A series of recent initiatives under the Education Department have highlighted a broadened approach to schooling in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, combining competitive sports achievement, creative expression and inclusive education practices beyond the traditional classroom framework.
The Island Track Cycling Team delivered a strong performance at the 69th National School Track Cycling Championship held at the Sido Kanhu Velodrome in Ranchi from January 13 to 17, 2026. Competing against teams from across the country, the island contingent secured a total of six medals, comprising one gold, three silver and two bronze medals.
On the final day of the championship, the Under-17 Boys team secured a silver medal in the Team Sprint event, while the Under-17 Girls team also clinched silver in the same category. The overall performance placed the island team as runners-up in the Girls Under-17 category and second runners-up in the Under-17 Boys category, marking one of the most consistent national-level showings by school athletes from the islands.
Individual performances also drew attention, with one cyclist selected for the India Camp in New Delhi in preparation for upcoming international events. The selection reflects increasing exposure of island athletes to national pathways and competitive platforms.
Parallel to sporting achievements, the Education Department has also focused on nurturing creativity and artistic expression among students. A three-day Art Exhibition has been organised at the Government Girls Senior Secondary School, Sri Vijaya Puram, scheduled from January 18 to 20 during evening hours. The exhibition aims to provide students with a platform to showcase diverse art forms and creative works, encouraging engagement with visual arts alongside academic pursuits.
The exhibition has been positioned as an open event for students, art enthusiasts and the wider public, allowing young artists to present their work in a formal setting. Officials indicated that such platforms help build confidence, communication skills and appreciation for cultural expression among students.
In addition to sports and arts, emphasis has also been placed on inclusive education practices. An orientation programme on the inclusion of children with hearing impairment was conducted at Government Middle School, Pudumadurai, with the objective of building awareness and capacity among teachers and parents.
The programme comprised seven structured sessions led by resource persons, focusing on understanding hearing impairment, inclusive classroom strategies, parental involvement and support mechanisms. Participants included teachers, school leadership, parents and an Anganwadi worker, ensuring a multi-stakeholder approach to inclusion.
Practical activities related to hearing impairment were also conducted as part of the programme to enhance understanding and enable participants to translate learning into classroom and home environments. Officials noted that such initiatives are essential for strengthening inclusive education at the grassroots level, particularly in schools serving diverse learning needs.
Together, these initiatives reflect a wider shift towards holistic education in the islands, where academic instruction is complemented by sports excellence, creative engagement and inclusive practices. By supporting students across multiple domains, the Education Department aims to create learning environments that are competitive, expressive and accessible.
Officials indicated that similar programmes will continue to be rolled out, reinforcing the role of schools as spaces for all-round development rather than purely academic achievement.
