India, Sept. 24 -- What is your view of the New Education Policy (NEP) which was implemented last year? How would it change the school education scenario? As an educator and a leader, I view the New Education Policy as a significant breakthrough in the education field. It has empowered students to explore, experiment, and understand their potential from an early age. The policy encourages learners to analyse situations critically and respond thoughtfully, fostering a deeper connection with real-world learning. NEP has transformed the learning process into a more engaging and purposeful journey. Each child is now able to understand the 'why' behind every concept they study, which brings clarity and motivation. The emphasis on experiential learning and skill development has created a more vibrant and dynamic school environment. Moreover, this policy doesn't just benefit students-it has also sparked a shift in the mindset of educators. Teachers are now actively engaging in the process of learning, unlearning, and relearning, constantly evolving their teaching strategies to align with the new paradigm. The NEP has truly brought about a positive and encouraging transformation in school education, making it more holistic, inclusive, and future-ready. Please identify some initiatives taken by your school regarding the NEP. Following the introduction of the NEP, our school adopted several initiatives to align our teaching practices with its vision. One of the key changes was the shift towards experiential learning. Our lesson plans have been redesigned to incorporate hands-on activities that reinforce the concepts being taught. These activities are not confined to the classroom; students are encouraged to engage with real-life environments through outdoor learning experiences as well. We place strong emphasis on learning outcomes, ensuring that each activity is meaningful and contributes to the child's conceptual understanding. Additionally, activities are planned to be integrated and interdisciplinary, which not only enhances interest but also promotes cross-subject connections. This holistic approach helps students understand how different subjects interrelate, fostering deeper and more practical learning. How relevant do you think classroom lessons are vis-a-vis the reality that prevails outside the campus? With the implementation of the NEP, classroom lessons have become far more relevant and connected to real-life situations. Teaching is no longer limited to textbooks and rote learning. Each lesson is now supported by real-time activities and practical applications that mirror the world outside the school walls. Students are regularly assigned projects that require them to interact with the community-through interviews, observations, and hands-on experiences. These tasks not only help them understand concepts better but also develop crucial life skills such as decision-making, critical thinking, and effective communication. As a result, students are growing into curious, analytical individuals who are better equipped to face the challenges of the real world. The learning they receive inside the classroom today, is helping them adapt and respond to the dynamic environment outside the campus. What are the chief strengths of school students these days? And what are the areas of weaknesses that you think need to be addressed? Strengths of today's school students: They are more aware and informed citizens, often engaging with current issues and global perspectives. They exhibit confidence and clarity in their thought processes. They are effective communicators, able to express themselves well in various settings. They are respectful and logical thinkers, capable of reasoning and forming their own opinions. They are quick learners who can adapt to new environments and technologies with ease. Students today are often focused and goal-oriented, aligning their aspirations with their interests and strengths. Areas that need attention: Students need guidance on responsible internet usage, including understanding the consequences of unchecked digital surfing. In some cases, there is a lack of seriousness toward responsibilities or long-term implications. A tendency toward wanting instant results often leads to frustration and decreased resilience. Increased screen time and online engagement have led to reduced face-to-face social interaction, affecting interpersonal skills. Do you think that initiatives to get students to participate in sports are yielding good results? Please share with us some such initiatives taken by your school and what progress you have achieved in this respect. Yes, absolutely - the efforts to encourage student participation in sports have been truly rewarding. At our school, we strongly believe that education isn't just about academics; it's about shaping well-rounded individuals. Sports play a vital role in helping students lead a disciplined life, manage their time effectively, and strike a healthy balance between studies and physical activity. This year, our students have shown great enthusiasm while participating in various events such as the Inter School Zonal Athletics Meet 2024-25, Yoga Tournament, Zonal Chess and Basketball Tournaments, Kho-Kho, Skating, and the thrilling North vs South Zone Red Bull Cricket Championship. Through these experiences, we've seen our students grow not just as athletes, but as individuals. Regular sports involvement has helped them stay physically fit, mentally resilient, and emotionally balanced. It's inspiring to see how they are learning to stay focused, set goals, and work consistently towards them - all qualities that will serve them well in real-life situations. These initiatives have boosted their confidence, taught them the value of perseverance, and helped them develop a strong sense of team spirit and leadership. Do you think that school students nowadays are able to better follow their passions and hobbies such as robotics, music, sports, adventure activities etc, to name a few as compared to previous generations? What are the changes you notice now? In my opinion, the reforms brought in by the National Education Policy (NEP) have truly made a noticeable difference - not just in schools, but in the mindset of parents and society as a whole. One of the biggest changes I've observed is how fields like music, art, robotics, and sports - which were once seen as "extra" or less important - are now being embraced and celebrated. Parents who once hesitated are now proud to see their children shine in these areas. In our school too, we've seen students confidently exploring their interests beyond textbooks. Whether it's participating in robotics competitions, performing on stage, or trying their hand at entrepreneurship or creative arts - they are getting real exposure that is shaping them into confident and well-rounded individuals. What I find most heartening is how these experiences are helping students think more creatively, solve problems independently, and handle challenges with a positive mindset. They're becoming more focused, resilient, and self-driven - qualities that go far beyond academics and are essential for real life. The NEP has redefined what success in education really means. It's no longer just about marks or ranks - it's about helping each child discover their strengths and giving them the platform to grow. And that, I believe, is a powerful step forward....