Yasaswy wanted to build modern India through quality education : Suresh Prabhu

HYDERABAD: Heroes do not have to be politicians, business leaders, or those in uniform. Leaders develop individuals and build sustainable societies. "Yasaswy was a leader who envisioned a modern India built on quality education," said Suresh Prabhu, a former Union Minister and six-term Member of Parliament.

He was delivering the Eleventh N. J. Yasaswy Memorial Lecture on "Realizing Yasaswy's Vision" at the ICFAI Foundation for Higher Education, Hyderabad. N. J. Yasaswy was the founder of the ICFAI Group of Educational Institutions and a pioneer in promoting higher education in the private sector in the country for over three decades.

Talking about the role of education, Suresh Prabhu said that education is necessary to develop as an individual, discover oneself, and realise one's potential. He emphasised the role played by quality education and outcomes-oriented education. He said that the long-term sustenance of democratic society depends on strong institutions and individuals committed to institutions and institutional building. Remembering the contribution of N. J. Yasaswy to developing private higher education, Suresh Prabhu said that he dared to challenge the existing education system and bring in a curriculum that was relevant to the present time.

Private-sector-led education provides equal opportunity to grow for all. As India looks forward to becoming a US$ 5 trillion economy with services contributing to a significant part of the economy, the country could become a net exporter of education in the future, he said. Addressing staff and students at ICFAI Foundation for Higher Education, Hyderabad, he urged them to break from the past and contribute to new thinking.

Dr. J Mahender Reddy, Distinguished Advisor, ICFAI Foundation for Higher Education University, recalled the contributions made by Yasaswy in building a great institution and setting it on the path of excellence. Dr. L S Ganesh, Vice Chancellor, ICFAI Foundation for Higher Education University, in his closing remarks, said that different perspectives and ground realities need to be considered to take the benefits of education to all.