When was the last time you thought about where your students sit? If you think a seat is just a seat — think again.

A simple shift in seating arrangements, sparked by the Malayalam film Sthanarthi Sreekuttan, is inspiring schools in Kerala to break the age-old divide of “frontbenchers” and “backbenchers”. The Times of India recently reported how some schools have begun rethinking how rows of benches shape mindsets — often turning bright learners into passive listeners by default.

Preethi Vickram, Founder of Tapas Progressive Learning, applauded this unique approach online:

The truth is, classroom seating is more than furniture. It’s a mirror of our teaching philosophies. For decades, rigid rows have told students to sit down, face forward, and stay quiet while the teacher talks. One person speaks, everyone else absorbs. But learning doesn’t work in a straight line — it happens in loops, debates, disagreements, and those random questions that make everyone think.

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It’s not just an emotional idea — there’s solid science behind it. A 2020 review in Frontiers in Psychology found that classroom layouts directly affect interaction and motivation. The Classroom Direct blog points out that flexible layouts foster collaboration, peer learning, and inclusivity. And a 2022 ESI Conference study noted that traditional seating can create power hierarchies where only frontbenchers thrive.

In India, we know this divide well. Backbenchers are often seen as mischievous or disinterested — but what if they were simply disengaged by design? Many schools still enforce outdated seating rules: girls must sit separately from boys; ‘weak’ students banished to the back; bright ones pushed to the front like prized trophies. But what are we telling children when we make them sit apart based on gender, marks or silence? That some voices matter more than others.

Architects and education designers have long championed a different approach. Rosan Bosch’s designs for Sweden’s Vittra School are modular and playful, showing that space itself can be a teacher. Danish Kurani, an expert in reimagining learning spaces, writes that the biggest mistake schools make is assuming they can modernise teaching methods without changing the physical space: “You can’t have collaborative, project-based learning in a classroom still set up for rows of passive listening.”

Kerala’s small but significant shift is a reminder that big change often starts with small, visible actions. When students sit in circles, clusters, or flexible pods, they are more likely to speak up, listen actively, and learn from one another. It helps break the silent stigma that ‘the back’ means you don’t matter.

Designers like Kurani argue that students should have a voice in how their classrooms look and feel — because when the space reflects curiosity and movement, it encourages the same in young minds. The Studio Schools Trust in the UK, the Reggio Emilia approach in Italy, and Big Picture Learning schools in the US all prove that flexible, student-centred learning environments are not “alternative” anymore — they’re the future.

And this shift doesn’t need fancy gadgets or big budgets. It’s the lowest-cost ‘edtech’ upgrade schools can make: moving a few benches, opening up a circle, creating nooks for quiet work and spaces for loud debate. It tells children: “Your voice matters, wherever you sit.”

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In a world that needs more curiosity, connection, and creativity — we cannot afford to let seating stifle learning.

So let’s not just remove the backbenchers — let’s remove the very idea of front and back.

Because when every child feels seen and heard, there are no bad seats in the house.

References:
* Classroom Direct Blog, 2021 
* Frontiers in Psychology, 2020 
* ESI Conference Proceedings, 2022 
* Danish Kurani on Common Classroom Design Mistakes 

More than 50 Vice Chancellors of India’s central universities gathered in Kevadia, Gujarat for a two-day conference to assess the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and lay the groundwork for the coming years. Organised by the Ministry of Education in collaboration with the Central University of Gujarat, the conference seeks to align higher education institutions with the broader national vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, addressing the gathering, outlined the Panch Sankalpa of NEP 2020—next-generation education, multidisciplinary learning, innovation, holistic development, and Bharatiya orientation—as the guiding principles for institutional transformation. He emphasised that India’s higher education ecosystem has undergone significant change over the last decade, becoming more flexible, inclusive, and innovation-driven. Student enrolment has increased by 30% since 2014–15 to reach 4.46 crore, with female enrolment growing by 38%. The gross enrolment ratio for female students now exceeds that of males, while enrolment among Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes has also improved. PhD enrolments have nearly doubled, with women registering a 136% increase.

The Minister urged Vice Chancellors to play a transformative role by redesigning curricula, improving digital infrastructure, strengthening faculty training, and promoting multidisciplinary education. He reiterated the goal of raising the gross enrolment ratio in higher education to 50% by 2035, in line with the NEP’s vision. Placing students at the centre of all reform efforts, he called on universities to foster job creators, ethical innovators, and socially responsible graduates.

Pradhan also encouraged institutions to reflect on India’s intellectual heritage while preparing for a global future, invoking the academic “Triveni Sangamam” of celebrating the past, calibrating the present, and creating the future. He recommended that each university prepare a strategy paper to fully implement NEP 2020, incorporating Indian Knowledge Systems, digital skilling initiatives, and campus-led innovations. He proposed that such review conferences be hosted at the campus level to promote decentralised engagement and exchange of ideas.

Dr. Hashmukh Adhia, Chancellor of the Central University of Gujarat, spoke about the six principles of karmayoga and the importance of Indian knowledge systems in shaping individual and collective progress. Dr. Vineet Joshi, Secretary of Higher Education, reflected on the journey since the policy’s launch and reiterated that NEP 2020 imagines universities not as degree-granting institutions, but as ecosystems of innovation, research, and holistic development. Dr. Sunil Barnwal, Additional Secretary, underlined the foundational values of access, equity, quality, affordability, and accountability, and highlighted the importance of stakeholder partnerships in driving reform.

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Prof. Rama Shanker Dubey, Vice Chancellor of Central University of Gujarat, reaffirmed that all central universities are committed to advancing the vision of Viksit Bharat through concrete, on-ground measures. The conference, spread over ten thematic sessions, includes discussions on the Four-Year Undergraduate Programme, digital tools like SWAYAM and AAPAR, university governance through SAMARTH, alignment of education with the future of work, and research and innovation frameworks such as ANRF and PMRF. Other themes include equity, internationalisation, faculty development, and the integration of Indian languages and knowledge systems.

Participating universities include Jawaharlal Nehru University, University of Delhi, Tripura University, Central University of Rajasthan, Sikkim University, and many others. The outcomes of the conference are expected to help define the next phase of NEP 2020 implementation, enabling institutions to become more responsive, inclusive, and globally competitive.

A recent survey conducted by NCERT’s National Assessment Centre has revealed that only 47% of schools across India currently offer any skill-based courses to students in Class 9 and above. This statistic highlights a significant gap in the availability of practical, job-ready education at the secondary level—an area that India’s New Education Policy has been aiming to strengthen.

The survey also found that student enrolment in these courses is even lower. Just 29% of students in Classes 9 and above have opted for skill-based subjects, indicating the need for better awareness, guidance, and integration of these programmes into mainstream learning.

The courses that are being offered include trending and industry-relevant subjects like Artificial Intelligence, Data Analytics, Digital Marketing, and E-commerce. However, experts believe these numbers are far from adequate in a country with one of the world’s largest youth populations.

At the higher education level, there is a stronger push for integrating skills into curricula. Many skill universities now structure their programmes with a 60% to 70% skill-based component, offering students a blend of theoretical and practical knowledge designed to make them workforce-ready.

The NCERT report recommends that more schools must be brought into the fold of skill education. With the job market rapidly evolving and the demand for digital and emerging technology skills growing, strengthening school-level skill education can bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world employability.

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Building robust vocational streams in schools could also help address the challenge of students dropping out after secondary education due to a lack of clear pathways into meaningful careers.

In a quiet corner of Karnal, Haryana, Aditi Sharma runs a small school for underprivileged children. She is the founder, principal, and often, the only teacher. As a transgender woman in North India, her journey has been marked by resistance and isolation — but also by unwavering commitment. Her school may lack formal recognition or resources, but it stands as a space of learning, inclusion, and quiet resilience.

Aditi is not just the founder and principal of Haryana Public School. She is also a transgender woman who dared to imagine a different kind of North India — one where prejudice makes way for possibility, and education belongs to everyone.

But dreams, she learned early on, come at a cost.

Born and raised in Delhi, Aditi was no stranger to the stereotypes that shadow the transgender community.

“Even educated people carry the assumption that all trans people beg or perform ceremonial rituals. That’s the stereotype I grew up seeing around me,” she says.

It disturbed her and lit the fuse of quiet rebellion.

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Leaving Delhi behind, she moved to Karnal with one goal: to build a school not just for visibility, but for children who had nowhere else to go. Her father, unaware she had come out, gave her a 1,200-square-yard plot to build on. “At the time, I hadn’t fully come out. Had they known I was transgender, they wouldn’t have named it to me.”

What she built wasn’t just a school — it was a statement.

In the beginning, there were no teachers, no steady funds, and no blueprint. “I doubted whether I could run a school at all. I had no confidence. But slowly, a few children started coming in. Then a few more. At one point, we had 60–70 students.”

That number dropped, not due to a lack of dedication, but constant harassment. Neighbours let their dogs loose outside. Parents were warned, “Why send your child there? This isn’t a real school.” Some believed her identity disqualified her from leadership, from teaching, from existing with dignity.

She persisted anyway.

Aditi never set out to run a school for underprivileged children. It wasn’t a strategic choice or a targeted mission. It was simply what remained when everyone else walked away. Families who could afford higher fees refused to send their children to a school run by a transgender woman. Teachers quit under social pressure. So she opened her doors to those who had nowhere else to go — children whose families could pay ₹100 a month, sometimes just ₹50, and often nothing at all. “If they don’t learn here, they won’t learn anywhere,” she says. And so she teaches — not because it’s easy, but because no one else will.

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Her day begins at 4 AM — cleaning, prepping, sourcing supplies. By 8 AM, she’s teaching English, guiding students through computing tasks, or painting with them on borrowed desktops. She buys second-hand books herself. There are no permanent staff members. Most teachers leave within weeks. “They say, ‘My family doesn’t want me working here.’ The social pressure is immense.”

Once, a neighbour handed her a one-day-old baby and walked away. Aditi cared for her. When the child fell ill, she spent 12 days at the hospital with her — and the other children. Alone. “They don’t speak to me anymore,” she says of her family. “I’ve learned to let go. If someone doesn’t want to stay in touch, that’s okay. You still have to be happy.”

Haryana Public School is still not recognised by the state government. Despite its large plot, authorities claim she doesn’t meet the criteria. “Other schools on smaller land get recognised,” she says. “But because I’m transgender, they say no.” Her case is currently being reviewed by the Human Rights Commission. Justice Lalit Batra, in a hearing, reportedly said:

“If she doesn’t meet your current rule, change the rule.”

Meanwhile, the children continue to learn — with donated books, basic tools, and the irrepressible will of one woman. Aditi has even built two giant model airplanes — one stretching 20 feet — from scrap and wood. “They don’t fly, but they spark curiosity. Ten children can sit inside. It makes them dream.”

And dreams are something she insists on, even when the world offers no applause. “One child had developmental issues. No school would take him. People told me I was wasting my time. But he deserved a chance.”

Sometimes, appreciation is scarce. Respect even more so. “When parents don’t respect you, neither do their children,” she admits. “When your own life is a constant struggle, it becomes hard to build emotional bonds.”

But she still shows up every day. Reporters ask why so many people visit her school. “Because we’re doing something that shakes the norms,” she tells the children. “This school is special.”
And they believe her. Because children don’t discriminate. Adults do.

Her message to the transgender community is clear:

“Don’t wait for society to accept you. Build your own path. Even if you’re the only one walking it.”

Aditi Sharma may be the only openly transgender woman in North India running a school. But she’s not asking for sympathy. Just space. Just dignity. Just the right to show up — and not disappear.

“Even if only one child comes,” she says,
“I’ll keep the doors open.”

Read the full story in our latest Teacher Warriors issue: https://scoonews.com/magazines/scoonews-june-july-2025-digital-edition/

Sometimes, the most extraordinary journeys begin with an ordinary restlessness — that nagging sense that comfort isn’t enough. For Aarti Takawane, that quiet realisation led her to walk away from a secure corporate job, and towards a mission she never imagined for herself.

Aarti’s early career looked like everything most people might aspire to: a steady job, good salary, and the kind of stability that makes parents proud. But deep down, she felt a pull that numbers and meetings just couldn’t satisfy. With a background in psychology and a genuine desire to help others, she always knew her purpose lay in people, not just profit.

That spark turned into a flame when she met Mrs Meera Badve, founder of Niwant, an organisation supporting blind students in higher education. A casual encounter at a social event became a life-changing conversation. Aarti took a leap of faith and began volunteering at Niwant — and for the first time, she felt what it was like to make an impact where it truly mattered.

Her path eventually led her to the National Federation of the Blind’s Jagriti School for Blind Girls in Pune — a place that today houses 110 blind girls, 99% of whom come from rural areas. Here, the girls don’t just study; they live, learn, and grow together in an environment that believes in what they can do, rather than what they can’t.

When Aarti joined Jagriti, she began as a psychologist, focusing on the social and emotional development of the girls. But the more she listened to their dreams and struggles, the more she saw the barriers waiting for them after school. “When you give them the right tools, you’re not just giving them a skill — you’re giving them back their choice,” she reflects. 

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Visually-challenged girls face a stark reality once they step out into the world. Apart from limited government quota jobs in banks or insurance, there were few opportunities that truly matched their abilities. So, Aarti decided to do something about it.

“True empowerment means they can live with dignity, not just survive.”

She founded the Skill Development Centre inside Jagriti School — a space where blind girls could learn practical, job-ready skills that tap into their real strengths. Many of the students have remarkable listening and verbal abilities. So the Centre offers courses that play to these strengths: voice modulation, foreign languages, recruitment training, and more. There are also classes in computer literacy, digital accessibility testing, and even coaching for competitive exams.

But the real magic lies in how the Centre stays rooted in reality. The team works closely with organisations like Vision-Aid India and inclusive employers to keep training aligned with what the industry actually wants. Each student’s strengths and interests are mapped out with care, so the training feels personal and purposeful.

Equally important is what happens beyond the classroom. Many girls arrive at Jagriti shy, anxious, or unsure of themselves. They may have never used a screen reader, travelled alone, or spoken up in public. So the Centre pairs technical skills with confidence-building: mobility training, decision-making workshops, life skills, and emotional support. 

“They didn’t need sympathy — they needed direction, support and opportunity,” 

Funding is always a tightrope act — a mix of donations, CSR partnerships, and the occasional government grant keeps the Centre alive. It covers trainer salaries, hostel facilities, assistive technology, and learning materials. The school is committed to full transparency with its supporters, many of whom return year after year because they can see exactly where their help is going.

Aarti knows that none of this would be possible without the right people leading the way. Every teacher or trainer goes through orientation in assistive technology and inclusive education. Sensitisation workshops and regular feedback from students make sure the environment stays supportive and respectful.

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As the world changes, so do Aarti’s dreams for the Centre. She hopes to introduce advanced digital modules, remote work training, and a stronger network of inclusive employers. But what excites her most is the chance to rewrite how society sees disability, not as a barrier, but as a different kind of potential waiting to be unlocked.

For the 110 girls who call Jagriti School home, Aarti Takawane is more than just a teacher. She’s proof that sometimes, the best things really do happen by accident — and that true vision is not about what we see, but what we choose to do about what we can’t.

Read the full story in our issue of Teacher Warriors 2025 at https://scoonews.com/magazines/scoonews-june-july-2025-digital-edition/

Under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the state is rolling out astro labs in government schools at the block level, aiming to strengthen scientific thinking and curiosity among school children, especially in rural areas.

According to a statement issued by the government, these labs—named Amrit Kaal Learning Centres—are being developed through a public-private partnership (PPP) model and are already operational in several districts.

The initiative is designed to give students access to real-time, hands-on learning experiences using tools like Dobsonian telescopes, VR headsets, microscopes, light experiment kits, and anatomical models. These tools go beyond textbook learning, allowing students to explore astronomy, gravity, light, and the physical world through direct experimentation.

Officials say the initiative has already made significant impact. In Ballia district, for example, science labs have been established in all 17 blocks to make science more engaging and inquiry-driven.

Ballia District Magistrate Mangla Prasad Singh said the labs are aligned with the state’s broader goal of making science accessible and meaningful. “These labs are designed to foster experiential and inquiry-based learning,” he noted.

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Chief Development Officer Aojaswi Raj added that each lab costs between ₹2.5 to ₹3 lakh, including both the equipment and teacher training. The inclusion of orientation sessions, video guides, and mentorship support for teachers ensures that the labs are used effectively in classrooms.

“These labs have sparked genuine curiosity among children, who now ask questions, observe the night sky, and explore concepts far beyond the standard curriculum,” said Raj.

The program is part of a larger effort to bridge the gap between urban and rural education. With access to advanced tools and teacher support, children in villages are beginning to imagine careers in space science, inspired by stories like that of Indian-origin astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla.

The UP government hopes this initiative will help build a future-ready generation, where aspiration is not defined by geography, and the boundaries of scientific exploration begin right from the classroom.

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According to the government’s latest PARAKH Rashtriya Sarvekshan report released on Monday, Class 3 students across India have yet to return to pre-COVID academic levels. The survey, conducted in December 2024, covered more than 21 lakh students from Classes 3, 6, and 9 across 74,229 schools, offering a large-scale snapshot of student learning recovery after the pandemic.

Among the three grades, Class 3 is the only one surveyed in all three rounds (2017, 2021, and 2024) — allowing for direct comparison. While there has been an uptick in scores since the 2021 assessment, they remain below the national average recorded in 2017.

In 2024, Class 3 students scored an average of 64% in language, compared to 62% in 2021 — but still lower than 66.7% in 2017. In Mathematics, the score stood at 60%, up from 57% in 2021, but below the 63% recorded in 2017.

Students were found to struggle the most in reading short stories and understanding them (60%), while performing best in everyday language usage (67%). In Maths, the lowest scores came in geometry and money concepts (50%), with the strongest performance in identifying basic shapes and number patterns (69%).

The survey’s structure is aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which breaks school education into four key stages. Class 3 marks the end of the Foundational Stage, making it a crucial checkpoint for basic literacy and numeracy.

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Classes 6 and 9: Scores Below 50% in Most Subjects

Students in Classes 6 and 9 showed average scores below 50% in all subjects except language, suggesting that older cohorts may be bearing the brunt of prolonged learning loss from pandemic-related school closures.

A senior official from the Ministry of Education noted that these grades missed nearly two full years of classroom instruction during a critical developmental period. Despite visible recovery since 2021, the learning gaps persist.

Why This Matters

The findings serve as a reminder of the lasting impact of the pandemic on India’s school education, especially for early learners. The report calls for targeted learning interventions, curriculum adjustments, and robust teacher support systems to help students recover foundational skills.

With only limited time before students transition into higher stages of schooling, the emphasis is now on accelerated catch-up strategies and deeper diagnostic assessments to address these persistent gaps.

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Schools Undergoing Change in India
Schools in India are undergoing a major transformation. Teaching methods are evolving, and schools must meet rising expectations from students, parents, and educators. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 has introduced a fresh approach to learning, making it essential for new schools to be designed with these ideas in mind. Older campuses also need thoughtful upgrades and renovations to keep pace.

Schools must adapt to stay relevant in the years ahead. Designing flexible, future-ready spaces is no longer optional, it is vital for creating learning environments that will serve new generations for decades to come.

Experiential Learning
Experiential learning is reshaping education by focusing on hands-on, experience-based learning. It encourages students to take part in activities, real-world problem-solving, and interactive projects that spark curiosity and innovation. Collaboration is central — students work together to tackle challenges, share ideas, and find solutions. This approach deepens understanding and builds teamwork and communication skills needed for future work.

The Importance of Collaboration
Creating spaces that foster experiential learning, enhance engagement, and build critical thinking is essential. Collaborative spaces are a core part of modern school design. They encourage active learning and help students grasp concepts in a deep and meaningful way. By fostering collaboration, schools enable students to develop the skills necessary for success in a rapidly changing world.

Evolving Traditional Classrooms
Traditional classrooms are changing fast. The old rows of desks facing the teacher are giving way to flexible layouts that support different ways of learning. Today’s classrooms can easily switch between standard seating for lectures, conference-style setups for group work, seminar formats for presentations, or campfire circles for open discussions.

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Good spatial design plays a big role in building critical thinking and problem-solving skills. A well-designed classroom makes it easy to rearrange furniture for each activity, helping students engage more, think creatively, and learn better together. Studies show students are more motivated and focused in classrooms that adapt to different teaching styles and make learning more interactive.

Spatial Design to Encourage Collaboration
Classrooms with movable furniture allow easy reconfiguration for group work, individual study, or interactive discussions. Flexibility is crucial in modern school design, with modular furniture, movable walls, and multipurpose rooms adapting to different needs. Removing long corridors and creating learning commons with classrooms around them is another innovative approach. Classrooms can open into these commons using sliding or folding partitions, creating a cohesive learning environment. Combining classrooms allows teachers to teach multiple groups together,
building a sense of community.

Breakout spaces offer small areas for group discussions, brainstorming, or quiet study, with comfortable seating and whiteboards. Makerspaces equipped with tools and materials foster innovation and hands-on learning by allowing students to apply theory in practice. Outdoor learning areas like gardens or amphitheaters add variety and encourage creativity. Technology-integrated spaces with interactive whiteboards and projectors enhance collaboration by making it easy for students to work together and share ideas. Learning pods provide semi-private spots for group work or individual study. Transparent walls and large windows create openness and bring in natural light, inspiring students to stay engaged.

Designing for well-being & Inclusion
Natural light, vibrant colours, and good acoustics make learning spaces more engaging. Inclusivity is essential so that diverse needs and abilities are accommodated, ensuring all students can succeed. Cross ventilation, thermal comfort, and indoor air quality are equally important — they improve physical comfort and well-being, helping students focus better.

Creativity is also key in effective learning spaces. From preschools to K-12, classrooms should inspire imagination and encourage students to think beyond the ordinary. Thoughtful design elements help create environments where curiosity and innovation thrive.

Conclusion
The future of learning will continue to evolve, but well-designed spaces will always play a central role. As educators and designers, we have a unique responsibility to create environments that inspire curiosity, spark ideas, and
support every learner’s journey. By designing schools that are flexible, inclusive, and future-ready, we build not just better classrooms but a stronger foundation for generations to come.

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This article is authored by Vinod and Ranju Singhi, the Co-Founders and Principal Architects of BASICS Architects.

The Punjab government has announced that all Class 11 and 12 students in government schools will receive skill education in business and marketing from the upcoming academic session. The initiative is being implemented under the Punjab Young Entrepreneurs Scheme.

According to Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains, the programme aims to introduce basic entrepreneurship concepts to senior secondary students. As part of this, students will be required to develop and present business ideas as subject-linked projects. The state has also invested in setting up innovation labs in schools to support product development and technical training.

The initiative was formally presented at the Business Blasters Expo 2025, where student teams from various districts showcased business models to a panel of educators, industrialists, and startup professionals. According to official information, participating teams received financial support to take their ideas forward.

Some of the student-led projects included products such as handmade goods, natural cosmetics, customised simulators, framed artwork, and cycle-based mobility solutions. In one case, a student from Mullanpur Dakha created decorative items that were later sold in the market at a significantly higher margin.

The Education Minister also cited employment data between 2014–15 and 2021–22, pointing to a gap between job applicants and job placements. The scheme, he said, is being introduced with the aim of equipping students with skills relevant to today’s economic landscape.

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Initially piloted in 30 schools, the Punjab Young Entrepreneurs Scheme is now being scaled across the state. The business and marketing module is expected to cover financial literacy, product development, market analysis, and customer outreach.

The government has stated that the curriculum will align with academic requirements while also supporting practical exposure. Further partnerships with technical institutions and industry stakeholders are also being explored.

Thousands of voices echoed across the valley districts of Manipur on 5th July, as students, teachers, and civil society members marched in unison, demanding an uninterrupted and safe educational environment. Marking the 18th Disturbance-Free Education Zone Demand Day, the rallies were spearheaded by the Democratic Students’ Alliance of Manipur (DESAM), with support from over 15 civil society organisations.

Held across Imphal East, Imphal West, Kakching, Thoubal, and Bishnupur, the rallies were unified under the message: “Make Education a Disturbance Free Zone.” From THAU Ground near the Legislative Assembly to Imphal College, and similar routes in other districts, demonstrators walked with banners, placards, and resolute slogans calling for peace and protection of learning spaces.

This year’s observance comes at a particularly sensitive moment for the state, as Manipur continues to reel from over two years of ethnic conflict, political instability, and administrative disruptions. These challenges have had a disproportionate impact on the state’s education system—schools in conflict zones have been intermittently closed, exams postponed, and many children displaced from both their homes and classrooms.

Speaking to the media during the rally, DESAM President Mayengbam Somorjit urged the government to pass legislation mandating a minimum of 220 academic days per year, to ensure stability and learning continuity even during crises. He emphasized that children in Manipur must not be deprived of their right to education because of circumstances beyond their control.

Other demands included the appointment of Directors of Education from among experienced educators, and greater transparency in recruitment and promotion processes within the education department. There were also strong appeals to armed groups to abstain from placing financial or material demands on educational institutions—a practice that has led to school closures and security concerns in the past.

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The rallies were largely peaceful and drew significant participation from both urban and rural communities. Protesters stressed that beyond political resolution, restoring education must become a humanitarian priority.

In the past two years, students in conflict-affected districts have faced regular school closures, sporadic internet blackouts, and mental health challenges, as families grapple with violence, displacement, and uncertainty. NGOs and local educators have warned of rising dropout rates, learning loss, and a deepening digital divide—especially in remote or vulnerable communities.

While the larger political crisis in Manipur continues to seek resolution, the message from students and educators is clear: education must be safeguarded. As one banner read during the march: “Books, not bullets. Peace, not pauses.”