Delhi Public School RK Puram hosted the Nav Ratna Prize Distribution Ceremony of the AM/NS India Times Critical Thinking Championship 2026 on Friday, 18 September 2026. The prestigious occasion was graced by the esteemed Chief Guest, Shri Brajesh Pathak, Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister, Uttar Pradesh along with Dr Vikas Yadvendu, Head CSR, AM/NS India and Shri Priank Mathur, The Times of India. It also brought together the thirty-six National Finalists comprising the Nav Ratna winners, educators, parents and distinguished guests to celebrate the culmination of a nationwide initiative dedicated to nurturing critical thinking, analytical reasoning, problem-solving and informed decision-making among school students.
The Championship, an initiative of the AM/NS India in association with The Times of India, was institutionally partnered by the Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya, supported by the ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India (AM/NS India) and inspired by the Times Foundation. Designed for the students of Classes III to XII across schools and boards, the championship provided a structured platform for young learners to engage with questions and challenges that encouraged them to think beyond conventional answers.
The 2026 edition witnessed participation from over ten lakh students nationwide, making it a significant academic initiative aimed at strengthening the intellectual capabilities of young learners. The journey culminated in the recognition of 36 national finalists and 9 Nav Ratna Winners, whose achievements reflected their perseverance, reasoning abilities and intellectual engagement.
The ceremony commenced with the felicitation of the distinguished guests, followed by the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by the Chief Guest, Shri Brajesh Pathak; Dr Vikas Yadvendu, Head CSR, AM/NS India; Shri Priank Mathur, The Times of India; the Principal, Mr Anil Kumar; the Vice Principals: Mr Naresh Miglani, Mr Anil Kathuria, Mr Mukesh Kumar and Ms Rashmi Malhotra; the Headmistresses, Dr Anubha Gopal and Ms Vandana Chandhoke along with the Head, Academics, IBDP, Mr Ajay Goel. Thereafter, the formal programme began in the Audio Visual Hall with the rendition of the Vande Mataram followed by the National Anthem, setting a solemn and patriotic tone for the evening.
In his address, the Principal, Mr Anil Kumar welcomed the Chief Guest and acknowledged the significance of initiatives that encourage students to question, analyse, reason and arrive at thoughtful conclusions. The highlight of the programme was the presentation of the Hanuman Chalisa by the students of DPS RK Puram. The dramatic presentation of the divine Hanuman Chalisa mesmerised the distinguished guests and the audience alike.
Thereafter, Mr. Rohit Sharma, Director – Response, The Times of India, introduced the AM/NS India Times Critical Thinking Championship wherein he highlighted the larger vision and journey of the championship and its role in creating opportunities for students to develop critical thinking as an essential skill for navigating an increasingly complex world.
Mr Sanjeev Kaura, President, Times Foundation also introduced the great minds behind the implementation of the programme of this magnitude. He introduced Ms Aruna Goenka and Mr Sankalp Shukla who worked relentlessly towards the success of the project.
The evening was further enriched by the address of the Chief Guest, Shri Brajesh Pathak, Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh. Addressing students selected from over 24,000 schools across India, Shri Pathak urged them to think beyond routine patterns and embrace curiosity, questioning and holistic learning. Drawing upon India’s intellectual and spiritual heritage, he emphasised the power of perspective, self-belief and deep knowledge over formal credentials. Through inspiring examples and metaphors, he encouraged students to work relentlessly, serve society and recognise their potential to lead the nation and shape the future of the world.
This was followed by closing reflections by Dr. Vikas Yadvendu, Head – CSR, AM/NS India, who reiterated the significance of nurturing young minds and creating meaningful platforms for students to demonstrate their intellectual abilities. This was followed by the most anticipated part of the programme, the Nav Ratna Prize Distribution Ceremony, during which the nine Nav Ratna Winners and National Finalists were felicitated for their accomplishments by the dignitaries. The recognition was followed by a group photograph commemorating their remarkable journey.
The ceremony concluded with the Vote of Thanks proposed by Ms. Aarushi Mathur, GM – Operations, Times Foundation, expressing gratitude to the dignitaries, partners, educators, parents, students and all those who contributed to the successful culmination of the Championship. The evening came to a formal close with the National Anthem.
