Special Session on Education at Rajasthani Diaspora Day – Education, Skills, Innovation, and Research as Pillars of Modern Economy

Jaipur, December 2025 : Chief Minister Shri Bhajanlal Sharma said that diaspora Rajasthanis have demonstrated their talent and entrepreneurship all over the world. The experience, expertise, and guidance of diaspora Rajasthanis can play a significant role in providing state youth access to world-class opportunities. Shri Sharma appealed to diaspora Rajasthanis to connect their talent with the development of the motherland, so that Rajasthan can become a leader in the country.

The Chief Minister was addressing a special session on opportunities, investment, and challenges in the education sector, organized during the state-level ceremony at JECC, Sitapura, on the occasion of Rajasthani Diaspora Day. Shri Sharma said that education holds a very important place in the progress of the country and state. In the 21st century, knowledge is capital. It prepares our youth for global competition. He said that education, skills, innovation, and research are the four main pillars of the modern economy, and by strengthening them, we can give the economy unprecedented momentum. Today, the state is moving towards being a leader in all these areas.

The Chief Minister said that unprecedented work is being done in the education sector. Immediately after 12th grade, the Early Career Program & TechB has been started to provide skills enhancement and employment opportunities for youth. Also, the I.Start program has been expanded to promote entrepreneurship and innovation among school students. He mentioned that government initiatives like Startup Policy, Atal Innovation Studio & Accelerator, AVGC-XR Policy, Center for Advanced Skilling, State Skill Policy, among others, have opened new doors of opportunity for youth.

Shri Sharma said that the unprecedented expansion of education is laying the foundation for a knowledge-based economy. In the past two years, 71 new government colleges and 21 new government polytechnic colleges have been opened. 177 new college buildings have been inaugurated. He said that in government schools, significant work in lighting, painting, sanitation, and beautification has been undertaken. For the first time in state history, so many schools were renovated simultaneously. Smart classrooms, digital libraries, science-math kits, and sanitary pad vending machines have been installed. He emphasized that diaspora Rajasthanis should take advantage of the investment-friendly environment and also contribute to the development of educational infrastructure in their ancestral villages.

Union Minister of Forests & Environment Shri Bhupendra Yadav, presiding over the session, said that Rajasthan has always been a leader in education. Cities like Ajmer in school education, Pilani in technical education, and Kota in coaching institutions are nationally renowned. He noted that the New Education Policy focuses on building personality rather than just producing products, and Rajasthan is fully concentrating on character-building and human values among students.

During the session, Deputy Chief Minister Dr. Premchand Bairwa said that the implementation of the National Education Policy is bringing revolutionary changes to the state education system. Rajasthan’s economy is moving towards a knowledge-based economy.

Education Minister Shri Madan Dilawar said that education shapes citizens, and currently, education imbued with values and human principles is being provided. He appealed to diaspora Rajasthanis and Bhamashahs present to invest in education, noting that such investment yields good citizens and is an investment in the country’s future. He also shared information on programs and activities being run for students’ overall development.

Rural Development Minister Shri Otharam Devasi expressed gratitude to Bhamashahs for strengthening the education landscape and appealed to continue the tradition of support.

Rajasthan Leading in Students’ Holistic Development

At the start of the session, Additional Chief Secretary, Higher & Technical Education, Shri Kuldeep Ranka presented the higher and school education scenario in Rajasthan through a presentation. He highlighted innovations and activities by the School Education Department, including Shikshit Rajasthan Campaign, Prakhar Rajasthan, ABL, multilingual education, AI tools for improving reading levels, school health check campaigns, Hariyalo Rajasthan, Surya Namaskar, and vocational training for skill education.

School Education Secretary Shri Krishna Kunal expressed thanks and informed about provisions for honoring and supporting Bhamashahs. He noted that school buildings suffered significant damage during monsoon, and rebuilding requires Bhamashahs’ support.

Unprecedented Opportunities Today

In a panel discussion, Amity University Chancellor Dr. Aseem Chauhan said that the National Education Policy is the most visionary reform in the last 30-40 years, and the current opportunities have not existed in decades. He shared investment opportunities in higher education in Rajasthan.

Physicswala Co-founder Prateek Maheshwari highlighted the changing educational landscape through online education, showing how digital learning is improving accessibility for under-resourced children.

IIT Jodhpur Director Avinash Kumar Agrawal discussed requirements for starting startups. Anand Rathi Group Chairman Shri Anand Rathi said education plays a key role in progress and advocated short skill-development courses for youth.

BITS Pilani Group Vice-Chancellor Prof. V. Ramgopal Rao emphasized experiential learning to bridge the gap between industry and educational institutions, linking youth to employment.

IIM Udaipur Director Ashok Banerjee highlighted the importance of ideas and entrepreneurship culture in institutions in the current era.