‘Only By Learning from Our Mistakes Do We Become Skillful’: Bihar Education Chief’s Heartfelt Letter to Children on Nipun Diwas

Patna: On the occasion of Nipun Diwas, Bihar’s Additional Chief Secretary of the Education Department, Dr S Siddharth, addressed a moving open letter to young school children, urging them to see learning not just as an academic pursuit but as a path to becoming better human beings.

In the emotionally charged message, Dr Siddharth spoke directly to students of Classes 1 to 3, calling on them to embrace values such as truthfulness, discipline and empathy alongside their book learning.

“Your proficiency is reflected in your behaviour,” he wrote, “when you respect elders, speak the truth, or complete your tasks without being told.”

Nipun Diwas, observed annually on July 5 under the Nipun Bharat Mission, aims to strengthen foundational literacy and numeracy skills among students in the early years of schooling. But Dr Siddharth’s letter goes beyond academic targets, delving into the importance of moral education and curiosity-driven learning.

“My dear children,” he wrote, “seeing you study, play, and smile is no less than a festival for me. Though your little feet step into the school courtyard today, I believe those same feet will one day help guide our nation forward.”

The letter draws vivid imagery from nature and everyday life to encourage children to think deeply and ask questions. “The sky is not just blue,” he wrote, “but a mysterious world of countless stars and planets… Rivers teach us to keep flowing, and mountains show us how to stand strong in a storm.”

He also appealed to students to care for their environment, follow rules, help peers, and develop a scientific outlook. “Learning isn’t just about remembering poems—it’s about observing the world around you and thinking for yourself,” he added.

In a world increasingly driven by competition, Dr Siddharth reminded children—and perhaps adults too—of the power of being human. “Books will give you knowledge,” he wrote, “but humanity will help you distinguish between right and wrong.”

His final message was one of hope and self-belief: “Listen to your inner voice, trust your teachers, and never stop believing in yourself. Remember—being an ordinary human being is the greatest achievement in this world.”