ADC Antara Sen inspires teachers, stresses on practical learning at ECCE training camp

way2barak, October 18: –Additional District Commissioner (Education) Antara Sen inspired a gathering of teachers with her insightful and compelling speech at the valedictory session of the five-day Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) residential training camp held in Ellora Hotel auditorium here.

Addressing the participants, ADC Sen delivered a thought-provoking speech that deeply resonated with the educators present. She began by reflecting on her own school days, recalling a time when education primarily revolved around bookish knowledge, lengthy chapters, and rote memorisation. “In those days, learning was limited to what was written in textbooks. We were expected to memorise and reproduce without truly understanding the concepts,” she mentioned, striking a chord with many in the audience.

ADC Sen went on to highlight the transformative shift in modern education, emphasising that the present-day teaching-learning process has moved far beyond the confines of textbooks.

“Today, education is no longer confined to classrooms or textbooks. It has become more practical, interactive, and child-oriented. The focus now is on nurturing curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking among children,” she asserted.

She further underlined that practical learning experiences through play, interaction, and real-life observation help children grasp concepts faster and retain knowledge longer.

 “When a child learns through activities, stories, and observation, it builds a stronger foundation for future learning. That is what Early Childhood Care and Education truly stands for,” she said.

Encouraging the participants, ADC Sen urged the resource persons and trained teachers to take the essence of the ECCE training beyond the venue and spread this awareness to the block level and remotest corners of Cachar district. “True change happens when knowledge reaches the grassroots. Let every teacher become a catalyst of transformation, ensuring that no child especially those from marginalised communities is left behind,” she appealed.

 ADC Sen also expressed her appreciation for the district education department and Samagra Shiksha, Cachar, for organising such a meaningful training camp. “This initiative reflects the Government’s vision under the National Education Policy 2020 to build a joyful, inclusive, and equitable learning environment for every child,” she said adding that such programmes strengthen the educational ecosystem at the foundational level.

It is worthy to mention that Samagra Shiksha, Cachar organised by the zonal-level residential training programme was held at Hotel Ellora Complex from October 13 to 17, with the participation of 66 educators from Cachar, Hailakandi, and Sribhumi districts.

Earlier, the training began with an inaugural ceremony graced by Dr. Durba Deb from Assam University as the Chief Guest, while Rana Ranjan Nath, DPO (IE & ECCE), Cachar, outlined the objectives of the programme. The sessions were conducted by a team of Key Resource Persons (KRPs) Sandipa Chakraborty, Nilakshi Dutta Dushad, and Jaharul Islam Mazumdar who elaborated on ECCE’s core principles in alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for the Foundational Stage (NCF-FS) 2022.

Adding a creative edge to the event, the final day featured a ‘Class Demonstration Competition’, judged by Arindam Chakraborty and Champak Saha, where participants showcased innovative classroom teaching techniques. Their performances reflected the spirit of experiential learning that ADC Sen had passionately advocated.

The valedictory function also featured motivating remarks from Gautam Deb, DPO (TT), Cachar, who commended the educators for their active participation and commitment.

The programme concluded on a vibrant and celebratory note with a cultural session comprising recitation, songs, and dance performances by the participating teachers. In his concluding address, Rana Ranjan Nath extended heartfelt thanks to all participants, resource persons, and dignitaries for making the training a grand success.

This is stated in a press release issued by Regional office of Information & Public Relations Barak valley Zone Silchar Assam .