Bhubaneswar: Union Education Minister Pralhad Joshi delivered inaugural address at the 13th BRICS Education Ministers’ Meeting in Bhubaneswar.
Emphasising the transformative role of education in shaping the future, he highlighted India’s BRICS 2026 Chairship theme, ‘Building Resilience and Innovation for Cooperation and Sustainability’, and called for collective efforts to strengthen education, research and innovation across BRICS.
Addressing the meeting he said, “Honourable dignitaries, last month, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, I was entrusted with the responsibility of leading India’s education sector. I consider this responsibility to be of utmost importance, especially given the vast scope and diversity of India’s education system.”
He further said, “This spirit of ‘Humanity First’ is particularly relevant to education. Technology will change, economies will transform, new professions will emerge, and old ones will evolve. But at the centre of every education system must remain the human being: the child seeking an opportunity to learn, the teacher shaping young minds, the researcher pursuing new knowledge, and the young person aspiring for a better future. That, I believe, should also be the guiding principle of our deliberations today. Therefore, let us join today’s discussions as partners sharing responsibility towards the next generation.”
It is pertinent to mention that senior officials and delegates from BRICS member nations, including Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Indonesia, Iran, Ethiopia, and the UAE, participated in discussions aimed at strengthening cooperation under the BRICS Education Track and mapping out future initiatives.
Welcoming the international delegates, Union Education Joshi further said, “In India, we have an ancient tradition of ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’, which means that guests are our God. We regard our guests with the highest respect. Many of you have travelled vast distances crossing the countries, oceans, and time zones to be with us here today. I want to personally acknowledge and thank each one of you for making this journey. Your presence here reflects the importance that all of our member countries attach to the BRICS and our shared commitment to strengthening the cooperation under the BRICS 2026 agenda.”
