Assam received Pradhan's unwavering support: CM Sarma
Guwahati, July 25
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday expressed gratitude to former Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, describing him as a leader whose contribution to India's education sector and unwavering support for Assam would always be remembered.
In a post on X, Sarma said it was "difficult to put into words" the gratitude he felt for Pradhan, praising his role in implementing the National Education Policy (NEP) and efforts to restore the "civilisational spirit of Bharat" by reforming the country's education system.
"As Union Education Minister, he worked tirelessly to restore the civilisational spirit of Bharat and to decolonise our education system. His unwavering commitment to implementing the National Education Policy, despite the political challenges it entailed, will be remembered as one of his finest contributions to nation‑building," the Chief Minister wrote.
Recalling Pradhan's association with Assam, Sarma said the former minister always stood by the state whenever support was needed. "On a personal note, I have always been touched by his genuine affection for Assam. Whenever Assam needed his support, he stood with us. His encouragement, guidance and goodwill have always meant a great deal to me," he said.
The Chief Minister also referred to the recent inauguration of the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Guwahati, saying the milestone was made possible because of Pradhan's vision and commitment to expanding quality higher education across the country.
Sarma thanked Pradhan for his "dedication, humility and selfless service" and wished him good health and strength for the future, expressing confidence that he would continue serving the nation in whatever responsibility he undertakes.
— IANS
Reader Comments
I'm an American but I've been following Indian education reforms closely. The NEP's focus on vocational training and regional languages is impressive. Sarma's praise for Pradhan seems genuine—good to see cross-party respect in Indian politics.
While I appreciate the sentiment, let's not forget that the NEP's implementation has been uneven. Many states still lack basic infrastructure for digital learning. Pradhan's vision is good, but ground-level delivery needs more work. Constructive criticism is important for true progress.
As someone from Assam, I can vouch that Pradhan ji did visit our state multiple times and listened to local issues. The IIM Guwahati expansion is a huge deal for us. His support for the Brahmaputra riverfront development project was also commendable. Thank you, sir!
Interesting political dynamics here. Sarma and Pradhan are both from BJP, so this praise is expected. But I'm curious how much of NEP's "civilisational spirit" rhetoric actually translates to better learning outcomes for tribal kids in Assam's tea gardens. That's the real test.
Ek baat toh hai—Dharmendra Pradhan ne education ko apna priority banaya. NEP ke through humare traditional knowledge system ko bhi jagah mili. But Assam ko aur bhi central support chahiye, especially for flooding and infrastructure. Sarma ji ko woh bhi mangwana chahiye! 🙏
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.