Assam Governor Laxman Prasad Acharya stressed the need to promote creativity and critical thinking in the education system, not just limit it to theoretical knowledge. Speaking at the closing session of the North East Education Conclave 2025 held in Guwahati on Saturday, Acharya said that the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 is a timely initiative aimed at preparing students for the challenges of modern times. The conference, organized to mark the foundation day of Pragyotispur University, was attended by education experts, policymakers, and academic leaders.
The Transformative Power of Knowledge and NEP 2020
The Governor said that true education not only imparts knowledge but also helps build character and become a better human being. He described NEP 2020 as an important step towards the vision of ‘Developed India @ 2047’. Acharya said that the timing of this conference is relevant because it aligns with the country’s educational ambitions and efforts towards a self-reliant, innovation-driven economy. Citing the glorious history of ancient Indian education, he mentioned institutions like Takshashila, Nalanda, and Vikramshila, where education was not limited to mere material knowledge but was a tool for character building, holistic approach, and global well-being.
आज प्राग्ज्योतिषपुर विश्वविद्यालय में आयोजित ‘नॉर्थ ईस्ट एजुकेशन कॉन्क्लेव 2025’ के समापन सत्र में सम्मिलित हुआ।
मुझे विश्वास है कि कॉन्क्लेव के दौरान प्रस्तुत विचारों एवं कार्य योजनाओं से NEP 2020 के धरातलीय क्रियान्वयन को सशक्त आधार प्रदान करेंगी तथा असम सहित सभी पूर्वोत्तर… pic.twitter.com/tyFTgSMkVV— लक्ष्मण प्रसाद आचार्य (Lakshman Prasad Acharya) (@Laxmanacharya54) October 18, 2025
New Direction for 21st Century Education
The Governor said that today’s students are not only seeking theoretical knowledge, but also seek practical experiences, technology-enabled environments, and experiential understanding. He described smart classrooms, digital libraries, open e-learning platforms, and community engagement as essential components of 21st-century education. Highlighting the role of Assam’s universities, Acharya said that all universities in the state now offer a large portion of their curriculum through field-driven, experiential, and project-based learning. He said that about 20 percent of the curriculum in subjects like social sciences and commerce has been adapted to suit local social needs.
The goal is to develop responsible and innovative students.
Citing 21st-century challenges such as climate change, energy needs, health crises, and social cohesion, the Governor said that the goal of education should not be solely to create job-seekers. Instead, the focus should be on developing responsible, innovative solution providers and entrepreneurs. He stated that the primary goal of the NEP 2020 is to prepare students to face real-life problems and solve them through creative and practical approaches. This will enable students to become not only professionals but also citizens who contribute to the development of society and the country.
