Silchar: Additional District Commissioner (Education) Antara Sen delivered an inspiring address at the valedictory session of the five-day residential Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) training camp held at the Ellora Hotel auditorium on Friday.

Speaking to the assembled educators, ADC Sen shared her reflections on how traditional education once revolved around memorisation and textbook learning. “Back then, we studied only what was written in the books and repeated it without really understanding,” she recalled, drawing nods from the audience.

She emphasised that modern education must now centre on practical, interactive, and child-focused methods. “Education today goes beyond classrooms and textbooks. It’s about curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking,” she said.

Highlighting the importance of activity-based and experiential learning, Sen explained that play, interaction, and real-life observation help children grasp ideas faster and retain them longer. “When children learn through stories, activities, and observation, it lays a stronger foundation for lifelong learning. That’s what ECCE truly means,” she added.

Encouraging teachers to carry the spirit of the training forward, she urged them to spread the ECCE approach across Cachar’s schools, especially in rural and marginalised areas. “Change happens when learning reaches the grassroots. Every teacher should become a catalyst for transformation so that no child is left behind,” she said.

Sen also appreciated the efforts of the District Education Department and Samagra Shiksha, Cachar, for organising the training. “This initiative reflects the government’s vision under the National Education Policy 2020—to create joyful, inclusive, and equitable learning environments for every child,” she noted.

The zonal-level residential programme, organised by Samagra Shiksha, Cachar, was held from October 13 to 17, with 66 participants from Cachar, Hailakandi, and Sribhumi districts.

The training began with an inaugural session attended by Dr. Durba Deb of Assam University as Chief Guest. Rana Ranjan Nath, DPO (IE & ECCE), Cachar, outlined the objectives of the programme. Sessions were led by Key Resource Persons Sandipa Chakraborty, Nilakshi Dutta Dushad, and Jaharul Islam Mazumdar, who discussed ECCE’s guiding principles in line with the National Education Policy 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for the Foundational Stage 2022.

The final day featured a Class Demonstration Competition judged by Arindam Chakraborty and Champak Saha, where teachers showcased creative classroom practices inspired by experiential learning.

Gautam Deb, DPO (TT), Cachar, also addressed the gathering, commending the educators for their enthusiasm and commitment.

The event concluded on a lively note with cultural performances by the teachers, followed by a vote of thanks from Rana Ranjan Nath, who expressed gratitude to all participants, trainers, and dignitaries for making the programme a success.