The third annual National Learning Conference was organised by Azim Premji Foundation in collaboration with the Union Ministry of Human Resources Development in Bangalore from May 24 to 26, 2007 at NIMHANS convention centre. The theme of the conference was ‘Equitable Education for equitable society.’

The keynote address of the conference was delivered by the distinguished sociologist, Prof. André Béteille, currently Chairman of the Indian Council of Social Science Research. Eminent speakers, writers and activists like Prof. UR Ananthamurthy, Ms. Ruma Banerjee, Mr. Champak Chatterji, Mr. Narendar Pani, and Mr. MP Parmeswaran among others spoke at the three day conference.

The conference focused on issues connected with creating an equitable society through education and highlighted the barriers being faced by several sections of society in entering the mainstream. It also looked at these issues from several perspectives, including from those of marginalized sections themselves such as women, Dalits, tribals, urban deprived and religious minority groups. As in the past the third National Learning Conference 2007 brought together stakeholders as well as our partners in change from the government, NGO sector and academics. The discussions focused on developing a greater understanding of the social and institutional processes involved in the formation of inequities, as well as the systemic bottlenecks that have prevented the meaningful entry of certain sections into the mainstream. The conference also discussed practical approaches which could be developed and implemented within the larger society, with a particular focus on leveraging education systems and processes.

1. Speech by Mr. Azim Premji, Chairman, Azim Premji Foundation
2. Speech by Mr. Champak Chatterji, Secretary, Elementary Education and Learning, MHRD
3. Speech by Prof. André Béteille, Chairman, Indian Council for Social Science Research

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