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NEW DELHI: The National Institute of Educational Planning and Administration (NIEPA) organised the 16th Maulana Azad Memorial Lecture at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi to mark National Education Day.The event paid tribute to Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, a known freedom fighter, visionary statesman and the first education minister of independent India, by recognising his contribution to nation-building through education. Professor Kumar Suresh delivered the introductory remarks and welcomed the gathering.Delivering the memorial lecture on “Contemporary Education in the Light of Sri Aurobindo: School Education as it Could Be and Should Be,” Prof (Dr) Ramesh Bijlani, Trustee, Sri Aurobindo Ashram, spoke about “Integral Education”, a holistic approach that develops the physical, emotional, mental and inner dimensions of learners.He emphasised that education should move beyond rote learning to foster curiosity, creativity and clear thinking, while nurturing joy in learning to build lifelong learners. Prof Bijlani underlined the importance of “psychic education” and highlighted the integration of Indian values, yoga and reflective practices in school education. Quoting Sri Aurobindo, he said, “The chief aim of education should be to help the growing soul to draw out that in itself which is best and make it perfect for a noble use.” Speaking on the occasion, Prof Shashikala Wanjari, Vice-Chancellor, NIEPA, said, “Maulana Azad’s vision continues to inspire India’s educational journey.”The lecture brought together academicians, policymakers, researchers and students to discuss ideas shaping education for an inclusive and progressive society.
