LG Sinha calls for holistic education beyond marks

RK News
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24 Apr 2026

• Teachers must adapt classrooms to changing global landscape • NEP to make India leading knowledge economy

Jammu, Apr 23: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday called upon students and teachers to contribute to nation-building and adapt classrooms to today's changing global landscape, positioning India as the world's leading knowledge economy.

“We must strengthen cultural awareness in students, as unity in diversity defines global society. Promote communication skills for clear expression, enabling the new generation to improve lives, uphold democratic values, and foster collaboration for a prosperous J&K," the LG said, addressing a gathering after inaugurating the new school building of Swami Pranavanand Vidyamandir in Panjgrain, Nagrota. The school is run by Bharat Sevashram Sangha, a renowned socio-cultural and philanthropic organisation that started pre-primary to Class 8 education here in 2014 under 'Har Ghar Shiksha'.

Observing that every student talented in art, craft, music, or entrepreneurship deserves equal respect and opportunity, the Lieutenant Governor said, "Teachers must recognise that education focused solely on marks and narrow academics, sidelining art, sports, and skills, is unfit for the future. We must prepare students for irreplaceable human capacities like creativity, critical thinking, moral decision-making, collaboration, and lifelong learning, which no machine can replace."

He said the world is changing rapidly and, unlike the stable careers of the past, the professional workforce requires continuous learning, skilling, and upskilling. "We are at a threshold where AI and automation are transforming industries, offices, hospitals, and schools, and our human resources need to be a step ahead," he added.

Highlighting the recommendations of the National Education Policy (NEP), the Lieutenant Governor said the policy is a potent tool for meeting national needs, boosting societal capacity, and accelerating economic growth. "To bridge rural-urban and regional-social gaps, NEP is a powerful tool, societal asset, and reliable partner for meritorious students. India will emerge as a robust knowledge economy, nurturing generations with scientific temper, moral strength, cultural values, skills, and a spirit of service and sacrifice," he observed.

Sinha further stated that a student's view of the external world depends on self-perception, shaped by experiences. "True education balances both, equipping students with knowledge and skills for the outer world, plus self-awareness and emotional resilience for the inner world. This holistic approach is every school's core duty. Every student must blend science and values for progress. NEP measures guarantee Viksit Bharat; for the first time in decades, our talented children, teens, and youth are policy priorities," he said.

The LG said the new higher secondary building and skill infrastructure will ensure disadvantaged students get quality education. "Once all the floors of the building are complete, it will serve more than 1,500 students and transform thousands of lives. With future residential facilities for 100 boys, the local economy will get a boost, backward areas will be transformed, and society will advance with new confidence," he said.

The initiative of Bharat Sevashram Sangha is supported by Indian Oil, Hindustan Petroleum, and other donors. The ceremony was attended by Srimat Swami Biswatmanandaji Maharaj, General Secretary, Bharat Sevashram Sangha; Srimat Swami Ambarishanandaji Maharaj, Joint Secretary; senior sanyasins; Member of Parliament Jugal Kishore Sharma; MLA Nagrota Devyani Rana; former Deputy Chief Minister Dr Nirmal Singh; Indian Oil Director HR Rashmi Govil; Hindustan Petroleum Executive Director-HR Vilas Zode; former Mayor JMC Chander Mohan Gupta; senior officials; and other prominent citizens.