There will be no imposition (of) or opposition to any languages, emphasised Vice-President of India M Venkaiah Naidu while speaking about the recently released National Education Policy (NEP). He was speaking at the maiden Smt Rajalakshmi Parthasarathy Memorial Lecture virtually which was organised to honour the founder of the Padma Seshadri Bala Bhavan Group of Schools, late Smt Rajalakshmi Parthasarathy — who passed away on August 6, 2019. He also went on to say that he is happy with the fact that the policy gives importance to the mother tongue.
Since the three-language policy introduced by the NEP has caused quite the stir, especially in states like Tamil Nadu, this statement was perhaps meant to be an assurance. A similar assurance was given by Minister of Education Ramesh Pokhriyal 'Nishank' a few days back when he said that no language will be imposed on anyone.
Continuing to talk about the NEP, the Vice-President called the policy "visionary" that lays utmost emphasis on the holistic development of students and focuses on an interdisciplinary approach towards imparting knowledge, skill sets and shaping attitudes. He was also happy that NEP reduced the overall syllabus which automatically will result in more time spent in outdoor activities. "During my school days, I spent half my time in class and the other in sports. There used to be activities like craft and gardening," he said. This is essential, he said, because the present generation is suffering greatly due to a lack of physical activities.
Because NEP encourages yoga, the former politician also spoke about how it is important to go back to the old system which also promoted physical activities through yoga. "Yoga has no religion, it is an art, it is science," he went on to say. It is important, he added, that youngsters are inculcated with an understanding and learn to appreciate the Indian culture and heritage. "Education is not for employment alone, the purpose is enlightenment and empowerment," he said.
The first Smt Rajalakshmi Parthasarathy Memorial Lecture was organised on August 6 virtually and the Vice-President delivered the maiden lecture. Many cultural activities followed after his lecture.
