NCERT celebrates 65th Foundation Day with major educational initiatives

A landmark celebration at NCERT headquarters

The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) celebrated its 65th Foundation Day on 1 September 2025 at its New Delhi headquarters. The event was graced by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan as the Chief Guest, alongside dignitaries including Shri Sanjay Kumar, Secretary of School Education & Literacy, and Dr. S. Somanath, former Chairman of ISRO. Prominent educationists such as Shri Chamu Krishna Shastry, Prof. Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar, and Prof. J. S. Rajput were also present.

Key initiatives launched on the occasion

Marking the milestone, the Education Minister unveiled several new initiatives aimed at enhancing school education across India:

Digital and technology-driven tools

• PM eVidya Mobile App – a centralized gateway for accessing all digital and broadcast resources.

• PM eVidya DTH Channel 35 – dedicated for Bal Vatika students.

• Virtual Reality Labs – set up at four Demonstration Multipurpose Schools under RIEs in Ajmer, Bhopal, and Bhubaneswar.

• DIKSHA 2.0 – upgraded with structured lessons, adaptive assessments, AI features like Read Aloud, captions, and translation into 12 languages.

Inclusive and accessible learning

• Primers in four languages (Hindi, Sanskrit, Ho-Hindi, and Koya) developed with CIIL Mysore.

• PRASHAST 2.0 – advanced screening tool for early identification of children with disabilities.

• Kitab Ek Padhe Anek – NEP-aligned initiative for UDL-based accessible textbooks, benefiting students with disabilities and those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Cultural and vocational resources

• Utkal Jananinkara Sujogya Santana – a book showcasing 100 great personalities from Odisha and their role in India’s freedom movement.

• Handbook on Vocational Education – guidance for educators aligned with NEP 2020 and NCF-SE 2023.

Focus on Indian languages and global leadership

In his address, Minister Pradhan praised NCERT’s contributions over the past six decades, particularly the new textbooks for Classes 1–8 and innovative learning materials like Jaadui Pitara. He emphasized a renewed focus on education in Indian languages, high-quality digital content, and STEM education. The minister also underlined plans to transform NCERT into a Research University, positioning it as a global leader in educational research.

Voices from the education community

Former ISRO Chairman Dr. Sreedhara Panicker Somanath recalled studying NCERT textbooks during his school days, calling NCERT a “powerhouse of knowledge.” He highlighted the importance of digital innovation and artificial intelligence in shaping future-ready education.

Student performances and cultural highlights

Adding vibrancy to the celebration, students of DMS and RIE Bhubaneswar performed:

• A multilingual group song “Bharat Ek – Bhashayein Anek” celebrating unity in diversity.

• A play “Nayi Pustakon ka Sandesh, Viksit Bane Hamara Desh” on the role of knowledge in nation-building.

• A multilingual chorus in Odia, Sanskrit, Hindi, Assamese, Bangla, and Telugu reflecting NEP 2020’s vision of cultural integration.

Watch the full programme

The entire celebration, along with recordings of the new initiatives, is available on the NCERT Official YouTube Channel and PM eVidya playlist .