Making India a Global Education Powerhouse

Come August 3, 4, 2018, India’s finest educators will congregate at the second edition of the ScooNews Global Educators Fest. The theme is ‘Making India a Global Education Powerhouse’. There will be learning and unlearning galore at the energising City Palace, Udaipur, as the brightest minds ponder and brainstorm over the theme. As they discuss and deliberate how we can leverage our illustrious legacy and incorporate global best practices to once again place India on the global map as the world’s learning capital, we cannot wait to see the many brilliant solutions that SGEF 2018 will throw up. ScooNews decided to set the ball rolling already, inviting educators from across the country to share their views on just how we can take the lead in becoming a global education powerhouse. The responses have been insightful and positive, and many of the suggestions can and should be implemented without further ado. Before we can do we must dare to dream... It is safe to say that India’s educators are not just dreaming, they have reflected deeply and the results are there to see in the wealth of solutions offered. Read on for inspiration and a future course of action...!

“The concept of Gurukul has a reach legacy. This system of education is based on time-tested values and principles. It believes in developing an innate sense of concentration, enhancing knowledge and development of the brain. The system works on the holistic development of a child, inculcating and prompting values such as discipline, self-reliance, right attitude, empathy, creativity and strong ethics. Gurukuls combine modern concept of education with traditional Indian values and liberal methods to achieve it. This system of education has been in existence in India since ancient times. By the colonial era this system was on a steep decline. Today the country has a chance to re-emerge as a global powerhouse in the field of education. But this requires re-orientation of the syllabus and improving infrastructure with the sole objective of imparting world class quality education.We all must work in a mission mode to re-vamp the educational architecture in tune with the requirements of the 21st century to make India a leading nation in terms of education.”

Sujay MehtaChairman, Saroj Mehta International School, Karanjani

“Daniel D Foster said, ‘We must stop thinking that global education means going somewhere. So much global learning can occur in your classroom.’ From the origin of zero to Make in India (Vision-2020) and Skill Development initiatives, India has come a long way. From learning salsa to cooking pasta, who needs to travel to the picturesque locales? With a strong need to imbibe the Finland system of education which shifts its focus from the political turmoil to education in one country, everything is available at the click of button. Artificial Intelligence is the conspicuous answer to everything happening around the globe. Exchange programs, inter-cultural learning have become the must-haves in any educational institution. Thus, effective and right leaderships across the world play a crucial role in the future of today’s youth. Schools worldwide must adopt the practical approach instead of rote based learning. The richest resources are waiting in the classrooms of Incredible India. Let’s join hands for promoting Skill Development, tapping the bundles of talent and get set to witness the day when India will boast of the best experts serving their own motherland.”

Dr Jagpreet Singh, Headmaster The Punjab Public School, Nabha

“We need to develop a system of learning environment among the students of our country that helps them to realise their true skills and powers so that each and every child can fight and succeed in life. Students should be motivated to explore the world without any bias for creed religion and caste; rather all children should be free to learn subjects of their interest. Free education should be the top important priority of the government. Curriculum should be developed keeping in mind the latest developments of the world. Regular update is a must for the betterment. An awareness campaign for the mass population is necessary to tell them the importance of education. Teachers of middle and higher section should be trained in such a manner that they behave like a mentor, a real guru, rather a tuition teacher. Research work of proper exploration of data for any problem solving should be motivated. Development of a huge data base of knowledge and authentic educational literature for future use should be preserved scientifically. Government should provide a real hike in the stipend for research fellows. Government should maintain a data for research issues. Parents should be counselled and motivated for the research work to be carried out by their ward. Value based education or inculcating moral based values in students should be an integral part of our education system, which will make India stand out among all other nations. If emphasis is given on fivefold education all over India i.e. physical education, moral education, practical education, aesthetic education, and intellectual education, definitely India will emerge as the next global education powerhouse.

Deepak Purohit, Principal, NK Public School Rajawas, Jaipur

“If wishes could be true, I desire to see my country’s name embellished on the global dais as an international education hub! India essentially has the positive ingredients to be one; from Right to Education, positive steps by the government, vibrant institutions to big dreamers. India needs educationists to be part of policy-making. For that we need to get rid of shoddy and ill planned curriculum, obsolete teaching methods and lack of practical or vocational education. Consequently, there is no stimuli to conceive great ideas, leaving little room for research and an enormous dearth of good entrepreneurs. We require skilled teaching parallel to the virtual world, stimuli for great ideas, critical thinking, creativity, wellvisioned and qualified heads creating a corruption-free environment. Media could be carriers of advancements and inno

Sona Mattoo Dhingra, Principal, Children’s Academy - Thakur

“Third largest education system in the world - holding supremacy in myriad fields from Mathematics to Astrology, Literature to

Science, Culture to Conscience and Super Science, India is a power bank of energetic youth!We need to recharge our diverse ancient knowledge since ages with the global technical modernity along with collaboration of academia with professional upskilling. Primary education needs to be more interactive and higher education more professional and practical instead of degree-oriented. A change in the mind-set of the parent’s generation is needed where they need to realise education is not only for earning but it’s a process of learning and enjoying lifelong. The system needs to infuse curiosity in education. Youth backed up with cultural value, vocational skills, innovations can bring change in wavelength of education system. I believe the six C’s - Character, Calibre, Capacity, Curiosity, Creativity and Cultural connectivity are requisites for India to become a global education powerhouse.”

Anju Kulhari, Principal, Daffodils World School.

“Every day do something good that will inch you closer to be better tomorrow.Stress and tension may be unavoidable and good too, for it would never allow us to be complacent in life. But education should be a joyous experience, because if too much pressure is put into it, children find the going a hard nut to crack. School education should be stress-free. Success is the result of perfection, hard work, learning from failure, loyalty and persistence. Schools should have a vision to foster capable individuals, who can make an impact on the global community, through making them acquire the knowledge and the skills to flourish in the later phase of education. We need resourceful facilitators to meet the challenges of the 21st century.”

Inderpreet Singh Tuli, Director, Edify School, Nagpur

“I truly believe India can become the next global educational powerhouse, if we are willing to embrace the future and be bold with our approach. We carry the biggest demographic dividend in the world that needs our guidance. Not by insisting on old outdated traditions that stifle growth, but by being creative and strong enough to find new methods and solutions that reflect, not deflect, the modern world and all the tremendous possibilities it represents. The future should therefore be based on a digital, collaborative, conceptual thinking framework, where schools become places of support, learning and sharing - rather than institutes of mass instruction.Children need to be educated to be inwardly confident and navigate their own ideas, intellect and creativity. The future is not rigid, it is fluid; educators need to be the same if we want to harness the power of our youth, and the human race.”

“India is the hub of human resource for the world. After the Industrial Revolution in European countries, the Middle and Eastern parts of the world will be witnessing the revolution of information. India is a huge potential location for this revolution to happen. Further adding to the resources and landscape of our country, India will become the hub for entrepreneurship provided India develops 360 degree vis a vis its policy, infrastructure, technology, and culture. India was a global powerhouse of education before the British arrived. Unfortunately, the Indian education system did not change from pre-Independence era till date. We need the following solutions to make India the next global education powerhouse…

1. Matching the economic standards of developed countries 2. Revamp the whole education system especially assessment pattern from K-12 3. Conscious exercising of rights in decision making process of democracy 4. Public private partnership across domains 5. Schools should focus on holistic development of the child

Mohammed Azhar, Founder Principal, Knowledge Academy school

“If education has to reflect the soul of our collective cultures, of our times, and if India has to prepare itself to fulfil its own swadharma - meaning the intended path of enlightenment; if we have to play a leading role in meeting the challenges of the contemporary civilization and also the contemporary crisis; if we have to be protected from dogmatic or agnostic innovations in education, sceptical materialism and its barbaric invasions - then our systems, processes, and philosophy have to be collaborative. Further, they have to be revitalised, and refashioned within the next five years.”

Kanak Gupta, Vice President, Seth M R Jaipuria Schools

“The education system of our country should aim at the creation of a new, inclusive society, non-violent and nonexploitative, consisting of highly cultivated and motivated individuals inspired by love for humanity and guided by wisdom. The students should be taught to be the torch-bearers of our culture, traditions, ethos and customs. There is nothing wrong in adopting and assimilating good practices from elsewhere, but always remain rooted to our age-old culture and heritage. Education must lay the foundation for the progress of a nation. Higher education, in particular, has an important role in building a knowledge-based society of the 21st century. The education system should expand qualitatively and quantitatively for the betterment of the nation and society. In this ‘global village’, our graduates as future leaders need a new kind of intercultural understanding, respect for common rules and fair play, an understanding of different interests, views and ways of thinking, and the ability to analyse and synthesise.”

Hema Harchandani, Founder-MD Canvas International Pre School

“Technology is changing every facet of our lives and it is time we start employing it extensively in our education sector. Technology has the capability to transform the Indian education system from being ‘too theoretical’ to ‘a learning by doing’ system by blending offline learning with digital learning. The most significant advantage of blended learning is that it provides a human connect between the instructor and the students, and yet automating and personalising the experience. It also helps in supplementing school learning with at-home practices. The other area which needs upgradation for us to be the next global education powerhouse is the content we teach our kids. The content should be engaging for kids and based on past teaching and learning experiences. It needs to equip students with problem-solving skills rather than merely teaching them the right answers in an exam.”

Sarveshwar Shrivastava, Managing Director, Eupheus Learning

“With the democratisation of knowledge, the uniqueness for Indian education system lies in the roots of its Gurukul system where the focus was not just knowledge but also wisdom. It wasn't merely about learning subjects but also acquiring skills. In times when the most learned men are bringing destruction, it is essential to teach the pupil how to lead a purposeful life. Today it is seen as a thing you acquire as you age, but, imagine if youngsters learn the purpose and way of life at an early enough stage...How positively it can impact the world!”

Aditya Shah, Vice- President, Marketing &

“India today stands at the cusp of an increasingly globalised world where information, knowledge and data can be easily accessed across barriers which were earlier unsurpassable. But a globalised world also brings different challenges. Among them is the key aspect of education: equability in access to quality education. I firmly believe that in order to become a powerhouse in global education, one needs to be reminded of the same path our first Prime Minister took towards this goal - a strong system of public education. Public educational systems have the power to provide equitable access to the masses at affordable costs. This ensures two additional objectives of education: social transformation of the masses and boosting their employability prospects. This would have to be accompanied by a critical reorientation of the curriculum across social sciences and sciences to inculcate inter disciplinary practices while also bridging the divide between mainstream courses and vocational courses. This would require huge support from the state and an active role to be played by other actors such as civil society.”

Neera Singh, Principal, Rajmata Krishna Kumari Girls’ Public School, Jodhpur

“The Indian education system needs a curriculum which is based on originality and not aped from international boards. We have the talent, we possess the perseverance; we need to break the herd culture and experiment which would be open to making errors and learning from the same.”

Divesh Bathija, Founder, Dinasim Learning LLP

“A multi-sectoral approach of the policy makers at the centre, parents at home and the teaching community at school is required in terms of varied parameters to follow, to catapult Indian education on the global canvas. Right from day one, schools need to make the kids learn to have a rationale for any and every act of theirs and have a questioning mind, develop a gross scientific temperament, encourage hands on learning, and promote logical thinking (rather the conventional rote learning). Students are to be given time and freedom to explore the vastness of the realms of knowledge rather than chase behind marks. There should be diligent deliberations by the stalwart policymakers with a clear cut objective (quality education), conscientious, thorough, methodical and meticulous trainings by the educational boards and bodies before letting it out to be professed, advocated and practiced by the teaching community. The very intent – the ‘Jazba’, ‘Junoon’, ‘Neeyat’, ‘Zeal’ and ‘Passion’, is conspicuously missing from top to bottom, from makers to shakers. If these ballistic qualities are present in desired proportions in all the stake holders (read citizens) then no force can pace us down from being a powerhouse in any and every area, including education.”

Karuna Yadav, Principal, Kapil Gayanpeeth, Jaipur

“The secret of change is to focus all of our energies not on fighting the old but on building the new. Some ways by which we can improve our education system:

*Innovation and research by faculty and students

*building global alumni network

*Integrated learning i.e. to interrelate multiple subjects

*Teachers training programme

*Research Orientations*Internationalisation; change ideology, content and methodology

*To regulate the structure of education by adopting unique features of the best universities of the world

*Introduce reforms in entrance testing system*Train students internationally; help them forming worldview

*Help students understand international laws, provide opportunities to take part in international affairs and competitions

*Set up international exchanges and collaborations like teachers’ and students’ exchange programmes

*Invite experts, organise workshops, seminars on education, scientific research, issues at global level so as to enlarge regional education and cooperation

*There should be an end of teaching or preaching and the start of learning and doing...Doing and learning.”

Kamal Jeet Yadav, Principal, Subodh Public School, Airport

“Today, the country has a chance to re-emerge as a global powerhouse in the field of education. But this requires tremendous transformation from re-orienting the syllabi to improving the infrastructure with the sole objective of imparting world class quality education. As we stand on the threshold of a world without borders, it becomes important for us to bring the old glory back, and to integrate our knowledge with an international outlook. From private educational institutions to central universities, every academic organisation must work in a mission mode to revamp the educational architecture in tune with the requirements of the 21st century to make India a leading nation in the field of education and innovation. Education is not only for employment and the purpose of education is to enlighten, empower and develop a holistic individual whose moral compass will never swerve from the righteous path. Education must build character, calibre and capacity, besides promoting rightful conduct. To make India an education powerhouse, we have to focus on teaching excellence, research, innovation and collaboration in higher education. The barriers to the advancement of education must be removed to fulfil the full potential and for the students to take full advantage of their educational opportunities and credentials. For bringing about a substantial change and development, the solution to major challenges requires strong involvement not only of the government and the institution, but also of all stakeholders including students and their families, teachers and community as a whole.”

Dr Joseph K Thomas, Chairman & Founder Trustee, Mount Litera Zee School (CBSE)

“Let's trust, in our footprints lies our glory… It was the golden era when India was invaded for her richness not just for gold but for its educational marvels. From astrophysics to astronomy, metallurgy to angioplasty, dams to drainage system, the distance between sun and earth to multi universe concept and yoga to enlightenment, name it and it all originated from this land. There is such a plethora of knowledgeable information that sprouted from our nation which thankfully the world is slowly acknowledging. Only we need to look back into the richness of own hidden history to realise, relate and regard its glory so as to turn into a giant magnet to attract the world to us for quenching the pure thirst of knowledge.”

Kalyani Guha, Educator, DPS Kamptee Rd, Nagpur

“Historically the land of Nalanda and Takshila India was known as Vishwaguru years ago. People from across the globe would come to acquire expertise, skills and knowledge across domains. India has given zero, scientific theories, and epics to the world. Be it private or government education institutions, they need to revamp and align their education endeavours with the requirements of the 21st century to become a superpower education hub. The millennial generation has to be torchbearers of tradition, ethos, values and remain rooted to our age-old culture and heritage. The future leaders need to be part of this intellectual understanding, analyse, synthesise and play their role. To compete with robots this generation needs to equip itself with design thinking, creativity, social and emotional intelligence, and cognitive flexibility. The Indian youth need to be employable, good presenters, possess interpersonal skills and be tech savvy. We need more quality in programme and academic network, sustainable and quality rich institutes, class faculty, and more research and innovation efforts.”

Dr Sheenu Jain, Assistant Professor, Jaipuria Institute of Management, Jaipur

“It is essential to align the increasing young population of India which will be more than 60% of India's population towards global education immersions, validating our journey to be the global education powerhouse. A required rise in involvement of students in experiential learning beyond the classroom, industry linked projects, out of the box collaborative thinking and integrating student led programs in curriculum would be a catalyst towards this goal.”

Hridday Bhatia, Founder, Diplomathon

“Education Endows (and) Develops (an) Unfathomable Creativity (and) Ability (which), Transcends (the instilled dignified) Identity, (making) Omniscient (to the ignorant student) with its Nucleus infinite energy. India has the potency to be accredited as a global powerhouse of education. There is unfathomable power and infinite energy in today’s very young and dynamic India. We should take every opportunity to utilise available resources responsibly to give education in all aspects to every society without prejudice. India can build itself and achieve a very high degree of repute in the field of education if targets are set and achieved through incessant endeavour.”

Madhuri Tiwari, Teacher, Delhi Public School, Nagpur

“Today we as educators must look at revolutionising our teaching-learning process to equip our learners with ability to meet the challenges of the 21st century. Learners can no longer live in watertight compartments and need to open their minds to the world, allowing innovative and free thoughts to permeate the local boundaries and extend to the global community. Learners need to develop inter cultural understanding and be analytical in approach so that the young minds develop a global approach in their thought process and freedom to give wings to their thoughts. Rather in the words of Tagore… ‘Into that heaven of freedom my father let my country awake’.”

Poonam Arora, Principal, Bombay Cambridge International School, Andheri

“Given the diversity and large student population of the country, making India a global education powerhouse is a massive yet noble dream. In this mission, the most critical need is to identify the needs and aspirations of the current student body by asking - not the parents, or policymakers, but the students themselves. There is no one better in the education community than students who can tell you how education needs to be framed. After all, they are the biggest benefactors! Having said that, the policy level players, school principals, teachers and parents need to be supported to openly accept this transition away from their original power positions, and experiment and innovate on how this mission can be achieved creatively and joyfully!”

Pukhraj Ranjan, Global Community Manager, HundrED

“India needs 'Knowledge on Wheels' before

'Palace on Wheels'. It is the need of the hour to empower quality digital learning in rural India, the region that is deprived of quality education, to make India an education powerhouse.”

Utpal Binda, Founder, Doctor30

“In order to make India a global education powerhouse, we need to free education from the clutches of inept, inadequate, ill equipped bureaucracies and make it for-profit. When it is for-profit, better organisations and learned professionals venture ahead and bring well researched, most appropriate result-oriented curriculum to the country. Let research and development continue with renewed fervour and be available at institutes of eminence to the best. Making skills training and vocational learning mandatory to help students become 'employable' is urgently required at the school level. The biggest crisis that the nation faces today is not lack of jobs but 'employability'. There are millions of jobs available in the field of Media & Communications, Beauty & Wellness, Hardware & Networking, Digital Marketing but not enough skilled professionals. As a nation, we need to quickly look beyond the regular jobs and look at new-age employment opportunities. We owe it to the nation.”

Shrutidhar Paliwal, Vice President & Global Head, Corporate

“World class universities and institutions of higher education enable countries to evolve as knowledge powerhouses. Great universities are defined by the quality of the talent associated with them; quality of both teachers and students. In fact, passionate teachers attract committed students and great students spur teachers to even greater heights resulting in overall excellence. While great teachers can be sourced from anywhere in the world, schools in our country need to generate the pool of students with academic rigour and hunger for excellence. Schools that nurture creativity, programmes that encourage students to discover their passion, teachers motivated to excel in their craft, and parents that want an education that lets their wards discover themselves and not just ‘Educate them for well-paying jobs’ are all the key ingredients to produce students with stellar academic credentials. This is a key input for India to evolve as a global education powerhouse.”

Natasha Rajore, Creya Learning and Research Pvt Ltd

“I strongly believe that interdisciplinary, internship based and technologically strong curriculum will help transform India into the next global education powerhouse. Since ages, we have been following a rote learning system with passing of examination as the benchmark for success in future. It’s about time that we turn the system upside down, give it an overhaul and change our measuring tape for one size fits all. Nuances of curriculum and education imparting methodologies need to be introspected and inspected with microscopic details on the long term benefit of the skill being developed. Knowledge is everywhere these days and students have easy access to knowledge. What need to be developed are the technical and professional skills, critical and creative thinking, perseverance, resilience and adaptability. India will be the next global education powerhouse when we nourish intrinsic talents, move toward brain and skill development to give the world job creators instead of job seekers. Individuality is the key. Future will be citizens of other countries looking forward to work for Indian companies and not vice-versa.”

Smriti Agarwal, Senior Headmistress, Podar Education Network

“India is the country of diversity, an epitome of a small world in itself! There is a lot to learn across various geographical locations, habitats, food and cultures. Our education pattern needs to emphasise on developing true learners who are equipped with 21st century skills and are prepared to face upcoming challenges. Schools can encourage collaborative approach, which will simplify the complexities and acknowledge individual differences, making teaching and learning a fun filled process. Let our small actions show that differences in thoughts, attitudes, opinions, ideas, etc. make life an interesting experience. Our students, future global citizens, shall demonstrate to the world to be the resources for each other and turn “us versus them” into “us and them”! It is time to celebrate differences and soon the world will look at India a global education powerhouse!”

Manisha Arondekar, Principal, Dr S Radhakrishnan International

“Over the last couple of decades the face of education has undergone a complete transformation across the world. 21st century skills like leadership, problem solving, and innovation have become the need of the hour. In the next 25 years, 47% of jobs will be obsolete, therefore it becomes important for educators and schools to recognise and keep up with this trend. The focus needs to shift to immersive learning methodologies such as project-based learning which will enable learners to harness their natural curiosity and apply it to solving real-life problems. We must recognise that today, when communication and technology and crossed all boundaries, it is not possible to learn in silos. The education community in India needs to work closely together, sharing best practices. We must also reach out to and connect with schools across the world to understand and learn from them, adapting new and innovative ideas into our system.”

Kyle Edwards, Head of School & Head of SPEED, Vega Schools

“Considering the huge demographic dividend we are blessed with, it is imperative that our school and the higher education system need to qualitatively and quantitatively expand our ways of pedagogic transactions and learning opportunity. We have been far too preoccupied with content and scores at the cost of skills and application. Thus we face the situation of huge unemployable graduates or students who are trained for jobs that don’t exist today. Skills of all kinds with rigorous hands-on learning, is the way forward. We have left out psychomotor and aesthetic skills to peripheral level. Emotional and social skills are delivered as a tokenism. Thus a huge list of deficits faces the employment industry. If we want to create a generation of life-long learners, we have to keep and consolidate learning processes that have been working, trash systems and processes that are not relevant for the millennial and borrow best global educational practices and localise it. Enrolling all stakeholders will make it a successful formula. Today, the country has a chance to reemerge as a global powerhouse in the field of education. But this requires reorienting the syllabus, teaching and learning methods, assessment tools and improving infrastructure in the education sector with the sole objective of imparting world class quality education.”

Lakshmi Kumar, Founder Director, Intercultural coach and consultant, The Orchid School, Pune

“There is a very thin line between education and learning. Education should focus to promote logical, creative, analytical, lateral thinking and reasoning, in a process that extends beyond books, syllabus and classrooms.

Today’s education system does not give a platform for creativity, imagination, spontaneity; in fact the system produces millions of literates who are unable to think. It is too mechanical and nearly limited to only passing examinations and gathering certificates.

To make India a global education powerhouse, we need to encourage children to think and let their imaginations flow. To make a concrete foundation, we should focus more on understanding than on only learning. We should stop focusing on marks. We are a country of more than a billion and still we have same set of tests for everyone. Where fish are made to climb, to prove their learning… We need to reframe our education system.”

Harsha Girish Ramaiya, Founder & Director, Small

“Our educational standards, especially at the K-12 level, are at best, uneven; and at worst, significantly challenging mediocrity. Today, despite our best efforts, only 25 percent of our students reach college. The rest are outside any formal educational space.

Some key action points…

Upgrade curriculum dynamically; be in consonance with job requirements post 2025.

Adapt the German model for vocational training and education to our context.

Focus with a laser eye on professional development of teachers; 100 hours per year is the bare minimum.

Encourage PPP model for raising state board school standards.

Introduce national teacher services on par with the IAS and allied services.

Allow quality schools to be autonomous, with appropriate checks and balances.

Ban written tests and soft/ hard copy text books till Grade 4.Reduce regulations to a minimum; then implement them strictly.Expand online learning platforms exponentially.

Allow foreign universities and schools to be established in India, competition will make us better educators.”

Lt Col A Sekhar, Head of Schools, Alpha Education, Trichy