Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Virendra Kumar on Monday stressed the need for greater dialogue, empathy and understanding between young people, parents and teachers, saying the rapidly changing digital environment requires institutions to engage with students rather than simply criticise their use of technology.
Addressing school students at the Dr Ambedkar International Centre (DAIC) during the programme “The Fifth Space – Where Education Meets Responsibility”, Kumar said young people should have a comfortable environment where they can openly share their concerns, challenges and aspirations.
The programme was organised by the National Commission for Women (NCW) in collaboration with DAIC, UNESCO New Delhi and Mount Abu Public School.
Kumar highlighted the importance of maintaining strong emotional connections between students, parents and teachers so that children can seek guidance and support when they face difficulties. He also emphasised the need to recognise the individual strengths, aspirations and needs of every child.
Explaining the concept of the “Fifth Space”, the minister described it as a convergence of home, school, culture, society, citizenship, knowledge and the digital world. He said technology must be accompanied by ethics, responsibility and sound judgement, particularly as young people increasingly grow up in a digitally connected environment.
Kumar also spoke about the need to move from “Drishti Se Antardrishti Ki Aur” (Vision to Insight), encouraging students and educators to go beyond merely observing issues and develop a deeper understanding of them.
The programme provided students an opportunity to interact directly with the minister, raise questions and share their perspectives. Kumar encouraged them to remain curious and responsible and to recognise their role in shaping the country’s future.
Discussions during the programme also covered child rights, safety, gender equality, human dignity, digital responsibility and responsible citizenship.
The event was attended by Dr Sanjeev Sharma, Member Secretary of the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR); Dr Jyoti Arora, Principal of Mount Abu Public School; and Vijaya Kishore Rahat, Chairperson of the National Commission for Women.
The interaction underscored the importance of bridging the generational gap through dialogue and mutual understanding, while ensuring that education prepares young people not only for academic achievement but also for responsible, ethical and dignified citizenship.
