Hamirpur, September 1: Governor Shri Kavinder Gupta today emphasised that quality education and equal opportunities for every child are fundamental to building a strong, prosperous and developed India. He said that the real strength of the nation lies in its children and every child, irrespective of socio-economic background or geographical location, must have access to quality education, skills and opportunities to realise his or her full potential.
The Governor was speaking at a programme organised by the Act to Transform Foundation to mark the completion of five years of its ‘Ek Se Shreshtha’ initiative and the achievement of 650 centres across the State.
Congratulating the Foundation, teachers, coordinators, volunteers and all its associates, Shri Kavinder Gupta said that 650 centres were not merely a numerical milestone but represented 650 centres of learning, opportunity and hope. Through these centres, education and learning support have reached around 12,000 children, helping them pursue their education with greater confidence and dignity.
Education as Foundation of Viksit Bharat
Referring to the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the Governor said that it has ushered in a transformative approach towards a holistic, inclusive and knowledge-driven education system. It places emphasis on knowledge, skills, creativity, innovation, critical thinking and character building, moving beyond the traditional approach of rote learning.
He said that initiatives such as PM SHRI, NIPUN Bharat, Digital India and Skill India are further strengthening the educational ecosystem and creating new opportunities for children and youth.
The Governor said that initiatives like ‘Ek Se Shreshtha’ complement the broader national vision by taking education and learning support to the grassroots through community participation.
Central Welfare Schemes Bringing Positive Change
The Governor said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, various welfare initiatives of the Central Government are bringing visible and meaningful changes in the lives of ordinary citizens.
He mentioned initiatives including Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, Ayushman Bharat, Swachh Bharat Mission, Jal Jeevan Mission, PM-KISAN and PM SVANidhi, saying that these programmes have expanded access to essential services, healthcare, housing, clean cooking fuel, drinking water and livelihood opportunities.
“These initiatives are not merely about extending benefits; they are enhancing dignity, self-reliance and the quality of life of the common citizen,” he said.
Empowering Children and Women Together
The Governor appreciated the teachers associated with ‘Ek Se Shreshtha’, saying that they were not merely imparting academic knowledge but also nurturing discipline, confidence, leadership, sensitivity and the courage to dream among children.
He noted that the initiative has contributed to creating around 692 direct employment opportunities, with nearly 90 per cent of these being women. Around 60 per cent of the women beneficiaries, he said, received their first employment opportunity through the initiative.
Shri Gupta also appreciated the provision of free education and essential learning material, including books, stationery, school bags, laptops, study tables, shoes and tracksuits for children.
“These may appear to be small interventions, but for a child they carry a much deeper message—that his or her education matters, dreams matter and society believes in his or her potential,” he said.
According to available figures, the initiative has also helped more than 12,000 families collectively save over ₹5.40 crore on educational expenses. However, the Governor said that the true achievement of the initiative could not be measured in monetary terms.
“The real achievement is the growing confidence of a child, the reduced anxiety of a parent, the dignity of a teacher and the hope of a better future in a family,” he said.
The Governor congratulated ‘Ek Se Shreshtha’ and Act to Transform Foundation on completing five years of their service journey and reaching the milestone of 650 centres.
He said the initiative demonstrated that when the resolve was clear, the intention sincere and society came together, small efforts could create significant and lasting social transformation.
Shri Kavinder Gupta expressed confidence that educated, skilled and empowered children would play a decisive role in shaping the future of Viksit Bharat. “The success of every child is ultimately the success of the nation,” he said.
Later, the Governor, along with Member of Parliament Shri Anurag Thakur, distributed laptops, school bags and other stationery items among the students.
Earlier, Shri Anurag Thakur welcomed the Governor and gave a detailed presentation on the ‘Ek Se Shreshtha’ initiative of the Act to Transform Foundation.
Former MLAs Smt. Urmil Thakur, Shri Narender Thakur, Shri Vijay Agnihotri, Dr. Anil Dhiman and Smt. Kamlesh Kumari, ADC Shri Abhishek Garg, SP Shri Balvir Singh, Director NIT Hamirpur Prof. H.N. Suryawanshi and other senior officers were also present on the occasion.