- Focus on originality, not rote learning
- Let children pursue passions freely
- Adopt transformative education for India’s future
Jammu Tawi, Dec 10: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday described the National Education Policy (NEP) as the “biggest gift” given by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the nation, asserting that the policy has transformed the fundamentals of teaching and learning in India.
Addressing the 40th anniversary celebration of Lawrence Public School here, LG Sinha said, “Teachers hold a pivotal responsibility in shaping the future generation and preparing them for a rapidly changing world.”
He said, “PM Modi gifted the National Education Policy to the country. It lays emphasis on problem-solving, scientific temper and skill development among students,” the LG said, highlighting that critical thinking and curiosity—central elements of the NEP—have always been part of India’s cultural ethos. “Critical thinking and curiosity are nothing new; they are rooted in our culture. Education develops independent thinking,” he added.
Urging teachers to nurture these qualities in every student, LG Sinha said the modern education system must focus on originality and creativity instead of producing “mechanical minds.” “Teachers should encourage curiosity and critical thinking. If we want to fully realise Bharat’s potential, a new vision in education must emerge,” he stated.
To illustrate the need to support a child’s natural talent, the LG referred to the legendary mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan. “Ramanujan had extraordinary skills. He was allowed to pursue his passion for mathematics. Had he been forced into something else, the world would have been deprived of his contributions—number theory, infinite series and continued fractions,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor said both teachers and parents must allow children the freedom to follow their passion so their abilities can bloom without pressure. “Children should not be turned into mechanical minds. Their minds must remain natural, creative and free,” he said.
Reflecting on global changes, the LG said the world has transformed significantly in the last two decades, and education must evolve accordingly. “Earlier, syllabi changed once in many years. Today, they change rapidly. Teachers must understand that it is crucial to develop skills in students,” he said, adding that hybrid classrooms will soon become the norm.
LG Sinha emphasised that the role of teachers can no longer be limited to disseminating information. “In the coming days, teachers cannot remain just information providers. They must become mentors. Along with building skills and creativity, they must ensure students learn to chase their dreams,” he said.
Quoting author Napoleon Hill, he said, “Dreams are the seedlings of reality. A burning desire to be and to do is the starting point from which a dreamer must take off.”
The Lieutenant Governor stated that the introduction of Artificial Intelligence will revolutionize the classroom, enabling teachers to use data analysis to understand student abilities and provide better mentoring. He said, the hybrid classroom model, leveraging digital platforms, will ensure technology-driven education is accessible to all.
“Core responsibility of the teachers is to instil necessary skills, creativity, and give children dreams and determination. This also includes introducing them to their traditions, language, values, love, compassion, non-violence, and brotherhood,” he said.
On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor felicitated women achievers for their significant contributions across various fields.
