similar concerns were raised but ultimately led to new opportunities.

He stressed that technology is constantly evolving, and society must move forward alongside it. Universities and educators must identify relevant and future-oriented subjects to keep pace with these transformations. With rapid changes, nothing remains permanent, and the education system must adapt accordingly to sustain the flow of knowledge.

Fadnavis also noted that there was a time when India was hesitant about foreign universities due to lack of competitiveness, but that scenario has changed. He highlighted the development of an EduCity in Navi Mumbai, which will offer students access to foreign university education at a lower cost. He urged Indian universities to compete globally and raise their standards.

On the occasion, a souvenir and a booklet titled “Best Practices of Gondwana University” were released. The two-day conference has brought together experts and representatives from across the country from the education and industry sectors, focusing on the theme of education for a developed Maharashtra in the context of the new education policy.