New Delhi: The Union education ministry on Thursday (January 4) launched a portal with details of the programme under which students from across the country will visit Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s school in Gujarat’s Vadnagar.Students from class 9-12 will be required to register on the portal to participate in the programme named “Prerana”. Applicants will then go through a three-stage selection process which will involve activities like recording a short video, writing essays/poems/stories and other forms of creative expression on topics like “Why should I be selected for Prerana” or “My Vision of India @ 2047”, the Hindustan Times reported.Two students from each district will be selected in batches of 20 – 10 girls and 10 boys – to participate in the programme which will last for at least a year according to the ministry.In June 2022, the government announced its plan to launch Prerana to inspire the youth to become “catalysts of change”.According to the ministry, “Prerana: An Experiential Learning program” aims to offer a meaningful, unique, and inspiring experience to all participants, and empowering them with leadership qualities.“Prerana is driven by a strong commitment to integrate principles of the Indian education system and the philosophy of value-based education which is a cornerstone of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. It is an experiential and inspirational learning program for students with the best-in-class technology where heritage meets innovation,” the ministry said in the statement.Also read: When A School Becomes A Political Pilgrimage SiteThe week-long study tour will be hosted in a primary school, established in 1888, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi enrolled in Class 1 in 1956. The Vadnagar Kumar Shala No-1, which was functional until 2018, has been restored by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) as part of Vadnagar’s redevelopment. The school will now be known as “Prerana School”, the paper reported.The school, which has only eight classrooms, has been renovated to emulate what the original structure may have looked like by using ‘vernacular elements’. The campus is also going to consist of a cafe, orientation centre, souvenir shop and a community green space, the Indian Express had reported.The curriculum for the school has been designed by Institute of Technology (IIT) Gandhinagar. It focuses on Swabhiman and Vinay (self respect and modesty), Shaurya and Sahas (bravery and courage), Parishram and Samarpan (hard work and dedication), Karuna and Sewa (compassion and service), Vividhta and Ekta (diversity and unity), Satyanishtha and Shuchita (integrity and chastity), Navachar and Jigyasa (innovation and curiosity), Shraddha aur Vishwas (admiration and faith) and Swatantrata and Kartavya (freedom and duty), the Hindustan Times report said.In addition to the school, the Union culture ministry and the Gujarat government are also developing an archaeological museum that will showcase the town’s development through the lens of seven cultural periods in a span of 2,500 years at a cost of Rs 200 crore, the Hindu had reported.The ministry’s statement referred to India as Bharat and said, “The program will inspire the youth and foster respect for Bharat’s unity in diversity, embodying the spirit of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (world is one family) and will contribute by making the youth of today, a flame holder for Viksit Bharat (developed India). Towards this endeavour, the participants will be guided by mentors from prestigious institutions.”The students will attend sessions on yoga, mindfulness, and meditation, followed by experiential learning and other thematic sessions, it added.“Evening activities will include visits to ancient and heritage sites, inspirational film screenings, mission life creative activities, talent shows etc. ensuring a holistic learning approach. Apart from this, students will engage in diverse activities, embracing indigenous knowledge systems, latest state-of-the-art technologies, and learning from inspirational personalities,” the ministry said.