NEW DELHI, June 26: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday conveyed birthday greetings to Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, praising his contribution to the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) and his role in driving reforms aimed at strengthening India’s education system.
Dharmendra Pradhan, who represents Odisha’s Sambalpur constituency in the Lok Sabha, celebrated his 57th birthday on Friday. On the occasion, Prime Minister Modi acknowledged the minister’s efforts in transforming the country’s education landscape through the implementation of the NEP 2020.
In a message shared on the social media platform X, the Prime Minister wished Pradhan a long and healthy life while appreciating his commitment to making India a global centre for education, research and innovation.
Modi stated that the National Education Policy is designed to position India as a leading destination for knowledge, learning and innovation, adding that Pradhan has played a significant role in translating the policy’s vision into action across educational institutions.
The Prime Minister’s remarks come shortly after the Union Cabinet reviewed developments in the education sector. Earlier this week, Modi appreciated the smooth conduct of the NEET-UG medical entrance re-examination organised by the National Testing Agency (NTA), which functions under the Ministry of Education.
The re-examination was conducted following the cancellation of the original NEET-UG examination amid allegations of a question paper leak. Authorities ordered a fresh test to ensure transparency and restore confidence in the country’s medical entrance examination process.
The National Testing Agency successfully conducted the revised examination on June 21 after the earlier test held on May 3 was scrapped due to the reported irregularities. The episode had drawn criticism from opposition parties and various stakeholders, who sought greater accountability and stronger examination safeguards.
As Union Education Minister, Pradhan has been overseeing both the implementation of the National Education Policy and measures aimed at improving examination systems, digital learning initiatives and institutional reforms across the country.
Introduced in 2020, the National Education Policy seeks to modernise India’s education framework by promoting multidisciplinary learning, flexible academic structures, skill development, research, innovation and greater use of technology in classrooms. The policy also focuses on improving foundational literacy, expanding access to quality education and enhancing the global competitiveness of Indian institutions.
Since assuming charge of the Education Ministry in July 2021, Pradhan has supervised several initiatives linked to the phased rollout of the NEP. His ministry has worked with states, universities and regulatory bodies to implement curriculum reforms, strengthen higher education governance and encourage innovation-driven learning.
Before taking charge of the education portfolio, Pradhan served in key ministries, including Petroleum and Natural Gas and Steel, where he handled several major policy initiatives under the Narendra Modi government.
The Prime Minister’s birthday message reflects the government’s continued emphasis on education reforms as a key component of India’s long-term development strategy, with the National Education Policy remaining at the centre of efforts to reshape the country’s academic ecosystem.