New Delhi, Nov 24 (FN Bureau) Former Union Minister Mr Suresh Prabhu on Thursday said as India looks forward to becoming a US$ 5 trillion economy with services contributing to a significant part of the economy, the country could become a net exporter of education in the future. Mr.Prabhu while delivering the Eleventh N J Yasaswy Memorial Lecture on ‘Realising Yasaswy’s Vision’ at ICFAI Foundation for Higher Education here, urged the students to break from the past and contribute to new thinking. “Heroes need not be politicians, business leaders, or those who wear a uniform. Leaders build sustainable societies and develop individuals, he said. Yasaswy was a leader who dreamt of building modern India through Quality Education” said Mr Prabhu.
N J Yasaswy was the founder of the ICFAI Group of Educational Institutions and a pioneer in promoting higher education in the private sector in the country for over three decades. Talking about the role of education, the former Union Minister said that education is necessary to develop as an individual, discover oneself, and realize one’s potential. He emphasized the role played by quality education and outcomes-oriented education. He said that the long-term sustenance of democratic society depends on strong institutions and individuals committed to institutions and institutional building. Remembering the contribution of Yasaswy to developing private higher education, Mr Prabhu said that he dared to challenge the existing education system and bring in a curriculum that was relevant to the present times.
Private-sector-led education provides equal opportunity to grow for all, he added. In his welcome address, Dr. J Mahender Reddy, Distinguished Advisor, ICFAI Foundation for Higher Education University, recalled the contributions made by Yasaswy in building a great institution and setting it on the path of excellence. Dr. L S Ganesh, Vice Chancellor, ICFAI Foundation for Higher Education University, in his closing remarks, said that different perspectives and ground realities need to be considered to take the benefits of education to all.