New Delhi’s Siri Fort auditorium buzzed with energy and anticipation this Monday as the grand finale of the Times Critical Thinking Championship 2025 unfolded. It was a celebration not just of academic skills but of inquisitive minds ready to challenge the status quo. The event began with a stirring call to action: “Watch closely, observe, question and reflect.” This grand finale marked the thrilling conclusion of a year-long journey where curiosity took centre stage.

This championship was more than a competition. It was a movement. Over two hundred thousand young learners from classes three to twelve who are the bright minds of five hundred schools across twenty-five states of India, embarked on a voyage of discovery and insight. Alongside them, five thousand teachers embraced new ways of teaching designed to spark creativity, ignite inquiry and hone problem-solving abilities. The Times Foundation’s bold vision is clear: to nurture one point eight million critical thinkers by the year twenty twenty-seven who will power India’s growth by thinking deeply and differently.

From this vast pool of talent, thirty-five exceptional students emerged. They were handpicked through a rigorous two-tier assessment consisting of offline written tests and video interviews mentoring critical thinking with master trainers. On stage, these young champions were felicitated by The Times of India Chief Operating Officer Mohit Jain, cheered on by distinguished guests including badminton ace Saina Nehwal, trailblazing innovator Gul Panag and visionary educationist Sonam Wangchuk.

The atmosphere was electric as each winner took their rightful place in the spotlight. After the felicitation, hundreds gathered for an engaging fireside chat where stories flowed freely. Saina Nehwal shared the secrets of her relentless hard work and perseverance while Gul Panag and Sonam Wangchuk invited the audience to question norms and embrace experimentation as the seeds of innovation.

A particularly moving moment was a riveting skit on Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, crafted under the expert direction of child drama coach Raj Upadhyay. With live music and vivid storytelling, the children traced Netaji’s journey from the stirring philosophies of Swami Vivekananda to his fierce independence struggle. The performance illustrated how questioning and courage have historically shaped our nation’s destiny.

This championship resonates powerfully with the National Education Policy 2020 and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal for quality education. It also addresses pressing challenges revealed by ASER 2023 and India Skills Report 2024. These reports highlight a critical need to elevate higher-order thinking and effective communication among Indian students.

As the event drew to a close, a spirited message was clear. Critical thinking transcends textbooks. It is a vital life skill, a tool to unlock potential and navigate the complexities of tomorrow’s world. With hearts full of inspiration and minds abuzz, students and teachers left the auditorium ready to champion this change in their classrooms and communities.

The next vibrant edition of the Times Critical Thinking Championship is already set for September eighth, twenty twenty-six.The journey continues.It promises even more bright minds ready to watch closely, observe deeply, question boldly and reflect profoundly.