Bhavan Vidyalaya, Panchkula, as a part of Panchkula Sahodaya and in collaboration with Thinking Classroom, successfully hosted The Critical Thinking Un-Conference on September 19, 2026, drawing over 90 principals and school leaders from across North India for a day of professional learning and dialogue on strengthening critical thinking in schools. The Un-Conference commenced with a welcome address by the school Principal, Mrs. Gulshan Kaur who emphasized the need for schools to move beyond rote learning and create environments where curiosity, questioning and reflective thinking are nurtured. Mr. Aneesh Bangia, IIT Madras alumnus and Co-founder of Thinking Classroom welcomed participants and outlined the vision behind the Un-Conference model, stressing that meaningful professional learning occurs when educators themselves experience inquiry, discussion and critical reflection.
The academic sessions were led by distinguished resource persons, including Mr Abhishek Kariwal, Co-Founder, Thinking Classroom and IIT Madras alumnus; Prof. Lakshmana Rao Pinninti from IIT Kanpur; Prof. Jaison A. Manjaly from IIT Gandhinagar; and Prof. Kritika Bhattacharjee from Ashoka University. The conference explored critical thinking as a multidimensional skill essential to meaningful learning and effective decision-making. Across the sessions, participants examined what critical thinking entails—and what it does not—while engaging with its philosophical foundations and practical application in schools. The discussions focused on critical reading, critical writing, evidence-based reasoning, questioning assumptions, identifying bias, evaluating information, constructing and communicating arguments and developing intellectual independence. Through interactive activities, case discussions and reflective exercises, the sessions demonstrated how these skills can be intentionally embedded in classroom practices and school culture, enabling students to move beyond rote learning towards inquiry, analysis, reflection, informed judgement and independent thought.
Participants engaged in interactive discussions, collaborative activities and networking opportunities throughout the day. The programme concluded with certificate distribution and a shared commitment among school leaders to foster classrooms that encourage curiosity, evidence-based reasoning and lifelong learning.