1: Introduction and Overview of Prerana

- The Department of School Education & Literacy, under the Ministry of Education, has launched a program by the name of Prerana.

- The aim of the program is to empower students from classes IX to XII with leadership qualities and provide them with meaningful experiences.

- The program focuses on instilling Indian values as a part of the value-based education outlined in the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

2: Why Prerana is in The News

- Prerana is grabbing headlines owing to its unique approach towards education that is rooted in Indian values and in line with the NEP 2020.

- Embracing the concept of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (the world is one family), the program is fostering respect for Indian culture and traditions amongst the students.

- The initiative has been designed to not only enhance their academic knowledge but also shape their character and leadership skills for holistic development.

3: About the Curriculum and Venue

- The curriculum of Prerana, developed by IIT Gandhi Nagar, revolves around nine sets of core values.

- Interestingly, the program is organised as a week-long residential program at a historic vernacular school in Vadnagar, Gujarat.

- Vadnagar is known for its ancient heritage sites and monuments, providing students an immersive historical and cultural exposure.

4: Detailing the Activities under Prerana

- The experiential learning program includes diverse activities, ranging from yoga and meditation to thematic workshops.

- Students will also have the opportunity to visit historical sites in and around Vadnagar, further enriching their understanding of Indian culture.

- Prerana equips students with exposure to different knowledge systems and offers opportunities to learn from inspiring personalities and mentors.

GK: Importance of Prerana in the Context of Indian Education

- Prerana signifies a significant shift from traditional rote learning, encouraging students to embrace experiential learning methods.

- It aids in the holistic development of students by focusing on leadership skills and cultural orientation parallel to academic learning.

- The inclusion of Indian values in the curriculum ties in with the major intent of NEP 2020 to provide value-based education, making this program a crucial step towards actualizing NEP goals.

- This initiative is a blend of education and culture, strengthening the awareness of our rich cultural and historical heritage among the youth. This aspect is especially vital in the context of the increasing influence of western culture on Indian youth.