The KIT Thomas Oration, held annually in honour of the late Mr. K. I. Thomas, founder of Sishya and former Headmaster of The Lawrence School, Lovedale, is a longstanding tradition that reflects his legacy and vision. Each year, this occasion invites a distinguished figure to speak before an audience of students, faculty, alumni, parents and other esteemed guests, inspiring the next generation to think critically and reach beyond convention.

On April 7th, 2025, the school had the privilege of hosting Mr. N. Ram, Chairman, Kasturi and Sons and one of India’s most respected journalists, as the guest orator. His address, titled “Centre-State relations and the failures of federalism -Why pick on education?” brought into focus the intricacies surrounding the governance of education in a democracy as large as India’s.

He noted that “Education should primarily be a state subject. It should be moved out of the Concurrent List,” calling attention to the need for states to have greater control in designing education systems that reflect their needs.
He pointed out that a single, “one shoe fits all” policy may not always serve the best interests of all regions and that flexibility is essential to address differences in language, culture and local priorities. While acknowledging the positive aims of the National Education Policy 2020, Mr. Ram observed that its implementation should leave room for adaptation. He also emphasized the importance of “mother tongue-based education” at the early stages of learning, encouraging the preservation and promotion of local languages.
Describing education as “a tool for social transformation,” Mr. Ram urged students to reflect on the broader role that education plays in shaping society. Above all, he admired Mr. K.I.Thomas’s vision of “Not taking the childhood out of a child”, something he wished many statesmen to keep in mind while framing future policies.

The stage was then open for questions from the guests after which the oration came to end with the Vote of Thanks and the National Anthem.
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