TLDR: The National Institute of Educational Planning and Administration (NIEPA) celebrated its 19th Foundation Day on August 11, 2025, in New Delhi. The event focused on aligning India’s education system with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and preparing for an evolving global order, with discussions on integrating advanced technologies like Generative AI into educational programs.
New Delhi, August 11, 2025 – The National Institute of Educational Planning and Administration (NIEPA), a distinguished institution dedicated to educational planning and management, marked its 19th Foundation Day with a significant event at the India Habitat Centre. The celebration brought together prominent figures to deliberate on NIEPA’s enduring legacy and its crucial role in shaping India’s educational future amidst the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.
The day’s proceedings commenced with a welcoming address by Prof. Mona Khare, Dean of NIEPA, followed by a comprehensive address from Prof. Shashikala Wanjari, the esteemed Vice-Chancellor of NIEPA. Prof. Wanjari articulated the Institute’s visionary direction for Indian education, emphasizing its pivotal role in national policy and its commitment to aligning with the transformative objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. She highlighted goals such as raising the Gross Enrolment Ratio to 50% by 2035 and promoting skill-based, multidisciplinary learning. Prof. Wanjari stated, “Our mission is to equip students with knowledge, skills, and resilience to face life’s challenges while preparing them to be catalysts of social and economic change.”
The highlight of the 19th Foundation Day was the keynote lecture delivered by Dr. Ram Madhav, President of the India Foundation, who served as the Chief Guest. His lecture, themed “Preparing India for the Emerging New World,” delved into the complexities of the evolving global order and India’s strategic positioning within it. Dr. Madhav underscored the critical need for introspection and proactive engagement with the future. He remarked, “Today, we often hear the phrase ‘new world order’ in public discourse. What does it truly mean? To understand where we are heading, and to prepare our country for that journey, is, in my view, a patriotic duty. The future is no longer distant, but already upon us.” He further urged the academic community to champion educational transformation rooted in freedom of thought, responsibility, and innovation, enabling India to lead the world with “original ideas” and “compassionate action.”
Shri Mahesh Chandra Pant, Chancellor of NIEPA, presided over the event, delivering the Chairperson’s Address. The formal program also included a special Felicitation & Awards ceremony, recognizing the invaluable contributions of NIEPA employees and scholars. The event concluded with a Vote of Thanks delivered by Dr. Surya Narayan Mishra, Registrar of NIEPA.
NIEPA, established on August 11, 2006, with its origins tracing back to a UNESCO initiative in 1962, functions as a deemed-to-be University fully maintained by the Government of India. It stands as India’s leading institution for high-level academic research, teaching, and capacity building in educational planning and management, playing a pivotal role in shaping education policy and administration across India and South Asia.
The Institute’s forward-looking approach is evident in its professional development programs, which focus on integrating cutting-edge technologies. These programs include the ‘Professional Development Programme on NEP 2020 and Education 4.0,’ which specifically incorporates Generative AI, interactive e-content, and advanced technologies in online courses. Furthermore, NIEPA’s global footprint is significant, fostering international cooperation through initiatives like the International Programme for Educational Administrators (IPEA), scheduled from September 3-23, 2025. This program is set to bring together 982 trainees from 95 countries across various regions, facilitating the exchange of innovations and experiences in educational planning and management.
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As NIEPA celebrates its 19th Foundation Day, it reaffirms its unwavering commitment to fostering a humane learning society through the advancement of knowledge, pioneering initiatives, and empowering educational administrators to navigate the evolving landscape of education policy and administration, ensuring India is well-prepared for the emerging new world.
