CHEERFUL SCHOOL ENVIRONMENTS IN SHAPING FUTURE-READY CITIZENS: A STUDY WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF NEP 2020

The twenty-first century educational landscape demands a transformation from traditional rote-based instruction to holistic, competency-driven, and learner-centered approaches that prepare students for emerging societal and professional challenges. In this context, cheerful school environments have gained increasing significance in fostering future-ready citizens who possess academic competence, emotional resilience, ethical values, creativity, and social responsibility. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, introduced by the Government of India, advocates for inclusive, joyful, and engaging learning experiences that promote the all-round development of learners. This paper examines the role of cheerful school environments in shaping future-ready citizens within the framework of NEP 2020. It explores the concept of school environment, the meaning of future-ready citizenship, and the transformative vision of NEP 2020. The study discusses the main provisions, principles, innovative thinking, and educational importance of NEP 2020 while identifying practical actions necessary for creating cheerful school environments. Through review of related literature, the study reveals that emotionally supportive and learner-friendly schools significantly contribute to students’ academic achievement, well-being, creativity, adaptability, and social development. The paper concludes that cheerful school environments are essential to achieving the goals of NEP 2020 and building responsible, resilient, and globally competent citizens for India’s future.