Recently, while preparing a talk on the education-related promises made by political parties in Tamil Nadu, I read the manifestos of several established parties as well as a new entrant. I was genuinely impressed by the importance they attached to education.

Most parties present ambitious visions for the sector. Their proposals include technology-driven learning, skill development, education loans, and job-oriented training. At the same time, they emphasise inclusive access, welfare measures, financial assistance, dropout prevention, and affordable higher education, especially for socially and economically disadvantaged groups. Taken together, these ideas reflect a common recognition that education is not only a basic right but also a powerful means of social and economic progress.