New Delhi, May 12: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Tuesday emphasized India’s role as the greatest example of understanding human society and culture, while addressing the 58th Foundation Day of the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) and the CII Annual Business Summit 2026.

Speaking on the theme “Decolonisation of Social Science Research: Revival of India’s Intellectual Heritage”, Union Minister Pradhan said: “India is a living laboratory for comprehending human civilization.”

"Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, the country has moved beyond the colonial mindset of TB Macaulay and is reclaiming its cultural consciousness and intellectual traditions on the global stage,” he noted.

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Drawing parallels with the reconstruction of the Somnath temple, the Union Education Minister stressed the need to integrate India’s self-pride and national consciousness into new definitions of social science. “Reviving Indian knowledge traditions and skill-based education forms the foundation of Viksit Bharat 2047,” highlighted the Union Minister.

आज @icssr के 58वें स्थापना दिवस के अवसर पर “Decolonising Social Science Research: Reclaiming Bharat’s Intellectual Heritage” विषय पर आयोजित कार्यक्रम को संबोधित किया। इस गौरवपूर्ण अवसर पर ICSSR की पूरी टीम को हार्दिक बधाई एवं शुभकामनाएँ।

भारत मानव सभ्यता को समझने की एक जीवंत… pic.twitter.com/E4quF0r7a8

— Dharmendra Pradhan (@dpradhanbjp) May 12, 2026

At the CII summit session on “Education, Skill Development and Future-Ready Talent”, Dharmendra Pradhan discussed transformative changes in the education sector.

“Skill-based learning from Class VI and credit-based academic systems are preparing students for global competition,” he pointed out. He also underlined the government’s focus on women’s empowerment, research, innovation, and infrastructure development.

Addressed the session on education, skilling and future-ready talent at the CII Annual Business Summit 2026 in New Delhi.

Appreciated CII’s commitment to honouring women achievers through the Women Exemplar Awards. Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri @NarendraModi ji has consistently… pic.twitter.com/LMQwtmrdND

— Dharmendra Pradhan (@dpradhanbjp) May 12, 2026

Union Minister Pradhan called for stronger collaboration between educational institutions and industry to build a skilled, literate, and innovation-driven India.

He urged greater private sector participation in research, infrastructure, nutrition, and innovation to bridge gaps in the education system.

Acknowledging CII’s initiative to honour successful women officers with the Women Exemplar Award, Pradhan praised the effort as a step toward inclusive growth.

The Union Education Minister concluded by stressing that education and industry partnerships will not only fulfil India’s aspirations but also contribute solutions to global challenges.