Jammu- Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday urged educational institutions to allow students to pursue learning based on their interests and abilities rather than pressure, stating that curiosity and critical thinking must remain the strongest pillars of modern education.
Addressing the 40th anniversary celebrations of Lawrence Public School at Abhinav Theatre in Jammu, the Lieutenant Governor said the world is undergoing rapid transformation driven by advanced technologies, and schools must adopt new tools to nurture creativity, problem-solving and innovative thinking.
He praised the school for its legacy, values and contribution to holistic education, noting that its alumni have excelled and are serving the nation with pride.
The Lieutenant Governor stressed that the role of teachers is evolving as classrooms modernize. With the arrival of Artificial Intelligence in education, teachers will shift from being information providers to mentors who guide students, understand their individual strengths through data insights, and help them grow into confident learners.
He said a hybrid classroom model that uses digital platforms will ensure that quality, technology-driven education reaches every student, bridging access gaps.
Educational institutions must focus on four key priorities: access, equity, quality and outcome, the Lieutenant Governor said. He added that schools should ensure students are prepared not only for higher education but also for the fast-changing global workplace.
He underscored the importance of instilling culture, language, compassion, non-violence and brotherhood in students, along with developing their skills for the future.
Sinha 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.
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.
During the event, the Lieutenant Governor felicitated several women achievers for their contributions across different fields. The celebration was attended by senior officials, dignitaries, faculty members, parents and students.
‘Counter False Narratives To Protect Historical Truth’
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday said that there is a need to counter false narratives to protect historical truth and national pride, while highlighting Veer Savarkar’s contribution to India.
He was speaking at the Veer Savarkar International Impact Award ceremony organised by High-range Rural Development Society (HRDS India) in New Delhi.
“Savarkar, the valiant son of Mother India endured tremendous hardship but every moment of his life was dedicated to freedom and development of this soil,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
He commended HRDS India for its initiative, stating that it reminds the world of Savarkar’s “unmatched contribution to the motherland” and helps restore his legacy in the “collective consciousness” of the citizens.
Recalling Savarkar’s role in the freedom struggle, the Lieutenant Governor said: “Savarkar is a symbol of India’s success, India’s strength, India’s prosperity, India’s resolve, India’s dedication, India’s sensitivity, India’s simplicity, India’s perseverance, India’s culture, and India’s dreams.”
“For Savarkar, India was never merely a piece of land, but the centre of human civilization,” he added.
Sinha felicitated the award winners for their “exceptional devotion and contribution to society and nation building”, urging them “to be the light to guide humanity towards peace, progress and prosperity”.
“Veer Savarkar International Impact Award sends a message that the time has come to reclaim India’s ancient glory and dedicate ourselves to achieving the goal of Viksit Bharat @ 2047,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
Members of HRDS India and prominent personalities from different fields were present at the ceremony.
