NEW DELHI: Expressing his dismay and disbelief over the fact that Indian students are forced to seek medical education in various parts of the world, Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his Independence Day address to the nation on Thursday announced a significant initiative – the creation of 75,000 new medical seats across the country over the next five years.Modi’s vision extends beyond merely increasing the number of seats, as drew inspiration from the ancient Nalanda University to position India as a global education hub.
Large number of medical students from India had to be evacuated from Ukraine and more recently some had to flee from trouble torn Bangladesh.
Recognizing the pressing need to provide more opportunities for aspiring medical professionals to receive quality education within the borders, Modi said: “I am dismayed and in disbelief to know that many of our children still go abroad for medical education, costing families millions. Over the past decade, we have increased medical seats to nearly one lakh, and we plan to add 75,000 new seats in the next five years.”
Reiterating his vision for India to reclaim its historical position as a global education hub, Modi called for a revival of Nalanda spirit. The new campus, close to the site of the ancient ruins of the Buddhist centre of learning in Bihar, was inaugurated by the PM in June. The university was established in 2010 through an act of Parliament.
Ancient Nalanda University, which flourished in the 5th century and attracted scholars from across the world.
“We aim to develop an education system here so that our youth do not need to go abroad. We have also rebuilt Nalanda University, a symbol of our pride in Bihar, and it has started functioning again. We need to revive the ancient era of Nalanda in the field of education, ensuring that the traditions of knowledge are upheld,” he said.
He further added that by promoting higher learning and research, India can once again become a beacon of knowledge and attract students from around the globe, as he noted the allocation of “one lakh crore rupees for research and innovation in this budget to bring the ideas of our youth to fruition.”
Complementing this vision, Modi reiterated the importance of education in one’s mother tongue, as emphasised in the new National Education Policy.
Urging the state governments and educational institutions to ensure that language does not become a barrier to nurturing talent, he said: “Supporting education in the mother tongue empowers even the poorest children to fulfil their dreams. We need to emphasise the role of the mother tongue in education, family, and life.”
Large number of medical students from India had to be evacuated from Ukraine and more recently some had to flee from trouble torn Bangladesh.
Recognizing the pressing need to provide more opportunities for aspiring medical professionals to receive quality education within the borders, Modi said: “I am dismayed and in disbelief to know that many of our children still go abroad for medical education, costing families millions. Over the past decade, we have increased medical seats to nearly one lakh, and we plan to add 75,000 new seats in the next five years.”
Reiterating his vision for India to reclaim its historical position as a global education hub, Modi called for a revival of Nalanda spirit. The new campus, close to the site of the ancient ruins of the Buddhist centre of learning in Bihar, was inaugurated by the PM in June. The university was established in 2010 through an act of Parliament.
Ancient Nalanda University, which flourished in the 5th century and attracted scholars from across the world.
“We aim to develop an education system here so that our youth do not need to go abroad. We have also rebuilt Nalanda University, a symbol of our pride in Bihar, and it has started functioning again. We need to revive the ancient era of Nalanda in the field of education, ensuring that the traditions of knowledge are upheld,” he said.
He further added that by promoting higher learning and research, India can once again become a beacon of knowledge and attract students from around the globe, as he noted the allocation of “one lakh crore rupees for research and innovation in this budget to bring the ideas of our youth to fruition.”
Complementing this vision, Modi reiterated the importance of education in one’s mother tongue, as emphasised in the new National Education Policy.
Urging the state governments and educational institutions to ensure that language does not become a barrier to nurturing talent, he said: “Supporting education in the mother tongue empowers even the poorest children to fulfil their dreams. We need to emphasise the role of the mother tongue in education, family, and life.”