As caregivers, one of the most pressing questions on our minds is, “Are our children prepared for the outside world?” We seek the best schools and curricula, and urge educators to deliver the finest education to ensure strong academic performance. However, living a life and making a living go beyond mastering textbooks.
True readiness for tomorrow’s world lies in developing skills, competencies, and values that enable students to translate knowledge into real-world applications.
This is where the vision of the 26th Quanta 2025, a Biennial Festival of Science, Mathematics, AI & Robotics, stands apart. The event has been designed to provide students with immersive experiences and competitions that allow students to collaborate, innovate, lead and apply the concepts they’ve learned in life.
The Role of School Leaders
As a school principal, I believe our role extends far beyond administration. We are opportunity creators, innovation architects, growth enablers, and custodians of holistic excellence. Our duty is to ensure that children not only acquire subject mastery but also the life skills to build fulfilling careers, maintain meaningful relationships, and face life’s challenges fearlessly.
To achieve this, integrating STEAM (an integrated approach to Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) based interventions into the academic fabric is a powerful way to ensure that students are equipped to thrive in an unpredictable yet hopeful future.
Why STEAM Education Matters?
A World Economic Forum study claims that “65% of children entering primary school today will eventually work in professions that do not yet exist.” Future employment will be shaped by artificial intelligence (AI), automation, net-zero commitments, and the global climate agenda. Industries such as data science, cloud engineering, product development, culture and people management, and digital marketing are already redefining the workplace.
From an educator’s perspective, the importance of STEAM skills cannot be overstated. STEAM careers are growing almost three times faster than non-STEAM jobs (A study by the U.S. Bureau of Labour Statistics). Children with a strong foundation in science, arts, technology, engineering, and mathematics are also more resilient in times of economic uncertainty. Even during the pandemic, students equipped with these skills were better prepared to adapt, recover, and thrive, showing that STEAM learning builds not just knowledge but a future-proof, adaptable mindset.
In today’s fast-evolving world, STEAM education is more important than ever. It blends subjects into hands-on, project-based learning that nurtures creativity, critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration. The goal is not simply to earn a degree but to develop high-value skills that prepare students for real-world challenges. With fields like Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, Networks, and Cybersecurity becoming increasingly vital, Quanta’s focus on AI, Robotics, and coding ensures our students gain the practical experience and confidence needed to thrive in tomorrow’s economy.
In essence, CMS Chowk Campus, through Quanta, is aligning its educational philosophy with the proven demands of the global economy; equipping students with the technical know-how, competence, creative mindset, and adaptability required to succeed in professions yet to be invented.
Let me share with you the journey of Quanta since its inception.
Quanta: A Living Example of the CMS Vision
Quanta was conceptualised in 1994 at CMS Chowk Campus. Derived from the word “quantum”, meaning a spark of energy, Quanta represents the inner light of every child, fuelling curiosity and innovation. What began as a national science competition has now grown into an international biennial event, drawing participation from over 30 countries, including Brazil, Russia, Thailand, Germany, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.
Over the years, Quanta has evolved from a focus on science and technology to STEM and now STEAM education. It is a platform where students collaborate, exchange ideas, and showcase creativity in real-time challenges. From coding Mars rovers in hackathons, programming robots for obstacle races, or designing boats for aqua challenges, every activity at Quanta reflects experiential learning in action. Students learn to innovate, work in teams, embrace failures as opportunities, and celebrate success collectively.
Building Skills for Life and Work
These experiences cultivate the skills employers value most: problem-solving, critical analysis, creative expression, resilience, and adaptability. Beyond employability, they nurture empathy, intercultural collaboration, and global citizenship, qualities essential for young people growing up in an interconnected world.
Looking Ahead
As we prepare to host the 26th edition of International Quanta, the excitement at CMS Chowk Campus is palpable. For us, Quanta is not just an event; it is a legacy of innovation, curiosity, and collaboration that continues to inspire generations of learners. It exemplifies the CMS commitment to nurturing global citizens who can dream boldly and act with purpose.
We are especially honoured to welcome Major General Salil Seth, GOC Madhya UP Sub Area, as our Chief Guest. An illustrious alumnus of CMS Chowk Campus, Maj Gen Seth embodies the very ideals Quanta seeks to nurture in learners: discipline, resilience, leadership, and a vision that extends beyond the self to the service of humanity. We believe his presence will not just inspire our students but also reaffirm to parents and educators alike that the values and skills instilled at CMS translate into real-life excellence and impactful careers. Seeing a CMS student rise to such a distinguished position in the Armed Forces is both a moment of pride and a testament to the enduring power of holistic education.
The journeys of growth of our alumni, like Maj Gen Seth, Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, Fashion Designer Manish Tripathi, or IFS Prakash Gupta (Consulate General of India, Seattle), are a powerful reminder that the seeds of curiosity and courage sown in school can grow into lives of extraordinary purpose. It reinforces our belief that school interventions like Quanta go beyond testing students’ knowledge. They play a crucial role in shaping character, nurturing adaptability, and igniting the determination to contribute meaningfully to society.
In celebrating their achievements, we also celebrate the promise that lies within every CMS student today.
“Because, in the 21st century, education is not just about making a living. It is about making a life.”