Javadekar takes charge as HRD Min, ‘little sister’ Irani skips event

 The prime challenge that the education sector faces in the country is raising the quality of education and ensuring it reaches all, said Human Resource Development (HRD) Minister Prakash Javadekar (65), who took charge on Thursday. 

“The major challenge that is there in the education sector is to raise the standard. Quality education is vital as it lays the foundation for life and builds overall personality,” he said.

His predecessor Smriti Irani, who has been given the charge of Textiles Ministry, however, did not turn up for the event. Javadekar said she could not join the occasion because of “family reasons”. 

On Wednesday, Javadekar had met Irani, whom he had described as his “little sister” and said that he would carry on with the “good initiatives” undertaken by her. The sole purpose of education is not just employment which is a “by-product”, he said.

“The aim of education is to lay the foundation for life, on the basis of which societies are created. It is the duty of the education sector and we accept this challenge. Our mission will be to ensure quality education reaches all,” he said.

Javadekar, who was flanked by Ministers of State for HRD Upendra Kushwaha and Mahendra Pandey, said there were ample opportunities as well as challenges in the sector, on which they would work jointly.

Asked about certain controversial remarks about Irani reportedly made by a JD(U) leader, he said it was the “worst comment”. “I do not want to comment on somebody’s remark,” he said.

‘India lacks innovation’.

He added that India lacked in innovation in education as children were often discouraged to ask questions in schools, something which should not be allowed to go on. “Innovation is a process of rebellion essentially. Unless you rebel, unless you challenge the status quo, how can you innovate anything,” he said, emphasising that the  Narendra Modi government’s focus is on innovation in education.

 “Why do we lack innovation in India? Because, we don’t allow questioning. We don’t promote inquisitiveness. If a child asks questions in school, he is asked to sit down. This should not go on. We need to promote inquisitiveness, children should ask questions,” he said.

Javadekar said if children are encouraged to be inquisitive, innovation would follow as the status quo would be challenged and there would be transformation.

He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s mantra is sustainable development, which does not impact adversely the nature but ensures progress of all, for which innovation is the key. He said the development in IT Sector has brought a revolution in the media industry.

 Transformation is the result of new ideas. There are doomsayers, but one should always be positive and look for innovation, he said.

Javadekar also recalled his interaction in the 1990s with late Steve Jobs of Apple who had then predicted the evolution of smart phone and its varied functions.