Bilaspur, Sep 1 (PTI): Himachal Pradesh Governor Kavinder Gupta on Tuesday said education is key to building an inclusive and future-ready India, as he lauded Act to Transform Foundation on completing nearly five years of its 'Ek Se Shreshtha' initiative.

The initiative has reached 650 education centres, benefitting around 12,000 children.

Addressing a gathering here, Gupta said the 650 centres were not merely a number but represented points where the "light of knowledge" was reaching children and helping them aspire for a better future.

Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision, Gupta said education was central to building an inclusive, skilled and future-ready India.

He said initiatives such as the National Education Policy-2020, PM SHRI, NIPUN Bharat, Digital India and Skill Development were aimed at creating better opportunities for children and youth.

Grassroots initiatives such as 'Ek Se Shreshtha' complemented these national efforts by bringing education and social participation closer to communities, he said.

'Ek Se Shreshtha' is a community education initiative in Himachal Pradesh that provides free after-school learning and holistic development opportunities to children from economically weaker families.

"Education is one of the most powerful instruments of transformation. Every child, whether living in a city or a remote village, must have equal opportunities to learn, grow and realise their dreams," Gupta said.

Education should not be limited to access to schools but must also ensure that children receive learning opportunities, resources, guidance and confidence to move ahead, he added.

Gupta appreciated the foundation for providing free education, learning materials and other support to children.

(PTI)

This report was published from a syndicated wire feed. Apart from the headline, the EdexLive Desk has not edited the copy.