By Chandan Singh | Page 3 News Worldwide | New Delhi
Shikhar Dhawan joins initiative to promote practical learning and empower girl students
New Delhi: Delhi Education Minister Ashish Sood inaugurated a state-of-the-art Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) laboratory at Dr B. R. Ambedkar CM SHRI School in Janakpuri on Friday and distributed free bicycles to 32 Class 9 girl students under the Delhi Government’s Vidya Vahini Scheme.
The twin initiatives aim to promote hands-on learning, improve access to education and equip students in government schools with skills for the future.
Former Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan, founder of the Shikhar Dhawan Foundation (SDF), attended the event alongside leadership teams from Da One Group and CSR partner Sportskeeda.
The newly inaugurated facility is the second STEM laboratory established under SDF’s STEM Shiksha programme in collaboration with the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi.
Addressing the gathering, Sood said the government wanted children to move beyond classroom teaching and textbooks to explore, experiment, ask questions and develop problem-solving skills.
“Education is not merely about providing answers; it is about fostering the ability to ask the right questions,” he said, describing the laboratory as a “laboratory of dreams” where students could develop practical and technology-driven skills instead of relying solely on rote learning.
Speaking about the bicycle distribution, the minister said the Vidya Vahini Scheme was intended to promote the dignity, safety, independence and education of girl students.
“While one step gives our daughters physical mobility, the STEM Lab gives them the mobility of knowledge and innovation,” Sood said.
Under the scheme, the Delhi Government aims to provide bicycles to approximately 1.40 lakh Class 9 girl students across the capital. Nearly 20,000 bicycles have already been delivered, according to the press note.
Sood credited Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta with steering educational reforms and said the government was working to translate Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of technology, innovation and skill-based learning into opportunities for students at the ground level.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to developing modern educational infrastructure and ensuring equal opportunities for children studying in government schools.
Dhawan also reaffirmed his commitment to youth empowerment and praised the Delhi Government’s support for digital and practical education in state-run schools.
The initiative aligns with the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047, with an emphasis on providing students in government schools with quality education, modern technology and opportunities to succeed.
