Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, the Union Minister for Education and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship today said the introduction of foreign University campuses in India perfectly aligns with the vision outlined in National Education Policy 2020. While speaking at the ‘Arambh (the Beginning): Australian University Campuses in India’ programme today at Gift City in Gandhinagar, he said this transformative policy emphasizes 'Internationalization at Home’, aiming to create a vibrant, diverse, and inclusive educational environment within our own country.

The Minister said this also signifies a giant leap towards globalizing India’s education system, bringing world-class learning opportunities right to our doorstep. “Gujarat is the land of opportunities.  A progressive State with vibrant economy, state-of-the-art infrastructure and ease of doing business ecosystem, Gujarat is the leading growth engine of India. The Campus of these two Australian Universities in the GIFT city is truly a gift that the nation has been looking forward to,” he said.

The function marked the opening of the campuses of Deakin University and University of Wollongong in the GIFT city which was attended by Mr. Jason Clare, Minister for Education, Government of Australia, Mr. Brendan O'Connor, Minister for Skills and Training, Government of Australia (on-line), Professor Iain Martin Vice Chancellor, Deakin University, Prof Patricia Davidson, Vice Chancellor, University of Wollongong, and Senior Officers along with Eminent academicians from India and Australia.

During his speech, the Minister said with the presence of renowned international institutions, we are seeking to foster rich cultural and academic exchanges, where students and faculty from different corners of the world will collaborate, learn, and grow together. This will not only elevate the quality of education but also empower our students with a global perspective, essential in today's interconnected world. “Our nation has been a hub of knowledge, since ancient times. Not very far from where we are today, once stood the Vallabhi University, a renowned centre of learning, in the 7th Century. It excelled in teaching subjects such as philosophy, logic, grammar, literature, and mathematics. The University was known for its high academic standards and attracted scholars from all over India and abroad. Guided by such historic examples, today we are taking important policy decisions towards becoming a global education destination yet again,” he said.

CB/GP/JD

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