S Gopal Puri
Dharamshala: Sub Divisional Magistrate Mohit Rattan addressed a jam-packed gathering of students and parents from the Kangra and Chamba districts of Himachal Pradesh at the Dharamshala College auditorium on Sunday. The programme was organised jointly by The Newz Radar and Guru Study Centre and saw enthusiastic participation from students of different academic streams.
While addressing the audience, SDM Mohit Rattan spoke at length about the need for creativity and independent thinking in students’ lives. Using a simple yet effective example, he said that if students are asked to draw a scenery, most of them end up drawing the same hills and rivers. He explained that this reflects how students often stick to familiar ideas and traditional thinking, especially in academics and competitive environments. He stressed the need to move beyond such limited approaches and explore new ideas, perspectives, and possibilities.
He said that excessive focus on competitions and conventional success paths can restrict creativity and personal growth. According to him, students should be encouraged to think differently, develop unique skills, and follow their interests rather than blindly following predefined routes. He urged students to be confident in their individuality and not measure success only through comparison with others.
Addressing the issue of stress among students, SDM Mohit Rattan advised them to avoid unnecessary pressure and enjoy their student life. He said that life should be lived to the fullest while staying creative, curious, and open to learning. He emphasised that stress-free learning helps students perform better and maintain both mental and emotional well-being.
He also appealed to parents to play a supportive role in their children’s education. He asked them not to push students only towards competitions or force career choices upon them. Instead, he encouraged parents to understand their children’s interests, strengths, and limitations, and guide them with patience and trust.
The event concluded on an engaging note, with students and parents appreciating the practical and relatable message delivered by the SDM. The programme aimed to motivate students to adopt a balanced, creative, and stress-free approach towards education and life.





