Manoj Sinha

The Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor (LG) of Jammu and Kashmir, Shri Manoj Sinha, visited Delhi Public School (DPS) Srinagar, where he took tour of the Learning Resource Centre (LRC) of the school and interacted with specially-abled children there. He commended their determination and resilience, emphasizing the importance of inclusive education. Subsequently, the LG graced the school’s function as the chief guest, inspiring students with his insightful speech on development, prosperity, and the power of education.

Later, the Hon’ble LG joined school function as a Chief Guest where multiple performances were presented by the school children, showcasing their talents and skills. The students’ captivating performances left a lasting impression on the audience, highlighting their creativity and dedication.

Following the performances, Vijay Dhar, the Chairman of DPS Srinagar, delivered a welcome speech, expressing gratitude to the Hon’ble LG for accepting the invitation and gracing the occasion. He acknowledged the pride DPS Srinagar holds as an institution of excellence in Jammu and Kashmir, committed to creating an environment that fosters learning, growth, and sustainability.

He highlighted the significant achievements of DPS Srinagar, particularly the establishment of the Learning Resource Centre (LRC) for specially-abled children and the visually impaired. The LRC currently supports 158 special children with the assistance of 57 in-house trained teachers, making DPS Srinagar the only school in the state, and one of the few in the country, to provide such comprehensive facilities.

In his speech, Chairman Dhar acknowledged the rapid advancements in technology and the crucial role it plays in shaping the future of education. He emphasized the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and new technologies to revolutionize the education sector, providing personalized learning experiences and bridging the disparities in access to quality education.

The Chairman also called for collaboration between public and private schools in the pursuit of educational excellence. He suggested that private schools can adopt nearby government schools, facilitating their upgrade and sharing common facilities, particularly in sports.

In his speech, Vijay Dhar proudly announced, “I am pleased to share that DPS Srinagar is committed to environmental sustainability, and we are proud to run the school on 100% solar energy, making it a carbon-neutral institution.”

Addressing the students, the Hon’ble LG spoke about the practical-based approach to learning and the importance of quality education, critical thinking, and skill development. He highlighted the National Education Policy (NEP) implemented by the Government of India, which promotes these aspects, including the use of mother tongue as a medium of instruction. 

Recalling his own college days, the Hon’ble LG reminisced about his teachers’ support and guidance in navigating the complexities of studying mathematics. He shared tips for students to remember mathematical formulas. He quoted many greats including Mahatma Gandhi, Isaac Newton, Albert Einstein among others, emphasizing their dedication and hard work towards their accomplishments. He stressed upon the fact that students’ creativity/innovation should be felicitated, not just success. The LG also mentioned India’s historical significance as a hub of knowledge, where people from around the world sought education and wisdom.

Furthermore, the Hon’ble LG discussed the positive changes brought to Jammu and Kashmir, highlighting notable projects such as the recently inaugurated ‘Polo View’ market and ‘Jehlum River front.’ The LG engaged with the students, asking if they desired more such developments, to which the children enthusiastically responded with a resounding “yes.”

The event concluded with a visually impaired student of DPS Srinagar delivering a heartfelt vote of thanks on behalf of the school community. The student expressed gratitude to the Hon’ble LG for his visit, acknowledging his wisdom and encouragement. The student emphasized the significance  of the LG’s presence in motivating and inspiring the students to overcome challenges and strive for excellence.

The visit by the Hon’ble LG to DPS Srinagar served as an occasion to reinforce the message of development, prosperity, and active participation in the growth of Jammu and Kashmir. The engagement with students and their enthusiastic response showcased their aspirations for a better future, underlining the collective determination to build a progressive society.