Need to integrate modern skills, innovation, and research with India’s cultural values
Jammu, Dec 08: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, on Sunday said that there is a need to redefine education beyond the boundaries of scores and assessments, stating that India’s cultural values are must to create a more holistic and inclusive education system.
As per the news agency Kashmir News Observer, correspondent, LG Sinha stressed that education must aim to illuminate the inner self and inspire compassion. “Lord Mahavir said, ‘Knowledge precedes compassion.’ Without the inner light of wisdom, true compassion cannot take root,” he said.
LG added that education should not merely prepare students for exams but should instill self-awareness and purpose, equipping them to lead fulfilling lives.
He also lamented the overemphasis on test scores, which often reduces education to a mechanistic process. “Students’ abilities cannot be confined to numbers. We must evaluate them by their confidence, creativity, and problem-solving skills,” he said.
LG Sinha lauded the National Education Policy (NEP) introduced under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership as a revolutionary step in reshaping the educational landscape. He highlighted how the NEP integrates modern skills, innovation, and research with India’s cultural values to create a more holistic and inclusive education system.
“The NEP is a blueprint for unlocking students’ potential, equipping them with the tools to excel in an evolving world,” he said. “It focuses on skill development, innovation, and critical thinking while maintaining our ethical and cultural foundations.”
LG Sinha shared a story about the philosopher Nagarjuna, who transformed a thief’s life by encouraging him to commit theft with complete awareness. This advice led the thief to abandon his ways, unable to act immorally with full consciousness of his actions.
“This story highlights the transformative power of awareness, which should be a cornerstone of education. Students must develop a moral and ethical compass through education,” he said.
Addressing the role of technology in education, LG Sinha acknowledged the advancements brought by Artificial Intelligence (AI) but warned against viewing AI as a substitute for human teachers.
“AI can provide accurate information and support learning, but it cannot replicate the emotional connection, empathy, and understanding that human teachers bring to the classroom. The future lies in AI-supported classrooms, not AI-led ones,” he said.
LG Sinha called for a paradigm shift in education, urging stakeholders to focus on the holistic development of students. He said there is a need to foster creativity, critical thinking, and ethical awareness, enabling students to contribute meaningfully to society.
“This is not just about academic achievements; it’s about shaping well-rounded individuals who can tackle the challenges of tomorrow with confidence and integrity,” LG said—(KNO)
