Transform schools into hubs of innovation: LG Sinha
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By Shafat Malik
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05 Oct 2025
1,500 students compete in high-speed math contest
Hails ALOHA contest as crucible for future leaders
Srinagar, Oct 05 : Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday said that schools must become “campuses of curiosity” and platforms for independent thinking, in line with the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. He was speaking at the felicitation ceremony of the ALOHA State-Level Arithmetic Operations Contest held in Srinagar.
“Education must become a medium for independent thought, research, and new ideas. It is now our responsibility to transform schools into spaces where innovative thinking is recognised and rewarded,” the LG said, highlighting how NEP 2020 blends traditional values, culture, and mother tongue with creativity, flexibility, and skill development.
The event, organised by ALOHA International, saw the participation of over 1,500 students between the ages of 5 and 15, who competed in arithmetic challenges held on October 2. The top performers were felicitated by the LG during the ceremony, now in its 16th edition.
“Within just five minutes, students were able to solve between 70 and 100 arithmetic operations,” Sinha noted, praising the speed, accuracy, and confidence of the participants. “Such contests do not just sharpen mathematical skills, they build problem-solving abilities, critical thinking, and self-confidence among children.”
Calling the human brain the “greatest miracle of life,” the LG said no invention in human history can rival its capacity. He cited a 2010 Google report that estimated around 130 million unique books exist in libraries across the world. “Scientists believe that all of that knowledge can be stored in the human mind, if its potential is fully utilised. That is the power of the brain,” he said.
Sinha also drew attention to India’s ancient contributions to mathematics, crediting Indian scholars like Aryabhatta and Brahmagupta for laying the foundations of modern science and artificial intelligence. “If Aryabhatta had not introduced the concept of zero and the place value system in the 5th century, the world’s scientific progress would have been delayed by centuries,” he said.
Encouraging students to take pride in this heritage, Sinha said, “When you learn algorithms, AI or coding, remember that your ancestors laid the foundation. Draw inspiration from their achievements and aim to excel in fields like data science, engineering, and research.”
He also stressed the role of imagination and curiosity in true education, narrating the story of a young girl who drew a picture of God despite being told that no one had ever seen Him. “This is the power of imagination. True education must create curiosity, nurture creativity and encourage individuality—not just turn the brain into a storehouse of facts,” he said.
The LG called on teachers to go beyond textbooks and inspire students to dream big. “Anyone can teach the syllabus, but real teachers ignite aspirations. We need classrooms where dreams and discoveries are born,” he added.
Sinha concluded by linking the development of Jammu and Kashmir to the empowerment of its youth. “The future of J&K depends on its young minds. With dedication and innovation, they can transform not only this region but the entire country,” he said.
The event was attended by Prof. Nilofer Khan, Vice Chancellor, University of Kashmir; Loh Mun Sung, Founder, ALOHA International; Kiran Motwani, Director, ALOHA International; Mubashir Aslam Wafai, Director, ALOHA J&K; senior officials from Police and Civil Administration; heads of educational institutions, teachers, and students.
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