During the inaugural session of the International Conference on 'Creating Global Perspective Rooted in Local Values for Sustainability' organised by Chandigarh University, Gharuan, Dr. Ramesh Pokhriyal, the Union Minister of Education spoke. The International Conference was attended by international dignitaries, prominent academics and research scholars from 20 countries and 31 universities and touched more than 10 million people worldwide. The Guest of Honor was Prof. Mark E. Smith, President and Vice-Chancellor, University of Southampton, UK, Dr. Deep Saini, President and Vice-Chancellor, University of Dalhousie, Canada, and Satnam Singh Sandhu, Chancellor, University of Chandigarh. "Education is the backbone of any country as it plays a crucial role in technological developments and imparts various skills, values, and awareness," said Union Minister for Education, Dr. Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank.

While delivering his inaugural address, Dr. Ramesh Pokhriyal stated, "Our Honorable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has envisaged 'Vocal for Local' Mantra in pursuit of a 'Self-reliant' India and the implementation of New Education Policy will lay a strong foundation for Aatmanirbhar Bharat and to take Indian education to the global standards, internationalization of higher education is of utmost importance which has been a salient feature of NEP-2020." "The New Education Policy will offer vocational and employment-oriented education from Class 6th onwards and also offers the choice of subjects in multi-domains to the students," Dr. Pokhriyal added.

The Union Minister for Education further said, "India is implementing its new comprehensive and pragmatic education policy which is aimed to make India a world leader and most preferred destination for higher education along with restoring its past glory to become 'Vishwa Guru'. Amongst the many important features of the new education policy is transforming the Indian Higher Education in such a way that it meets global standards on one hand while on the other hand, the policy advocates for propagating and preserving the rich Indian values and traditional knowledge," he added.

"Teachings of Guru Nanak Dev; especially self-less service of mankind has been a torchbearer for the world which has shown the humanity a path of spirituality as well as a progression towards future," added Union Minister Dr. Pokhriyal. A book on the teachings and life of Guru Nanak Dev written by Union Minister Dr. Ramesh Pokhriyal in Hindi and Punjabi was also launched on the occasion. Chancellor Chandigarh University announced that the book will be distributed to the children and students of Punjab so that they can understand the important message given by the great guru who is remembered as 'Sarab Sanjhe Guru of humanity'. 

The minister further added that, "India has always been a global destination for higher education and with the implementation of NEP-2020 our nation will once again be promoted as a preferred destination for global student community providing premium education at affordable costs, thereby helping to restore its role as a Vishwa Guru."

Satnam Singh Sandhu, Chancellor, Chandigarh University, said, "The Higher Education sector has a huge potential to enhance the country's global competitiveness. Internationalization of higher education and research has become one of our key policy priorities as envisaged in the new education policy. The National Education Policy-2020 introduced by our Honorable Minister of Education has taken a giant stride towards the internationalization of education by proposing a legislative framework that allows foreign universities to operate in India. It will also encourage Indian universities to set up campuses in other countries, paving the way for a two-way internationalization of Higher education."