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Goa's Visionary Educators: Shaping The Future of The Goan Education System
Anna Louvella Pereira
Education in Goa has always been at the forefront of shaping the minds of young aspirants, yet there is a growing consensus that the current system must evolve. Teachers and educators across the state are now sharing their dreams for the future, emphasizing discipline, creativity, practical learning, and bridging the gap between academic knowledge and realworld opportunities. This article delves into their aspirations for a robust and innovative education system that meets the needs of a rapidly changing world.
The Need for Discipline and Self-Esteem in Education
Anna Louvella Pereira, F&B Service Faculty at Kamaxi College of Culinary Arts, strongly believes that fostering discipline, responsibility, and selfesteem is critical for the next generation. Education, in her view, must go beyond textbooks. Instead, it should inspire students by nurturing a love for learning. When young minds are taught to enjoy learning, they can better understand the world around them, igniting their intellectual curiosity.
Pereira emphasizes the importance of building personal connections with students, creating an environment where they feel empowered to succeed. Her vision is to instill values of integrity and responsibility, showing students that education is the key to unlocking endless opportunities. The success stories of educators can motivate young people, demonstrating that perseverance and learning are pathways to achieving their dreams.
Cultivating Creativity: The Key to Future Innovation
Sharada Kerkar, Operational Head at the Museum of Goa and co-founder of the Children's Art Studio, sees creativity as the heart of education’s future. She believes that nurturing creativity should take precedence in the educational curriculum. In today’s world, dominated by technological advancements like artificial intelligence, creativity, and collaboration, stand out as essential skills for success.
Kerkar suggests that to nurture these attributes, students should be encouraged to express their opinions, engage in open discussions, and share new ideas without fear. This approach, she states, will lead to a society that values innovation and inclusive thinking. Education should not be about rote memorization but about equipping children with the tools they need to drive innovation in a world that is rapidly transforming.
Sharada Kerkar
The Role of the NEP 2020: Fostering Critical Thinking
As Prof. (Dr.) Sangeeta G. Sankhalkar, Principal of CES Chowgule College of Arts and Science, points out, the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020 is a transformative force for Goan education. This policy aims to move away from traditional rote learning and instead fosters innovation, problem-solving, and skills development that meet community needs. For her, the future lies in offering quality degrees where students are equipped to critically analyse both national and international trends.
Dr. Sankhalkar envisions educational institutions becoming innovation hubs, emphasizing critical thinking and global awareness. The hope is that with significant investment in education from both the government and private sectors, Goa will not only see economic growth but also lead the way in producing graduates who are ready for the demands of a globalized world.
Social, Emotional, and Ethical Learning: A Holistic Approach
Dr. Divya Singhal, Professor at the Goa Institute of Management, believes that the future of education should focus on nurturing emotional intelligence alongside academic knowledge. Social, Emotional, and Ethical (SEE) learning is vital, especially in today’s context, where global challenges are becoming increasingly complex.
Dr. Singhal envisions a system where students learn through practical experiences, which will cultivate traits such as compassion, humility, and courage. These qualities are necessary for addressing today’s challenges, and she argues that this holistic approach will help children and youth become wellrounded individuals. By focusing on real-world applications and nurturing empathy, Goa’s education system can contribute to developing compassionate leaders who can make meaningful societal contributions.
Goa as an Educational Hub: Collaboration and Quality
Dr. Nandkumar Sawant, Head of the Department of Geography at Parvatibai Chowgule College, envisions Goa becoming a premier educational hub. With its achievements in tourism, human development, and infrastructure, Goa has the potential to become a centre of quality education and research. He advocates for strong collaborations with global institutions to benchmark quality and create an educational ecosystem that fosters both academic excellence and practical skills.
Dr. Sawant believes that by creating this ecosystem, Goa can harness its potential for economic development and population growth, ultimately contributing to the national dream of Viksit Bharat@2047. This vision will require a collective effort from policymakers, educators, and institutions, but the reward will be a generation of graduates who can compete globally while contributing to local progress.
The Shift from Rote Learning to Hands-on Experience
Saviola Dias, an instructor at BootCamp in Porvorim, dreams of an educational future where the focus shifts from rote learning to practical, hands-on experiences. She believes that students should be given opportunities to apply what they learn in realworld situations, which will better prepare them for the challenges they face in the workforce.
With the advent of digital tools, Dias sees a chance to make learning more interactive and engaging. Digital resources can help bridge the gap between traditional learning and modern skills, enabling students to gain practical knowledge that extends beyond the classroom. Her vision is a system where students can learn through doing, gaining the skills necessary to thrive in their future careers.
Bridging the Gap Between Education and Employment
Dr. Sachin Savio Moraes, from Parvatibai Chowgule College, identifies a significant gap between education and job opportunities in Goa. Despite an increased enrollment in higher education, the disconnect between academic programs and the job market has left many graduates underprepared for meaningful employment. Dr. Moraes envisions an education system that not only imparts academic knowledge but also equips students with practical skills essential for today’s competitive job market.
By fostering stronger collaborations between academia, industry, and government, Dr. Moraes believes that Goa can create a framework that supports sustainable employment and environmental stewardship. This holistic approach will ensure that
Goa's graduates are not just academically accomplished but also ready to contribute meaningfully to the state’s development.
Conclusion: A Collective Dream for Goa’s Educational Future
As these visionary educators have highlighted, the future of education in Goa hinges on fostering creativity, encouraging critical thinking, promoting emotional intelligence, and aligning academic programs with real-world needs. The journey toward a more innovative and inclusive educational system requires collaboration among educators, policymakers, and industries. With the right focus, Goa can indeed transform into an educational hub that produces well-rounded, skilled, and compassionate graduates, ready to take on the challenges of tomorrow.
