Grand Confluence of Knowledge, Wisdom and Development at Manekshaw Centre

New Delhi:Special Correspondent: Arun Sharma

Reinforcing the belief that education must transcend textbooks and examinations, the Child Education Society (CES) successfully organised the Fourth CES Vidya Utsav–2026 at the prestigious Manekshaw Centre, Delhi Cantonment. The event emerged as a landmark national educational movement, dedicated to India’s future torchbearers—students and teachers—and showcased a bold vision of experiential, skill-based and value-driven learning.


“Vidya Utsav Is Not Just an Event, It Is a Celebration of Nation Builders” — Nikhil Channa
In his inaugural address, Nikhil Channa, President of the Child Education Society and Chairman of Bal Bharati Public Schools, highlighted the vast scale and impact of CES, noting that:
26 Bal Bharati Public Schools across India
37,000+ students
2,500 dedicated teachers
are working under the CES umbrella with unwavering commitment to holistic education.
He recalled that Vidya Utsav, first launched in 2023 on the CES Foundation Day, has steadily evolved into a national platform for educational innovation and reform.


Session One: “Building the Future Beyond Classrooms”
IAS Sanjay Kumar Calls Experiential Learning the Key to Transformation
The first technical session featured IAS Sanjay Kumar, senior official, Ministry of Education, Government of India, as the keynote speaker. Speaking on “Building the Future Beyond Classrooms: Experiential Learning from a Real-World Skills Perspective”, he asserted that:
Modern education is no longer limited to reading and writing
The real objective is to create lifelong learners, not just examinees
Teachers can effectively implement the National Education Policy (NEP) by understanding its core spirit
He emphasized that experience-based learning prepares students for real-life challenges, making education relevant, resilient and future-ready.


High-Level Panel Discussion on Education, Skills and Artificial Intelligence
National Experts Chart the Future of Learning
A major highlight was a high-powered panel discussion, moderated by CES IT Advisor Sharad Arora, focusing on skills, experiential education, technology and AI-driven learning.
The panel included:
Dr Buddhi Chandrashekhar – CEO, AICTE & Chief Coordinator, Anuvadini AI
Ms Laxmi Kaul – Expert in Public Policy, Trade Policy and Skills
Dr Vinny Johari – Director, Education Industry, Microsoft Elevate
Dr Biswajit Saha – Director, Skill Education & Training, CBSE
The discussion underlined that future education must seamlessly integrate skills, technology and real-world exposure to make students globally competitive and innovation-ready.


Session Two: “Vidya, Vivek, Vikas”
Ashutosh Rana Questions Exam-Centric Education
The second session featured renowned actor, thinker and orator Ashutosh Rana as the keynote speaker. In a deeply thought-provoking address, he asked:
“Are we educating children, or merely training them to pass exams?”
He cautioned that:
Rote learning is stifling creativity and emotional growth
Education must instil wisdom, emotion and vision—not just information
Students should transform passion into profession through deeper, broader learning beyond rigid syllabi
Bal Bharati Model Lauded for Blending Culture with Contemporary Education


Ashutosh Rana openly praised Nikhil Channa’s leadership, stating that Bal Bharati schools are successfully balancing modern education with Indian cultural values, ensuring students remain rooted in heritage while future-ready.
He also lauded Bal Bharati teachers, calling them the true architects of nation-building.


Massive Participation Makes Vidya Utsav a National Platform
The event witnessed:
Over 850 dignitaries, including principals, teachers and administrators from Delhi-NCR
37,000 students, parents and staff members from Bal Bharati schools across India joining online, making it a truly nationwide educational celebration


Cultural Performances and National Anthem Mark a Memorable Finale
The programme began with ceremonial lamp lighting and vibrant cultural performances by students, reflecting India’s rich heritage.


It concluded with a vote of thanks by CES Joint Secretary Lakshveer Sehgal, followed by the National Anthem, leaving a lasting impression on all participants.


CES Vidya Utsav 2026: A Defining Chapter in India’s Educational Transformation
More than a ceremonial gathering, the Fourth CES Vidya Utsav stood out as a clear declaration of educational reform, championing experiential learning, innovation and national responsibility.
The message was loud and unmistakable:
India’s future will not be shaped only inside classrooms—it will be built through experience, values and vision.