The true purpose of education is to prepare young minds for life — to nurture character, resilience, ethical values and a sense of responsibility, alongside intellectual growth.Over the years, it has become increasingly evident that children learn best when education moves beyond rote memorisation and encourages curiosity, questioning and reflection.When students are allowed to think independently and apply knowledge to real-life situations, learning becomes meaningful and lasting.Such an approach not only strengthens academic understanding but also develops critical thinking and decision-making skills essential for the modern world.The classroom lays the academic foundation, but a child’s personality is shaped just as strongly outside it.A structured residential environment plays a vital role in this process. For hostellers, life in dorms teaches them independence, discipline, time management, cooperation and empathy.Living together also helps students develop emotional maturity and social awareness, preparing them for the responsibilities they will face in their higher education pursuits, and adult life.Year after year, our students go on to serve the nation and society as Army officers, doctors, engineers, administrators, sportspersons and professionals in diverse fields.Equal emphasis should be placed on both intellectual growth and physical fitness.We strongly believe that the playground is as powerful a classroom as any lecture hall.Through regular training, professional coaching and a culture that encourages participation, students can represent the country at national and international levels in various sports disciplines.Sports instil resilience, teamwork, leadership and the ability to accept both victory and defeat with humility — qualities that remain invaluable throughout life.Physical activity increases blood flow to the brain, boosting memory, attention, and overall cognitive function. Studies indicate that students involved in sports often achieve higher grades, better attendance, and increased graduation rates.Sports help manage weight, build muscle strength, improve cardiovascular fitness, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.As educators, our responsibility goes far beyond producing ‘toppers’ or achievers.Sports reduce stress and anxiety, while improving overall mood and self-esteem.Regular exercise produces neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine — which improve mental health and neurogenesis.— As told to Amritsar Tribune’s Neha Saini