During an event organized by Vidya Bharati Akhil Bharatiya Shiksha Sansthan at the Govardhan Saraswati Vidya Mandir, Inter College in Dharampur, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami made a significant announcement. He pledged a financial grant of ₹60 lakh to the institution, a testament to the state government’s commitment to supporting quality education. The event also served as a platform to honor the top 10 students from the Vidya Mandir who excelled in the high school and intermediate examinations of the Uttarakhand Board Examination 2024.
In his address, Chief Minister Dhami emphasized the vital role of Vidya Bharati in shaping the future of India. He praised the organization’s dedication to providing quality education, while simultaneously nurturing young minds with Indian values and cultural understanding. He highlighted the crucial role played by Saraswati Shishu Mandir and Vidya Mandir, institutions run by Vidya Bharati, in fostering not only bookish knowledge but also well-rounded citizens. He applauded the efforts of Vidya Bharati in instilling patriotism, indigenous thinking, social harmony, environmental protection, and other crucial contemporary topics in students.
Dhami further elaborated on the vast network of Vidya Bharati schools in Uttarakhand, with over 500 institutions educating more than one lakh students across the state. He particularly acknowledged the dedication of Vidya Bharati in establishing schools in tribal and border areas, ensuring educational access for all. The Chief Minister expressed his delight over the selection of seven Vidya Bharati schools to be established as Sainik Schools by the Government of India.
Moving beyond the scope of Vidya Bharati, Chief Minister Dhami underscored the state government’s unwavering commitment to the development of education in Uttarakhand. He highlighted various initiatives undertaken to uplift students and youth. The swift implementation of the National Education Policy-2020 in the state, a first in India, demonstrates the state government’s proactive approach towards modernizing and strengthening the education system. The establishment of smart classes in government schools, provision of free textbooks from Class 1 to 12, and the distribution of bags and shoes from Class 1 to 8 reflect the state government’s commitment to enhancing the learning experience for all students.
The Mukhyamantri Medhavi Chhatra Protsahan Yojana, a scheme offering monthly scholarships to meritorious students, further exemplifies the state government’s dedication to supporting academic excellence. The initiative to provide bicycles to girls enrolling in Class 9 aims to empower girls and promote their participation in education. Additionally, the decision to send five top-performing students from each development block on a tour of India underlines the state government’s vision for fostering a sense of national pride and promoting a deeper understanding of India’s diverse heritage.
The Chief Minister also highlighted the state government’s focus on strengthening infrastructure and promoting higher education. The establishment of 20 new model colleges and the signing of an agreement for the Chevening Uttarakhand Scholarship, providing postgraduate studies to top students in reputed British universities, demonstrate the state government’s commitment to providing quality higher education opportunities. The collaboration with Springboard Infosys to provide free IT-based training modules for teachers and free courses for students further reinforces the state government’s commitment to equipping students with the skills necessary for the digital age.
To further bolster the state’s educational landscape, the state government has allocated a substantial budget of over 1700 crores for youth welfare, technical education, and higher education. Chief Minister Dhami concluded his address by announcing a significant decision to establish the Center for Hindu Studies at Doon University, underscoring the state government’s commitment to promoting research and understanding of Hindu culture and philosophy.
