Mumbai: Education equips students with knowledge and theoretical insights, while training hones their practical skills and experience, which are crucial for success in their careers, Minister for Higher and Technical Education, Chandrakant Patil, said during a meeting with a group of students in Mumbai on Wednesday.

The students, who are currently touring Maharashtra and Goa from various states across India, were welcomed by the minister, who took the opportunity to engage with them about their experiences. When a student from Kerala mentioned that his father had worked in the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), the student wing of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Patil spoke with the fathers over the phone to reminisce about their shared past.

In his address, the BJP leader highlighted the significance of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which he said has been tailored to address the aspirations and hopes of the youth of the 21st century. According to Patil, the NEP focuses on several key areas including interdisciplinary learning, improving access to education, promoting education in the mother tongue, and fostering global integration.

Patil emphasised that the policy is already being implemented effectively in Maharashtra, with an increased focus on ensuring that students receive both quality education and hands-on training. “Training allows students to apply their theoretical knowledge in practical situations, which is essential for securing employment in the future,” said Patil.

He also encouraged the students to attend the upcoming Budget Session of the Parliament in March, urging them to take an active interest in shaping the future of education and policy in India.