A two-day national workshop on the theme “VIKSIT BHARAT 2047: Role of Education, Skills and Entrepreneurship” was organized at Perunthalaivar Kamarajar College of Education under the Government of Puducherry. The workshop aimed to create a forward-looking academic and professional platform to deliberate on India’s transformative journey towards becoming a developed nation by 2047 through education, skill development and entrepreneurship.
Dr. R. Kandhavel, Principal of the college, welcomed the participants and emphasized the importance of empowering youth with knowledge, innovation and entrepreneurial skills for nation building.
On this occasion, Dr Kishor Kumar Tripathy, Member Secretary, AuroBharati, Sri Aurobindo Society delivered a special address on the topic “Merging Integral Education with Cultural Sustainability to Enhance Entrepreneurship Development for Viksit Bharat.”
The session focused on the relevance of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the vital role of culture in fostering innovation, creativity and entrepreneurial spirit among the youth. It was emphasized that India’s rich cultural heritage and traditional knowledge systems could serve as strong foundations for sustainable entrepreneurial practices and inclusive economic growth.
A significant part of the lecture explored the concept of Integral Education as envisioned by Sri Aurobindo and The Mother. Their educational philosophy, which nurtures the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual dimensions of an individual, was presented as a transformative approach for developing responsible entrepreneurs and socially conscious citizens.
The session also highlighted the importance of creative art industries and cultural enterprises in promoting sustainable development, generating employment opportunities and preserving cultural identity. Creative sectors such as handicrafts, design, performing arts and cultural tourism were identified as major contributors to economic growth while maintaining ecological and cultural balance.
The inaugural session was graced by distinguished academicians and dignitaries including Vice Chancellor Professor Panchanathan of The Gandhigram Rural Institute, Dr. Makrand Madhao, Director of National Institute of Technology Puducherry, Prof. E. Sreekala, Dean, School of Education, Pondicherry University, and Dr. N. Johnson, Head of the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication. Experts shared insights on educational reforms, skill enhancement and entrepreneurship as key drivers for realizing the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
Around 250 students from B.Ed., Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed.) programmes and technical education faculties attended the workshop and actively participated in the discussions.
