Why is it in the News

The Ministry of Education on Thursday launched ‘Prerana’, an experiential learning programme, which will operate from the vernacular school in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthplace Vadnagar, Gujarat where Mr. Modi studied when he was a student.

Context:

• The Department of School Education & Literacy, operating under the Ministry of Education, Government of India, has unveiled 'Prerana: An experiential learning program.'
• This innovative initiative is specifically crafted to deliver a profound, distinctive, and motivational learning experience to its participants.
• The overarching goal of this program is to cultivate and nurture leadership qualities among the individuals involved, thereby contributing to their holistic development and empowering them with the skills necessary for effective leadership in various contexts.

What is ‘Prerna’ Program?

• Prerana is driven by a strong commitment to integrate principles of Indian education system and the philosophy of value-based education which is a corner stone of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
• It is a week-long residential program for selected students of class IX to XII.
• It is an experiential and inspirational learning program for students with the best-in-class technology where heritage meets innovation.
• A batch of 20 selected students (10 boys and 10 girls) will attend the program, every week from various parts of the country.
• Prerana program will run from a Vernacular School, established in 1888, in one of the oldest living cities of India, Vadnagar, district Mehsana, Gujarat.
• The curriculum of Prerana School prepared by IIT Gandhi Nagar is rooted in nine value based themes:
  • Swabhiman and Vinay
  • Shaurya and Sahas
  • Parishram and Samarpan
  • Karuna and Sewa
  • Vividhta and Ekta
  • Satyanishtha and Shuchita
  • Navachar and Jigyasa
  • Shraddha aur Vishwas, and
  • Swatantrata and Kartavya.
• The program based on above themes will inspire the youth and foster respect for Bharat's unity in diversity, embodying the spirit of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" and will contribute by making the youth of today, a flame holder for Viksit Bharat.
• Towards this endeavour, the participants will be guided by mentors from prestigious institutions.
• Selection Procedure: Students can register through the portal, wherein applicants can fill the requisite details to be a part of the ambitious and aspirational Prerana program.
  • The registered applicants will go through a selection process, as prescribed on the portal.
  • Applicants can also join the selection procedure conducted at the School/block level,  on designated ‘Prerana Utsav’ day, through various activities based on the ethos of Prerana to evaluate for well rounded personalities keen to shape the future of our nation.
  • Upon selection, the 20 participants (10 boys and 10 girls) will be attending the Prerana program and embark on a journey of inspiration, innovation, and self-discovery.
• After the program, the participants will carry the ethos of Prerana into their respective communities,  become change makers and spark positive change to inspire others.