Highlights Educational Reforms at Bharat Shiksha Summit
VINOD BHAT
NEW DELHI, Apr 3: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday emphasized the transformative journey of Jammu and Kashmir, stating that hartals, strikes, and stone pelting are now a thing of the past. He made these remarks while addressing the ‘Bharat Shiksha Summit’ organized by the Balaji Foundation at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. The event was graced by the presence of Brajesh Pathak, Deputy Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, along with prominent educationists, policymakers, and youth leaders.
Ethics, Values, and National Identity in Education
In his keynote address, LG Sinha underscored the significance of ethics, values, and national identity in education, stating that moral integrity plays a pivotal role in shaping a just and progressive society. He remarked that education should not be confined to rote memorization but must focus on creativity, innovation, and moral grounding.
“Students should become a living source of knowledge rather than a storehouse of memories obtained from books. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 aims to instill creative imagination, ethical values, and a strong sense of determination to contribute to an equitable, inclusive, and pluralistic society,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor urged educational institutions to nurture well-rounded personalities, blending compassion and innovation.
“Three ‘H’—Head, Heart, and Heritage—will help restore the broken moral link in the education system. We need students who are proficient in algorithms, sensitive to social issues, and deeply connected to their roots,” he added.
Integrating Innovation with Ethical Values
Stressing the need for an interactive and engaging learning environment, LG Sinha advocated for a shift from monologue-based teaching to conversations and discussions. He emphasized linking innovation and growth with ethical values and integrating them into the curriculum.
“Without unprecedented inventions, moral values alone will have no value. But without ethics and values, cutting-edge education and skills would be aimless. Education must be holistic, linking innovation with moral character,” he noted.
He also called for hands-on, experiential, and project-based learning, asserting that students must be exposed to real-world challenges.
“The time has come to take education out of the lab and into the real world. Our youth must be prepared to solve real-world problems and contribute meaningfully to society,” he stated.
J&K’s Educational Reforms and Transformation
During the interactive session, LG Sinha highlighted the sweeping educational reforms in Jammu and Kashmir, undertaken under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He noted that schools, colleges, and universities in J&K are now functioning without disruptions, marking an end to the era of frequent strikes, stone pelting, and hartals.
“The earlier practice of hartals, strikes, stone pelting, and bandhs are things of the past. Today, J&K is progressing towards a prosperous and brighter future,” he remarked.
He further highlighted various initiatives taken by the government to ensure inclusive and quality education for all, including: Multidisciplinary learning and skill development opportunities for youth. Special campaigns to bring dropout students back to school. ‘Mission Yuva’—a blueprint to promote entrepreneurship culture at colleges and universities. Dedicated efforts to harness the talent pool within Jammu and Kashmir and provide better career prospects.
Honoring Excellence in Education
The summit also witnessed the conferring of the Bharat Shiksha Samman to prominent personalities and institutions for their contributions to the field of education. Naveen Jindal, Member of Parliament; Dr. Pankaj Mittal, Secretary General, Association of Indian Universities; and Rajshri Rai, Chairperson, Balaji Foundation, were among the dignitaries present at the event.
With Jammu and Kashmir moving towards stability, progress, and educational excellence, the Lieutenant Governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building a knowledge-driven, morally enriched, and self-reliant society.
