New Delhi: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Sunday addressed the 65th Foundation Day of the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) and launched multiple initiatives including Diksha 2.0 digital platform.

Speaking at the celebration, Pradhan urged NCERT to emerge as a "reform-oriented, tech-driven change leader" and described it as an "iconic institution at the heart of India's educational system."

"NCERT has been a pillar of the nation's educational landscape, shaping the destinies of generations of students with unparalleled commitment and dedication," Pradhan said, calling the organization not just an institution but a 'Gyan-Kumbh'.

The minister emphasized that building a 'Samridhh Bharat' by 2047 would require encouraging students to develop critical and creative thinking skills. He urged NCERT to promote multilingualism and work towards transforming knowledge into competency.

Pradhan highlighted the upgraded Diksha 2.0 platform, which is fully responsive and compatible with multiple devices. The platform offers structured lessons, adaptive assessments, and AI-powered tools including Read Aloud features and translation capabilities in 12 Indian languages.

The minister also released a book titled 'Utkal Jananinkara Sujogya Santana' showcasing 100 great personalities of Odisha.

The event was attended by Education Secretary Sanjay Kumar, NCERT Director Dinesh Prasad Saklani, UGC Chairperson M. Jagadesh Kumar, former ISRO Chairman Sreedhara Panicker Somanath, and other senior officials.

Pradhan expressed confidence that NCERT would drive educational reforms and bring paradigm shifts in teaching and learning methodologies.