Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday extended birthday greetings to Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, praising his efforts in implementing the National Education Policy (NEP) and highlighting its role in transforming India into a global hub for knowledge, learning and innovation.
In a post on X, the Prime Minister said, “Birthday wishes to Union Minister Shri Dharmendra Pradhan Ji. He is making commendable efforts towards the implementation of the National Education Policy, which seeks to make India a hub for knowledge, learning and innovation. Praying for his long and healthy life.”
Responding to the Prime Minister’s message, Pradhan expressed gratitude for the wishes.
“I am deeply moved by the warm wishes and blessings of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji. Your visionary leadership, unwavering commitment to nation-building and constant encouragement continue to inspire us to work tirelessly in the service of the people and the nation. I am truly grateful for your guidance and affection. Thank you, Hon’ble Pradhan Mantriji, for your blessings and kind words,” he said.
Birthday wishes also poured in from several senior leaders across the country.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma hailed Pradhan’s contribution to the education sector, saying he is steering transformative efforts to overhaul India’s education ecosystem and establish India as a knowledge powerhouse. He prayed for the Union Minister’s long and healthy life.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also extended greetings, wishing Pradhan good health and a long life, while Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma offered his prayers for the Union Minister’s excellent health and continued public service.
Key architect of education reforms
Dharmendra Pradhan currently serves as the Union Minister for Education and the Union Minister for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. A senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader, he has held several key portfolios in the Narendra Modi government.
Born on June 26, 1969, in Talcher, Odisha, Pradhan is the son of former Union Minister Debendra Pradhan. He began his political journey through the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), where he rose through the ranks to become National Secretary before assuming larger responsibilities within the BJP.
He entered electoral politics in 2000 after being elected to the Odisha Legislative Assembly from the Pallahara constituency. Four years later, he was elected to the Lok Sabha from Deogarh and later transitioned to national politics through the Rajya Sabha, where he was elected from Bihar in 2012. He currently represents Madhya Pradesh in the Rajya Sabha.
Following the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance’s victory in the 2014 general elections, Pradhan joined the Union Council of Ministers. He was elevated to the Cabinet in 2016 while also handling the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship.
In September 2017, he assumed charge as the Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas and briefly held the Steel portfolio. During his tenure, he became India’s longest-serving Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister, overseeing major reforms and expansion in the country’s energy sector before taking charge of the Ministry of Education in the Cabinet reshuffle of July 2021.
(With IANS inputs)
