In a decisive move aimed at bridging the growing gap between textbook learning and real-world awareness, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has directed the Education Department to make daily news reading a compulsory part of morning assemblies in all government schools across the state. The directive follows his recent surprise visit to a remote government senior secondary school in Baga Sarahan in Kullu district, where his interaction with students revealed a worrying lack of awareness about even the most prominent leaders and current affairs in India.
Deeply concerned by the students’ inability to name key national figures or speak on basic current events, the Chief Minister immediately instructed education officials to take corrective steps. Stressing that academic excellence must be supported by real-world knowledge, he asserted that today’s students must not only study subjects for examinations but also stay informed about their nation and the world around them. This, he said, is fundamental to building the confidence and preparedness students require to navigate competitive exams and future professional challenges.
Following the Chief Minister’s directives, the Education Department has issued formal written instructions to all Deputy Directors and school heads to implement structured daily news reading sessions during morning assemblies. Schools have been directed to ensure the regular availability of Hindi and English newspapers, encouraging students to actively read aloud selected news items, understand their context, and share summaries with their peers. The aim is to cultivate not only general knowledge but also essential communication skills like public speaking, vocabulary building, and articulation.
According to a spokesperson from the Education Department, this initiative is part of a broader vision to instill critical thinking, curiosity, and engagement with current events among students. In today’s digitally connected world, where information travels faster than ever, ensuring that young minds are informed and thoughtful is a vital aspect of holistic education. The spokesperson emphasized that news reading will help students improve comprehension and pronunciation and instill a habit of daily engagement with news, forming a foundation for responsible citizenship.
The state’s approach stands in stark contrast to the traditional education model that often prioritizes rote learning over practical application. With this initiative, Himachal Pradesh aims to redefine how awareness and civic education are treated in classrooms, especially in rural and remote areas where access to digital knowledge resources is limited. The move has been widely praised by educators and policy observers, who view it as a necessary step toward strengthening the intellectual preparedness of students, especially in government institutions where exposure to news and global affairs is often minimal.
Chief Minister Sukhu’s approach, rooted in first-hand observations and real-time feedback from students, reflects a growing recognition among political leaders of the urgent need to recalibrate public education. By turning daily news reading into a ritual at the school level, Himachal Pradesh is sending a strong message about the value of informed thinking, responsible citizenship, and the need to prepare young people not just for exams, but for life.
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