The National Institute of Educational Planning and Administration (NIEPA), a deemed-to-be university and premier national institution for educational research, policy, and capacity building, celebrated its 19th Foundation Day with a thought-provoking address by Dr. Ram Madhav, President of the India Foundation, on the theme “Preparing India for the Emerging New World.”
Originally established in 1962 as a UNESCO initiative and conferred university status in 2006, NIEPA has been at the forefront of educational planning and management in India. Marking the occasion, the Institute reflected on its legacy and reaffirmed its role in shaping India’s educational future, particularly in alignment with the transformative objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
In his keynote lecture, Dr. Madhav emphasised that “true education does not merely inform; it inspires creativity, liberates the mind and character, and empowers a nation to rise above challenges.” He 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. Addressing the complexities of the evolving global order, he challenged the audience to critically examine the concept of a “new world order” and prepare the nation for imminent changes, calling this preparation “a patriotic duty.”
The day began with a welcome address by Prof. Mona Khare, Dean of NIEPA, setting the stage for engaging deliberations. Prof. Shashikala Wanjari, Vice-Chancellor of NIEPA, outlined the Institute’s vision to drive educational reforms in tune with NEP 2020’s goals — including raising the Gross Enrolment Ratio to 50% by 2035 and promoting skill-based, multidisciplinary learning. “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,” Prof. Wanjari stated.
The celebrations also featured a Felicitation & Awards Ceremony honouring NIEPA employees and scholars for their exceptional contributions to the Institute’s growth and impact.
In addition to national initiatives such as professional development programmes on NEP 2020, workshops for alternative school leaders, and seminars on educational governance, NIEPA continues to expand its global reach. Its upcoming International Programme for Educational Administrators (IPEA), scheduled for September 3–23, 2025, will convene 982 trainees from 95 countries, fostering cross-border exchange of innovations and strategies in educational management.
With its blend of academic excellence, policy leadership, and international collaboration, NIEPA’s 19th Foundation Day reaffirmed its commitment to preparing India’s education system for the demands and opportunities of the 21st century through its pioneering research and planning work.
