Jammu, Dec 10 (KNO): 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, according to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) 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 LG said teachers carry the profound responsibility of nurturing that desire in every student. “They must develop skills, inspire dreams, instil willpower and teach children the values of peace and brotherhood,” he said, calling on educators to embrace a transformative approach aligned with India’s aspirations for the future.
He said, “The world is experiencing transformative changes driven by cutting-edge technologies and schools must focus on using new tools to aid creativity.”
The Lieutenant Governor applauded the legacy, enduring values and efforts of Lawrence Public School to holistic learning and shaping modern leaders. He said the school carrying forward its core values has produced successful alumni, who are proudly serving the nation.
He said, “Educational Institutions must pay special attention to four key aspects: Access, Equity, Quality, and Outcome. The dual goals for educators are to make students college-ready and future-ready and to familiarize them with continuously evolving skill sets, transforming them into 21st-century global citizens,”
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.
Satish Sharma, Minister for Youth Services & Sports, Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Transport, Science & Technology, Information Technology, ARI & Trainings; Wg. Cdr MM Joshi (Retd.), Chairman, Lawrence Public School; Manish Joshi, Managing Director; Ms Manya Joshi, Trustee; Shivani Joshi, Principal of School, teachers, students and parents were present.
Devyani Rana, Member of Legislative Assembly, Nagrota; Priya Sethi, former Minister of State; Padma Dr SP Varma, President, Gandhi Global Family, J&K; Lt Gen RK Sharma (Retd.), President, J&K Ex-Services League; heads of various institutions and senior officials also attended the celebrations—(KNO)