India's Most Admired Women In Educational Sector 2022

Initiators

Anila

Smashing the Dilemma of Gender

‘Unfreedom'

Developmentconsistsoftheremovalof varioustypesofunfreedomsthatleave peoplewithlittlechoiceandlittleopportunity ofexercisingtheirreasonedagency.Theremovalof substantialunfreedoms,itisarguedhere,is constitutiveofdevelopment."

AmartyaSen

Editor’sNote

Sen'sexpressionfortheprogressionofdevelopment (synonymoustotheremovalofUnfreedoms)inany modernpoliticalsystemhasbeenprimarily underplayedbothinactionandrealisation.Sen identifiesthatifrealisedandacteduponprominently, theremovaloftheseUnfreedomswillbealeading factorinthedevelopmentofthesystem.

GenderdisparityisonesuchsignificantUnfreedom thathasbeenapartofsocietysincetheinceptionof theIndianRepublic.Asthecountryfreeditselffrom theshacklesofBritishrule,theIndianfreestatehadto fightagainstperilouspracticessuchaschildmarriage, femaleinfanticide,dowry,andsati.

Today,itcanberealisedthatsomeofthesepractices havebeencompletelynegatedinthestate,whilesome arewidelypracticedinpocketsandareentirely unaddressed.

India-'asastate'haslaunchedonthepathofremoving genderdisparitythroughstateinitiativesfromtimeto time,andtheyhavebeeneffectivetoalargeextent. WhileIndia-'aspeople'stillsuccumbtodeficient genderrepresentation,paygap,domesticabuse,andis prominentlylackinginitsrealisationandaction againstgenderdisparity.

Certainly,disparityagainstgenderhastobefoughton bothfronts!

Andisthereabettertoolforfightinginequalityand injusticethaneducation?

Probablynot!

Takingalittlestrideforwardandidentifying 'Education'asatooltoremovedisparity, The Knowledge Review proudlypresentsthisissue 'India'sMostAdmiredWomeninEducation Sector2022'.

WeassembledstoriesofWomenleaderswhoare overcomingsignificantconstraintsintheirinspiring pursuitoftransformationinEducation.

Happyawonderfulread!

BriefPerson in Focus

Aditi Goradia

Archana Mishra

Dr. Ankita Jaiswal

Name of the Institute

Managing Director, Billimoria High School, Panchgani

Principal, Delhi World Public School

Orthodontist and Educator, Saraswati Dental College

Aditi Goradia, Managing Director at Billimoria school Panchgani, has lead the school to step into the new, progressive age of experiential learning.

Mrs. Archana Mishra is the Founder Principal of Delhi World Public School with 17 years of working experience in the education industry.

Dr. Ankita Jaiswal is one of the prominent dental educators in the country, with one pious vision- to amplify information and access to good oral health in India.

Dr. Anila Bhatara

Owner, AB Tutorials

For the last 25 years Dr Anila Bhatara has been involves in career guidence and educational research training having successfully counselled and trained thousands of people from various academic fields.

Dr. Archana Acharya

Dr. Neena Mehta

Dr. Preeti Bajaj

Principal/Founder Director, Vaaradhi Seva Samstha Hyderabad

Professor and HOD Biochemistry, Rayat Bahra Group of Institutes

Vice-Chancellor, Galgotias University, Greater Noida

Dr. Acharya is one of the exemplifying leader leading the Indian leading the Varadhi Seva Samstha.

Dr. Neena Mehta thrives on impacting change among people with education. She is also a published researcher in various National and International jounrals.

Dr. Preeti Bajaj, Vice-Chancellor, Galgotias University, Greater Noida, is a seasoned educator who has been persistently thriving to make phenomenal advancements in education through research and innovation for more than three decades.

Dr. Richa Ranjan

Dr. S. Bhuvaneshwari

Director-Principal, Swami Devi Dyal Law College

Chairperson and Founder, Sri Mantralayam Gurukulam

Dr. Richa Ranjan is an educator, Director & Principal, Swami Devi Dyal Law College, Barwala, Panchkula)and a women’s rights advocate who solemnly thrives on improving society.

Dr. S. Bhuvaneshwari is the Founder and Chairperson of Sri Mantralayam Gurukulam who have been chasing this pursuit to bring a nobel change in the society.

Dr. Smita Ghosh

Founder and Director, Mi Merak

Dr. Smita Ghosh is a Happiness Life Coach and the founder of Mi Merak who believes that positive psychology can change the perception of youngers.

BriefPerson in Focus

Hemali Pradip Joshi

Maya Shahani

Name of the Institute

Science Educator, The Borivali Education Society's R. C. Patel

High School

Chairperson, Shahani Group

Principal, Ramjas School

RK Puram

Director, Annapurna College of Film and Media

Principal, Shantiniketan International School Hyderabad

Principal, GD Doenka Public School Ghaziabad

Hemali Pradip Joshi is a passionate educator, resource person and committee member at National Children's Science Congress, Govt. Of India, Mumbai Division.

As a staunch educator, Ms. Shahani’s vision has built strong ethical and heart-centric business leaders for decades.

Mrs. Balachandran is an educator who entered the field of education to inculcate love for learning among young students.

Amala Akkineni being the director of Annapurna College of Film and Media, prepares the next generation of Film and Media professionals.

A seasoned educator who has strived to instill life long learning among students all along her gracious 18 years of journey in education.

Neha Sharma is an educator by choice who has spent almost 20 years as an influential educator serving as the guiding light for the youth of tomorrow.

Sadhana bhalla

Principal, Mira Model School Delhi

Sadhana Bhalla, Principal at Mira Model School, Delhi, is a prominent educator who has dedicated three decades of her life to educating the youth.

Sanam Sud Edwards

IBPYP Facilitator, DPS International

Sanam Sud Edwards is a facilitator who believes in empowering the younger generations with vital tools required to succeed in today’s highly competative world.

Shanam Bhowmick

Sunita jain

Principal, Podar International School CEO-Operations, Hello Kids

With a total experince of 21 years as an efficient educator and administrator, Shabnam Bhowmick has provided quality education to today's generation.

Mrs. Sunita Jain, Ceo Operations, Hello Kids has built a massive brand and helped it become a Pan India Pre school.

Swati Mishra has transformed online education for today's generation brining ease and effective learning through their Ed-Tech Platform. Swati Mishra

Sales Head, AcadPrime EdTech

Ms. Monalisa Dash

Mrs. Balachandran

Ms. Amala Akkineni Neha Sharma

Dr. BhataraAnila

White Knight of Legal Education in India

Education is not merely a job; it's an involvement, commitment, and a way of life. It gets embedded in your system, and there is no bouncing back.

Dr. Anila Bhatara Founder, AB Tutorials

WWhenwegenerallythinkof thelegalsystem,andits practitioners,acommon vaguevisualofblackrobed individuals,adistantlyplaceddais,and thejudgesittingonanelevatedpodium arisesforusaslaymen.Butapartfrom theseabstractvisuals,mostcitizensin ourcountryareunawareofthelawand evenfundamentalrightsgrantedbythe constitution.Thissituationistermed legalilliteracyandcouldhavean adverseeffectonademocraticcountry likeIndia.

LegalliteracyorLegalawarenesscan bedefinedasapprehensionregarding affairsinlaw,whichisempoweringfor anindividual.Legalawarenessamong citizenscontributesanimmense strengthtotheconstitution.Thisiswhy permeatinglegalawarenessandlegal educationistheneedofthehour

Advancementsinlegaleducationcan meetmanyotherchallengesinthe legalsystem.Bypropagatingeducation andawarenessinlaw,Indiacan achieveeasilyaccessible,profound legalaidandswiftjusticetoits citizens.

Dr.AnilaBhatara,andherinstituteABTutorials,haveembarkedona laudablereputationforoutstanding educationinlawandeffortstospread legalawareness.Dr AnilaBhataraalso worksasaconsultantcounselorwith variousschoolsinIndia.

BirthandRise

Dr.AnilaBhatarawasbornandraised inafamilyofeducationistswhohighly respectedandvaluededucation. Havingstudiedinpublicand missionaryschoolsalloverIndia,she wasluckyandhadampleopportunities inthefieldofeducation.

SourceofInspiration

Hermotheradmiringlyinfluenced Dr.Anila.Whiletalkingabouther,she says, "My mother, being at the distinction of holding a double master's during those times and giving utmost importance to education, has been my greatest source of inspiration." Aftercompletingher post-graduation,Dr.Anila'sjourney startedwithaturningpointwhenshe gotmarriedtoherhusband,LateCol. R.KBhatara(VSM),whofurther inspiredherandbecameherrole model.

ValuesandViewpoints

Dr.Anilasharesthevision,mission, andbeliefsofherinstitute-AB Education,below:

Human resource is the most important resource and developing it is the single most important pre-requisite to a developed, responsible and a prosperous country.

Sheoptedforliberalartsatthe St.Xavier'sCollege,Universityof Mumbai,whereshecompletedunder graduationandpost-graduation, stsecuringthe1 positioninthe university.Specializationineducation andpsychologyfurthergavehera platformtodoB.Ed.andM.Ed.with doctoraldissertationandfurtheran opportunitytodopost-graduationin counselingfromNCERT

In1992,Dr AnilafoundedAB Tutorialsforlawexamtraining,which hastouchedmorethan45,000students' lives,andABERDforcareerguidance andcounseling,whichhassuccessfully counseledover1,00,000students.

Alongside,shehasalsoworkedasa consultantinvariousorganizationsand schoolstoguidestudentsthroughthe processofpsychometricassessments.

Vision:Tocreatevaluesinlives througheducation,entailing,realizing innerpotential,andtransferring humanityfromonegenerationto another.

Mission:ThroughPsychometric assessmenttestsandcounselingand guidance,tohelpstudentsrealisetheir innerpotentialandmakebrilliant lawyersandgoodhumanbeings.

TheABEducationteambelievesthat humanresourceisthemostimportant resource,anddevelopingthemisan essentialprerequisitetoadeveloped, responsible,andprosperouscountry Productsolutionsandmodelsfor applicationsfordiverseindustriesare developedthroughextensiveresearch anddevelopment,whetheraviation, shipping,hospitality,engineering, infrastructure,power,petroleum,or otherenergysectors.

ABTutorialhaswonseveralawards foritsexcellentworkineducation. Someoftheawardsarelistedbelow:

InstituteoftheyearHigherEducationReview,2018

NationalQualityExcellence Award-PraxisMedia,2019

EducationCompanyoftheYear–SiliconIndiaMagazine,2019

ListofTop10promisingcourses andtrainingproviders-Knowledge Review,2020

AnInstituteonaMission ABTutorialsisIndia'sonlygloballaw academyguidingandpreparing studentsforvariousexamsacrossIndia andoverseas.

Tutorials'courseobjectivesinclude exampreparationsforLNATUK, LSATInternationalforaspirants intendingtopursuelawintheUK,US, Canada,andotherEuropeancountries. Otherthrustareasoftheinstituteare psychometricassessmentsand evaluation,guidanceandcounseling,

educationtechnicalandquality assurancemechanismandreviews,law graduateprofessionalguidanceand trajectoryenhancementswithpre-law guidance,andlawuniversity admissionsatLLB,LLM,JD,and otherspecializedlawdegree internationalcourses.

TheinstituteprovidesPsychometric Aptitudetestingservicesfor Governmentandcorporatesectors. Specificmodelsaredesignedfor educationalinstitutes,corporate clients,andindividuals.

Theinstitutehasalsobeencontributing toprovidinglegalawarenessinvarious sectionsofthesociety,beitschools, colleges,womenandchildprotection, tocreateawarenessaboutthelegal rightsandenforcementmechanisms availabletocommonpeople.

The students must opt for a career which is best suited for them, so that they can achieve heights in the related fields with respect to the aptitude and interest they possess.

ChallengesandSolutions

AccordingtoDr Anila,educatorsare strugglingtoday,mainlyduetoan unavailabilityofauniformpolicyand itsimplementation.Shealsothinksthat thereisascarcityofthe availabilityofgoodtrainingprograms.

Duringthepandemic,agreateffort wasmadebyABTutorialstoprovide productivelearningthroughonline modeanddisseminateknowledgeand information.Numeroustalksand seminarsweregivenonaspectsof education.Particularemphasiswas giventomentalandemotionalhealth topropagatestrengthandfaithamong thestudents.

Dr.Anilaadds, "Online education is a great blessing and has a lot to offer to students, teachers, and working professionals as people in general with technology and changing times. It is time to positively accept the

advancement and know that one can achieve a lot. With online teaching, teachers in the present times are required to upgrade themselves with technology; it can work wonders if applied in the right way."

Dr Anilabelievesthatwiththe internet,aplatformisprovidedwhich exposesavastarenaofknowledgefor thestudents. "It has its positives and negatives; there is one way of communication. To conclude, there is a great impact on social-emotional development, whereby at times, students find that they are at a juncture where a lot of help is required by the right people to gain confidence and have clarity of thought. It has led the students to realize the importance of a 'guru' or a mentor in their life, also the importance of offline teaching. A great deal of teaching and learning process was taken for granted," Dr Anila added.

Education,aToolofEmpowerment

Dr AnilaBhataraadmitsthatthe knowledgeaboutone'shealth,hygiene, basicworkisessentialwhichimplies enhancingoneselfinalltheareas.

Shebelievesthat, "Education is not merely a job; it's an involvement, commitment, and a way of life. It gets embedded in your system, and there is no bouncing back. Education entails realizing inner potential and transferring humanity from one generation to another. In terms of change, I feel we must redefine 'Education' to include the development of specific areas that have been neglected so far. Efforts are being made, but I feel it should begin early in growing years of one's life."

"These can be broader areas of education, a model whereby this has to be balanced along with practical knowledge and skills so that it allows

Education is a life-long process, and to achieve one's goals and be successful, one has to be committed, focused, dedicated and have the zeal from within to reach out to the masses.

people to move on in life. To inculcate values that provide a base to build up holistic personality viz. National Social Service Scheme working for some NGOs, opportunities, and framework of this should be a part of the curriculum," Dr.AnilaBhataraadded.

Dr Anilabelievesthatknowingoneself andtheirworldofworkandrelating yourselftotheworldofwork, Correlatingwithone'scapacity, interest,andaptitude,shouldalsobea partofthecurriculum.

Shealsothinksthatitshouldbeused asatoolofempowermentto understandstudents'capacity, potential,andinterestinthefieldsthey optfor.

OutlookforComingYears

Whilesharinginsightsabouther outlookforfutureendeavors,Dr Anila says, "The students must opt for a career which is best suited for them, so that they can achieve heights in the related fields with respect to the aptitude and interest they possess. Along with this, we look forward to enlightening students' lives by imparting them formal education along with life skills which makes them a responsible citizen and bring laurels to the country, adding to the pride of India." ShealsonotifiesthattheAB TutorialsisexpandingpanIndiatobe abletoreachouttostudentstoallthe partsofthecountryandreachoutto maximumstudentsforcareerguidance andcounselinganddevelopingagood humanresourcebaseinthecountry

Dr.AnilaBhataraanticipatesguiding andmentoringfuturelawaspirants acrossthecountryandtheworld tocreatethebestqualitylaw graduatesattheforefrontof thingsonaninternational platform.

Awards and Accreditations

Dr. Anila Bhatara has been recognized for her excellent work and contribution to education in India. Following are some awards and achievements of her:

Ÿ

Under graduation and Post-graduation from St. Xavier's college, Mumbai topped the university in 1967-68.

Ÿ

The Fr. Bochum Scholarship- 1968-69, awarded by the University of Mumbai.

Ÿ

The Khan Bahadur H. K Bhabha Scholarship- 1968-69, awarded by the University of Mumbai.

Ÿ

Lord Minto Scholarship Topping in graduation-1968-69, awarded by University of Mumbai.

Ÿ

Topped in Masters Education and gold medalist from Punjab University, Chandigarh- 1981.

Ÿ Post-graduation in counseling from NCERT-1988-89.

Ÿ Full-time Member of the International council of psychologists.

Ÿ Affiliate member of American psychological association-1995.

Ÿ Media coverage related to guiding confused teenagers, cases of kidnapping, etc.-1994, 1995.

Following are Dr. Anila Bhatara's contributions to her field of education:

Ÿ Resource-person with NCERT (National Council of Educational Research and Training) conducting training programs for counselors, selecting and training programs, writing modules.

Ÿ She was associated as a resource person conducting programs for International Diploma for SAARC countries.

Ÿ Preparing resource material for IGNOU (Indira Gandhi National Open University).

Ÿ Conducting programs, talks, and training programs for NIPCCD (National Institute of Public Cooperation and Child Development).

Ÿ Working on an honorary basis for organizations like Urvi Vikram trust (NGO), VIMHANS, Navodya School, women's organization, etc.

GoldenWordsofAdvice

Given the backdrop of sudden technological indulgence in education, Dr. Anila thinks more efforts have to be put into skill development programs, increasing productivity and a change of attitude towards specific work-related careers that will bring them into the mainstream of education. While talking about the same, she explains, "Education is a life-long process, and to achieve one's goals and be successful, one has to be committed, focused, dedicated and have the zeal from within to reach out to the masses." She believes that it is also crucial for educators to understand that every child is unique and must be treated as per their requirements.

The teacher's technology skills have a lot to play in the effective delivery of lessons from both the point of syllabus coverage and attention spans. Principal

Mrs. Balachandran

the Love for Learning

Mrs. Bhalachandran Principal, Ramjas School RK Puram

CoverStory

Doyourememberyourfirstdayatschool?Astrange gushoffeelingsmighthavebeenrevisitedifyou trytorecall.Onthefirstdayatschool,children feelliketheyareseparatedfromthefamily,butactually, theyaresteppingintoabrandnewworldoflearning.

Wouldyoualsobeabletorecalltheveryfirstlessononthe sameday?Probablynot!

Onlyafewwouldrecalltheveryfirstlessononthefirstday atschool,butwesurelyrememberthelessonsthatopened ourworldofimaginationandmadeuscuriousaboutthe subject.

Theremustbesomereasonwhythatparticularlessongets stuckinyourmemorylongerthanothers.

Itdoesnothavemuchtodowiththelessonortheideabut morewithhowitwasconveyedforyoutounderstandand howtheteachercapturedallyourattentionandcuriosity

AsBenjaminFranklinsaid, "Tell me, and I forget. Teach me, and I remember. Involve me, and I learn," great teachersandtheirlessonsmakeaformidableimpacton children'sminds.

Mrs.Balachandranisonesucheducatorwhohadstarted herjourneyintothefieldofeducationwithasolemn purpose-toinculcateloveforlearningamongherstudents.

ShehasbeenactiveasateacherandPrincipalofRamjas School,RKPuramforoverthreedecadesandcontinuesto inspireuswithherincrediblejourney.

TheStoryasitBegan

AsastudentinKolkata,Mrs.Balachandranhadoptedfor educationasasubjectatgraduationlevel.Veryfew universitieswereofferingitasasubject.Therewasno counsellingatthattime,andshehadselectedthesubject outofsheerinterest.ShefolloweditwithaB.Eddegree.

Asherinterestinthesubjectgrew,shecompletedaPost GraduationinEducation(M.Ed)fromtheprestigious CentralInstituteofEducation,DelhiUniversity Thiswas followedbyaPostGraduationinEnglishfromChandigarh. Mrs.Balachandranwasalreadyavoraciousreaderandhad alwayslovedEnglishliterature.Hence,shecombinedher

interestinbothlanguageandeducationtogrowexpertisein bothsubjectseventually.Todaysheisrecognisedinboth fieldsasanexpert.

SourceofInspiration

Mrs.Balachandranfoundherrolemodelsatanearlyagein herteachers.Herbiologyteacherwouldconstantlyguide heronthestudymethodswhileconveyingthesubject wonderfullyandevengoingbeyondtoteachhowlarge chunksofthesyllabuscanbemanagedinalimitedallotted timeframe.Herteacherwouldmakethestudentsunderstand ataveryyoungagethatthedaywouldonlybetwenty-four hoursandmakethebestuseofit.Thishadprepared Mrs.Balachandranwiththetimeconstraint,evenwhenshe hadtoreachthehighestlevelinthesubject,andhashelped herunderstandtimemanagementatitsverycore.

Moreover,herEnglishteacherinducedloveforthesubject bymakingthestudentsthinkcreativelyandcriticallyabout everythingtheyread.AsastudentofSeniorCambridge, whichtodayisknownasICSE,Mrs.Balachandranhadalot ofliteraturetocover,anditbecamethemostbeautiful, enlighteningexperience.Interestingly,asshecompletedher B.Ed,shehadjoinedaschoolasateacherandbecame colleagueswithherchildhoodEnglishteacher

JoiningtheEsteemedRamjasInstitution

Mrs.BalachandranwasateacheratModernHighSchool Calcuttaforjustaboutayear.Afterhermarriage,she movedtoDelhiandjoinedRamjasSchoolPusaRoadin 1973.Littledidsheknowthatshewouldremainwith Ramjasorganisationtill2008.

Mrs.Balachandranhadinitiallyjoinedasavice-principalat RajmasRKPuram,buttheappointedprincipalhadtoleave duetosomecircumstances.Hence,Mrs.Balachandran joinedastheprincipaloftheesteemedschoolin1974,till sheretiredin2008.

ThefounderofRamjasInstitutions,LateRaiKedarNathJi, despiteconstraintsofpoverty,pursuedhisstudieswith greatdevotion,dedication,anddistinctionandrosetothe positionofaSessionsJudge.Hewasamanofakeen intellectandhadinhimararecombinationofsterling qualitieslikesimplicity,compassion,sacrifice,fortitude, strongwill,andirrepressiblezeal.

Mrs.Balachandranaddswhilespeaking abouthim, "In the real sense, he was a true - Karma Yogi. He was a beacon of light and left no stone unturned to dispel the darkness of ignorance prevailing in society. He resigned from the post of Session Judge and made a significant mark in the annals of history by devoting himself to serving the cause of education. He established temples of learning, The Ramjas Schools, which bore fruits with the Ramjas Team expanding to include 16 schools, one Day Boarding School, one Post-Graduate Ramjas College, and Ramjas Sports & Mountaineering Institute, with a fraternity of about 15,000 students and staff. The spirit of his great noble soul will forever continue to guide us all in our ceaseless endeavours in the pursuit of truth, knowledge, and wisdom."

TheesteemedschoolsharesitsmottotobeShradha, Gyan, Karm

VisionaryOutlookofRamjasSchool

RamjasSchoolsenvisiontheirstudentstodowelland competewiththebest.Butmorethananything,theschool strivestocultivatetherightvaluesinlife.Thecourse objectivesensurethatthelearningoutcomesmatchthe courseobjectives.

Theschoolhasalwaysseenteachersaslearnersandwasthe firstinDelhitosetupaTeachers'Centerwithsupportfrom theBritishCouncilin1976.Theorganisationensuredthat teacherskeptlearningandsharingtheirlearningwith colleagues.

Theyhadseveraltrainingprogramsat theCenterbyworld-renownedexperts fromtheBritishCouncilandIndia.All theworkshopswereconductedatno costtotheteachers,andinvitations spannedacrossmostDelhischools. Mrs.SarojaSrinivasan,ateacherfrom Ramjasschool,wasoneofthefirst teacherstoundergotrainingintheUK onEnvironmentalStudiesin1976 whennoschoolhadintroduceditasa subject.

BeingAheadofTime

AccordingtoMrs.Balachandran,technologyand educationgohand-in-handandhaveplayedavital roleduringthepandemic.Mrs.Balachandranadds, "Of course, the teacher's technology skills have a lot to play in the effective delivery of these lessons from both the point of syllabus coverage and attention spans."

Sheliststhecriticaleffectsofthesamebelow:

Ÿ Studentshavebeguntofeelthatteachersarenot indispensable,andtechnologycanbeself-sufficient.

Ramjas School ensured that every child had a chance to be educated, and long before the Economically Weaker Section rules (Right to Education Act), they had 25% of their students getting free education.

Ÿ

Studentshavestartedlosinginterestinlearningasthere isoftennotenoughinteractionamongthem.

Studentshavesubtlystartedappreciatingschoolsforall thelearningthatindirectlytakesplacethroughthe activitieslikesportsetc.

Furthermore,RamjasRKPuramwasselectedby'Intel'to setupthefirstTeachTotheFuturelabin2000totrain teachersabouttheuseoftechnology.Morethan3000 teachersweretrainedattheschool,andCraigBarrett,the CEOofIntel,formallyinauguratedthelab.

Mrs.BalachandranhadcompletedherMaster'sTraining, wonaspecialaward,andwassenttoOsakainJapanto addressteachersonthebenefitsoftechnologyintegration. Manyofherstudentsareinthetechnologyfieldworldwide andhavegainedrecognitionasscholarsandprofessorsin theUS,Canada,andtheUK.

Mrs.BalachandranhasalsobeenanODAscholarofthe BritishCouncilandwastrainedinEnglandinthe CommunicativeApproachtoTeaching Englishandonher returnshetrainedalargenumberofteachersinthis approachwhichwasadoptedbyCBSE(CentralBoardof SecondaryEducation).Thisapproachisnowbeingrenewed byCBSE.

ShehadalsorepresentedIndiaattheUNonTheEducation ofGirlsin2007Asapartofthisdelegationandhad traveledtotwoUniversitiesintheUSto address thestudents.

InnovationinEducation

Mrs.Balachandransharesanincidentthatwentbeyond academicworkandsignifiesthateducationistrulyan impeccabletoolforempowerment.Shesays, "One of the social empowerment programs was an exchange where students of the school went to a village in Udaipur and lived with the weavers in their homes and experienced their hardships. They were then invited to the school and stayed with us. The same students were then taken to my husband's village Iringal in Kerala. They were able to compare village life in the two villages vis-a-vis education, development, cleanliness, etc."

RamjasSchoolhastakenupseveralinternationalprograms invariousfields,includingProjectCitizenIndia-WeThe People,wheremanyschools(nearly500)wereinvolved.

TheprogramfundedbyTheCenterForCivicEducation CaliforniagetsstudentstolookatGovernmentpoliciesand theirimplementation/lackofimplementation.Underthe project,studentstookupmanycivicproblemslikeLackof ToiletsintheVillages,PreservationofMonuments,Acid Victims,etc.Adelegationofstudentswastakento Washingtonunderthisproject.

AnotherprojectwasthelinkwithTheDroitwichSchool, Essex,whichspecialisedinsports.Undertheexchange program,whichstartedin2005,manystudentstraveledto theUK,andmanystudentsfromtheUKvisitedIndiaand stayedwithhostfamilies.

RamjasSchoolensuredthateverychildhadachancetobe educated,andlongbeforetheEconomicallyWeakerSection rules(RighttoEducationAct),theyhad25%oftheir studentsgettingfreeeducation.

Your contribution as a teacher will go a long way to make a much better world. So be committed and remember your rewards will come not in a monetary form but in the way humanity will have risen to unbelievable levels.

WordofAdvicefortheFutureEducators

Mrs.Balachandranbelievesthataneducator shouldnottreatteachingasanyotherjob.She quotes, "Your contribution will go a long way to make a much better world, so be committed and remember your rewards will come not in a monetary form but in the way humanity will have risen to unbelievable levels."

Adi

Goradia

Leading the Heritage of Excellence to the Future

Managing Director, Billimoria High School, Panchgani

iti

AprominentSpanishcellist, PabloCasals,hadoncesaid, "A child must know that he/she is a miracle, that since the beginning of the world there hasn't been, and until the end of the world there will not be, another child like him/her."

Childrentrulyareunmarked reservoirsofpotential.Whenit comestoharnessingthispotential, onehastotreadwithcare, understanding,andextensive expertise.TheesteemedBillimoria HighSchool,Panchgani,hasbeen successfullyharnessingthispotential ofitsstudentsformorethana century.

The Knowledge Review takesimmense pridetoshareexcerptsfromour conversationwithMs.AditiGoradia, ManagingDirectoroftheschool.

LegacyofaDynamicInstitution

AditiEducationSociety's-Billimoria HighSchoolwasfoundedin1908and isownedandmanagedbytheGoradia Family Theschoolislocatedonthe serenehillsoftheSahyadrisinthe historictownofPanchgani.A113year-oldlegacyinstituteBillimoria HighSchoolisthealmamaterto numeroussuccessfulalumni,from GovernorstoWriters,CorporateCEOs toDJs,andfromactorstoarmy personnel.Theschoolhasraised leadersinvariousfieldsforovera century,andthejourneycontinues!

TheSolidValueConstruct

Whilespeakingabouttheschool's perseveranceinensuringquality educationthroughtheyears,Ms.Aditi asserts, "Every child is different. Every child is unique. Our pedagogy is simple: keep things child-centric. For us, it is essential to value every individual who learns with us." The schoolencouragesindividualityand independentthinkingtoraisehealthy, confidentglobalcitizens.

Ms.Aditibelievesthattoday'syouth canmakeasuccessfulcareerinany field.Theycancarveanichefor themselvesbydoingwhattheylove. BHShelpseverychildrealisetheir potentialbyprovidingawholesome environmentthatfacilitatesall-around growth.Thecarefullycurated curriculumhoneslearningina progressivecurriculum,whichgives childrenachancetoexploreconcepts

Fostering Learning

withthehelpofvariousactivitiessuch ascreativearts,specialisedsports, informationtechnology,andotherlife skills.Theschoolprovidesanurturing spacetoencourageself-expression supportedbyapassionateand proficientstudent-centricteam.

AResoluteLeader

Intendingtooverhaulthemonotonyin theeducationsystem,Ms.Aditi graduatedfromtheUniversityofTexas atAustinwithadegreein AnthropologyandAsianStudiesalong withacertificationfromtheUTeach programattheCollegeofEducation (UTAustin).AnAlumnaofBillimoria HighSchoolherself,shewasayouth athletespecialisingintrack&fieldand basketball.

Ms.Aditiasserts, "Schools across the globe must center themselves around the needs of the children, share ideas, and grow collectively." Underherable leadership,Billimoriahassteppedinto thenew,progressiveageof experientiallearning.Shebelievesthat learningisconstantanduniversal,and itmustalwaysbeajoyfulprocess.She encouragescollaboration,respect,and opennessamongtheteamandstudents atBillimoriaHighSchool.

Forherceaselesseffortsand contributiontotheeducationspace, Ms.AditiGoradiahasreceived numerousawardsandaccolades.Some ofthemarelistedbelow:

MostPromisingInfluentialLeader of2019-SiliconIndiaMagazine

TopWomenEntrepreneurship AwardinEducation-World EducationSummit2019

EducationEvangelistofIndiaGreatPlacetoStudy(ForbesIndia)

Schools across the globe must center themselves around the needs of the children, share ideas, and grow collectively.

OutstandingSchoolEducation Leader(Top20WomenEducators Award)-ASMAAcademia

ShehasalsobeenaPanelSpeakerat variousEducationalConferences, includingIndiaDidac,World EducationSummit,SchoolLeadership Summit,APAC,andtheBrainfeed EducationSummit.

InnovativeProgrammeOfferings

BHShasrecognisedthesignificanceof 21stCenturyskillssuchas independence,self-confidence, compassion,andempathy.Beinga residentialschool,BillimoriaHigh Schooloffersexperiencesoflifethat arebeyondacademicslessons.The schoolprioritisespreparingstudents fortheworldwhilesimultaneously discoveringtheirindividualstrengths andabilities.Theschool'sLife EnrichmentProgramisonesuch initiativethatplaysacrucialrolein helpingstudentstapintotheirspecial interestsanduniqueskillsets.

Theschoolstrivestocreatehealthy futureleadersbyimpartingstrong valuesofethics,courage,compassion andproactivity Whilespeakingabout leadership,Ms.Aditisays, "Successful leadership is the result of positive intent combined with hard work, openness and collaboration. A position of leadership provides authority. A good leader will ensure that the responsibility and liability of the position are prioritised above recognition and power."

TheSchools'Leadershipprogram includes:

TheSchoolLeadershipForumof Captains&Prefects

TheDebatingSociety

TheSchoolMagazineand JournalismClub

TheInteractSociety(AStudent PanelofRotaryInternational)

TheCulture&Communications Team

Theschoolhasbeenaffiliatedwiththe CentralBoardofSecondaryEducation (CBSE),Delhi,forthelastthree decades,andtheteamfirmlybelieves intheIntegratedLearningOutcome BasedCurriculum,whichis encouragedbytheBoardandNEP 2020.

Infrastructure

Witha17-acreheritagecampus, BillimoriaHighSchoolsetsa benchmarkforresidentialschoolsin thecountry.ApartfromtheBritishEra blackstoneAcademicBuildings,the campusboastssportsfieldsandcocurricularfacilities.

Living Spaces:Theairydormitories providethestudentswithasacred spacewheredormmatesbecome siblings.Together,triumphsare celebrated,andjokesareshared.Under thesupervisionoflovingdormparents, itisahomeawayfromhome.Here,the childrengainthelifeskillstobecome responsible,caringyoungmenand women.Anditisherethattheymake friendsforlife.

Audio-Visual Labs-Theschoolsupports alternativelearningresourcesand believesinimpartingholisticlearning. Teacherspersonallycreate/curatedigital lessonstoenhancethelearning experienceofthechildren.

Laboratories-Apartfromadvanced Biology,Chemistry,Physics,orMath labs,theschool'scomputerlabis equippedwiththelatestsystems, uninterruptedwi-ficonnectivity,and powerfulmultimediadevices.

Library-Oneofthemostexpansiveinthe region,theschoolLibraryisasanctuary ofwisdom.Itisspaciousandairy-a placewherechildrenlearntoloveand respectthesignificanceofwordson paper

Sports and Fitness-AtBHS,sportisan integralpartofthecurriculum.The schoolhasamplespace,multiplegrounds, andexcellentsportsinfrastructure. Studentsaregivenexposuretoavariety ofsportsbeforebeingencouragedto pursuethespecificsportsoftheirchoice.

Performing and Creative Arts-Theschool believesthatartprovidestheperfect avenueforself-expression.Artinculcates

confidenceandself-love.Withthisin mind,theschoolhasincorporatedan extensivePerformingandCreativeArts programthatstaysineffectthroughout theyear

EquippedtoCare

Ms.Aditibelievesthatfoodexperience directlycorrelatestolearning,forthe brainandthebodyneedspositive sustenancetofunctionwell.Shesays, "Let mealtimes be positive experiences because food tastes better when it is shared with family. Our children experience family as they share the table with their teachers."

Theschoolprovidesawell-developed nutritionplanthatensuresoptimum physicalgrowth,withaperfectblendof nutritionandflavour

Furthermore,whenastudentisinjured orfeelsunwell,theInfirmaryiswhere theygoforsomerestandrecuperation. Theschoolhasa24-houron-callDoctor whovisitsdailyandresidentnurseswho careforthelittleonesjustasamother would.Incaseofmajorinjuriesor emergencies,nearbymedicalfacilities andspecialistsareavailablewhenever required.

Successful leadership is the result of positive intent combined with hard work, openness and collaboration. A position of leadership provides authority. A good leader will ensure that the responsibility and liability of the position are prioritised above recognition and power.

Educating and Organising the Film Education Space in IndiaAmala Akkineni

MMoviesareoftenconsidered asthegatewaytoreality Thecurrentgeographical, political,cultural,andspiritual landscapesarebeautifullyportrayedin themoviesthroughthedirector's vision.However,makingamovieis nevertooeasy,asitrequiresmorethan justhardworkandperseverance.

Filmshavegiventheyounggeneration aplatformtoexpresstheirartformand telltheirstoriestotheworld.InIndia, despitehavingmorethanacentury-old historyinfilmmaking,therearevery fewinstitutesthatteachfilmmaking. Educationaboutfilmsandtelevisionis lackinginthecountryandisyetto reachtheaspiringfilmmakersof tomorrow.

Identifyingthisneedandbeingan impactingfigureinthefilmindustry, AmalaAkkineni,theGoverning BoardMemberandDirectorat AnnapurnaCollegeofFilmand Media,hastakenuptheresponsibility toeducateandtraintheyoung generationaboutdifferentaspectsof filmmakingandculminatethelongcherisheddreamofthelegendaryfilm actorAkkineniNageshwaraRao

PrioritisingEducationOverCareer asanActor

AmalaAkkinenihashadanimpactful careerasanactressintheIndianfilm

industry.Despiteworkinginsocial welfarefor20yearsandhavinga successfulcareerinthefilmindustry, shetookupthetaskonrequestfrom herfamilytoeducateandtrainthe upcomingfilmmakersatAnnapurna CollegeofFilmandMedia.

Sheisastudentoftheesteemed KalakshetraCollegeofFineArts.She hasingrainedthecultureofdiscipline, artisticpractice,andspiritualvaluesin herteachingsandgoverningatthe AnnapurnaCollegeofFilmandMedia.

IntegratingaClassicalDancer's DisciplinewiththeVisionofa LegendaryActor AmalaAkkineniisatrained Bharatnatyamdancerandbeingpartof theKalakshetratroupe,shewasdeeply inspiredbySmt.RukminiDevi Arundalewhowasknownfor catalysingtherenaissanceofthe Bharatnatyamdanceform.Despite beingagreatdancer,shewasalsoan educator,aMemberofParliament,and thefounderanddirectorof Kalakshetra.

"She (Rukmini Devi) believed there was no better way to truly learn than through the University of Life. She questioned teaching history without the effort to visit the place where the monuments of the civilisation stand and to experience those civilisations

through their art, poetry, and literature. Hers was a living education, and it was an adventure studying under her leadership. Most of all, she knew how to draw out a student's potential. She never gave up on you," says Amala.

Anotherprominentfigurethatinspired Amalawasherfather-in-law,Shri AkkineniNageshwaraRao,who sharedasimilarbeliefasSmt.Rukmini DeviArundale.Despitehavingno formaleducation,hewasgiftedwith immensewisdomandworkedhardto develophistalentandcareer

"I am so deeply inspired by and grateful to both stalwarts who have contributed immensely to my success at Annapurna College," saysAmalaabout herinspirationtojointheeducation sector

CarryingForwardtheLegacyof AkkineniNageswaraRao

TheAnnapurnaCollegeofFilmand MediaisthebrainchildofMr NageshwaraRaowithavisiontobring professionalismtotheunorganisedfilm industry.Beingavisionaryand successfulactorhimself,hebrought togetherinfrastructure,technology,and educationtostrengthenthefoundation ofthefilmindustryinIndia.His respecttowardstechnicians,artists,and educatorsallowedhimtoshapethe collegeandmakeitwhatitistoday.

MrAkkineniNagarjuna,afilmactor, andproducer,stronglybelievesin educationforbeingthebasisto revolutionisethefilmindustry.

"Learning by doing is the best way, and when empowered by education, the knowledge can be transformative to the individual and the industry," believes thechairmanoftheinstitute MrAkkineniNagarjuna.

TheAnnapurnacollegeprovides hands-onexperiencetoitsstudents alongwiththetheoreticalknowledge thatenablesthestudentstobeready forindustry

OnaVisionaryMissionto ProfessionalisetheUnorganised FilmIndustry

Sinceitsinception,theAnnapurna CollegeofFilmandMediahas includedvalue-basedlearninginits ecosystem.Undertheguidanceof AmalaAkkineni,thecollegehasnot onlytaughtbutalsopractisedesteemed valueslikeIntegrity,Empathy,Social Responsibility,andAdaptability.This providedflexibilityandcreatedan inclusiveenvironmentatthecampus fortheoveralldevelopmentof students.

Withanextensionofthefounder's vision,thecollegeaimsfor:

Ÿ

Providingholisticeducationon campustostimulateinquiry, CriticalThinking,Creativity,and Excellence.

Ÿ Mentoringforaesthetic applicationsofcraft.

Ÿ Exploreandexperimentwith entrepreneurialskillsandbusiness acumen.

Ÿ

Nurturingstudentstobeglobal citizenswhoencouragediversityby movingintotheworldtopractice.

Amala Akkineni

Governing Board Member and Director, Annapurna College of Film and Media

We Provide an thatenvironment encourages , innovation,creativity intellectual rigor and offreedom expression.

CommittedtoEducational Excellence

Amala,followingthefounder's footsteps,hasmadeAnnapurna Collegeahubofeducational excellence.Shehasthevisionto inspireanewgenerationof filmmakers.Therehasbeena continuousrevisionandupdateinthe collegecurriculumthatmatchesthe currenttrendintheindustry.

"Cinema is an interdisciplinary process and learning at the campus begins from day one. The industry's experienced faculty at the campus are instrumental in delivering technical subjects. Every theoretical concept is followed by practice, projects, and creative feedback to map the student's growth and improvement," saysthe director

Thecommonloveforfilmshas broughtstudentsfromdifferent cultures,backgrounds,andlanguages togetherunderoneroofatAnnapurna CollegeofFilmandMedia.The directorofthecollegehasrecognised thatacademicrigourisnotenoughto improvelearningoutcomes.Thisisthe reasonthatconstantcreativefeedback isincludedinthecurriculum.Along withthat,thecourseobjectivealso includesunderstandingconcepts, developingcreativepractice,

experience,exposuretotechnology, etc.

ChangingwiththeChangein ConventionalEducation

AsW.E.B.DuBoisbelieved, ‘Educationmustnotsimplyteach work,itmustteachlife.’Shehas understoodtheimpactofinteractive digitalspaceandhasblendedthe mediumtosupportcreativelearning, innovativeteaching,andfosterthe students'individualpotential.

Duringthelockdown,withtheaidof technologyandtools,collaborative discussions,projects,andassignments wereconductedforthestudents.Along withbeingtheaudienceonthedigital platform,studentsalsogotanin-depth insightintocreatingengagingcontent.

Amalabelievesthat "The real world offers an equally rich dimension to their education. They are encouraged to experience life around them, face and navigate real-life challenges and learn from them. The virtue of being pragmatic, passionate, and constantly evolving is imbibed in them."

OvercomingtheDigitalChallenge

"We have a lost generation before us and misinterpreting them or alienating them is a danger. Every technological shift has both positive and negative

repercussions. While technology has its merits, it also has far-reaching consequences on geopolitics, the state, societies, families, and individuals. Even though the next generation knows the benefits technology has to offer, to teach them to be mindful of it and not be subservient to it is a challenge that we as educators face today," says AmalaAkkineni.

Overcomingthischallenge,the institutedirectorconstantlyconsults withandinspirestheteamtonavigate andevolve.Withthebackingofan industry-readyteam,thecollegewas onlineduringthepandemicand

deliveredaproductiveandvibrant semester.Sixty-eightindustry professionals,includingtopfilmmakers fromIndia,tookmasterclassesand providedproperguidancetofuture filmmakers.

EnlightenmentforFutureFilm Educators

Theconceptofeducationhas undergonemanychangesoverthe years.Ithasconstantlyevolvedwith thedemandsintheindustryand drawingoutaroadmapinthefilm educationspaceisextremely important.Amalaadvisesthe upcomingentrepreneursinthefilm spacetogettherightteamof academicianswhoprioritiselearning. Shealsobelievesthatitisthefirststep intherightdirection.

"Any form of education deals with shaping a generation of individuals who perform their functions within the frame of a society,” saysAmala. “The institution as an entity should foster and enable democratic dialogue, intellectual fervour, and a quest for knowledge. Drawing from our example at Annapurna, all the practices mentioned above help us produce and encourage cinema in its purest form," sheadded.

India's Most Admired

RoadmapfortheFuture

Forfilmstudentsandprofessionals, workinginanactualfilmstudiogivesa hands-onexperienceofworkinginthe industry Thenewstate-of-the-art campuswithproductionfloors, post-productionfacilities,soundand editingstudios,amphitheatre,and screeninghalls,isthenextbigstep forAnnapurnaCollegeofFilmand Media.

"Virtual productions are the next big thing in Film, and our Alumni are

already working with India's first Virtual Studio in Hyderabad,"added AmalaAkkineni.

Alongwiththat,thecollegeisplanning toincreasecollaborationthroughthe CILECTnetworktogivethefaculty andstudentsadiverseexposuretoa varietyofeducationalapproachesand films.However,theimmediategoalof thecollegeistospreadthewordabout CreativeEducationandthemuchneededrecognitionandencouragement tocreativecareers.

Cinema is an interdisciplinary andprocess learning at the beginscampus from one.day

Extending the Reach of Advanced Learning in India

Archana Archana Mishra Mishra

IIndiaisacountrywithatotalpopulationof1.4billion, whichconstitutesaround17%oftheworld's population.While26%ofitspopulationisagedbelow 14years,Indiaheavilyresidesonitseducationforensuring thegroomingofitsvasthumanrecourse.

Indiahasavastnetworkofschoolsforitswidespread demographythatreacheseverynookandcornerofthe country.Insuchacase,monitoringtheconsistencyof educationpracticesprovidingtrainedstaffand infrastructureisahumongoustaskforanysingle organisation.Thistumultuoustaskissmoothlymanoeuvred byseveralorganisationsthatoperateinsynctocontribute anddelivertoIndia'seducationaladvancements.

Butsuchorganisations,andschoolsareusuallylocatedin bigtownsorcities,denyingaccesstothechildreninsmall townsandvillages.Childrenfromsmalltownsandvillages areoftensentawayfromtheirfamiliestoattendadistant schoolorshifttothelocation.Butsomeschoolsarise intendingtocatertosuchareasthathavebeenlong deprivedofstate-of-the-artlearning.

DelhiWorldPublicSchool,Manendragarhisonesuch schoolthathasbeencontributingheavilytotheongoing advancementintheeducationspaceinIndia. The Knowledge Review takesprideinacknowledgingthe school'sefforts,withsomeexcerptsfromaninterviewwith thePrincipaloftheSchool,ArchanaMishra.

Pleasetellusaboutyourjourneythroughoutthe educationsectorrightfromthebeginningofyour career.

Istartedmycareerasaschoolteacherbackin2004.Itwas whentheusageofcomputersineducation,i.e.,teaching, reportgeneration,wasalmostnil.Afterthreeyears,Igot

theopportunitytoteachatvariouscollegesaffiliatedwith BangaloreUniversityasanassistantprofessor Tenyears later,IshiftedtoSuratandworkedwithoneofthereputed schoolsasasenioracademiccoordinatorinacompletely digitalformat.Currently,Iamworkingasfounderprincipal andheadingaschoolworkingdigitalandfocusingon providingLearningManagementSystem(LMS)that providesthestudymaterialinthecompletedigitalformat.

Whatinspiredyoutostepintotheeducationindustry? Whowereyourrolemodelsgrowingup? Therespect,love,andaffectionthatateachergets throughouttheirlifeinspiredmetoentertheeducation field.Growingup,myrolemodelswereSwami VivekanandaandDr.SarvapalliRadhakrishnan.

Tellusaboutyouresteemedinstitute,itsmission,andits vision.

Educationisaboutawakeningtothepowerandbeautythat lieswithinallofus.Educationasanideaisnotjustabout bricks,mortar,andconcrete,butaboutbuildingcharacter, enrichingminds,andvariedexperiencesthatlastalifetime.

DELHIWORLDPUBLICSCHOOLstrivestogive studentstheall-aroundcapabilityincludingcreativity, observation,andknowledgeempowermentleadingtothe generationofperformingcitizenswithsplendidcharacter

Mission- DelhiWorldPublicSchool(DWPS), Manendragarhseekstocreateafeelingofcuriosityand discoveryineachkidandadesireforexperimentation, observation,andsynthesis.Weendeavortofreethelearning process,totakeitoutsidethefourwallsofclassroomsto activityworkshops,resourcecentres,laboratories,andto teachlessforlearningmore.

Vision- Wearecommittedtoprovidingglobalcitizensas torchbearersofadynamicandharmoniousworldthrough cutting-edgeeducationincorporatingIndianvaluesand worldculture.Webelievethateverychildisunique,and theirabilitiesmustbeanalysedandgroomedaccordingly.

Whataretheprioritiesofyourinstituteintermsof courseobjectivesandlearningoutcomes?

AtDWPS,weensuretheoveralldevelopmentofthe students,makingthemfitforsociety,makingthem employable,helpthemtoachievetoperformattheirbest potential.

Educationisconsideredatoolofempowerment.What effortsdoyouandtheinstitutiontaketoensurethat educationisprovidedtothosewhoneedit?

Sinceeducationisconsideredatoolofempowerment,we trytoprovideagoodnumberofseatsforRTE.Anominal feeischargedfromfinanciallydeprivedstudents,and scholarshipsareavailableforfemalestudents.

The respect, love, and affection that a teacher gets throughout their life inspired me to enter the education field.

Archana Mishra Founder Principal, Delhi World Public School, Manendragarh

Howhaveusingaudiovisualsandothertechnological advancementsineducationhaschangedlearning?

Ifeelthatinteractiveandonlineeducationalcontentisone ofthebestwaystoreachthenewgeneration'sverycreative studentswhowanttolearnthroughvisualsattheirlearning speed.Ithasredefinedtheentirelearningprocedureasit simplifiesthecomplexconceptsintointeractiveand excitingways.

Kindlymentionanyofyourawards,accolades,and accreditations.

Iwasawardedthe 'Asian education awards' formy contributiontowardsthestudent'sdevelopment.

Iwasalsorecognisedas the Most progressive coordinator by 'Global Education awards' and 'Shourya Samman award' inthefieldofeducationin2021.

Whatadvicecanyougivetothosewhowanttostepinto thefieldofeducation?

Mysincereadvicetoallthosewhowishtoenterthefieldof educationwillbetojoinonlyiftheyarepassionateabout teachingandcreatingadifferenceinthissociety Anyone unwillinglyenteringthisfieldwillnotonlyspoilone'slife, butitwouldspoilthelivesofmanystudentswhocomeinto theirhands.

Pleasesharewhatliesaheadforyouandyourinstitution inthenearfuture.

Iwanttoseemyschoolgrowasaninstitutionknownfor qualityeducationinthenearfuture.Inaplacelike Manendragarh,kidsleavetheirparentsatayoungageand gotobiggertownsfortheirschooling.Wewanttostopthis practicesothatthekidsdevelopagoodbondwiththeir parentsandcreatememoriesforalifetime.Iwantto developthisschoolasacentrewherestudentsgetprepared forthecompetitiveexamstoo.Iwanttoseemyselfactively contributinginthefieldofsocialserviceinthe nearfuture.

I feel that interactive and online educational content is one of the best ways to reach the new generation's very creative students who want to learn through visuals at their learning speed.

Dr. Ankita

A New-Age Dentistry Crusader Jaiswal

The education field requires patience and discipline, however, in the current scenario, an educator also should have an open mind to be able to learn from every person around.

Dr. Ankita Jaiswal Orthodontist, Saraswati Dental College

Thehumanabilitytosmile separatesthemfromallthe otheranimalsontheplanet.A beautifulsmilewithahealthysetof pearlwhitesisenoughtoeasily manifestahappyfeelingaroundyou. Goodoralhealthalsocontributesto personality,productivity,qualityof life,andlongevity.

However,Indiahasoneofthehighest casesoforalcancerintheworld. Dentalcavities,misalignedteeth,and sensitivityareotherrampantproblems widelyspreadinthecountry These problemscontributeasignificant amountofmonetaryandproductivity losseachyear.Lackofawareness aboutessentialoralhealthinthe populationaddstothisunaddressed problem.

Dr.AnkitaJaiswalisoneofthe prominentdentaleducatorsinthe country,withonepiousvision-to amplifyinformationandaccessto goodoralhealthinIndia.

Inaninterviewwith The Knowledge Review,Dr Ankitasharesherviews abouthervisionfororalhealth educationinIndia.Followingaresome excerptsfromtheinterview:

Pleasetellusaboutyourjourney throughouttheeducationsector fromthebeginningofyourcareer andyourinspirationtopursueit. Duringmypost-graduation,Irealised thatbehindeverygreatdoctor,thereis agreatteacherwhoinstillsnotonly knowledgebutalsomoralvaluesinan individual.ThatdayIdecidedtobean educatorinthehealthcarefieldto shapenewdentistswithbrilliant knowledgeandvaluessothattheycan contributesomethinggoodtosociety Myjourneystartedwithmy

postgraduatelecturetakingrolesin SaraswatiDentalCollege,Lucknow.I continuedfollowingmypassionin VyasDentalCollege,Jodhpur,andthen returningtomyparentcollegewasa dreamcometrue.Ilearnedthatifyou arehonestwithyourwork,students willgiveyourespectandlove,andI amblessedtohavesuchgoodstudents whoalwaysmotivatemetodobetter forthem.Evenmyseniorshavealways encouragedmetoachievewhatIam today,andIhopetodeliverthesame passion,knowledge,valuestothe studentandsociety

Whatinspiredyoutostepintothe educationindustry?Whowereyour rolemodelsgrowingup?

InmyMasters(M.D.S.),Iwasblessed withbrilliantmentors.Theynotonly helpedmeindevelopingmyskillsbut alsogavemeaninsightinenhancing mypersonalitytostepconfidentlyinto therealworld.ItwasthenthatI realizedthataneducatornotonly shapesthemindofstudentsbutalso enhancesoverallpersonality,whichis goodforthewell-beingofsociety.My firstrolemodelismymother, Mrs.NishaJaiswal,whotaughtmeto beaboldandstrongladytofaceany challengesofthisworld.Followedby myfather,Mr.AkhileshKumarJaiswal, whonevermademerealizethatIam hisdaughter,hehadalwaystreatedme asequalasmybrother Andthethird personwhohasalwaysinspiredmeis mybrother,Mr.AmitJaiswal,whohas alwaysencouragedmetodreambig, impartedmewingstofly.Iwouldalso mentionmyesteemedmentor,Dr RaginiTandon,andDr.Pratik Chandra,whoacquiredmethe knowledgeandskillsandhelpedme stepintotheeducationsector.

Tellusaboutyouresteemedinstitute, itsmission,vision,andcorevalues.

SaraswatiGroupofEducational InstitutesstartedasSaraswatiDental Collegein1998.LateCol.(Dr.)T.S. MathurandMrs.MadhuMathur headedthisGroupwithvigorand vitality.Itsmission,vision,andcore valuesare:

Ÿ

Totranscendboundariesandbea globalbrandinvalueeducationin dentistry.

Ÿ

Tosculptureandproducemoral, civic,andsociallyresponsible professionalsbyproviding integrateddentaleducationina diverselearningenvironment.

Ÿ

Topromoteacampusenvironment thatwelcomesandhonorswomen andmenirrespectiveoftheir religion,caste,creed,andcultures andcreateanatmospherethat valuesintellectualcuriosity,the pursuitofknowledge,academic freedom,andintegrity

Ÿ

Tocreatebridgesbetweenindustry andacademicsthrough collaborativeresearchand continuousinteraction.

Torenderaffordable,prompt,and diversedental&medicaltreatment tosociety

TodevelopSaraswatiDental Collegeintoacenterofexcellence ofinternationalacclaimindental education,healthcare,andresearch.

Whataretheprioritiesofyour instituteintermsofcourse objectivesandlearningoutcomes?

SaraswatiDentalCollegeandthe Groupofinstitutesaimtoproduce graduatesandpostgraduateswith strongethicalandmoralvalues.Below aresomeotherimportantaspectswe stressupon:

Ÿ

Toproducequalitydentalgraduates andpostgraduateswithstrong ethicalandmoralvalues.

Ÿ

Toprovideprompt,affordableand qualityhealthcaretreatmentin generalanddentaltreatmentin particulartoall,toreducethe burdenoforo-dentaldiseasesfrom society

Ÿ

growingdentalhealthneeds.

Topromoteacampusenvironment thattreatswomenandmenofall religions,races,creeds,and culturesequallyandestablishan environmentthatvaluesintegrity, academicfreedom,andintellectual curiositytopursuenewknowledge.

Ÿ

programsandbridgetheinstitute industrygap.

Topromoteandeducate environment-friendlypracticesin society.

Ÿ

Tokeepstudentsandfaculty(all stakeholders)abreastwithrecent developmentsandmethodologies inthefieldofdentalandallied sciences.

Ÿ

Toprovideawidevarietyofoffcampuseducationalandtraining opportunities,including informationtechnologies,todental studentsandfaculty.

Kindlyshareyourviewsregarding interactive,onlineeducationand howitisredefiningthewayswe learn.

Ÿ

Promoteresearchindentaland alliedsciences.

Ÿ

Toimpartbasicandadvanced learningbyengaginginscientific researchtoimprovehumanhealth andqualityoflife.

Wehavebeenfacingapandemicfor twoyearsnow.Duringthistime,the biggestchallengewastocontinue educationwhileensuringthesafetyof students,andthatbroughtonline educationintothepicture.

Ÿ

Topromoteresearchinthefieldof dentistryandalliedsciencesby exposingthefacultyandstudentsto recentresearchmethodologiesand bycreatingworld-classfacilities withintheinstitution.

Ÿ

Tocollaboratewithindustry, government,andnon-government institutionstoprovide interdisciplinaryacademic

Anewwindowofopportunityhas openedfortheeducationsector;with theseinteractiveonlineclasses,weget toknowthosestudents,whowere earliernotabletoreachanyinstitute, thattoofromthecomfortoftheir homes.Theonlineeducationsystem hasredefinedthelearningprocessina wholenewway.Butitalsohasbrought newchallengestothesurface.Online

Ÿ

Toprovideequalopportunitytoall eligiblecandidatesaspiringfor dentaleducation.

Ÿ

Toinculcateprofessionalskillsin graduateandpostgraduatestudents byprovidingexcellentdental educationtoenablethemtoexcel inahighlycompetitiveanddiverse globalmarket.

Ÿ

Toprovidealearningenvironment thatpromotesstudents’ethicaland moralvaluesystemsforaquality dentalpracticetocatertosociety's

teachingiscumbersomeaswellasthe processoflearningisdependentonthe student.Onthecontrary,theoffline learningprocessgivescontroltothe teachers.Weensurestudents understandthisdrawbackofonline learningandencouragecounteringthis problemtoattainsatisfactoryresults.

Whatarethebiggestchallengesand strugglesfacedbyeducatorsin general?

Inthiscompetitiveworldwith constantlychangingdynamics,the biggestchallengeforeducatorsisto instilldiscipline,determination,and consistencyinthelearningprocessas thereistoomuchdistractionoutthere. Theeducators,ingeneral,wouldoften findthemselvesinadilemmawhether toorientthestudentstojustfocuson thesyllabusforgoodgradesortolead themtoexploretherealworldoftheir prospectivesubjects.Everyeducator mustbeupdatedwiththechanging dynamicstoencouragethestudentsin makingcareersnotonlyina conventionalstreambutalsoin extraordinarynewlyemergingstreams.

Educationisconsideredatoolof empowerment.Whateffortsdoyou andtheinstitutiontaketomakesure thateducationisprovidedtothose whoneedit?

IamanOrthodontistbyprofession, andbeinginthehealthcaresector, educatingthepeopleintheruralsector abouttheirhealthandwell-beingisof mainconcernformeandmy

institution.Ourinstituteregularly organizesmanyeducationalhealth check-upcampstospreadawareness aboutmaintainingtheiroralhealth.

TheinstituteandIshareacommon visionofeducatingpeoplenotonly insidetheboundaryofcollegebutto spreadtheknowledgeoutsidethe institutionalso.

Kindlymentionanyofyourawards, accolades,andaccreditations.

Ihavebeenawardedseveralawardsin thepastyears,including-theWomen ofSubstanceAward2022inhealthcare (orthodontist)andRealSuperwomen 2020inhealthcare(orthodontist).

Whatadvicecanyougivetothose whowanttostepintothefieldof education?

Tobeapartoftheeducationfield, one'sskillsandknowledgehaveto keeponupgrading.Theeducationfield requirespatienceanddiscipline. However,inthecurrentscenario,an educatorshouldalsohaveanopen mindtobeabletolearnfromevery personaround.Wehavetounderstand thatknowledgeisnotonlyconfinedto booksbutbeyondthattoo.

Pleasesharewhatliesaheadforyou andyourinstitutioninthenear future?

Sincethetimeandmethodologyhave changedalotformeasaneducator,I havetofocusmoreoninnovatingand recreatingnewlearninglessonsthan followingtheconventionalones.

Saraswati

Dental College aims to transcend boundaries and be a global brand in value education in the field of dentistry.

SaraswatiDentalCollegeaimsto expandthehorizonofknowledgeand skillsgloballywithtoolsthatcanbe accessedeasilyonlinealso.

Mrs.Nisha Jaiswal and Mr.A.K.Jaiswal

Dr Archana Acharya

EEducationisessentialfornot onlyenablingstudentstopass theexaminationssuccessfully andgetagoodjob,butitisalsoabout transformingindividualsintofuture leadersandseasonedprofessionals. Everystudentwantsqualityeducation andtobecomeadedicated professional.

Throughouttheirjourneyinattaining successintheircareerandacademics, studentsreceivetheguidanceof eminenteducationalleaderssuchas DrArchanaAcharya,theFounderof VaaradhiSevaSamstha.Sheisa

Driving Vaaradhi to Newer Heights with her Dedicated Endeavors

highlymotivatedandcommittedleader whoisfocusedonthesupremegoalto impartqualityeducation.

We,at The Knowledge Review, gotan opportunitytoconversewith DrArchanawhenshesharedher journeythroughtheeducationsector, variouschallengesshefaced throughouthercareer,hernoteworthy accomplishments,andherfutureplans. Followingarethehighlightsofthe interview:

Pleasetellusaboutyourjourney throughtheeducationsectorright fromthebeginning. Bornandbroughtupinthecityof pearls,IwasfondlyparentedbySri. DaruriSrinivasaCharyandSmt.M. RamaDeviinanunbiasedand unperturbedenvironment.Fosteredina familyofacademicians,Iwasfocused toobtainPost-graduationsinBusiness Management,Travel&Tourism, SocialWork,andPsychology.My enthusiasmledmetoCambridge Universityandasubsequentdoctorate. Ifirmlybelievethatthehardinessof everyprofessionemergesoutofthe knowledgeandexpertisethatteachers ingraininfuturecitizens. Consequently,inspiteofbeinga meritoriousstudent,Ididnotthink twicebeforechoosingteachingasmy profession.Myfirstteaching assignmentbeganatICFAIasanHR faculty.Marriageandmotherhood mademyjourneyjerky.Itookupa newchallengingtaskasHODatJohn

BauerCollegeamidstthechaos.Isoon wentuptheladderandbecamethe Principalofthesameinstituteina coupleofyears.Vaaradhicameinto existenceinduecourse.Ithasbeenan excitingjourneyduringthesetwenty years.

Whatinspiredyoutostepintothe fieldofeducation?Whowereyour rolemodels?

Sincechildhood,educationhasbeen mypassion,soItookteachingasmy profession.Atthispoint,Ihaveto mentionDr.R.VenkataRamanan.He wasmyprincipalatschool.Hiswords, "If a nation wants to achieve the highest student output, then its intelligentsia should get into teaching," alwayskeptmeinspiredtomove towardsmydreamandlife’sgoalatall times.Also,Ihaveasetofteachers–SAPTARISHI–thesevenindividuals, bothacademicandnon-academic,who influencedme,inspiredme,andseta benchmarkininitiatingashiftinmy outlooktowardsstudentsand education.Thesemademe wholeheartedlybelieveandpractice thatateachershouldfocusonthe holisticdevelopmentofastudent.

Tellusaboutyouresteemed organization,itsmission,vision,and corevalues.

VaaradhiSevaSamsthawas establishedwithitsprimefocuson providingeducationalfacilitiestothe needywithavisiontohelpthe deprivedandthedestituteinprocuring

One should never take teaching as a mere profession, but one should put in his heart, commitment, and passion to be a dedicated teacher.

Admired

thenecessaryeducation,which otherwiseisamiragetothem.It emphasisessuccouringthestudentsin realizingtheirfullpotentialandalso boostingtheirmoralethroughethical andmoraleducation.Itaimstoreach themaximumnumberofstudents throughseminarsandworkshops conductedattheirrespective educationalinstitutions.Vaaradhiis non-discriminatoryandnon-politicalin nature.Itdoesnotexpectanypersonal benefitandworksonthetruespiritof volunteersandphilanthropists.

Whataretheprioritiesofyour organizationintermsofcourse objectivesandlearningoutcomes? Vaaradhiismybrainchild;itaidsin education,medicalandlegal necessitiesofthepoorandthe destitute.Italsoaimstoimpart knowledgeandawarenesswith regardstovitalnon-academic issueslikeethicalandvaluebasededucation,time management,stress management,fearoffailure, etc.tothestudentfraternity Vaaradhibelievesin bringingaboutsustainable changesinstudents'lives byeducatingtheminnonconventionalmethods andnon-academic concepts.Itaimsat

improvingthequalityofconceptionin studentsthroughuniqueintervention modulesandjoyfullearning techniques.Italsoemphasisessocially meaningfulcurriculumineducational institutions.

Kindlyshareyourviewsregarding interactive,onlineeducational contentinredefiningthewayswe learn.

TheCOVID-19pandemichas disruptedthenormalmodeoflearning worldwide.Educationasawhole shiftedonline.Smoothtransitiontothe virtualworldisquiteachallengingtask forbothstudentsandteachers.Making acontinuousefforttoprovide customizedteachingandlearning materialsuitableforonlineeducation isanotherchallengeinfacilitating.Itis myardentbelief thatthequality

ofteachingandlearningonlinebyfar arethemostimportantinfluenceson thestudents'cognitive,affective, social,andbehaviouraloutcomes. Alongwiththeshifttohighlyrigorous achievementstandards,improved studentassessments,precisefocuson datatoimplementinstructions,and personalizationoflearningthroughthe latesttechnology,Ifeelteachingisa considerableresponsibility.Oneneeds tobeever-readyandsufficiently equippedtotakeonthesehybridroles oftechnoteachingtofacethe challengesofthenewera.

Whatarethebiggestchallengesand strugglesfacedbyeducatorsin general?

Ibelieveeducatorsarenationbuilders. Rightfrommychildhood,Ihave alwayswantedtoteach.Itrustand believethateducatingisnotjusta professionbutaprocessthatneeds largeamountsofcommitment, patience,andadaptability.Firstly,an educatorneedstobalancediverse studentneeds.Asingletopictobe understoodbyadiversegroupwith variedlearningspeedsisquitea

Dr Archana Acharya Founder, Vaaradhi Seva Samstha

An educator is a vital part of our society.

challenge.Secondly,theyneedtoadapt tochangingmarkettrendsand synchronizeteachingcontent accordingly.Thirdly,itisquitea tedioustasktoinspirestudentstobe disciplined,self-motivated,and productivewhilemeetingthe expectationofparentsandthe management.

Educationisconsideredatoolof empowerment.Whateffortsdoyou andyourorganizationputinto makesurethateducationisprovided tothosewhoneedit?

Educationisthebesttooltoempower anindividual.Asthesayinggoes, "Don’t give them fish, teach them fishing," ifyouprovideindividuals withtheirnecessities,itwouldbe temporary,butifweeducate individuals,theybecomeselfdependentandalsoimprovetheir perspectivetowardslife.Thisis exactlywhatVaaradhidoes.Itassists individualswhoarenotfinancially equippedtoobtainaneducation.We,at Vaaradhi,emphasizemoreonhigher educationasithelpsindividualsin positioningthemselvesatarespectable placeinsociety Acrossvarious educationalinstitutions,weidentify meritoriousindividualswhoare financiallyunder-equippedandassist themincontinuingtheireducation further,beitunder-graduation,post-

graduation,orevencompetitive examinationsatvariouslevels.

Kindlyilluminateusregardingyour awards,accolades,and accreditations.

Iwasawarded“TheBestFacultyHR–2006,atICFAI”;“TheTeaching& ResearchExcellenceAward–2020,by EMG-SSMTrust”;and“Outstanding ContributionToStudentDevelopment –2021,byKiteskraftInternational”.I havealsobeenawardedthe“Women’s LeadershipAward–2021byHybiz TV AnIndiaPrimeIconAwardand beingfeaturedinthelistofTop100 PromisingTeachersofIndiafor2021 addtomylaurels.“Distinguished AcademicianAward-2021byWomen IconandWorldWomenCouncil”, “DistinguishedHospitality AdministratorAndTrainerAward2022byCrazyTales”and“WomenOf SubstanceAward2022byHypEdge Media”,arealsofewgemsinmy crown.

Whatadvicecanyougivetothose whowanttostepintothefieldof education?

Aneducatororaguruhasalwaysbeen heldinhighreverenceinIndian Culture.Gurusareunequivocallya veryvitalpartofoursociety.Their primepurposeistoinspirechildren anddrivethemtowardssuccessinlife.

Teachersinthecurrenteracarryan incredibleresponsibility Theyneedto understandthatunlikeother professions,teachingisnotjustamode tomakemoneybutamethodof makinglives.Teachingwasnevereasy, anditwillneverbeso.Oneshould nevertaketeachingasamere profession,butoneshouldputinhis heart,commitment,andpassiontobea dedicatedteacher Asaguru,onehasto beaninspirerandmotivator;oneneeds tobeconsciousthathehandlesyoung mindswhichwillbemoldedasperour actions.Thus,heshouldfeelthatheis entitledwithanapexresponsibilityof shapingfutures.

Pleaseshareyourfutureplans. Inaroller-coasterrideof20years,I facedmanychallengesinlivingmy dreamofbeinganableacademician, shapingfutures,andmakinglives.My moraleshatteredsobadlyattimesthat Ihadtopullmyselftogetherwithan arduouseffortfromcallingquits.But byGod'sgrace,everytimeIwas depressed,Ibouncedbacklikea phoenixfromashes,moremotivated andmorefocused.Withthecontinuing supportofmyfamily,I,through Vaaradhi,aimtocontinuemyjourney andexplorenewavenuesand opportunitiestorenderservicestothe deprivedandthedestituteinprocuring necessaryeducationatvariouslevels. Inthecomingyears,Iwoulddedicate mytimeandresourcestotheir maximumextentinachievingthegoals ofVaaradhi,whichisalsomylife’s goal.

Education is the best tool to empower an individual.

Wielding Education for Social Transformation

AsNelsonMandelasays, “Educationisthemost powerfulweaponwhichyou canusetochangetheworld,” educationhasprovedthroughyearsto bethemostdominatingfactorinthe overalldevelopmentofanycountryin theworld.

EducationinIndiahasnotjustensured asolidhumanresourcebuthas extensivelycontributedtoatrue awakeningofthenationsinceits Independence.

The Knowledge Review takesimmense pleasureandpridetouncoverthrough aninterviewthestoryofaneducator,

Dr.NeenaMehta,whothriveson impactingchangeamongpeoplewith education.Belowaresomehighlights oftheinterview.

Pleasetellusaboutyourjourney throughouttheeducationsector rightfromthebeginningofyour career.

I,Dr.NeenaMehta,wasbornand broughtupinChandigarh.IamPhDin BiochemistryandworkingasProfessor andHOD,Dept.ofBiochemistrywith Rayat-BahraGroup,Mohali,Punjab (NearChandigarh).Duringmystudies andPostDoctorateresearch,Igained researchexperienceinmyfieldat variousresearchinstitutesinIndiaand abroadlikePanjabUniversity,

PGIMER,InstituteofMicrobial Technology(IMTECH)atChandigarh, India,andintheDept.ofBiochemistry atTechnicalUniversity,Germany.

Duringmyprofessionaljourney,Ihave publishedresearchinvariousNational andInternationalJournals.Ihave participatedinmultipleNationaland Internationalconferencesasaninvited speakerandhavechairedscientific sessions.Ihavebeenasubjectof musictherapy,andinduecourseofmy therapy,Igotinvolvedinmusicso muchthatIstartedlearningmusic.I gotcuredofmanydiseasesbecauseof musictherapy'sprimaryorsecondary effectswhilelearningmusic.

Wehavehelpedmanyfemalesubjects, children,andtheelderlygainselfconfidenceandhelpthemfeel empoweredbyouruniqueand excellentteachingdesigns.Autistic childrenhavealsogainedfrommusic therapy

DuringmycareerwiththeRayat Bahragroup,Ihavebeenactively involvedinconductingRehabilitation andMusicTherapyconferencesas Chairpersoninassociationwith NationalRehabilitationInstitute,ENT Dept.PGIMER,Chandigarhand SABHFoundation,USA.

Ibelievethateducationshouldnotbe restrictedtomerelycollectingdegrees andshouldbeusedforsocial empowerment.Iwishtobeastudent

throughoutmylife,andwhatever knowledgeIhavegainedinmycareer, Iwanttopassitonwithlovetothose aspiring.

Whatinspiredyoutostepintothe educationindustry?Whowereyour rolemodelsgrowingup?

Tosincerelydisclosethefact,Inever wantedtobeintheeducationline.I wantedtooptforasubjectthatwould leadmetohaveanindependentsetup andbuildmycareer,andwiththis thought,IshiftedfromChemistry Dept.inPanjabUniversityto BiochemistryDept.MyBiochemistry ProfessorsofPanjabUniversity, IMTECH,andPGIMER,Chandigarh, aremyall-timementorsandinspiration whoarewithmelikemyfamily membersandalwaysstoodbymeat differentstagesofmylifeandstruggles inmycareer

Myacceptanceofallthechallenges andmyfaithinGodliftedme graduallytodifferentheightsinthe educationsector.Icanneverforgetthat mymotherwasanobleandpiouslady andwasabelovedteacherofher studentsanditinspiredme.

Mybiggestsourceofinspiration duringmyjourneyintheeducational careerismyhusband,Prof.(Dr.)S.K. Mehta,alsoanacademicianand presentlyVice-Chancelloratthe UniversityofLadakh,isan internationallyrenownedscientistpar excellenceinhisfieldofPhysical Chemistry.

Manysecretsofprofessionalethicsand dedicationintheeducationsectorwere sincerelytaughtbymyfather,avery honestworkaholicpersonretiredfrom PanjabUniversity,whonever compromisedagainstanypressureand taughtusthesame,whichisessential fortheinstitutewherewework.

India's Most Admired Women In

Ibelievethatonegetseducatedat everystepduringyourjourneyof settingupyourcareerandrisingtothe nextstepafterthat.

Tellusaboutyouresteemedinstitute anditsmission,vision,andcore values.

RayatBahraGroupofInstitutes (RBGI),aleadingprivateeducation groupinnorthernIndia,isahuge umbrellaundersevencampuseswith 30000+studentswithdiversecultures, regions,andlifestyles.Thegrouphas emergedasapremierdestinationfor higherandprofessionaleducationin Punjab,Haryana,andHimachal PradeshintheNorthernRegionof Indiainapproximately21years.Rayat BahraUniversity,alushgreencampus, wasestablishedin2014.

TheUniversityfocusesonstudentcentric,multidisciplinary,andskillbasededucation.Thegroupprovides educationintheareasofEngineering, Management,Pharmacy,Hotel Management,Education,Law, Sciences,SocialSciences,Agriculture Sciences,Medical&AlliedSciences, MediaStudies,Polytechnic,Dental, andNursing.Inadditiontoeducation, thegroupisactivelyengagedin fulfillingitssocialresponsibility.

Whataretheprioritiesofyour instituteintermsofcourse objectivesandlearningoutcomes? Thecurriculumisthecoreof education.Itisvitaltohavearelevant, well-structuredcurriculumthat answersallthequestionsaboutthe futureandequipsthestudentwithall thenecessaryskillsandknowledge. RayatBahraUniversityoffers academicprogrammesreachingoutto awidespectrumofstudentsacrossthe globe.Thesyllabusisdynamicandis constantlyrevampedtokeeppacewith therapiddevelopmentsinvarious fieldsofstudy,scientificand

Education should not be restricted to merely collecting degrees and should be used for social empowerment.

“

Dr. Neena Mehta Professor and HOD Biochemistry, Dean Academic Affairs

technologicaladvancementsandto meetthedemandsofacademia, industry,andsociety

TheUniversityfocusesonthecourses thatarehelpfulforchildreningetting jobsintheiracademicfieldsorbeing anentrepreneur.Tomaketheteaching andlearningmoreinnovativeand interactivevariousinstituteshavebeen equippedwithlabswhereallrequired facilitiesareavailable.Environment studiesareincludedinallUG programmes.Severalactivitiessuchas seminars,workshops,guestlectures, industryvisits,andfieldexcursionsare organizedforstudentsofall programmestocreateawarenessabout theenvironmentandsustainability issues.Inaddition,manyNationaland internationaldaysarecelebratedevery year.RayatBahraUniversityprovides internationalstudentswith opportunitiestopursuecoursesin variousstreams.Thesecoursesaimto developprofessionalcapabilitiesand instilcompetencieslikesocialand ethicalvalues,humanvalues, environmentalsensitivity,etc., resultingintheholisticdevelopmentof futureprofessionals.

Educationisconsideredatoolof empowerment.Whateffortsdoyou andtheinstitutiontaketoensure thateducationisprovidedtothose whoneedit?

Aswomen,weknowfirstandforemost howvitaleducationistoshapeour futureandbegoodcitizens.Whilewe providemanyformalmodesof empowermentlikescholarshipsfor sociallyunderprivilegedstudentsand studentswholostoneorbothoftheir parents,wealsogivealotoftimeto mentorship.

AtRayatBahraGroupofInstitutes,we spendalotoftimeguidingstudents whentheyseekhelpfornon-classroom issues.Weare,therefore,awareofthe

circumstancesthatmightaffectthe academicperformanceofmostofour students,andwedoourbestto empowerthempersonallyandthrough thesystem.

Kindlymentionanyofyourawards, accolades,andaccreditations.

Ÿ AwardedSpecialstipendtoattend theInternationalcourseon MolecularMedicineatFreiburg, Germanybytheorganizers

Ÿ

AwardedopenSRFbyCSIR

Ÿ AwardedTravelGrantbyDSTto attendaninternationalcourseon TuberculosisatNaples,Italy

Ÿ AwardedTravelGrantbyCSIRto attendaninternationalcourseon stemcellsatSalerno,Italy

Ÿ AwardedIconicWomenCreatinga BetterWorldforAllbyWICCI

MeritoriousAwardbyRayatGroup ofInstitutes

Whatadvicecanyougivetothose whowanttostepintothefieldof education?

Beingineducationisarewarding experience.Beinganeducatorteaches onetobeempatheticallyorganizedand infusesleadershipskillsasonegains experienceinteachingandmentorship.

Forthoseofuswhoalsoconduct research,weknowverywell:real learningcomeswhenweexplain conceptsinoursubjectsofexpertiseto othersinasimplifiedmannerandget exposedtotheirquestionsand perspectivesthatmighthaveescaped

ourownunderstanding.Soitisnot onlythestudentswhoarelearnersina classroombutalsotheteacher.Iwould adviseyoungsterstoconsider educationasanimportantendeavourof contributiontosociety,whichrequires thebesttalentstojoinhandsinshaping ourfutureasanation.

Pleasesharewhatliesaheadforyou andyourinstitutioninthenear future.

AsImentionedbefore,beingan educatorisaconstantlearning experienceformeandmycolleagues. Personally,Iamhappytohaveevolved frombeingayoungfacultyand researchertonowhavingaleadership roleintheadministrationasDean AcademicAffairs.Iwouldliketo continuesharingmyyearsof experienceineducation,andI'mready totakeonmoreresponsibilitiesifit helpstoempowermoreandmore studentstorealizetheirdreams.

TheRayatBahraGroupislooking forwardtoimplementingthenew NationalEducationPolicyinallits institutes,specificallyfocussingon interdisciplinaryapproaches,skill development,andacademicflexibility inteachingandresearch.Wewishto establishcollaborationsbetween academiaandindustrytoprovideclear pathwaystoemployability

Dr. Preeti Bajaj

An Unwavering Guiding Light in Education

TThehumanracehaswitnessed tumultuousgrowthsinceits genesis.Throughages,man hassuccumbedtonumerousdark times,drought,famines,plagues,and epidemics.Butitwasthehuman capacitytothinkcriticallyandapply theknowledge,evenatthetimeof calamity,haspavedthewayforthe cominggenerations.Similarly,several challengesineducationhavebeenmet bycumulativeandextensiveresearch throughyearstodeliveragrowthinducingandsustainableeducation systeminIndia.

Researchanddevelopmentgohandin hand,asresearchhelpsbridgethegap betweenknowledgeandchange.

Dr.PreetiBajajisonesucheducator whohasbeenpersistentlythrivingto makephenomenaladvancementsin educationthroughresearchand innovationformorethanthree decades.

The Knowledge Review takeshonorin showcasingthisdynamicandvisionary educator

EarlyCareer,ProfessionalJourney, andMilestones

Dr.PreetiBajajholdsaPh.D.in ElectronicsEngineeringwithMBA, with31yearsofrichadministrative, academic,andresearchexperience. SheiscurrentlytheVice-Chancellor ofGalgotiasUniversity,Greater Noida,UttarPradesh

Dr.Preetihasachievedmany milestonesinNAACA+,NIRF Rankings,30Croresplusgrants includingDST-NIDHI-TBI,AICTEMagradarshan,UGC-Paramarsh,World Bank-TEQIP-I&II,ARIIAranking, IndianPatentRankingsduringher leadershiprolesinvariousacademic institutions.Sheisatechlady,giving thrusttoresearch,innovations,and entrepreneurshipatGalgotias University.

IEEEistheInstituteofElectricaland ElectronicsEngineersandtheworld's highestapexbodyinengineering, whichdecidesstandardsacrossthe globe.SheisanactiveIEEEvolunteer formorethan22yearsandhas executedmanyleadershiprolesof IEEEinIndiaandabroad.Sheisalsoa Chair-EducationActivitiesCommittee IEEERegion10-AsiaPacific, Member-SectionEducationOutreach Committee(SEOC)-Education ActivityBoardofIEEE,USA,anda memberoftheCIINorthernRegional CommitteeonEducationfor2021-22.

SheisanexpertinComputational Intelligence,IntelligentTransportation Systems,EducationDataMining,and Healthcare.Herprofessionalsociety affiliationincludesFellow-Instituteof Engineers,FellowIETE,Senior Member-IEEE.Atotalofthirteen studentshavecompletedtheirPh.D. underDr.Preeti'ssupervisionandon thepanelofPh.D.examinerstomany universities.Shehasco-authoredthree

bookchaptersandco-inventorforthree patentsand150publicationswithmore than1000citations.

Dr.Preetihasservedonvarious governingbodies,includingtheGeneral CouncilofNationalBoardof AccreditationsNewDelhi,BOGof IEEEHKNUSA,BOGOfmany AcademicInstitutions,andBOGofthe vocationalboardMaharashtra.Sheis alsoamemberoftheNEPsteering committeeoftheUPStateGovernment.

SheisarecipientofIEEEMGA AchievementAward2021for exemplaryContributionandDynamic LeadershipinAchievingRapid TransformationofIEEEEducational ActivitieswithSeveralGeographic Units.

SheisalsoarecipientoftheLifetime AchievementAwardbyIEEEIndia Council2020forsubsectionandFICCI RoadSafetyspecialJuryawards.

ReinventingtheAcademicStructure

Dr.PreetiBajajhadrecognisedand contributedtothelinkbetween academicsandinnovationwayback from2012.Manyfeaturesofthe NationalEducationPolicy2020like linkingacademicswithinnovationsand multipleinternships,inclusionofdata science,AIandotherdisruptive technologies,and manyfeaturesofthe NEP2020wereimplementedsince 2015acrossmanyinstitutionsunderher mentorship.

Shehasworkedverycloselyoncredit transfersystemswithindustries,and themodelhasbeenworkingverywell forthelasttenyears.Inthefirstyear, NCCandNSSascreditcoursesand socialinternshipsduringundergraduate programs,thecourseoninnovations andentrepreneurshiphassetupnew directionsintheformaleducation system.Outcomesareintermsof manywell-establishedstartupsand innovations

Dr.Preeti,abigadvocatorofOutcomeBasedEducation,hastrainedmore than1000facultiesonthesame, designingandinnovatingtheacademic structurethatshallshapestudentsand generations.

UnderDr.Preeti'sleadership,Galgotias Universityhasachievedmany milestones,someofthemare mentionedbelow:

Ÿ E-LearningExcellencefor AcademicDigitisationbyQSIGaugeE-LeadCertificationfor ExcellenceinOnlineLearning–2020

Ÿ PlacedinExcellentBandbyARIIA 2021

Ÿ Inthebandof76-100forPharmacy andManagement,listedin151-200 topuniversitiesofIndia,177thin It doesn't matter whether it's small or big as every opportunity opens the door for the new one.

Vice-Chancellor, Galgotias University, Greater Noida

EngineeringCategoryinNIRF INDIARANKINGS2021as declaredbyMHRD

Secured3rdpositionforuploading maximumE-ContentsonUttar PradeshHigherEducationPortal amongtheall76plusUniversities inUttarPradesh

ReceivedUGC-12Bstatus.

Ÿ Ranked3rdinIndiaand1stinUttar PradeshinOBERanking2021by RWorldInstitutionRanking

GalgotiasUniversity,Transforming Education

TheGalgotiasUniversity,Uttar Pradesh,sponsoredbySmt.Shakuntala EducationalandWelfareSociety,has beenestablishedbythestateofUttar Pradeshundersection2(f)oftheUGC Act,1956videTheGalgotias UniversityUttarPradeshAct,14of 2011.

In2022,theuniversitygrewtomore than16000students.Galgotias Universityaspirestobeandisona fast-tracktobecomingan internationallyrecognizeduniversity thatexcelsinmultidisciplinaryand interdisciplinaryeducation,research, andinnovation,educatingglobally competitivegraduateswiththe potentialtobecomeleadersintheir fieldsofendeavour

The'students-first'philosophyisabig reasonwhyGalgotiasUniversityis consistentlyrankedamongIndia'stop universities.ThefocusofGalgotias Universityisonalowstudent-tofacultyratiothatpromotesplentyof personalattentionandmentoring opportunities. Therecord-breaking placementatGalgotiasthisyearisan apttestimonytoitsfocusonupholding thehighestacademicstandardsright fromselectingtopfaculty,introducing world-classpedagogicalpracticesto thepersonalitydevelopmentofthe students.

GalgotiasUniversityhas13schools, 19Departmentswith53UGprograms, 36PGprograms,and25Ph.D. programs.Wehaveapprovalsfrom variousCouncils[Pharmacy: PharmacyCouncilofIndia(PCI); Law:BarCouncilofIndia(BCI); Nursing:IndianNursingCouncil (INC);Architecture:Councilof Architecture(COA);Education: NationalCouncilforTeacher Education(NCTE);Hotel Management:NormsofNational CouncilforHotelManagement (NCHM)].

TheUniversityhaswonseveral awards;someofthemarelistedbelow:

Ÿ ARIIARanking2021:Placedinthe BandofExcellentunderthe

Category"University&Deemedto beUniversity(Private/SelfFinanced)(Technical)"inAtal RankingofInstitutionson InnovationAchievement(ARIIA) 2021

Awarded4StarRating(highest)by InstitutionInnovationCouncil(IIC) for2020-21

GalgotiasUniversityisRankedNo. 1forSDG10(ReducedInequality) andOverallRankedinA1Band (Rank1-10),PANIndiafor excellencetowardsofferingglobal andHolisticEducation|Global ImpactRankings(Basedon17 SDGbytheUnitedNations)byR WorldInstitutionRanking

EngineeringProgramsinComputer ScienceandEngineering, ElectronicsandCommunication Engineering,Mechanical EngineeringareaccreditedbyNBA (NationalBoardofAccreditation), India

Education is a never-ending topic, and the more you learn about it, the more you learn. Learning can take place anywhere, be a learner throughout your life, and you shall achieve new heights.

Ranked3rdinIndiaand1stinUttar PradeshinOBERanking2021by RWorldInstitutionRanking

1stamongstPrivateUniversities and3rdamongstallUniversitiesin UttarPradeshforuploading maximumE-ContentsonOnline DigitalLibraryUttarPradeshPortal

GalgotiasUniversityisranked10th acrossIndiaandispositionedinthe 'A1Band:InstitutionofExcellence' categoryinMHWRanking2021by RWorldInstitutionalRanking

AmongstTop5BusinessColleges inUttarPradeshbyIndiaToday Ranking2020

Mission,Vision,andDifferentiator Vision

Tobeknowngloballyforvalue-based education,research,creativity,and innovation Mission

Establishstate-of-the-artfacilities forworld-classeducationand research

Collaboratewithindustryand societytoalignthecurriculum

Involveinsocietaloutreach programstoidentifyconcernsand providesustainable,ethical solutions

Encouragelife-longlearningand team-basedproblemsolving throughanenablingenvironment

India's Most Admired Women In Educational Sector - 2022

USP

Educationacross alldisciplinesintheuniversity sinceinception

Students'councilandclub

100%admissionsandcloseto100 percentplacements,higher educationsandentrepreneurship together HolisticApproach

AtGalgotiasUniversity,studentsare encouragedtofollowtheirpassion apartfromacademicstodeliver holisticallyandoveralldevelopment.

The30plusclubstakecareofthis,and inadditiontothis,IPRcell,Ecell, ResearchCell,Startupcommunity, Placementcell,andIICcellallowthe studentstodoallexperimentation exposureandbringthebestoutof them.TheCPDD(Careerplacement Department)inputsfromindustriesand recruitersandvalueadditionprograms arearrangedinthedepartments.

Nobellaureates'lecturesfromvarious fieldscreateanidealenvironmentfor settinguptheircareers.

AMessagefortheStudents

Dr.Preetisays, "Education is a never ending topic, and the more you learn about it, the more you learn. Immerse yourself in diverse writers' works and read various books on your themes and

beyond until you find a story that resonates with you. Learning can take place anywhere, be a learner throughout your life, and you shall achieve new heights."

Shebelievesthatthestudentsshould grabeveryopportunitythatcomestheir way,nomatterhowsmallorbigitis. Sheadds, "It doesn't matter whether it's small or big as every opportunity opens the door for the new one. Always keep your spirits high and let your confidence show through your work. Be your mentor, decide what you want to be, and don't dream because someone else wants you to do so.”

OutlookfortheFuture Dr.PreetiBajajenvisionsauniversity whereeveryonefeelsvaluedand appreciatedregardlessofrace,gender orreligion.Sheadvocatesskill-based India,StartupIndia,anddreamforthe universitywhereinthestudentsintend tobecomejobprovidersratherthanthe seeker.Sheadds, "My priority is to make the university get Accredited by National and international agencies and to be one of the most digitally driven, internationally recognised research-based University with international accreditations."

Ushering SocioculturalaChange

AAnationprogressesthrough numerousfactorsof technologicalinnovations, industrialproduction,agriculture, trade,commerce,productivity, educationandsocioculturalfactors.

Overtheyears,womenseemtohave becomesynonymsformodern developmentstoday.Theroleof womenhassteadilyincreasedandhas placedthemselvesintheeducation systemtoagreatextent.Earlieritwas perceivedthatwomenwerebestsuited fortheteachingprofessionduetotheir

calmnature,disciplinedapproach, sincerityandfocus.Todaytheroleof womenhasexpandedinalmostall sectorswithnoticeablecontributions.

ImpactSinceChildhood

Rightfromchildhood,itisnoticedthat thepresenceofwomeninourliveshas beeninfluentialinthedecisionswe make.Throughtherolesofmother, sister,aunt,grandmother,neighbors andteachers,womenhavebeenactive atsomepointinourlives.

Inschoolsandcolleges,thestudents learnnewthingswithaclearmindto absorbthesubjects.Apartfromthe coresubjects,themanners,etiquettes, morals,values,examplesinstructions steadilypercolateintheirbelief system.Ateacher'sinstructionina clearanddistincttonegetsregistered inthemindsofthepupils,steadily creatingtheirpersonalities.Women teachersoftodaycontributetoagreat extentinmoldingandshapingthe futureofgenerations.

RemarkableContributionstoHigher Authorities

Womenhavebeenattheforefrontof adorningseniorpositionsinvarious fieldsofpolitics,administrative services,civil,finance,etc.

IndiraGandhi,formerPrimeMinister ofIndia,wasaninfluentialleaderwho initiatedthecountry'sgrowth.She representedIndiainvarious internationalsummitsandwas instrumentalinnumerousdecisions contributingtothedevelopmentofthe nation.Amongstthemasses,shewas knownas 'The Iron Lady' whoinspired alargenumberofpeoplethroughher sheerdeterminationandleadership.

Anotherexampleofsuchinfluential leaderis,IPS theformerKiranBedi, InspectorGeneral(Prisons)and DirectorGeneral,BureauofPolice ResearchandDevelopment,whoisa verystrongleaderandheadedthe IndianPolicefraternity.Sheidentified thenewwaysofinspiringandtraining theprisonerstolearnimportantlife skills.Herideologyoftransformingthe prisonersofTiharjailintocultured civilianswasindeednoteworthy Apart fromherdynamicpublicgovernment services,sheisanactivesocialworker andastrongreformerforwomen's empowerment.Shewasawarded PresidentsPoliceMedalin1979and RamonMagsaysayAwardin1994.

InfluentialEducators

Oneoftheprominentwomenpoets, freedomfightersandeducationistsis MahadeviVerma.Shewasthe PrincipalandVice-Chancellorof PrayagMahilaVidyapeethand promotedhumanvaluesthroughher careerandteachings.

DurgabaiDeshmukh,anardent Gandhian,wasafreedomfighterwho establishedschoolstotrainwomenin weavingandspinning.Durgabaiformed AndhraMahilaSabhatocoachyoung girlstoappearforBanarasHindu UniversityMatricexamination.Inspired byherhugecontributiontosociety,the institutionlaterdecidedtotrainwomen injournalism,nursingandteachings.

CreatingSignificantImpact

AmlaAkkineniisaformerfilmactor andasocialactivistinHyderabad. Amlaisastrongpromoterof vegetarianismandthefounderofBlue CrossNGOinHyderabad.Sheis dedicatedtotheworkfortheprotection andspreadingawarenessaboutanimal rights.Shequithersuccessfulcareerin theIndianfilmindustryanddevotedher timetohelpingthehomelessanimals andspreadingawarenessabouttheir well-beinginsociety.

Moreover,thefounderofAkansha FoundationandCEOofTeachFor India,ShaheenMistryisalsooneof theremarkablesocialworkerswhohave madeahugeimpactintheupliftmentof thepoor,homelessslumdwellersin Mumbai.Shenoticedthatthepovertydrivenchildrenfromtheslumswere deprivedoftheirrighttoformal education.Withthisvision,shefounded AkankshaFoundationin1989to providepost-schoolteachingtothe kids.Asthenumberofchildrensteadily grew,sheinitiatedTheTeachForIndia in2008.Sincethen,theorganization hasplacedapproximately1700students invariousschools.

OprahWinfreyisoneofthemost influentialwomeninAmerica.Shehas becomearolemodelfortheAfrican Americancommunity,fightingfortheir equalrightsandjustifiedtreatment. Oprahhasadvocatedstronglyfor women'srightsintheprofessional world.Sheisthehostof The Oprah Winfrey Show, aninterview-basedtalk showwhichrevolvesaroundthelives ofcommonpeopleandtendstoinspire them.Oprahhasgrowntobean impressiveandinspiringrolemodelfor millionsofpeopleinAmericaand acrosstheglobe.

SocialReformers

Somewomenhavebeenanexceptional inspirationtothemassesworldwide duetotheirselflessserviceto humanity.Onenamethatsparklesin ourmindis ,anMotherTeresa Albanian-Indianromancatholicnun andmissionarywhoservedinKolkata. Sheservedthepoorandthedestitute withLeprosy.Shewashonouredwith PadmaShriin1962andBharatRatna in1980.ShewasawardedtheNobel PeacePrizein1979forhernoteworthy servicetoupliftingthepoorand distressedpeople.MotherTeresawas honouredwiththePresidentialMedal ofFreedombyUSPresidentRonald Reganin1985.Shehasalsobeen confirmedwiththetitleofsainthoodby RomanCatholicChurchrecently.She hasbeenoneofthemotivating personalitieswhoencouragedpeopleto comeforwardandhelptheneedy.

SpreadingtheBrightness

Aswelookattheroleandtheimpact womenhavecreatedinoursociety,itis far-reachinganddeeplyimbibed.On counting,thelistgoesendless, concludingwithasmileof empowermentandclaritythatwecan lookuptoandgrowtobecomea matureandresponsiblecitizensofthis globalvillage.

- Kedar Borgaonkar

Dr. Richa

Ranjan

K

KofiAnnanonceaddressedin hisspeechthat“Educationis thepremiseofProgress.” Educationindeedlendsatransforming powerandasturdyfoundationfor overallsocialdevelopmentinany country

ForalongperiodinIndianhistory, womenweredeprivedoftheir fundamentalrights,including education.Thewomenalsofacedcruel practicessuchaschild-marriages, dowry,domesticviolence,sati,and femalefoeticide.Itisconvenientfor onetothinkthatthecountryhas whollyrisenoverthesepractices,but thetruthisthatthewomeninIndiaare stillfightingagainstdiscrimination everyday.

Indiahadconstitutedawhopping3582 casesofregistereddomesticabuse fromApriltoJunein2021.This alarmingindicationcommandsa severeneedforawarenessand empowermentregardingsafeguarding women'srights.

Dr.RichaRanjanisaneducator (Director–Principal,SwamiDevi DyalLawCollege,Barwala, Panchkula)andawomen'srights advocatewhosolemnlythriveson improvingsociety.Inaninterviewwith The Knowledge Review,Dr.Richa Ranjanshedslightonherjourneyand

thechallengesfacedthroughher expedition.Belowaresomehighlights oftheinterview.

Pleasetellusaboutyourjourney throughouttheeducationsector rightfromthebeginningofyour career.

I,Dr.RichaRanjan,workingas Director-Principal,SwamiDeviDyal LawCollege,Panchkula,wasdestined tobeintheEducationfield.IdidLLB asmyfatherwantedmetobein Judicialservices.Mummaandmy brotherMohitMehtaweresupportive aftermyfatherpassed.Butafter marriage,withtime,Ifocussedonthe educationfield.IwasonlyLLB,and myhusbandMr.AnilRanjanhelpedin myfurtherstudies,myLLM,Diplomas inMedicalNegligenceandLaw, LabourLaw,HumanRights,andPh.D. Myfather-in-lawandmother-in-law entrustedtheirbeliefinme,andI calibratedmyself.Mydaughter Aanshalikacameasastarlightingup thewaysofmylifeandhasalways beenasupporttomysoul.After graduatinginLawbackin1994,my concernsstartedaggravatingthe increasingviolenceandcrimeinthe society,especiallytowardswomen insidetheirownhomes.Istarted hearingofmultipleinstancesof domesticviolenceandotheremotional exploitationthatwomenhadtogo throughpostmarriage.Beingdeeply

affectedbysuchinstances,Istarted analysingthisissuetothecorewhile pursuingmymastersandthenPh.D.in thesubjectmatterandconsecutively beganspreadingawarenessamongthe womenabouttheirrightsandany relatedlegalities.

Iinitiallystartedthisinitiativeinmy capacity.Further,Iexpandedthecause byeducatingthemenandwomen aroundme,includingfriendsand family,andultimatelyextrapolatingthe awarenessbystarting,joining,and leadingsomerenownedwomenand humanrightscentricorganisations. Ratherthanbeingsadonsuchsensitive topicsasdomesticviolence,women's hygiene,andmuchmore,Itriedto impactandchangethelivesofwomen byeducatingthemabouttheirrights.

Postthis,IreceivedmyDiplomain LabourLawsandHumanRightsand chosethepathofeducationtocatalyse andstrengthenthespiritofsocial service.Ihavewrittenseveralarticles onproblemsfacedbywomenandthe lawsmadeforthem.Ialsogetthe opportunitytosharemyviewsat variousnationalandinternational conferencesfromtimetotime.

Forover25years,teachersand studentshavealwaysbeenencouraged bymetocontributetosocialservice andstandforagreatercause.Beinga

partoftheSwamiDeviDyalGroupof Institutesforthelast15years,Ihave triedtoprovideanupliftingand encouragingenvironmenttostudents fromallwalksofsociety Thishas beenmyroutinesince2007toorganise regularvisitsonHoli,Diwali,Lohri, allfestivalsatorphanagesandoldage homes,andmystudentstoembibethe instinctsothattheylearntobehumble grounded.Educationisthemost powerfultooltobringoutthesocial changes,andthusimpartingeducation andencouragingmoreandmore peopletodeveloptheirskillsand increasetheirqualificationshasbeen mywaytolive.Ihavealsodonetree plantationdrivesinschools,temples, andvillages.TheMenstrualHygiene awarenessprojectIstartedisgoingon tovillagesbysanitarynapkin distributionandcreatingawareness aboutthetruthofhygiene.

Whatinspiredyoutostepintothe educationindustry?Whowereyour rolemodelsgrowingup?

Theonlyreasontobeattractedtowards theeducationindustrywasthe consciousnessforsociety Tofindout therealcauseoftheevilsgoingonin societyandtofindasolutiontothem,I decidedtobealawgraduate.Iwas acknowledgingeducationtobethe mostpowerfulweapontoeradicatethe evilsofsociety,especiallyforthe womenwhohavebeendeprivedofthis fundamentalrightforsolong.

Myparentshavealwaysbeenmyrole models.Ihavealwaysobservedthem teachingpatientlythevalueof educationandthemoralsthatarethe realvalueofsocietyandthishuman life.Educationnotonlymakesa personawareoftheirrightsbutalso

fortherightsofothers.Societyisnot onlyagroupofhumanbeingsliving togetherbutitismadewiththevalues enshrinedintheheartsandmindsof thesehumans.Thisiswhatmakesus human,andeducationbeautifully empowersthisdifferentiatingfactorof ours.

Tellusaboutyouresteemed institute'smission,vision,andcore values.

Sinceitsestablishment,Ihavebeena partofSwamiDeviDyalLawCollege. Thecollegehadstartedfunctioningin 2007-08.Theambienceandserenity ofthisesteemedcollegeprovidea healthyenvironmentforthestudies andendorsesavisiontoberecognised forexcellenceinlegalstudies.

Ourmissionistoprovideworld-class professionalgroomingtoourstudents andprovidethestudentswithdifferent scopesinthelegalprofession.

Ourvisionistogivedirectiontoevery student'scareerandmakethemableto haveavisionoftheirown.Wealways workontheprinciplethatevery opinionmatters,facilitatinginteraction withnationalandinternational personalitiesandprovidingaplatform toenhancetheircommunicationskills andconfidence.

Whataretheprioritiesofyour instituteintermsofcourse objectivesandlearningoutcomes?

SwamiDeviDyalLawCollegehasa highlyqualified,experienced,and vibrantteachingfaculty,which providesanexcellentblendofrigor andrelevanceinteaching.Students touchthelivesofawidecross-section

ofsocietybyparticipatinginoutreach programstocontributetheirknowledge andprovidelegalaidtothecommunity byvisitingschoolsandcolleges.

Regularvisitsareorganizedtothe HighCourtandDistrictCourtsfor practicalexperienceforstudents. Qualifiedteachersandadvocates conductmootcourtsanddebatesto enhancethelegalaptitudeoflaw students.Throughthedetermined strategicandcommittedefforts endeavors,wearebuildingthecareer oflawstudentsbyprovidingaplethora ofco-curricularactivitiesjoinedwith practicalaspects.

ThecollegeofLawhasestablisheda well-equippedlibrary,anditalsoowns aLegalAidClinic.TheLegalAid Clinicisconductedbystudentsand facultymembersincollaborationwith DistrictLegalserviceAuthority

Panchkula.JudgesandAdvocatesfrom DLSAprovidetrainingtoourLaw studentstofacilitatetheirservicesfor legalaidinfieldwork.

Educationisconsideredatoolof empowerment.Whateffortsdoyou andtheinstitutiontaketoensure thateducationisprovidedtothose whoneedit?

Educationistrulyatoolfor empowerment.Instead,itisthemost powerfultoolbecauseeducatedpeople empowerthemselvesandthewhole strataofsocietywheretheybelong. Fromtheverybeginning,my institutionandIhaveensuredthe availabilityofeducationforthosewho needit.

Themostimportantthingistomake peopleawareofthepowerof education.Ihavealwaystriedto educatetheunderprivilegedbyhelping

theminwhatsoeverwayIcan.We organizevisitstoslumareastosurvey howmanystudentshavebeengoingto schools.Ourconstitutionprovidesthe righttoeducation,freeandcompulsory educationforall,butitisour responsibilitytocheckthe implementationandavailabilityof theserightsaswearethecivilsociety.

Wehavealsoannouncedscholarships forchildrenfromthesespecialhomes.

Kindlymentionanyofyourawards, accolades,andaccreditations.

Iamhonouredtohavemyefforts recognisedandbetherecipientof someprestigiousawards,tonamea few–

1.InternationalGoldenPadmaAward byWomenPowerSociety

2.WomaniaAwardbyNAcultural society

3.51InfluentialWomenHaryana AwardbySarvJagrukSangathan.

Whatadvicecanyougivetothose whowanttostepintothefieldof education?

Firstly,beforesteppingintothisfield, everypersonmusthaveaclearvision ofwhytheywanttobecomean educator.Istheacademicworldtheir trueloveornot.Itcannotbeforthe money Thepersonhastobeveryclear becauseprovidingqualityeducationto thenextgenerationisthevision needed.Wehavethegloryof belongingtoTakshshilaandNalanda Universities,andeducationhasbeen therootofourglorioushistory.Ifthe personwishestogiveyoungpeoplea brighterfutureandhelpshapetheir lives,thenteachingistheactual professiontheycanoptfor

Tobeateacher,yourequireabigheart, extremepatience,andapersonality thatisnoteasilydented.

Pleasesharewhatliesaheadforyou andyourinstitutioninthenear future.

Ourinstitutionhasattractedstudents fromtheIndianSubcontinenttostudy herebecauseitisalawcollegeandthe lawsofcommonwealthnationsshare manythingsincommon.Inthenear future,wearethinkingofexpanding thehorizonbyaddingMastersinLaw toourcurriculum.Itwilldefinitelybea featheraddedtothecapasinthisway wecanopenmorepossibilitiesfor higherstudies.BeingtheonlyLaw CollegeinPanchkula,wearetrying toconnectwithmorelawfirmsto providebetteropportunitiestoour students.

Wekeeponsettingupmultiple legalaidcampsfortheless privilegedgroupstofind theneededlegalassistance withtheproblemsthey've facedoverthepandemic. Inthefuture,wealso lookforwardtoextending oureffortstotouchthe livesofmoreandmore people.

Dr.S.Bhuvaneshwari

Battling the Disparity in Education

IIndiaisundoubtedlyoneofthe mostdiversecountriesinthe world.With22common languages,900dialects,andamassive populationofabout1.3billionpeople, thecountryconstitutesallmajor religionsandsectsintheworld,spread acrossitsdemography,bounded beautifullywiththesharedfabricofUnityinDiversity Theconstitutionof Indiasecuresequallawsfor fundamentalrightsforeachcitizenof thecountry

However,thecountryhasalso struggledtoimplementtheselaws consistentlyasonlyeducated individualscanabsorb,perform,and evendemandwhendeniedtheirrights.

ThearchitectofTheConstitutionof India,Dr.B.R.Ambedkar,recognized thatthischallengecouldonlybemet byeducation.Inhisiconicaddressto thecitizens,hehadsaid,"Beeducated, organiseandagitate"againstinjustice.

Thecountryisstillfightingtospread legalawarenessamongitsilliterate, destitute,andunderprivilegedcitizens.

Dr.S.Bhuvaneshwariandher exemplaryinstitute,SriMantralayam Gurukulamhavebeenchasingthis pursuittobringanobelchangeinthe society

The Knowledge Review proudlyshares highlightsofaninterviewconducted withDr.Bhuvaneshwariconveyingher vision,goals,andanaccountofthe commendableservicetothenation.

Pleasetellusaboutyourjourney throughouttheeducationsector rightfromthebeginningofyour career.

Istartedmycareerinasmallplay schoolintheyear1997.AsI completedmymastersinpsychology,I goteasilyattachedtochildren,which mademestudymoreaboutchild psychology.Eventually,Iworkedin differentschools,followingthe differentsyllabi.Igottolearnthateach schoolworksinadifferentmanner,but theultimateaimisthesame,thatis,the childscoringgoodmarksorgood results.ThisdisturbedmeasIfeltthat thechild'srealtalentwaslostinthe racetogetgoodscores.

Everychildisdifferentandshouldget achancetoprovethemselves;this madememorestubborntobringout thehiddentalentofeverychild,which willhelpthemintheirfuture.

Whatinspiredyoutostepintothe educationindustry?Whowereyour rolemodelsgrowingup?

Ialwaysfeltwhattheschoolportrays andwhathappensinsidetheclassroom

I feel that every individual should be educated so that they can fight for their rights.

isdifferent.SoIwantedtostartmy schoolwhereeverychildistreated accordingtotheirintelligence.Inour school,wefolloweightmultiple intelligence.Eachchildisgiven differentactivitiestodeveloptheir skills.Ibelievethateducationandlife skills,vocationaltraining,and extracurricularactivitiesalsohelpthem besuccessfulinlife.

Mybiggestrolemodelisthelate ChiefMinisterofTamilNadu–J.Jayalalitha.Beingasinglewoman despitesomanyhurdlesinamaledominatedsociety,shestoodforthe rightsofherselfandthepeople,and secondismyself.Ifeelthatevery strugglehastaughtmealessontotake thenextchallengeinapositiveway andchangeitintoasuccessstory

Tellusaboutyouresteemedinstitute anditsmission,vision,andcore values.

SriMantralayamGurukulamiswholly fortheunderprivilegedanddifferentlyabledchildren.ItsMISSIONisto reacheverynookandcornerofvillages inTamilNadu,wheremostofthe talentishidden.Pasteightyears,we havecoveredvillagesinandoutof Maduraibyprovidingfree-of-cost stationaries,books,andeducation, includingdestitutewomenandwomen whoarevictimsofdomesticviolence.I feelthateveryindividualshouldbe educatedsothattheycanfightfortheir rights.

Ourcorevaluesarethatthefutureof Indialiesinthehandsofyoungsters,so itisessentialforthemtobeawareof therightsandthewrongs,anditcan onlybelearnedthrougheducation.

Whataretheprioritiesofyour instituteintermsofcourse objectivesandlearningoutcomes?

Togiveequalrightstodifferentlyabled,needy,andunderprivileged children.Theyshouldnotbe discriminatedagainstinanyway regardingcast,creed,orstatus.Each individualshouldbegivenequalrights insociety AsIndiaisacountrywhere differentreligionsandlanguagesare used,itisvitaltohaveeducated politicianstohavepeaceinthecountry

Thiscanhappenonlybyeducation throughacorrecteducationalinstitute. Andourpriorityhasalwaysbeenno discrimination.Weadmitto underprivilegedandneedychildren becausemanyinstituteschar

Dr. S. Bhuvaneshwari Chairperson and Founder, Sri Mantralayam Gurukulam

higheramountandcatertothehigher society.Butourinstituteonlycatersto lower-classchildrentobegoodcitizens tomorrow.

Kindlyshareyourviewsregarding interactive,onlineeducational contentandhowitredefineshowwe learn.

Ihavealwaysfeltthatonlineclassis notveryinteractivecomparedtooffline classesasthechildrendon'tinteract withtheirpeersorclassmates.During offlineclasses,youcandogroup activitiesthatmakechildren participate,createempathytowards others,andhelpeachother

Onlineclassesarechallengingfor

differently-abledchildren,making themmoreaggressiveandirritated.It becomeschallengingforthementor andtheparenttotakeclassesforthese typesofchildren.Onlineclassesare makingchildrenlesscreative.

Whatarethebiggestchallengesand strugglesfacedbyeducatorsin general?

Ialwaysfeelthateachschoolor institutefollowsadifferentwayof teaching.Sometimesthecomparison betweendifferentinstitutesbyparents makesitdifficultfortheeducatortotry anynewteachingmethod.Infact, manyschoolsareafraideventotrya neweducationalstrategyastheparents donotacceptthat.

Theyfeelthatthenewmethodof teachingwillnotworkout.Parentsare mainlyworriedaboutthemarksand scoresofthekid.Thisputspressureon theeducatoranddoesnotallowthem tousenewinnovativemethodsof teaching,whichwillhelpthechildren learndifferently

Educationisconsideredatoolof empowerment.Whateffortsdoyou andtheinstitutiontaketoensure thateducationisprovidedtothose whoneedit?

Yes,itisatoolofempowerment.AtSri MantralayamGurukulam,wehave alwaystakencareoftheneedy The underprivilegedchildrenareeducated toliveandprosperinasocietywithout discrimination.

Ouraimhasalwaysbeentoeducate womenandgirlswhoarevictimsof domesticviolenceorvictimofrapeso thattheycanlivetheirlifewithdignity. Ourinstitutealwaystriestoreach everynookandcornerofvillages wherepeopledonothaveaccesstoa decenteducation.

Kindlymentionanyofyourawards, accolades,andaccreditations.

ISAGLOBALAWARDS

TAMILNADUWOMEN

ACHIEVERAWARD

SOUTHINDIANWOMEN ACHIEVERAWARD

HUNARFLAIRANDBUSINESS AWARD

INSCAWARDFORBEST PSYCHOLOGISTOFTHEYEAR, MADURAI2020

INTERNATIONALEDUCATOR AWARD

Whatadvicecanyougivetothose whowanttostepintothefieldof education?

Alwaysbeopentoachangeinthe educationsector.Learningispartof theprofessionasaneducator.Sokeep onlearningdifferentmethodsasthe generationismovingintotechnology. Aneducatorshouldbereadytolearn newtechniquesandalwaysbeonestep aheadofthestudent.

Pleasesharewhatliesaheadforyou andyourinstitutioninthenear future.

SriMantralayamGurukulamisknown alloverMaduraiandforourNGO work.Weareproudtoannouncethat wearetheonlyinstituteinMaduraito giveeducationtotheunderprivileged andneedyfreeofcost.Wehavestarted toconstructourbuildingwitha separateblockfordifferently-abled childrenwitharesidentialfacilityto learndifferentlifeskillsonthecampus andbesafe.

At Sri Mantralayam Gurukulam, the underprivileged are given the education to live and prosper in a society without discrimination.

Dr. Smita

Havealookaround,andyou willfindyourselfstuckin betweenunorganised humans.Thoughhumanstryandtend toorganiseeverythingaround themselves,mostpeoplefailto organisetheirthoughts.Thisismajorly becauseoftheirnegligencetowards mentalhealth.

TheCOVID-19pandemicrestricted everyonetotheirhouses.Althoughthe pandemichasadverselyaffected everyone,italsomadeeveryonerealise theimportanceofmentalhealthand howitcanchangeeverythingaround them.Educatingyoungmindsabout mentalhealthhasbecometheneedof thehourforleadingahappylife.

Inourquesttofindsucheducatorswho areeffectivelychangingpeople'slives andmakingadifferenceinsociety,we cameacrossDr.SmitaGhosh,the FounderofMiMerak.Sheisa HappinessLifeCoachandbelieves thatpositivepsychologycanchange theperceptionofyoungsters.

Herearesomeofthehighlightsfrom herinterviewwith The Knowledge Review:

Pleasetellusaboutyourjourney throughouttheeducationsector rightfromthebeginningofyour career.

Ifollowedanacademicpath, graduatingincommercewhile pursuingComputersfromAptech.But Ialwayshadapassionforhelping peopleandmakingadifference.

Thankstomycuriousnatureand stronginnatehealingabilities andsense,IlearnedReikiand otheralternativemodalities therapies.Atonly17years,I completedMasterlevel Reiki.Further,Ialso completedthe3rdlevelin Hypnotherapyfromthe EKAAfoundation.

IspecializeinCBT,Positive Psychology,andcounseling techniquestoimprove psychologicalandmentalhealth.I

amalsoaHappinessLifeCoach.I havealsodoneaCertificateCoursein EmotionalDevelopmentinChildren fromDDFSociale-Learning(backed byEuropeanAssociationforDistance LearningSpain)andCertificateCourse inLeadingChange:GoBeyond GamificationwithGamefulLearning–UniversityofMichigan.

Ienteredthefieldofcounsellingand training(Yoga/Meditationand Mindfulness)asafreelancerandhave workedinKolkata,Nigeria,and Ahmedabad.

In2014,IjoinedanNGOnamed ‘Saath’astheirlivelihoodtrainerand counsellor.Laterin2016,Ijoined AnandNiketanSchool,apremier schoolinAhmedabad.Iworkedasa ‘BehavioralCounsellor’whiletaking specialclassesformiddleschool students.Theseclasseswerea combinationofAdolescenttraining (TeenChallengesandEmotional regulation),emotionalintelligence,and happiness.Theseclassesarecalled (SFA)SkillsforAdolescence.Iamalso thefounderanddirectorofMiMerak, aconceptthatwassownafewyears backbutsawthelightin2021.

Whatinspiredyoutostepintothe educationindustry?Whowereyour rolemodelsgrowingup? Theimpetusofstudyingpsychology

cametomefrommytwowonderful andinquisitivechildren.Thoughthe transitionfromcommercebackground topsychologywasnotsudden,Reiki wasthestartofmyjourneyinthat direction.LaterItooktheplungeand pursuedMAinCounselling Psychology,whereIfeltthatIhada giftofunderstandingthepsycheof humansandthatitwasmydutyto bringamassivechangeinsociety simplybyfollowingmyprofessionasa holisticmentalhealththerapist.Ihave alsocompletedacertificatecoursein SpecialEducationandadiplomain MentalHealthfromNimhansDigital Academy

Tellusaboutyouresteemed institute'smission,vision,andcore values.

AnandNiketanSchool-Ahmedabad (BehaviouralCounsellor/Happiness Coach)

Thevisionoftheschoolis“ToCreate aplacewhereallindividualscan developtheirindividualityinasocially acceptablemanner,forthebenefitof thesociety.”

MiMerak–It’sMyLife(Director Founder)

OurStory-Vision-Mission: MiMerak,insimplewordsmeans findingpleasuresandhappinessin everythingaroundUS.

AtMiMerak,westrivetoenable humanbeingstogothroughthe processofSelfDiscovery Wefollow theartofSELFDISCOVERYthrough thetechniqueofC3T-Counselling, Coaching,Consulting&Training throughthefollowingmode:

S–SelfAwareness

E–EmotionalDevelopment

L–Learning,Unlearningand Relearning

F-Focus Trainingfor TotalDevelopment

ByDiscoveryofNeed Analysis-SkillGapStrength–Weakness-Goal

Kindlyshareyourviewsregarding interactive,onlineeducational content.

It'struethatOnlineteachingcanbethe bestdrivecurriculum,butitcannever fulfiltheothersocialrequirementsofa physicalenvironment.Afterall, schoolsarenotjustaboutstudiesbut aboutteambuilding,community formation,interpersonalrelations,and socialengagement–infact,allthose qualitiesthatmakeahuman,social creature.

Whatarethebiggestchallengesand strugglesfacedbyeducatorsduring thepandemic?

HumanBeingsaresocialanimals. Theyarenotmeanttobelockeddown inarestrictedenvironmentfor

Founder and Director, Mi Merak

protractedperiodsoftime.Yetthis pandemicforcedourhand.Everyoneis affected,butthemostaffectedare obviouslythechildren–the psychologicalscarsfaroutstripthe physicalones,theSilentSufferers–TheQuaranTEENedStudents.

ChallengesandOpportunities

Thebiggestreasonhasbeennonexposuretoschool.Incontrast,we triedtolookforvarioustechnological solutionsthathavebeenatbestpatchy Afterall,especiallyincountrieslike ours,besetbyinconsistentspeedsand agiantdigitaldivide,Zoom,Google Classroom,orWebExarehardly adequatesolutions.

Infact,ithasbeenchallengingfor educatorsasonlineteachingand learningisamassiveshockforboth teachers’productivityandstudents’ sociallifeandlearning.Fewchallenges being

Howtoengagestudentsonboard

Waystoavoiddistractionsfrom othersocialnetworkingsitesduring theonlineclasses

Turningteachingmaterialinto digitalformatatshortnoticeas veryfeweducatorshavestrong digitalandICTskills

Internetconnectivityissues

Thequarantinehasmadetheeducators reinventthemselves–turning challengesintoopportunities.For instance,

Onlineeducation(school)is helpingchildrenkeeptheirsanity

Givingdirectiontotheiranxious andconfusedmind

Allowingthemtospeakup

Innovativeactivitiestokeepthem engaged

Structureanddisciplinetothe otherwiseunstructuredroutineof thenewnormal

Structureanddisciplinetothe otherwiseunstructuredroutineof thenewnormal

Educationisconsideredatoolof empowerment.Whateffortsdoyou andtheinstitutiontaketoensure thateducationisprovidedtothose whoneedit?

IfeelthereisastrongNeedforSoft Skills,EmotionalIntelligence& PositiveAttitude.

Studentsoftodayarethefuture employersandemployeesofprofitable globalbusinesses.Tostandoutas promisingassetstoanymultinational organisation,theyneedtoinvestin sharpeningwhatarelabeledassoft skills.

Studentswithhighemotional intelligencecanbettermanage themselvesandrelatetoothersaround them.Thiscannotonlyhelpthem developimprovedself-motivationand goodcommunicationskillsbutalso becomeconfidentlearners.

AndtheAnandNiketanSchoolisone progressiveschoolthatfeelsholistic developmentofstudentsistheneedof thehour.SFA(SkillsforAdolescence) andhappinessclassesaretheproofof thesame.

Kindlymentionanyofyourawards, accolades,andaccreditations. Awards and Achievements

IndianPsychological Association(IPA)AcademicExcellence Award2020

SuperWoman2020–ForeverStarIndia Awards

ResearchExcellence Award2020–Institute ofScholars(INSC)

ExcellenceAward WomenResearcher–NationalEducational BrillianceAward(NEBA)

AwardforContributioninHealth Awareness–International EducationAward

Top50Influencers–GTown SocietyMagazine

RemarkableWomen2021Award

Appreciation–Humanitarian Excellence(ICanFoundation)

AwardforcontributioninResearch andDevelopmentinhigher education–MIMT

BestResearchPaperPresentationMIMT

BharatGauravPuraskarand CertificateofExcellenceAward

2021–KTKOutstanding

AchieversandEducation Foundation

MindfulEducatoroftheYear Award2021- MindOn

IBRFYoungResearcherAward2021–InternationalBenevolent ResearchFoundation

SuperWoman2021–Motivational Speaker–FSIA

Top100WomenLeadershipAward –GlantorX2022

Accreditations:

IndianScienceCongress(ISCA)–LifeMember(L39631)

We strive to enable human beings to go through the process of Self Discovery.

APA(AmericanPsychological Association)–(C2002596327)

InternationalBenevolentResearch Foundation–BonafideStudent (IBRF/177/ORM/2020J)

IndianSchoolPsychology Association(InSPA)–Life Member(AM/2020/10728)

CounsellorsCouncilofIndia(CCI) –LifeMember(CRN7729099)

MemberofWorldFederationfor MentalHealth

Whatadvicecanyougivetothose whowanttostepintothefieldof education?

Bealifelongstudentandtrytothink BeyondAcademics:‘Learn,Unlearn andRelearn.’

Pleasesharewhatliesaheadforyou andyourinstitutioninthenear future.

Mydreamistoreachtheapexofmy chosenfieldofstudytobenefit adolescentsandyoungstersinthemost formativeyearsoftheirlives.Iamalso avolunteerat‘WellbeingVolunteers United(PoddarFoundation)’whereI workwithcommunitiestocombat stressandanxietythathasbeenabyproductoftheGlobalPandemic.

Someofmyotherprojectsinclude ‘AdvocatingEmpathy’and ‘SwayamRakshak.’

AdvocatingEmpathy:Through onlinewebinars,workshops,talks,and articlesspreadingawarenessforthe needtoincludeemotionalintelligence, speciallyEmpathyasamainstream subjectinearlychildhoodeducation.

SwayamRakshak:Workshopto spreadtheimportanceofPsychological self-defenceandawarenessabout financialliteracy

Iwishtocontinuewiththemissionof spreadingawarenessaboutMental Healthbyregularlyorganizing webinarsandonlinelecturesand writingaresearchpapertoevangelise thebreakingdownofstigmas surroundingmentalhealth,especially inschoolchildren.

Mydreamistoremovethestigmaand shamesurroundingmentalhealthwith strongfaithanddetermination.Iamon ajourneytohelpchildren,youth,and adultsalikeandhelpthembreakfree fromdegradingmentaland psychologicalhealthissues.

Hemali

Pradip Joshi

A Champion for All-round Education

EEducationplaysadefiningrole inastudent'slife.Inprimary schools,theintensivefocusis essentiallyoncoursecurriculum, subjectfundamentals,andgoodgrades.

However,theextracurricularactivities heldinschoolsalsoprovebeneficial fortheoveralldevelopmentofachild. Especiallyperformingarts,sports,and interschoolcompetitionslendahelping handinboostingconfidenceamong students.

Sportshelpbuildcharacterandteam spiritstudents,whileartteachescritical thinkingandsharpensarticulation skills.

Itisobservedthatthestudentswhodo wellinextracurricularactivitiestendto dobetterinorganisingandleadingin thefuture.Asweallknow,allwork andnoplayisnogoodforstudents, andaschoolmustensureabalanceof bothtoproducethenation'sfuture leader

Science Educator, The Borivali Education Society's R. C. Patel High School

To be a good teacher, first you need to be a good learner.

HemaliPradipJoshiisonesuch passionateeducatorwhohasfoundthis perfectbalance.Apartfrombeinga ScienceEducatorataGovernmentAidedSchool,HemaliJoshiisalsoa ResourcePersonandCommittee MemberattheNationalChildren's ScienceCongress,Governmentof India,Mumbaidivision.

Inaninterviewwith The Knowledge Review,HemaliJoshisharesher journeyandoutlookforthefutureof education.Belowaresomeexcerpts fromtheinterview

Pleasetellusaboutyourjourney throughouttheeducationsector rightfromthebeginningofyour career.

Ihaveworkedwithboththekindsof institutions,unaidedandaided. Currently,Iamassociatedwiththe aidedone.Myjourneyhasalwaysbeen fullofenergyandactivities.Since childhood,Ihaddecidedtopursue teachingasmyprofessionasIalways hadapassionforbeinganeducator Myjourneyhasprobablybeenquite likearollercoasterride.Ateverystep, Ihadalearningexperience.

AsIoftensay,'Tobeagoodteacher, firstyouneedtobeagoodlearner.'In mytenyearsofexperience,Ihave receivedmanyfeathersinmyhat.Iam aScienceEducator,aResearcher,and anAuthor.IamaResourcePersonfor theNationalChildren'sScience Congress,Mumbaidivision,underthe GovernmentofIndia.Well!Lifeis neverthesame.Ihavealsofacedmany failurestoobuteachexperiencehas helpedmeingroomingmyskills.

Whatinspiredyoutostepintothe educationindustry?Whowereyour rolemodelsgrowingup?

Ialwayshadmyteachersasmyrole models.Itookanoathtofollowtheir

footsteps.Forme,theyaremy influencers.Igrewupobservingmy fatherservingpeopleselflesslyasheis anMBBSdoctor.Heoftendiscussed certainmedicalcasesthathecame acrosswithme,whichgenerated interestinbiology.Inachild'slife, schoolplaysanimportantrole.

IdidmyschoolingatCarmelofSt. JosephGirlsHighSchool.Itleftno stoneunturnedtobringup sophisticatedladies.Ibelievethata goodhabitinculcatedinchildhood playsavitalroleinthecharacter buildingofachild.Andwhocandoit betterthanaschool?

Tellusaboutyourmission,vision, andcorevalues.

Isetagoaltoprovideeminent platformstomystudentsand especiallyworktoupliftagirlchild.I believeinbringinggirlsandboyson oneplatformandgivingthemequal opportunities.Also,beingunbiasedin termsofgenderandcaste,Ihavebeen aGuideTeacherforResearchprojects undertheNationalChildren'sScience Congress,Mumbaidivisionunderthe GovernmentofIndia,andScience Exhibitions.

Apartfromthat,Itrainstudentsforcocurricularactivitieslikefolkdanceand acting.Ipreparethemfor"Sahshaleya" competitionstoo.Thisyear,my studentshavemarkedtheirNCSC Researchprojectcompetitionatthe Nationallevel,andnowweareallset toprepareforIRISNationalFair.

Alltheseactivitiesleadtoapplicationbasedlearningandenhanceconceptual knowledge.Italsoinculcatesessential disciplineinourlife.

Whataretheprioritiesofyour instituteintermsofcourse objectivesandlearningoutcomes?

Myinstitution,TheBorivali EducationSociety'sR.C.PatelHigh School,believesingivingequal opportunitiestoallthemasseswitha nominalfeestructure.

Beitfromanyfinancialbackground. Allarewelcometogainatop-level education.Wehavesetabenchmarkin bringingholisticdevelopmenttoa child.Ineveryfieldlikesports,folk arts,acting,science,andcounselingby teachersformentalhealthandhelp developaresponsiblecitizen.

Kindlyshareyourviewsregarding interactive,onlineeducational contentandhowitredefineshowwe learn.

Ratherthanconcludingwhichmodeof teachingisbetter,onecannotdenythat theworldhasbecomesmallwith digitalisation.Ithasbecomevery feasibletostudyandgaineffective trainingeveninprofessionallife.But everyaspecthasitsprosandcons. One-on-oneinteractionbetweena teacherandstudentsismandatory, whichislackinginonlineclasses.

Whatarethebiggestchallengesand struggleseducatorsfaceingeneral? Itrytoaddlotsofdemonstrationsin

A good habit inculcated in childhood plays a vital role in the character building of a child.

Ÿ

Scientistin2021.

WonaGoldMedalforthebest TeachingAidvideoattheState levelheldbyNavnirmanScience EducationShortFilmFestivalin 2021.

Ÿ

WonVikramSarabhaiTeacher ScientistAppreciationAwardsby RamanScienceandMaths Foundation,GovtofIndia, Nationally

Ÿ

theclassroomactivities.Forthat,I needaperfectblendoftimeand resourcemanagement.Juggling betweentheactivities,research projects,andlecturesisonemore unavoidablechallenge.Butnothing muststopmefromaccomplishingmy tasks.

Kindlymentionanyofyourawards, accolades,andaccreditations.

Ÿ SarvotkrishtShikshak(All-rounder) AwardatR-Westwardby EducationDepartment,Mumbai.

Ÿ BestTeachingAid:FirstPrizeat R-WestwardbyEducation Department,Mumbai.

Ÿ WonprizesforResearchprojects andScienceProjectsattheState andNationallevelbythe GovernmentofIndia.

Ÿ WonGoldMedalforResearch ProjectatNationallevelheldby NationalChildren'sScience Congress,GovernmentofIndiain 2019.

Ÿ WonFirstprizeforbestTeaching AidvideoatNationallevelheldby IndiaInternationalScienceFestival, GovernmentofIndiain2020.It wasinauguratedbythePrime MinisterofIndia,Shri.Narendra Modi.

Ÿ

WonGoldMedalforpaper presentationatNationallevelheld byNationalCouncilofTeacher

Ÿ

WonGoldMedalforTeaching MethodologyPresentationby NationalCouncilofTeacher Scientist,GovtofIndia,Nationally

WonaGoldMedalforMerit ResearchprojectattheNational levelheldbytheNational Children'sScienceCongressin 2021-22bytheGovernmentof India.Wearenoweligibleforthe entranceleveloftheIRISNational Fair

Whatadvicecanyougivetothose whowanttostepintothefieldof education?

Ibelievethatsocietyrequires passionateteachersratherthan accidentalteachers.Theyouth/trainee teachersmustbepassionateaboutthe professiontheyaresteppingintorather thanforcedtochooseteachingastheir careerbecausetheyareleftwithno otheroption.Thoroughtrainingis neededtonurturetheteachingskills.It alsohelpstoclimbthehierarchiesina career

Pleasesharewhatliesaheadforyou andyourinstitutioninthenear future.

AtR.C.PatelHighSchool,welook forwardtomoreexperimentallearning andpreparingourselvesfor implementingtheNewEducation Policyinourday-to-daylife.Ilook forwardtobuildingachild-centric classroomwherediscussionsbetween thestudentsandteacherswouldbe encouraged.

I believe that society requires passionate teachers rather than accidental teachers.

Maya Shahani Chairperson, Shahani Group

Maya Maya

Shahani Shahani

Teachingdemandsafoundationofalong-term relationshipbetweenateacherandstudent,focused ongrowthanddevelopment.Ateacheralso becomesamentorwithanendlesssourceofsupportand wisdom,notjustsomeonewhoimpartsknowledge.

Agoodmentorhelpsstudentsinculcatevalue-based learning,whichbringsoutthebestleadershipskills, shapingtheirpersonalitiesreadyforthefuture.

Onesuchmentor,MayaShahani,theChairpersonofthe ShahaniGroup,whoisalsotheChairpersonofthe ThadomalShahaniCentreforManagement,offers incrediblyvaluabledevelopmentalsupport.Fromthe beginning,Ms.Shahani'svisionhasbeentobuildstrong ethicalandheart-centricbusinessleaders.Alongwithher workineducation,shehasbeendeeplyinvolvedincharity work,whichhasbeenrecognizedonaninternationallevel. Let'sgothroughMs.Shahani'sjourneyasamentoranda ChairpersonofShahaniGroup.

ThePedagogicCauseway Mayabelievesherjourneyoflifewasdefinedsincethe momentofherbirth,asshewasbornintheyearwhen WorldWarIIendedandtheUnitedNationscameinto existence.Herdelightedparentswouldoftensaythatsheis responsibleforthispeace.Thisthoughtstayedinhermind, andthatiswhenshefeltthattheonlywaytotransformthe worldwasthroughtherighteducation.

Mayafindsherselfluckyenoughtohavemarriedintoa familyofphilanthropists.ThefamilyrantheThadomal ShahaniTrustwiththeprimeobjectiveofpromotingquality education.Herfather-in-law,Mr.KTShahani,wasanactive memberoftheHSNCBoard,whichruns27educational institutes.LookingatMaya'sinterestinthefieldof education,thefoundingfathersoftheBoardinductedheras thefirstwomanmemberoftheBoard.

Whenherson,Dr.AkhilShahani,anMBAfromthe KelloggGraduateSchoolofManagementdecidedtostart theireducationalinstituteundertheumbrellaofShahani GroupandThadomalShahanibrand,lucksmiledather onceagain.Shederivesimmensejoyandsatisfactionby runningherinstitutesassheislivingthedreamof transformingtheworldthroughholistic,international qualityeducation.

SpiritualisticApproach

WhenMayawasachild,theimportanceofeducationwas engrainedinhermindbyhermotherwhobelievedthat

educationwasthegreatestwealthonecouldleavefortheir children.MayagrewupasarefugeefromPakistanduring thePartitionofIndia.Despitetheentirefamilyenduring hardships,hermothermadesurethatthekidsreceivedthe bestpossibleeducation.

WhenMayawasyoung,herparentsandteacherswereher greatestrolemodels.Butasshegrewolder,sherealized thatweareallfallibleashumanbeingsandthatshewas chasingshadows.Thenstartedajourneywithinherself. Mayastates, "I would say that subconsciously we all have a role model, and that is our own Divine Self. Once we reach that state of self-realization, we achieve Nirvana, after which there is no need for an external role model." Thisis whatshewishestopassontoherstudents.Shebelievesthat herlifegoalwillbeachievedonlywheneverychildshe mentorsbecomesasagechildwhichiswhyshehasnamed theCSRarmoftheShahaniGroupastheSAGE Foundation.

TheVisionary

TheThadomalShahaniCentreforManagementaimsto createstudentleaderswhowillcontributetochangingthe world,withthepowertoinfluencemindsaswellashearts. Theinstitutedevelopstheirskillstoenablethemto understandandempathizewiththerapidlychanging environmentandmouldthemtobecomeconscientious leaders.Itbelievesinexperientiallearningandencourages thestudentstodiscovertheiruniquestrengths,whichhelps themdevelopsocialandcognitiveskillsthatenhancetheir capabilities.

Theinstitute'smissionisalignedwiththefast-pacedshifts intheglobaleconomy,society,andenvironment,which requiresanewcadreofempatheticleaderswhocanbe guidedtobenefithumanity

Theinstitute'scorevaluesarebasedonaholisticapproach toeducationasitbelievesallelements,includingphysical, mental,emotional,spiritual,andfinancial well-being,arepivotal.Ethicsisthebasisofallitsteaching, anditscredois'EthicalExcellence.’

UndertheleadershipofMayaandAkhilShahani,the institute'scourseobjectiveistoempowerstudentsby bringinghigh-qualityeducationfromreputedInternational Universities/InstitutestoIndiasothatIndianstudents wouldnotneedtogoabroadtopursuehighereducation.

Thiswill,thus,makeIndiaanattractiveeducationhub, whichwill,inturn,resultintheavailabilityofhigh-quality andequitableeducationforall,whichwillfurthersolvethe problemofemployability.

EmbracingInnovativeApproach

AccordingtoShahani,InteractiveE-learningis revolutionizingtheeducationalsphereasaudio-visualsare moreengagingandhavehigherretentionthanwritten content.Asynchronouslearningwithinteractivevideosand thecapabilitytostop,rewind,andskipsectionsmakes learningeasier.Studentsspendlesstimelearningthe informationtheyalreadyhave,anditalsoprovidesfaculty accesstovaluableanalytics.

AtShahaniGroup,theyhadforeseenthisevenbeforethe pandemicandhadalreadystartede-learningintheir

centres,aswellasflippedclassrooms.Therewasafreeflow oflearningatsuchsessions.

NewProblemsNewerSolution

Asschoolsandcollegeshavegonebacktotheofflinemode, oneofthebigchallengeseducatorsarecopingwithis hybridlearning.Itcanbedifficulttofocusonbothoffline andonlinestudentsatthesametime.Someofthe curriculumsarealsooutdatedandnotalignedwithindustry requirements.Additionally,thereisagreatneedtoupskill teachersbecauseeverythingismuchmoreadvancednow, andstudentshaveaccesstoagreatdealofinformationon theinternet.Teachersneedtobeawareofthenew informationandskillsindigitaltoolstoearntherespectof students.

SharpeningtheEducationalTool

ThadomalShahaniCentreforManagementworkswith SAGEFoundation,theCSRarmoftheShahaniGroup,to helpunder-resourcedstudentsobtaingloballyrecognized, industry-basedmanagementtrainingsidebysidewiththe elitestudents.Theyalsoassisttheminobtaining scholarshipsandbankloans.

In2019,SAGEFoundationreceivedagrantfromJP MorganforINR76lakhtotraineconomically disadvantagedgraduatesforbankingjobs,forwhich ThadomalShahaniCentreofManagementprovidedthe training.ThesuccessofthisinitiativeledJPMorgantofund anadditionalINR17crores,totrain4,800studentsforthe BFSIsector.TheinstituteisactivelyreachingouttoNGOs toprovidestudentsfromtheeconomicallyweakersections whocantakeadvantageofthisoffer.

SeveralAwardsreceivedbyShahani

GlobalEconomicSummitAwardforWomen

AchieversAward

AppreciationbyPresidentBillClintonat

ClintonGlobal

Awardatthehandsofthethen DeputyPrimeMinisterShriL.K.Advani

ofIndiaAwardforOutstandingAchievementsby theInternationalInstituteofEducationandManagement

JamnalalBajajAwardforFairBusinessPractices

manymoreawards.

ANotetoRemember Educationisthenoblestofallprofessions,asyougetthe wonderfulopportunitytotransformlivesanddevelopbright

youngminds,tomakethestudentsoftodayintotheleaders oftomorrow.Thefoundingfather,ThadomalShahani, rightlysaid,"Education is the best way of giving back to society."

RoadmapAhead

EdTechwilltakecentrestage,andtheShahaniGroupwill continuetodeveloptransformationalmethodstoprovide qualityandequitableeducationforoneandall.Toachieve this,theinstitutewillbecollaboratingwithmoreforeign universitiessothatstudentscanaccessinternational educationinIndiaatminimalcostwithouthavingtotravel abroad.TheGroupplanstogopan-Indiaandspread outintheAsiaPacificregion.

Ms. Monalisa

Championing Life-Long Learning

AAsHarukiMurakamiquotesin oneofhisprolificbooks, Kafkaontheshore,

"And once the storm is over, you won't remember how you made it through, how you managed to survive. You won't even be sure, whether the storm is really over. But one thing is certain. When you come out of the storm, you won't be the same person who walked in. That's what this storm's all about."

Lifeistrulyaninfinitesequenceof suchterriblestormsoneaftertheother, whichmetaphoricallysignifiesthe challengeswefaceandsailthroughin ourlives.Murakamiindicatesthat thesedifficultexperiencesalsotag alongwithaboundlessscopeof transformationandlearning.

Alifelonglearneracquiresskillsetsand knowledge,leveragingitforpersonal growth,andmostimportantly,a positiveattitudefocusedonproblemsolving.Whensuchqualitiesare impartedinearlychildhood,itprepares thechildforlifeinatruesense.

Ms.MonalisaDash,aseasoned educatorandPrincipalat ShantiniketanInternationalSchool Hyderabad,strivestoimbibevalues thatmakechildrenlife-longlearners. Withthisstoryat The Knowledge Review,Ms.Dashsharesherlearning experiences,journey,andvaluesthat driveherasaneducator

MouldingintoaSeasonedEducator

Assheexpresses,Ms.MonalisaDash's journeyasaneducatorhasbeenvery 'experiential'.Shestartedin2005when shejoinedOrchidsasaclassfacilitator forgrade3students.Shesays, "International Baccalaureate had been very new to the city of Hyderabad during that time. At the same time, I had my apprehension about conceptual understanding and teaching without books. But the learning, unlearning, and relearning that happened during the training helped me become a better facilitator and educationist. This whole process helped me be a life-long learner, and there was no looking back." Herremarkablejourney continuedatOakridgefortwoyearsas agrade3coordinator,followedby DRSInternationalSchoolfor12years.

The learning, unlearning and relearning helped me become a better facilitator and educationist. This whole process helped me be a life-long learner, and there was no looking back.

Ms.Dash'sroleasaprimaryheadat DRSInternationalSchoolwasalsoan enduringone.Shewasalsoassociated withEdifygroup,asisterconcernof DRS,andhelpedestablishmanyK12 schools.AsanIBworkshopleaderand theschool'svisitingteam,herrole allowedhertoexplorevariousschools andtheirworkculture.Herrolein Geethanjali,theglobalschoolwhich hadstartedintheyear2014asa founder,Principal,andHeadofthe School,hadhelpedherunderstandthe operationsofestablishingan InternationalSchoolfromscratch.

Herexperiencehadhelpedestablish ShantiniketanInternationalSchool,

startedin2017,whichisnowoneof thebestSchoolsintheSainikpuriArea andisaffiliatedtoIB,CBSE,and CAIEcurriculum.Whilerecalling aboutthelearningfromthisperiod,she asserts, "In the whole Journey, I realised that learning is a life–long journey and empowering the team with right training help us develop the right work culture and align the vision and mission of the School across all sections."

Ms.Dashhasbeenrecognisedforher relentlesseffortstodesignbetter educationhasbeenappreciatedand awardedseveraltimes.Someofher awardsandachievementshavebeen listedbelow:

• Awardedforauthoring175 primarybooksforedifygroupof institutionin2014

• Top25womenentrepreneurof TelenganabyWomen'sGloryin 2016

• ProgressivePrincipalofIndia 2017ByRe-thinkIndia

• Top25LeadersinEducation IndustrybyDigitalIndia

• Mrs.India2016

India's Most Admired Women In Educational Sector - 2022

UnveilingtheInspiration

Whilespeakingaboutherrolemodels, Ms.Dashrecognisesthatnumerous personalitieshadinspiredherthrough hertenureintheeducationspace,and tonamejustafewwon'tsuffice.She hadbeenguidedinknowingand understandingtheeducationindustry throughouthertenurebyallthe Principalsandcolleaguesduringher primaryyears.However,herrole modelshavealwaysbeenherparents. Shehadlearnedprofessionalism, problem-solving,anddisciplinefrom herfather,whilehermotherhelpedher acknowledgethevalueofbeing persistent,patient,andstaying groundedtoherroots.

SNIS:LearningGroundsfor FutureLeaders

Whilespeakingaboutthe intrinsicvaluesandgoalsthat driveShantiniketan

InternationalSchool,Ms. DashassertsthatSNISwas builtontherocks, persistenthardwork, values,andaphilosophy togarneragenerationof globalleadersinvarious

fields.Sheadds, "SNIS is not only an institution but a cumulative force, with the best staff, faculty, infrastructure, and curriculum endeavouring to provide a holistic learning and development of children, right from their formative years to maturity."

SNISfocusesontheoverallgrowthof childrenfromclassroomlearningto real-lifepracticalities,incorporating thebesteducationalcoursesandlatest technologies.Theschooloffersoneof thebestNationalandInternational syllabitotheirpupil,focusingon fosteringstronginterpersonalskills,a healthywayoflife,andacommitment toteamwork.Theschoolensuresthe involvementofparents,

Ms. Monalisa Dash

Principal, Shantiniketan

International School, Hyderabad

In the whole Journey, I realised that learning is a life–long journey and empowering the team with right training help us develop the right work culture and align the vision and mission of the School across all sections.

whichentailsthembeingfully informedabouttheirchild'sprogress, achievements,andscopeforfurther improvement.

Sinceitsinception,SNIShaspreserved aninclusiveenvironmentforachildto providethebestpossibleeducationfor thestudentsbydevelopingknowledge, attitudes,andskillsessentialforlifelonglearning.Whilespeakingabout theteachingmethodologyatthe school,Ms.Dashsays, "Our internal management team evaluates not only pupils' development, but the progress of a teacher in taking the students to a higher echelon of learning and growth. With close internal monitoring as a quality assessment tool, we aim to ‘walk the talk’ and cater to the expectations of a generation exposed to global culture. At the same time, we intend to strengthen their awareness about their roots."

Asaninstitution,SNISacknowledges educationasatoolofempowerment andhaspoliciestoprovidefree educationtotheunder-privilegedand down-trodden.SNIShasalsoadopted AganwadiSchoolandconstantly supportsthemwithresourcesneededto improvethequalityofeducationfor all.

ShebelievesthatasanInstitute,the criteriatoreachthelearningoutcomes shouldbecleartothestudents,andthe studentsandfacilitatorscan collaborativelydecideit.Asan institution,SNIShasconstantlybeen strivingforrelevantlyengaging, enduring,andchallenginglearningfor students.

RecognisingChallengesinEducation

Ms.Dashshedslightonthechallenges facedbytheeducatorstoimplement theprocessoflearning,unlearning,and relearningasdrivingthecultureofany school.Shebelievesthatthevisionofa schoolshouldbealignedacrossthe schoolcommunity,whichattimes becomeschallengingforaleader.She alsoidentifiesthatsometimesthe parentsstruggletoacceptthe challengesinlearningfacedbytheir ward.Atthesametime,the implementationofdifferentiationinthe classroomisanotherchallengethatan educatorfaces.

SteppingIntotheFuture

Stressingontheconstantfocuson differentiationandinclusivenessinthe school,Ms.Dashexpressestheneedto makeeducationfuture-readyby implementingtheneededresources. Sheadds, "Ensuring that the kids

themselves are problem-solvers and make choices in life induces a never wavering confidence in them. I would like to continue providing growthinducing learning, where the engagements are relevant, challenging, and enduring for the students."

Sharma

An Ideal Example of Being an Educator by ChoiceNeha

BBeingateacherintoday'sworld isachallengingtask.Though mostoftheteachersyoucome acrossinlifearenotteachersby choice.Thetransitionshiftinthe modernbusinessworldhasleftoneof thenoblestprofessionsintheworld ignoredbytheyoungsters.

Theeducationsectorisindireneedof dedicatedteachers.Teacherswho choosetobeeducatorscanchangeand

bringasignificantchangeinthe educationalspace.Forthiseditionof The Knowledge Review,wesoughtto findsucheducatorswhocateredtothe industrybychoiceandnotbydestiny

WecameacrossNehaSharma,the PrincipalofGDGoenkaPublic SchoolRajnagarExtn,Ghaziabad, onourquest.Sheisonesuch personalitywhochosetobean educatorandbeatorchbearerfor

today'syouth.Inaninterviewwith The Knowledge Review,shesharedher journeythroughthismoderneducation sectorandhighlightedsomeofthe mostinterestingfactsaboutthe educationspace.

Herearesomeofthehighlightsfrom theinterview:

Pleasetellusaboutyourjourney throughouttheeducationsector

Neha Sharma Principal, G. D. Goenka Public School Rajnagar, Gaziabad

rightfromthebeginningofyour career.

Iamaneducatorbychoice.The decisionwassimpleandeasyatthe crucialpointofchoosingthecareerand enrollingforanMBAorB.Ed.Yes, andyougetnopointsforguessingmy choice.IjoinedtheArmySchool, Mathura,immediatelyaftermylast B.Edpaperintheyear2003.

CommutingearlyfromAgrato Mathuraeverydaywasneveranissue forme,butwhenIgotanopportunity toworkinmycityofresidence,I quicklygrabbedit.Ithasbeena satisfyingandenrichingjourneysofar. ThoughItookadetourandjoined GovernmentJobintheEducation sectoritself,mycallingpulledmeback tothehappyhavenofschool,andIam surenowitwillbehappilyeverafter

Whatinspiredyoutostepintothe educationindustry?Whowereyour rolemodelsgrowingup?

Myteachers!Someofmyteachers trulyinspiredme,andtoday,Ioweall mysuccess(ifImaybeallowedtocall myselfsuccessful)totheirmentorship. Thebestpartistheyarestilla significantpartofmylife,andIknowI canreachouttothemwhenever needed.Mymotherandfatherhave alsobeenmyrolemodels.Mymother, aretirededucationofficer,hasalways beenmypillarofstrengthandsupport. SheisanIronLadyinthetruesense, andIattributemygritandsteeltoher. Myfather,anuprightandethical retiredofficerfromthehigher judiciary,inspiredmetobehonestin mypersonalandprofessionallife.He hasbeenacompassionateanddoting father.Myparentsgavemeandmy siblingscompleteagencytomakelife choicesandtaughtustotake responsibilityandcourageouslyface theconsequencesofourchoices.

Tellusaboutyouresteemedinstitute anditsmission,vision,andcore values.

Thevisionofmyschoolisto buildentrepreneurialleadersfor tomorrow.Wetrytoprovide themvariousopportunitiesto instilthevaluesoftruthand honestyinactionand thoughts.Weasaschoolare tryingtonurtureour studentsascompassionate, empathetic,responsibleand respectfulcitizens.

Whataretheprioritiesof yourinstituteintermsof courseobjectivesandlearning outcomes?

Weprovideauthenticexperiential learningopportunitiestoourstudents withastrongfocusonintegratingarts andsportsseamlesslyintotheir learningexperiences.Theteachersas co-learners,trytheirbesttohelpevery childreachtheiroptimumpotential. Wehaveanopenenvironmentinour schoolwherefailuresarecelebrated equallytosuccesses,andfeedbackis notgivenbutinvited.

Kindlyshareyourviewsregarding interactive,onlineeducational contentandhowitisredefiningthe wayswelearn.

Itisalwaysbettertostayintunewith thechangingtimes.Wehavewithus thedigitalnatives,andforthem,online experiencesarepartoftheirreal-world rightfromthedaytheyareborn.Ifwe prepareourchildrenfortheVUCA world(volatile,uncertain,complex, andambiguous),theappropriateuseof onlinelearningwillhelpthembecome lifelonglearnersandredefinetheir experiencesthroughVUCA2.0 (Vision,Understanding,Courage,and Adaptability).HereIstronglyfeelthat

stthe21 CenturySkillsesp.Critical& Creativethinking,ICT,andMedia literacymustbeanessentialpartof everychild'slearningrepertoireaswe amplifyourconnectionwith interactive,onlineeducational environments.

Whatarethebiggestchallengesand strugglesfacedbyeducatorsin general?

Educatorsfacechallengeslikedoing justicetoextensivecurriculum,time management,parentaldemands(and sometimesapathy).Overandabove, educatorsinourcountryareabsolutely underpaidandundervalued!But despitethis,Ihavealwaysbelieved thateducatorshavesomesuperpowers forsure.Evenafterallthechallenges theyface,theyputintheirbesttomake everylearningexperienceworthwhile fortheirstudents!

We have an open environment in our school where failures are celebrated equally to successes, and feedback is not given but invited.

Educationisconsideredatoolof empowerment.Whateffortsdoyou andtheinstitutiontaketoensure thateducationisprovidedtothose whoneedit?

Weareaninclusiveschool,andthis actuallymaynotbeseenastangiblyas itcanbeexperiencedintangibly.We don'tjustbelieveinprovidingevery childwithequallearningopportunities, buttheentireteamworksconsciously towardsit.

Kindlymentionanyofyourawards, accolades,andaccreditations.

Ihavereceivedfewrecognitionsand awardsformywork,butnonecan matchtheloveandrespectfrommy currentandformerstudentsandteam.I evengottosharemyteachingjourney experiencesasaspeakeratthe14th UNCongressonCrimePreventionand CriminalJustice,Kyoto,Japan,hosted byUNODCandUNESCOandat UNESCOandUNODCRegional DialogueonEngagingyouthfor educationandjusticeinSouthAsia.

Whatadvicecanyougivetothose whowanttostepintothefieldof education?

Todaymorethanever,itisbecoming clearthateducationissomuchmore thanthefourRs–reading,writing, arithmetic,reasoning.Everytrue educatorwouldwishforchildrentobe resilient,tobepassionate,readytotake risks,problem-solveandthink critically,lookatthingsdifferently, workindependentlyandwithothers, careandwanttogivebacktotheir community,persevere,haveintegrity, self-respect,andenjoytheirlifeand work.Thefundamentalgoalsof educationtodayaretoequipachild withthelifeskillsessentialtomeetthe challengesofeverydaylife.Ifeel confidentthatIcanprovidean environmentconducivetothegrowth anddevelopmentofachildinmy school.Itisahappyschoolthatputs childrenfirst!Don'tweneedevery schooltobelikethis?So,bean educatorwhocanmakeadifferenceas everychilddeservesachampion.

Pleasesharewhatliesaheadforyou andyourinstitutioninthenear future.

Weknowthattheworldoutthereis fullofissuesandcrises!Weasaschool believethatwedon'thavetoprepare ourchildrentoliveinthis dysfunctionalworld,wherevalue systemshavedistorted,andexposure tonegativeinfluenceshasbecomea norm.Instead,wepreparethemsothat theycanmakethisplacenormal, better,andmoreliveable!Forthis,our school,todayandtomorrow,willstrive tofosterforourchildrenaconducive learningenvironmentbuiltonthe bedrockoftrust,love,respect, compassion,andempathy!Iknowitis atallorder,butasaschool,itisour responsibilitytoprepareourchildren tohealtheworldthatourgeneration hasmessedup-emotionally, environmentally,mentally,and spiritually,whichwealwayswill tirelessly!

The vision of my school is to build entrepreneurial leaders for tomorrow.

WOMEN'S EDUCATION History India

EEducationisoneoftheintrinsic aspectsofhuman development.Focusingon inclusiveeducation,itissaidthat educatingonewomancanignitethe sparkinanentirefamily,ultimately creatingapositiveimpactonsociety

Fortheworldbank,girleducationisa strategicdevelopmentpriority. AccordingtoUNESCO'sprojection, thereare129milliongirlsdeprivedof education,outofwhich32million

girlsbelongtotheagegroupof primaryschool,and97milliongirls areofsecondaryschoolageallover theworld.

Doyouknowthatwomen'sliteracyis stilloneofthebiggestchallengesin India?

InIndia,everygirlchildfacesa challengeforeducationwhichis causedbyculturalbeliefs,scarcity, meagerinfrastructure,andviolence againstwomen.Itisimportantthat women'seducationisprioritized consideringthesocialoutcome.

Asweknow,aneducatedwomanisthe strongestpillarofsociety Asthe formerPrimeMinisterofIndiaPt. JawaharlalNehruoncesaid,"If you educate a man, you educate an individual, and if you educate a woman, you educate a whole family. Women empowered means mother India empowered."

Fortimeandages,womenhadbeen fightingfortheirrights,beitfor educationorlivinginthesociety equallywithmen.TheIndian governmentstartedacampaignand introducedvariousschemesforgirl education,andthegovernmenthas namedthecampaign'Beti Padhao, Beti Bachao.' Thiscampaignwasinitiated in2015atPanipat.

InancienttimesIndianwomenhadthe specificrightofUpanayana,which gavethemarighttolearnVedas.Out ofmany,feweducatedwomenlike QueenVictoria,QueenElizabeth, MotherTeresa,IndiraGandhi,Kalpana Chawla,etc.,havesetanexampleof womenempowermentandfeminism, creatinghistorybycontributingto nation-building.

History!

InIndianhistory,JyotiraoPhuleisone ofthegreatphilanthropicpersonalities. Hewastheonewhoopenedthefirst girlschoolinIndia,andhealsomadea homefortheuppercastewidowsand fornewborngirlchildrentosavethem fromfemaleinfanticide.

Heeducatedhiswife,SavitribaiPhule, firstathishome,andlater,he encouragedhertowork.Savitribai workedwithaninclusiveapproachand brokeallthestereotypesagainst intercastemarriages.Shealso performedthelastritesofJyotirao PhuleandwasthefirstwomaninIndia whobelievedthateducatingwomenis theultimatetoolforabetterfuture.

Onasimilarnerve,FatimaShaikhwas thefirstfemaleteacherwhoeducated Dalitchildrenintheschool,whichwas runbyPhule.Shealsospentalotof timecounselingtheparentsand explainingtheimportanceofeducation andhelpedinsettingupthe "IndigenousLibrary"inherown house.Shegavetoughchallengesto theconservativepracticesthatwere restrictingeducationinsociety.

SwarnaKumariDeviwasthefirst womanwriterinBengaliliterature.She wasthesisterofRabindranathTagore, andshemostlywroteaboutwomen's rightsinIndia.Shewasanactive supporterofwomen'srightsandthe founderof'SakhiSamiti,'inwhichshe providededucationandshelter.

ThereisanothergreatladyHelen Kellerwhohadsetagreatexamplefor womenandphysicallydisabledpeople. Shehadanunknowndiseasethatleft herblindanddeafattheearlyageof 19months.CompletingherBachelor's inArtsDegreefromtheRadcliff CollegeatHarvard,shebecamethe

firstblindanddeafpersonto accomplishherdream.After completinghereducation,shestarted givingspeechesandlecturesabouther lifeinsignlanguage.Heleninspired andencouragednumerouswomenand disabledpeopletotakeeducation.

Education!AToolforEmpowering Women.

Educationisatoolofempowerment thathelpssocietytransformin numerousways,someofthemare discussedbelow

StrengtheningtheDemocracy

Educationbringsgreatattentiveness andawarenessaboutthesocialissues amongthewomen,whichencourages themtoparticipateinpoliticsand resolvethesocialproblem,andthis eventuallystrengthensthedemocracy ofthecountry Onesuchinspiringexampleisa giganticpersonality,IndiraGandhi. Shebroughttremendouschangestothe countryandfocusedonwomen's growth.

EfficiencyandEfficacyofEconomic Management

Womenhaveaninnatesenseof managingfinanceathomeandother interpersonalskills.Buteducatinga womanopensvariousdoorsto managingtheirfinancesmore efficientlyandeffectively

Forexample,aneducatedwoman knowstheexpensesthatoccurathome andtheremainingshecanutilizein investinginstocksorinpolicies,and thelistgoeson.

ImapctingtheSociety

Women'seducationhelpsthemto overcometheissuesandproblemsset bysocietyforthem.Theeducation helpsthemtoknowtheirfundamental

rights,whichultimatelymakesthe womenstrongtofightfortheirrights.

InIndia,women'seducationcanobtain themainobjectiveofsocial developmentandhelpsinenhancing thestandardoflivingofthefamily

Tociteaninstancethatreflectsthe meritsofwomen'seducationisthe verdictgivenbyKothariCommission in1968.Itendorsededucationasa deviceforsocialprogressionand inclusivedevelopment.

GenderEquality

Educationhaschangedthemindsetof thepeopleandtaughtthemnotto discriminatebetweenmenandwomen. Themasseshavestartedunderstanding thevalueofeducationandencouraging womenforthesame.Italsoteaches mentorespectwomeninsocietyand facilitateequalopportunity.

Womenaretheunprivilegedmembers ofsociety.Everychildregardlessof gender,deservestogetaquality education.Itnotonlyhelpsingaining knowledgebutalsohelpsin developingthenation.Educatingagirl childhelpsbuildanunbiasednation

andbringscertainreformstothe country'sgrowth.

FamilyPlanning

Theeducatedwomenknowaboutthe crisisoftheever-increasingpopulation, andtheyhelpinpopulationcontrol initiatives.Ascomparedwith uneducatedwomen,theeducatedones haveafewernumberofpregnancies. TherearemanycountrieslikesubSaharanAfricathathaveafourtimes lowbirthrateofgirlswithsecondary educationasitiscomparedwiththe countrieswithloweducation participation.

IncreasingtheHealthKnowledge

Inthelastfourdecades,fourmillion childdeathshavebeenprevented. Educatedmotherknowsabout sanitation,nutrition,andboostingthe immunityoftheirchildthateventually preventstheirchildrenfromvarious diseasessuchasdiarrhea,pneumonia, malaria,andmalnutrition.

DecreaseintheRateofChild Marriages

Asthegirlchildisgettingeducated, theydon'tgetmarriedattheiryoung ageandtheylookforwardtothe

opportunitiesthathelpthemtobecome successfulintheirlivesandtoearn moneyfortheirfamilies.

EconomicGrowth

Women'seducationhasapositive impactontheworldeconomy

AccordingtoanInternationalLabor Organizationreport,"Educatingagirl childprovedthatitisthemost importantwayofbreakingthepoverty cyclesandputaseriousimpacton accessingtheformaljobsonalongtermbasis."

ConcludingWords!

Initially,women'seducationwasnot consideredasapriority,butnowithas becomeafundamentalright.Oncegirls werenotallowedtogotoschooland learn,buttherewerefewwomenwho encouragedthecommunitytoseek educationandfightfortheirrights.

Educatingwomennotonlyhelpsin familygrowthbutalsomakesagreat contributiontocountry'seconomic growthandcollectivehuman developmentofsocialdemography

- Madhu Guleria

Sadhana

Consolidating the Foothold of Education in IndiaBhaa

TTeachingisanadmirable occupation.Prospective teachersrelishaccessto shapingachild'sfuture;however,it alsotacklesimmenseaccountability Withmorethan10millionteachersin thecountry,Indiacontinuestooutshine theworldineducation.Afairpartof thecreditgoestotheeducatorswho havelenttheirlifefordevelopingand propagatingeducationtoevery possiblepersoninthecountry

SadhanaBhallaisonesucheducator whohasdevotedmorethanthree decadesofherlifetoeducation.She hasservedasthePrincipalofMira ModelSchool,NewDelhi,andhas alsobeenChairpersonfortheNational ProgressiveSchools'Conferencefrom 2017-2019.

Withthehighlightsofaninterview conductedwithher, The Knowledge Review takesthisopportunityto acknowledgeandcelebratethe impeccablecontributionofthis stalwarteducator

Thechangingroleofaninspirational womanleaderinthefieldof education

Ifirmlybelievethatawomanhead bringsadifferentemotionandvalue. Giventheinherentnatureofawoman's resilience,patience,andtheinnate natureofbeinganurtureranda superwoman,itiseasierforawoman leadertoshiftgearstobecomea gardener,anurturer,afirmleader,and shiftgearswithease,whichtherole demandsindifferentandever changingsituations.

Thus,inmyopinion,whiletheheadof aschoolhastobeaninspirational leaderleadingfromthefront,therole asaheadwouldrequiretobeakeen gardener,philosopherguide,andan eminentleaderforavibrantand meaningfullearningschool,an administrator,ateamleader,armed withstrongpsychological understandingandskillsandsomuch more.

Beingaschoolleaderisatallorderfor anyinstitutiontobeasgoodasits leader.

Pleasetellusaboutyourjourney throughouttheeducationsector rightfromthebeginningofyour career.

Ihavebeenimmersedinthefieldof educationforthepast37years,firstas ateacher,aHeadmistress,andfinally astheHeadofSchoolsincetheyear 2000.

MentoringismyforteandsomethingI enjoythoroughly.Itisforthisreason thatmyexperienceasaMentorto Principalsandteachersacrossthe countryinthe'GlobalTeacher AccreditationAward'undertheaegisof theBritishCouncilissomethingthatI feel,hasgivenmethebandwidthto engagemyselfincapacitybuilding programmes.

Itisinthesameveinmaking125heads ofschoolsoftheState-runschoolsin Delhicomputerliterate,andtraining Headsofschoolsundervarioustrusts havearmedmewiththeconfidenceof beingabletobringbestpracticesin multipleareasofself-development.

Ihavethroughoutexploredother opportunitiesandparticipatedin teacherandprincipaltraining,headeda nationalbodyof195private independentschoolsandbeena Consultant,Mentor,andBritish CouncilAmbassador

Theseopportunitieshaveaddedtomy learning,makingmyjourneyvibrant andalive.

Whatinspiredyoutostepintothe educationfield?Whowereyourrole modelsgrowingup?

Belongingtoafamilyofeducationists, mytransitionintoeducationwasa normalprogressionandthemost naturalthingformetodo.

Frombeingrefugeesofthepartitionof 1947,tobecomingleadingeducatorsin theirmissiontobringeducationinan areawheretherewerenoschools,my parents'inspirationaljourneywasthe backdropformysiblingsandmein whichwegrewup.

Mymother,havingbeendenied schoolingforthelongesttime. Educatingherselfasayoungbrideand mother,myfather'sencouragementand unstintingsupportwerejustsomeof thestoriesthatwegrewuplisteningto, andultimatelydefinedourjourneysin thefieldofeducation.

Incidentally,MiraModelSchoolwas setupbyher58yearsago,and therefore,Ihavehadtheopportunityof beingmentoredbythebest.

Tellusaboutyouresteemed institute’smission,vision,andcore values.

MiraModelSchoolhasbeenstrongly rootedinthecommunitywithaglobal outlook.AMiraite—studentsofMira ModelSchool—througheducation here,aimstobeawell-adjusted,wellrounded,practical,andbalanced individualwhoshouldevolveasa sensitive,considerate,caring individualwhowillcontributetothe worldinapositivemanner

Thevisionisthateverychildmust respecttheviewpointofothersand believeinthevalueofsocialjustice andequalitywhilebeingableto assumeleadershipinallfieldsto endeavour,andhavetheabilityto standupforthemselvesandothers.

Thecorevalueshavebeenrespectand tolerance,givingbacktothe community,andbeingalwaysrooted.

Whataretheprioritiesofyour instituteintermsofcourse objectivesandlearningoutcomes?

Thepriorityofthisschoolistoprovide student-centered,focused,meaningful, relevant,inclusiveanddifferentiated learningtoeachchild,whichwillbring themclosertowhotheyareandhelp themembarkonajourneyofselfdiscovery

Creativity,collaboration,and cooperationarethefocalpointsof students'journey.Everyexperience

musthelpthemimbibeessentialskills oflearningtoknow,learningtodo, learningtobe,andlearningtolive together Educationisconsideredatoolof empowerment.Whateffortsdoyou andtheinstitutiontaketomakesure thateducationisprovidedtothose whoneedit?

WeatMiraModelSchooltakepridein ourcommitmenttoourmantra'from thefamilytothecommunitytothecity, tothecountry,totheglobe,'leavingno childbehind,equalopportunityforall, andanopen-doorpolicyofeducating anyoneseekingeducation.

Startingwiththefirstgeneration learners,marginalisedcommunities, refugees,displacedchildrentochildren ofthemovingcommunityof governmentservants,theschoolhas neverdeniedadmissionthroughany selectionortestingtokeepchildren out.

All experiences must help the students to imbibe important skills of learning to know, learning to do, learning to be, and learning to live together.

Iwouldliketoparticularlymentionthe experimentIhaveinitiatedinthe schoolofemployingandtraining mothersofourstudents.Thesemothers wholivedintheirspouses’shadows becameshadowteachersandspecial educators.Weencouragedthemtotake onmoresuchrolesandevencomplete theireducationandhelpthemstandon theirownfeet.Ifeelprivilegedtohave beenapartoftheirjourneywherein theyevolvedintoempowerededucated women.

Kindlymentionanyofyourawards, accolades,andaccreditations.

ExemplaryPerformance Awards”forexistingdayschools, 2021

InternationalSchoolAwardfor LeadingtheIntegrationof

Sadhana Bhalla Principal, Mira Model School, New Delhi

Tothosewhowishtochooseteaching andeducationastheirpath,Iwould urgethemtodosofortheright reasons,atthecoreofwhichshouldbe theinnateloveforchildren,learning, andthecapacitytobealifelong learner

Pleasesharewhatliesaheadforyou andyourinstitutioninthenear future.

MiraModelSchooliscurrentlyinits GoldenJubileeyear.Itisalsotime wheretherealignmentandupscalingof theschooltomakeitevenmore dynamic,sustainable,andvibrantfor thenext50yearsiswhatisbeingdone undertakencurrently.

InternationalLearninginthe school,2015bytheBritishCouncil

Ÿ CBSENationalAwardfor Teachers,2014

Ÿ AppreciationCertificatefor SupportandCommitmenttothe BritishSchoolProgram,2013

Ÿ CentralinstituteOfEducation AlumniAssociation,Awardfor ExcellenceinRecognitionof distinguishedcontributionand meritoriousservicesinthefieldof education,2011

Ÿ

CBSEParikshaAward,2005

Ÿ WorldEnvironmentEducationand DevelopmentAwardbythe InternationalInstituteofEcology andEnvironment,2005

Whatadvicecanyougivetothose whowanttostepintothefieldof education?

Education,especiallyduringthecovid, hasjoltedtheworldofschooling, manifold.Thus,thefocusfor immediateandlongtermgoalofthis institutionistoproviderelevant, quality,sustainableandmeaningful educationtoourchildren.Aleading schoolthatcontinuestoberootedin tradition,values,andhistoryandyet, remainsaprogressiveandstellar institutioniswhatweaspireittobe.

Asforme,IstronglyfeelthatIamat thecrossroadsofmycareerwhereI wouldliketoputtothetestallmy learning,skills,andexperiencethatI garneredalongthewayinadifferent contextandlearnfromsomething outsideofmycomfortzone.

Settingupaschoolinaruralareain thehillshasbeenmylong-standing dream.Alternatively,immersing myselfinPrincipalandteachertraining issomethingthatwouldbechallenging andexcitingformepersonallyand maybe,formyfuture.

Being a school leader is a tall order for any institution to be as good as its leader.

SanamSud

Edwards

A Torchbearer, Reforming the Modern Education

M

MalcolmX,avisionary Americancivilrights activist,andleader,once said, "Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today."

Indeed,solidfoundations,transparent dialogue,andprogressivepoliciesin educationareextremelyimportantfor anycountry’sfuture.Astheworldis stilltryingtowakeuppostthedreadful pandemic,wehavewitnesseddrastic amendsintheeducationsectoralready regardingtheinvolvementof technology.However,followingthe unprecedentedtimes,theeducation industrywasalsooneoftheworst-hit industriesintheglobalfinancial market.

Insuchchallengingtimes,where institutionsarefightingtobringthings backtonormal,considerablethought alsohastobeputintofundamental advancementsineducation,and educatorsandpolicymakersatthe grassrootslevelplayasignificantrole inthisprocess.

SanamSudEdwardsisonesuch educatortryingtopushtheboundaries anddrivethewheelsofchangeina promisingmanner.Inanexclusive

interviewwith The Knowledge Review, SanamSudEdwardssharesher inspiringjourneyandvisionwithour readersas atIBPYPFacilitator DPS International

Belowareexcerptsfromtheinterview

JourneyandPurpose

Asafighterpilot'sdaughter,Sanam EdwardshadmovedalloverIndia duringherchildhood.Hereducation wassolelythroughgovernmentschools scatteredinruralandurbanareas.She states, "While shifting schools every two years was the pinnacle of youthful adventure, I was always left wondering what learning was like for other children who had a modicum of stability in their lives." Shedeveloped akeeninterestintheeducationsector asshewantedtolearnmoreabout technologyineducationandcuttingedgestrategiesofimpartingknowledge toyounglearners.Sheadds, "However when I became a teacher at DPS International in Gurgaon, I quickly gleaned that I was not the one imparting wisdom at all! During my years of facilitating, I have observed that children have an innate capacity to be curious and learn new things."

AnalysingtheCuriousMindofa Child

Sanamenjoysbeingateacher followingtheInternational Baccalaureate,andsherelishes watchingthestudentsquestioning everythingaroundthemandevolving intoindependentbeingsinfrontofher eyes.

Whenaskedaboutherinspirationto diveintotheeducationsector,she responded, "My role models have been my parents, as they allowed me to grow independently while feeling nurtured, cared for but never stifled. I hope to be an educator that innately understands the capabilities of a child while encouraging them to be the best version of themselves."

Mission,Vision,andaNew Beginning SanamEdwardscouldseestudentsand teachersstrugglingduringthe pandemic.Shesays, "Technology seemed to be a foe rather than a friend, and the future seemed bleak."

Sinceshehadalwaysenjoyedusing technology,shebeganablogonher foraysintheeducationsectorina pandemicworld.Atthattime,herblog dealtprimarilywithnavigatingonline educationandtheadditionaldilemmas thataccompanyahybridsystem.Soon,

shebeganreceivinginputsfrom educatorsaroundtheglobewhoread herblogandbecamefamiliarwithnew apps,teacherscouldnowunderstand howtoaddinquiryintolearningat home,andevenreceivedquerieson howtoteacheffectivelyfrombehinda screen.

Sanamsays, "Since teachers are lifelong learners, I realized that they craved new techniques to instruct their students, wished for fresh insights on how to handle a post-COVID generation, and a chance to philosophize on the teaching profession, in general."

Herarticlesonhard-hittingtopicsin theteachingprofessionweresoon publishedinnumerouseducation publicationsandopenedthedoorway toconversationsontheprogressiveness inIndianschooling.Herbloghas blossomedintoaconversationstarter,a steppingstonetospeaking engagementsthattouchuponhitherto unaddressedtopicsandaplatformfor otherstosharetheirworkwiththe world.

Transforming EducationThrough Technology

Educationbecameevenmore distantoncethepandemichadhit, despiteschoolsbeingjustaroundthe corner.Whileadultstraverse lockdownswithrenewedresolve,the oneswhosufferhavealwaysbeenthe children.AccordingtoSDG-4,thereis agrowinggapinteachingand learning.

Sanamsays, "I think it is more so now because of the shift towards a hybrid system. Teachers strive to refill creative fuel while children struggle with social and emotional issues. It is important to remember that learning can always be fun, and it is up to us as educators to kindle a love of learning even from the comfort of home. I have made it my constant endeavour to share my successes and pitfalls through my blog to inspire others to try new things and add life into classrooms despite being online."

SanamEdwardsfirmlybelievesthat thehybridsystemisanopportunityto

inculcatealovefortechnologyanda senseofcomfortwhilelearning.In toughtimeslikethese,childrenhaveto beallowedasenseofbelongingand lovedespitenotbeingthereinperson. "The world has been through a pandemic, and yet technology has saved the day for the next generation! Imagine the plight of the young learners whose future could have been snatched from them had we not fallen back on technology!" Sanamadds.

BreakingtheBarriersinEducation

Whenaskedaboutthebiggest challengesfacedbytheeducators, Sanamsays, "Educator and student burnout are on the rise. While schooling has continued, we are still adapting to the fatigue of gazing at a screen for hours at a stretch. Many professionals are leaving the field as they feel this scenario is not what they signed up for when they became

It is up to us as educators to be pillars of strength and resilience for our students and each other.

Sanam Sud Edwards IBPYP Facilitator, DPS International

teachers. To them, I ask, 'What about the children?' They did not sign up for this situation either. It is up to us to be pillars of strength and resilience for our students and each other After all, this too shall pass, and we will be the ones picking up pieces of a broken generation and creating 'Kintsugi' with them."

TurningChallengesinto Opportunities

Sanammentions'Kintsugi'aboveasa metaphor,whichisaJapanese techniqueoftakingsomethingbroken andfixingitwithgoldtocreate somethingmorebeautifulthanbefore. Sheadds, "Education was always meant to empower the youth, and this stands true during the worldwide pandemic. We have all been broken, yet we must rise above our hardships to be stronger than before. We are 'Kintsugi' works of art right now, just waiting for the gold lining to make us whole again."

Herideaof somethingextraordinary comingoutofthestrugglesis empowering.

AchievementsandRecognition

Forherexemplarywork,Sanam EdwardshaswontheLeadzTeacher Awardsfor'TechforGood Campaigner'inMay2021.Shehas alsobeenapartofnationalsummitson educationandSEL,andherlast speakingengagementwasontheNEP.

Inadditiontothis,shefrequently engagesininterviewsandpodcaststo speakaboutchangesintheschooling system.Herarticlesoneducationhave beenpublishedbyreputedmagazines theworldover

AWordofAdvice

"I always advise future educators to understand that a teaching job is a 'heart profession'. Unlike doctors or

lawyers who barely see their clients twice a year, teachers' jobs are built on the premise of loving relationships built on trust," Sanamasserts. Shebelievesthatthe teachingprofessioncomeswithitsown setofrewardsandhindrances.

Sheadds, "Once a teacher, always a teacher! Be prepared for sleepless nights over a child who has no clue what is worrying you, constant selfreflection as you cross each hurdle, and a sense of accomplishment when you see the love you have for your students reflected right back at you."

AGlimpseoftheFuture SanamEdwardshopestocontinue buildingrelationshipswithinthe classroomandtakeherknowledgeto theoutsideworld.Shehopestospeak thewordsunsaid,bringtolightthe feelingsrepressed,andcontributeto thedevelopmentofourchildrentoday.

I hope to be an educator that innately understands the capabilities of a child while encouraging them to be the best version of themselves.

Shabnam

Bhowmick

Harbinger of Change in Indian

A

AsIndiasteppedintothenew lightoffreedomin1947, educationwasrecognisedto playacriticalroleinthecountry's development.Butthechallengesin frontofthecountryanditsleaders wereendless.Withlimitedresources, eveniftheimportanceofeducation wouldbeacceptedbythemasses,its accesswasrestrictedtotheprivileged only.

Itwasaforceofresilientteachersand visionaryleaderswhocameforthfor therescue,asIndiabeganitseducation revolt.

Today,Indianeducationhassetan examplefortheworldwithits substantialfundamentalinstitutions andskilledhumanresources.Asizable creditforIndia'semergingeconomy alsogoestoitseducationsystemand itsvastnetworkofschools.

ShabnamBhowmickatPodar InternationalSchoolatMuzaffarpur isonesuchvisionaryeducatorwhoisa torchbearerandanadvocateforquality educationforall.Belowaresome excerptsfromtheinterviewconducted withShabnamby The Knowledge Review.

rightfromthebeginningofyour career.

IgrewupinAndamanandNicobar Islands.Bothmyparentswere educatorsincentralgovernment-run schools,andmyentireschoollife,I livedinteachers'quarterswhichmeant allmyneighbours,familyfriends, parentsofmyfriendswereteachers.

Conversationsatthedinnertable, houseparties,andevengatherings mostlyrevolvedaroundschooland teaching.Soteachingwastooobvious acareerchoiceforme,andIdecidedI didn'twanttobeateacher.Ilostmy fatherinthefinalyearofmygraduate degreeinChemistryfromPondicherry University.Tohonourhiswish,I completedmyBachelor'sdegreein education,butrightafterthat,Isetout todowhatmyheartdesired:tobea harbingerofchangeinanysmallway possible.IenrolledfortheMass CommunicationcourseattheNagpur UniversityandjoinedCentralIndia's largestsellingnewspaper.

Later,IreceivedmyMaster'sdegreein Englishliteraturefromthesame university.Initialtenyearsofmy professionallife,Iworkedasa journalistandaPublicRelations Officer.Istartedteachingprimary classesin2010.Sincethen,Ihave beenupgradingmyselfandtaking professionaldevelopmentcourses.I

workedinInternationalBaccalaureate andCAIEschools,teachingA-level EnglishandGlobalPerspective.I joinedZeeLearnGroup'sflagship schoolinPatnaastheirAcademic Coordinatorin2016.Presently,Iam headingtheMuzaffarpurbranchofthe PodarInternationalSchool.

Whatinspiredyoutostepintothe educationindustry?Whowereyour rolemodelsgrowingup?

Icameintoteachingnotreallyby choicebutbycompulsion.Afterthe birthofmyfirstchild,itwasdifficultto continuejournalismduetotheerratic schedule.Idecidedtojoinaschoolfor afewyears.IjoinedEdifySchoolin Nagpurasthehomeroomteacherof grade2.Iwasinchargeofa6-7-year oldsclassandimmediatelyfellinlove withthesuperenergetic,smartgroup. SoonIrealised,teachingwas somethingItrulyenjoyed:thiswasmy calling.Teachingisthebestwayto changelivesforthebetter.Inthe teachingcareerofoveradecade,I havetaughtprimarytoseniorschool studentsandhaveformedsomereally strongbonds.Ifeelprivilegedthat manyofmystudentsfromallover Indiaareintouchwithmeregularly.

Myrolemodelsaremyparents.Both ofthemweregreatteachers,butI learnedfrommyfatherthatstudents

The Podar Group is proud of the fact that they promote inclusive education. No child coming to any Podar International School is ever turned down.

areyourfamilyaswell.Hewasalways thereforhisstudentswheneverthey neededhim.Hewasalwaysrespectful towardsthem.Evenaftertwodecades ofexperienceinteachingthesame classes,bothmyparentswouldprepare fortheirnextclass,astheybelievedit wouldbedisrespectfultowalkintoa classunprepared.Eventoday,Iprepare wellforthenextday,andItrainmy teacherstodothesame.

AnotherthingthatIlearnedfrommy parentswasnevertosnubachild's curiosity.Noquestionissillyor irrelevant.Kidshavequestions,and theyhaveeveryrighttogettheanswer

Tellusaboutyouresteemed institute'smission,vision,andcore values.

IamcurrentlyheadingPodar InternationalSchool,Muzaffarpur,a branchofPodarInternationalSchools. Itwasestablishedin1927bySheth AnandilalPodar Withover94yearsof experiencewithintheeducational space,thePodargroupisnowa networkof136PodarInternational Schools(completelymanagedby PodarEducationNetwork)and79

PodarPartnerschools, withacombinedstudent strengthofmorethan1,80,000 andthesupportof7,600 dedicatedandloyalstaffmembers.

Mission:AtPodarInternational School,weprovideopportunitiesto studentsthroughastimulating,safe andsupportiveenvironmentfor attainingpersonalmasteryandteam spiritthroughcollaborativelearning.

Vision:Toachieveexcellenceby creatinggloballycompetent,ethical, andhigh-performingworldcitizens throughworld-classeducation.

Values:Myinstituteisdrivenbyfour corevalues;Innovative,Open, Committed,Long-term.

Whataretheprioritiesofyour instituteintermsofcourse

objectivesandlearningoutcomes?

ThePodarGroupensuresthat educationisofthehighestqualityinall itsschools.Ourhighlyexperienced PodarInnovationCentersetsallour Lessonplansandexams.

WhilesettingLearningoutcomes, extremecareistakentoensure characterbuildingandskill developmentamongstudentstoreach thecurriculargoal.

Shabnam Bhowmick

Head, Podar International School, Muzaffarpur

Whatarethebiggestchallengesand strugglesfacedbyeducatorsin general?

Thebiggestchallengeteachersface thesedaysisthattheprofessionis losingtheadmirationandrespectit enjoyedearlierfromsociety.Teachers workveryhard,andteachingisjusta partoftheirjobdescriptionthesedays. Still,theremunerationdoesnotmatch theworkload,whichtakesawaypartof workingzeal.

Educationisconsideredatoolof empowerment.Whateffortsdoyou andtheinstitutiontaketoensure thateducationisprovidedtothose whoneedit?

ThePodarGroupisproudofthefact thattheypromoteinclusiveeducation. NochildcomingtoanyPodar InternationalSchooliseverturned down.ThededicatedInclusive EducationCellcontinuouslytrains teachersandmonitorsthedevelopment ofspecialchildreninourschools.My

My role models are my parents, for even after two decades of experience in teaching, both my parents would prepare for their next class, as they believed it would be disrespectful to walk into a class unprepared.

schooldoesnotconductanyadmission testsorparents'interviewsfor admission.Everychildistreatedas equal,andeducationisprovidedto everyone.

Kindlymentionanyofyourawards, accolades,andaccreditations.

Awards:

Ÿ Certificateofrecognitionfor extraordinarycontributioninthe fieldofeducationbyBest Principalsin2022

Ÿ TimesWomanExtraordinaire Awardin2020forcontributionin education

Ÿ BestZonalTeacherAwardby ScienceOlympiadFoundationin 2020

Ÿ DainikJagranGuruSammanfor outstandingcontributioninthe developmentofeducationinBihar in2018and2019

Ÿ NationBuilderAwardbyRotary ClubPatnaCitySamratin2017

Whatadvicecanyougivetothose whowanttostepintothefieldof education?

Teachershavetheabilitytoimpactthe livesofchildren;theyhavethe opportunitytoshapethefuture.Those whowanttobeteachersshouldnever forgetthattheyarehandlinghuman lives.Theywillbewatched,andtheir

actionswillbeemulatedbytheir students.Teachingisaresponsible profession,andteachersgothrougha lotofpressuretoliveuptothe expectationofsociety

Also,theyshouldbereadytokeep updatingthemselvesandbeawareof theworldaroundthem.Likeasoldier, ateacherisalsoneveroff-duty.

Pleasesharewhatliesaheadforyou andyourinstitutioninthenear future.

Iconsidermyselfluckytofindan organizationthatnotonlypreaches holisticeducationbutalsopracticesit. Studentsinmyschoolaretaught Sanskritshlokasandclassicalmusic andarealsoencouragedtocreatetheir ownrapsongs.

Theschoolissituatedinaruralsetting inBihar,andmanystudentsarefirstgenerationschoolgoers.Iaimtomake surethedreamwithwhichtheyhave joinedthisschoolismaterialized.I encouragemyteamofeducatorsto ensurethatthestudentsarekept abreastofallnationalandglobalnews onadailybasis.Ifeelitisimportantto exposethekidstovariousbooks, music,cuisine,culture,andartforms, soeveryweek,weconduct presentationsandcontestsforthe students.

Sunita

Jain

VValuesholdaverysacredplace ineveryone’slife,andithelps everyonechoosewhatisright andwhatshouldbedone.Eventhough experienceplaysacommendablerole insettingtheirownbeliefsandvalues, thereshouldbeabasethatsetsthe wholelearningplaninaction.

Theeducationsystemiswell-curated insuchamannerthateveryaspectof childdevelopmentistakenunder consideration.Workingonthese essentialgrowingaspectsofyoung mindslikeemotionaldevelopment, settingupthelearningbaseof schooling,andstatingtheimportance ofvaluesinthisworld.

Mothersareusuallyinvolvedin monitoringachild’sacademicgrowth; however,astheworldgotbusier,the responsibilityofnurturingthese elementarygrowthaspectswastaken upbypre-schools.Pre-schoolplaysa verycrucialroleintheoverall developmentofchildren.

Everychildneedstogrowaspertheir nature.Ithelpsthemstaytruetotheir characterandallowsthemtogrow significantlywell.Thatisthereason mothersusedtotakeupthe responsibilityofnurturingtheir childrenbeforetheirschoolingactually began.

Caring,nurturing,andhelpingyoung mindsgrowrequirespersistence, dedication,andpatience.Forchildren attendingthepre-schoolatHelloKids, theroleofamotherandateacheris beautifullytakenupbyMrs.Sunita Jain Aftersuccessfulcareerasan engineerin2006,shetookuptheCEO -OperationswithHelloKidsin2007 andhelpedthebrandtobecomeapanIndiapre-school.

PenninganEruditeCareer

Ms.SunitaJain,studiedBEin InformationandTechnologyfromKIIT Bhubaneshwar Afterworkingwithtwo leadingITfirms,namelyInfosys (2004)andHuawei(2006),shedecided tojoinHelloKidsin2007.

Underherableguidance,effective developmentstrategies,andfuturistic vision,HelloKidsisnowthefourth largestpre-schoolchaininIndia,with around725+HelloKidspre-schools spreadacrossIndia,Nepal,and Bangladesh.

TheSupportingPillar

Startinghereducator’sjourneyto preparechildrenfortheirlater educationendeavors,Mrs.Sunita Jain’shusband,Mr.PritamAgarwal, actedasaguidinglamponherjourney asaneducator. "I used to be aware of the importance of early childhood education for the budding generations from him. He gave insights into the possibilities of doing a business out of this sector, simultaneously catering to the needs of younger kids, thus promising better generations. I could analyse that pre-school comes under

an unorganised sector in India and I was pretty sure about taking up this responsibility of CEO position in Hello Kids. As we foresee, I could utilise my expertise from the previous career," explainsMrs.SunitaJain.

SettingtheFoundationofQuality EducationandValues HelloKids,havethevisiontoprovide thefuturegenerationwithastrong foundationofgoodvaluesand readiness.Sothattheupcoming generationwouldcontributeeffectively tothesociety,andthisstrong foundationwillactasanassettothem, theirfamilies,andthewhole community.

"Our institution aspires to educate the young kids and thus make the foundation of the kids strong enough in all aspects and make them able enough to carry forward in future developing them each moment every day. It is important to water at the roots for the firm stature and thus seemingly more neglected or carelessly treated initial years of a child are no longer left like that. We nourish them with values, basics of education, and all kinds of skills like that of social, motor, cognitive, etc.," addedMrs.Sunita Jain.

UpliftingthePre-SchoolEducational Standards

Asayoungchildwhoisjustleaving thecomfortzoneoftheirhouses,Hello Kidsensuresthatthechildisgroomed inafriendlyenvironment.Apartfrom that,thepre-schoolalsofocuseson givinganequalimpetustoacademics, extracurricularskills,andthechild’s valuesystem,effectivelyupliftingthe educationalstandards.

"We look forward to seeing better cognitive, social, communicative, motor, emotional development of the kids along with better academics and

values in them." Mrs.SunitaJain commentedonchildren’semotional wellbeingthroughoutthelearning

process.

AdaptingtotheModernModesof EducationwithGrace

TheCOVID-19pandemicandrapid developmentinEdTechhaveputthe entireeducationsectorthroughaquite uncertainandchallengingtime.

Keepingthehealththreats,ontheone hand,itisalsoimportanttoemphasize students’educationandskill developmentequallyontheother

Thoughthisthreatwasposedbythe lockdownsimposedbecauseofthe pandemic,thesolutioncamethrough EdTech,thetroublemakertothe traditionaleducationalmeans.

"Through technology & live interactive sessions, it is now possible for students to constantly be in touch with their teachers, classmates, and friends simultaneous to not skipping their learning process," saysMrs.Sunita Jain.

Studentsandparentspositivelyaccept animation,videos,pictures,andother interactivecontentcreatedbyHello Kids.Thestudentsarebeneficialand happythroughtheentiresocially

accepteddigitallearningecosystem throughsuchinteractivemeans.

Explainingfurtheraboutthepreschool’sacceptanceofmodernwaysof learning,Mrs.SunitaJainsays, "It is actually redefining the ways of learning. Now the blackboards and traditional benches and desks have been replaced with digital screens and zoom classrooms. PTA meetings are mostly confined to WhatsApp groups or Google meets."

Sincemostofthemajoreducational activitiesarehappeningonline,the pre-schoolalsointroducedonline assessmentswithinteractions,allowing thechildrentoattendthemfromthe comfortoftheirhome. "This will reduce the pressure or pleasure of being physically present at schools in either way you can consider. However, unlike before, children get engaged in learning even at home and have found some learning atmosphere at home too, which might continue in a completely post-pandemic time when offline

classes resume," Mrs.SunitaJain added.

ModernProblemsRequireModern Solutions

Astheschoolstartedtoadaptto modernmeansofeducation,findingan appropriatetimeholdingintoaccount thescreentimingofthekidswasthe nextchallenge.Despiteadjustingtothe convenienttimingforbothstudents andteachers,thethreatofexcessive screentimingaffectingthekids'health andwellbeingisstillathreat.

Emphasisingtheschool'sproblemsas aneffectiveeducator,Mrs.SunitaJain explains, "The reluctance of many parents in letting kids attend online sessions, admitting them to online schooling all turned out as big hurdles. Sending kids study materials, online attendance was all initially very difficult as kids are very young."

Also,notallparentsarecomfortable withtechnology,makingitevenmore difficulttoadapttothechange. "I must say teachers also went through difficult

times of switching on to unfamiliar online teaching using zoom, digital methods, sending notes to kids, and attending to parents’concerns through WhatsApp chats and calls. Administering all of these, including arranging the necessary online infrastructure to deliver classes from school, was really challenging for us as education leaders," explainedMrs. SunitaJain.

EmpoweringIndiawithEducation

Mrs.SunitaJainbelievesthat educationempowersanindividual. Furtherelaboratingeducationasatool ofempowerment,sheexplains, "At the beginning, it is acquiring knowledge and later it is gaining wisdom. The latter part is the goal of learning. However, most learners don't achieve that. And most educators don't ever focus on this part. Proper nourishment of values, in addition to giving conceptual clarity and providing insights into the applicability of anything you learn into life without harming the environment and fellow beings, helps in achieving this goal. All

these require a proper beginning, and this starting point is at the pre-schools. We strive to provide kids our best to attain this eventually in their lives."

HelloKidsintendstoprovide educationtothosewhoneedsarebeen executedthroughfranchisingin differentcategories.SinceHelloKids isnotjustlimitedtothemetrocities butiscoveringamajorpartofurban andruralareas.Throughfranchising semi-ruralandruralareas,theschool notonlymainstoexpandthebusiness butalsoimpartqualityeducationto kidswhereotherscan’treach.

VisionfortheFuture–HelloKids Global Mrs.SunitaJainandherteamis makingconstanteffortstoprovide qualityeducationtoyoungminds. UndertheableguidanceofMrs.Jain, herteamhasbeenimprovingdaily Startingfromonepre-schoolinasmall roomtospreadingallacrossIndia, Nepal,andBangladesh,HelloKids nowwishestosayhellotokidsall aroundtheworld.

ducationisthegreatestEequalizer.Itprovidesequal opportunitiestoall.Noble educatorsalwaysplayedtheroleof greatlevellers.Like Savitribai Phule, India’s first female teacher.By achievingsuchafeat,shenotonly brokethepre-establishedsocial barriersbutalsopavedthewayfor futuregenerationstofollowuponthis pathofexcellence.

Inourquesttocelebratewomenlike SavitribaiPhule,inourcurrentedition of‘India'sMostAdmiredWomenin

EducationalSector’,veryluckily,we cameacrossSwatiMishra,whois morethanjustaSalesHeadin AcadPrimeEdTech,anonlineEdTech platform.

Inaninterviewwith The Knowledge Review,shehassharedheramazing journeyasaneducatorinherown words.Herearesomeofthehighlights fromtheinterview:

Pleasetellusaboutyourjourney throughouttheeducationsector

rightfromthebeginningofyour career.

Ihavestartedmyjourneyasatutorin CBSEboardschoolAPSAllahabad, thwhereIwasallottedclasses9 stdto th12 std,asaPhysics-ChemistryBiologyteacher Afterthat,Iwasa researcherinCSIR-CIMAP(Central InstituteofMedicinalPlants Lucknow),whereIwasassociatedwith Prof.RamRajaSekharan(presently theDirectorCFTRI).Ialsodidmy internshipatCDRILucknow.Thiswas till2010whenIwenttoJapanandlater toTaiwan,withmyspouse,ashewas

doinghispost-doctorate,whereImeta lotofpeople/researchers.

ComingbacktoIndiain2015,Ijoined JagananthaVidyalayaCBSEschoolas th thatutorfor11 and12 stdstudents,for amonthasIhadasmallchildtotake careof.Then,Ijoinedastart-up I2GlobalSchool,inKelambakkam, Chennai.IwasappointedasaCentre HeadofthisPreschoolwhereIworked tillFebruary2018.

ThenIjoinedMountLiterazeeschool, ChennaiasaRelationshipManager, whichwasalsoinitspost-launchphase atthatpoint.BeforeCOVID-19 happened,IwasworkingasaCentre HeadinKidzeePadurPlayschool& Pre-SchooltillMay2020.InJune 2020,IjoineduFaberEdutechPvt. Ltd.,asanIELTSTrainer.Inearly August2021,IworkedasaSenior SalesConsultantinOasisGlobal TechnologyCentre,Chennai.

Finally,IjoinedAcadPrimeEdTech start-upasanAcademicCounsellorin lateAugust2021,whereIgot promotedtoSalesHeadinJanuary 2022.Ihavelearntalotabout

pedagogyininnovativelearningas wellastheholisticdevelopmentofa child.

Whatinspiredyoutostepintothe educationindustry?

Myinspirationismygoaltobring genderequalityandtherightto educationforall.Ihadstartedgiving tuitionclassesintheearlystages.Ifelt thatthereisachangerequiredinour educationmentalitysetup.Wealways categoriseweakandbrightstudents, buttheyshouldbeslowandfast learners.Personalizedattentionis requiredforslowlearners.

Ifwegivekindofpersonalattentionto students,wecanseealotof improvementinthem.Ialways believedthateverychildisunique.

TellusaboutAcadPrimeandits mission,vision,andcorevalues.

AcadPrimeisaninteractiveonline educationplatformthatenables studentstolearn LIVE fromIndia’s besteducators.Itprovidesaplatform forconnectingthe 3 DOTS (students, parents, and teachers) online.Weaim todeliverafullytransparent,secure, andeasilyaccessibleeducational servicedigitally.Withourtutorsin India,wecatertobothIndianand Globalstudentsandbringinglobal educationstandardsandlearning practicesacrossourstudentbase, whichisoneofourunique

contributionstotheIndianeducation sectorasastart-up.

Whataretheprioritiesof AcadPrimeintermsofcourse objectivesandlearningoutcomes?

Followingareourprioritiestomake world-classlearningoutcomes:

Ÿ Ourprogramsaretrulyuniqueand innovative.Ourlearningprograms aredesigned(personalisedand premium)tocatertoanytypeof learner.

Ÿ

Ourclassesaretrulyinteractive duringtheclass(tutorsandlearners talktoeachother),witharich learningexperience,unlikeother peersthatprovideonlineplatforms thatdonothavethat2-wayvideo voiceinteractionbetweentutorand learner.

Ÿ

Ourfoundationsarebuiltwithbest practicesandprocessesthatcaterto bothIndianandinternational customersfromthebeginning.

Ÿ

Ourfeedbackandintelligent progresstrackingprocessisabuiltinsolutionintheplatform

Ÿ Ourteachingplatformoffersendto-endtechsolutionsforstudents, parents,andtutorstomakethe learningfullyintegratedwithinthe platform.

Kindlyshareyourviewsregarding interactive,onlineeducational contentandhowitisredefiningthe wayswelearn.

Whiledesigninganonlinecourse,a coursedeveloperhasageneralideaof therequiredreadingsandresources

thatneedtobereviewedpriortothe assessments.Buthowshouldthe contentbedeliveredtostudents,and what’sthepropersequence?Oneofthe waysthiscanbeaddressedisby presentingstudentswithinteractive lessons.Intoday'sonlineclassroom, studentshaveopportunitiestoconsume contentinamyriadofways.Streaming videoandaudio,onlinelecturetext, andengaginginteractivewebcontent aregeneralmethodsthatstudentscan accessattheirleisureandrevisitto checkforunderstandingand comprehension.Withtheright combinationofoutliningandplanning, studentswillbepresentedwiththe mostcurrentlearningtechnologiesand strategiesavailabletothem.

Ÿ BenefitsofInteractiveContent

Onlinelearningisconvenientfor workingstudents.Studentscando theirlearninganywheretheyhave aninternetconnectionandadevice toaccessthecontent.Bycompiling allthelessonmaterialsintoone

simplepackagethat’smobile compatible,studentscandigest themmuchmoreeasily.Most studentswillbelookingattheir phonesanyway;theymightaswell popopenthenextlessonandget ahead!Ifyoumakethecontent engagingandinteresting,they mightevenpreferitoverother mobileactivities.

Ÿ AccommodatingDiverse LearningStyles

Interactivecontentdoesn’thaveto beacomplexandproperly sequencedwebofvideo,interactive animations,andsequencedcheckfor-understandingquestions.It couldbeassimpleasatextpage withquestionfieldsincludedfor studentstorespondandreceive instructorfeedback.Itdoes, however,openthedoorfor differentstudentlearningstylesto bemet.Todothis,onlinelessons maycontainlecturetext,video,and check-for-understandingquestions. Tomakeforastreamlinedlearning experience,interactivelessonscan combinecoursecontentintoa

singleandefficientpresentationstyleactivity.

Ÿ AddingFormativeAssessment

Interactivecontentopensthedoor toincludingfrequentcheck-for understandingquestions,whichcan beusedasformativeassessment,to helpyourstudentsunderstandtheir progresstowardmasteryof learningobjectives.Additionally, thesequestionscanbeusedtoloop studentsbacktothecontentthey needtoreview,meaningthe experiencecanbetailoredbasedon eachstudent’sprogresstoward outcomesandunderstandingof coursecontent.

Ÿ ResettingtheAttentionClock

Byemployingdifferenttypesof media,breakinglongerpiecesof contentintosmallerones,and includingcheck-for-understandingtypequestions,interactivecontent helpsensurethatstudentsstay engagedincoursematerialby intentionallyresettingtheir attentionclock.Insteadofpassively watchingavideoorreadinga

writtenlecture,studentsclick throughcontentattheirpace,check theirunderstandingofit,and engageinvariousformsofmedia, helpingthemstayengaged.

Whatarethebiggestchallengesand strugglesfacedbyeducatorsin general?

Teachinghasincreasinglybecome moredifficultwithtimeandstudent successisfallingatanalarmingrate.

Basedonmyexperience,beloware listedafewofthemostcommon challengesfacedbyteacherstoday:

Ÿ

Inspiringstudentstobemore self-directed Teachersarehavingatoughtime gettingstudentstobemoreselfdirected.Theyarelookingfora waytoeasethepressureofstudents bykeepingtheminterestedand makingsurethatlessonpractices andthehomeworkdeliveredare fun,accessibleanywhere,targeted toimprovetheirweaknessesand ensuringthatlearningtakesplace inamoreconducive,less-tense, less-pressuredenvironment.

Ÿ Improvinglearningoutcomes

Designinglearningoutcomesthat meansomethingandarean effectivewaytomeasurestudent potentialandsuccessisabig challenge.Meetingthoselearning outcomesandhavingsolid indicatorstoprovethis,allthe whileeasingthepaperworkandthe excelsheetsoftheteachershave becomeunthinkable.Evenifthese aredonewell,teachersstilldon’t getthat360°viewofhowgood theirstudentsareasawhole.In addition,findingtherightwayto automatethisprocessinsuchaway thatreal-timeresultsarewhat’s neededisofprimeimportance.

Ÿ Differentiatingandpersonalizing teaching

Whatworksforonestudent,does notworkforanother Teachershave recognizedthisbuthaveveryfew waystotestandmakesurethat differentskilllevelsarebeing evaluated.Anewwaveof assessmentsandhowteachingis conductedisimportant.Newer questiontypes,media-enhanced examsandthelikearewhat teachersarelookingfor; diversifyingteachingandkeepingit simpleatthesametimeisabalance thatishardtofind.

Ÿ Gettingstudentstodotheirwork outsidetheclassroom

Whatstudentsdoatschoolsisjust afractionoftheeffortthatneedsto beputinforacademicsuccess. Withthisinmind,teachershavethe extraaddedpressureofhaving studentsputintheextraeffort outsideoftheclassroom.Students stillhavefoundnoproperincentive todealwiththisissue.Teachersare lookingforawaythattheycan encouragestudentstolearnwhile they’rehavingfunandnotmakeit seemlikepursuingknowledgeisa tedioustask.

Ÿ Findingthetimetokeepupwith administrativetasks

Ittakesalotoftimeandwork,to comeupwithacurriculum,teach, beengagedwithclassrooms,come upwithquestionsforassessments, spendtime(andsometimes weekends)correctingandgrading theseassessments,andthenhaving tospendhoursfillingoutreports, analysis,strengths,weaknesses, andotherperformanceindicators. Teachersarelookingforwaystobe easedthisburdensothattheycan focusonteachingandpromoting theimportanceofeducationand learning.

Ÿ Understandingchanging technology

Withtheadvanceoftheinternet andchangingtechnology,teachers havebeenfindingithardtofind easyyeteffectivesystemsand platformstoruntheirclassrooms.

Ÿ Parentalinvolvement

Havingtheparentsofstudents informedandinvolvedisonemajor areathatteachersandadminsare havingahardtimekeepingup with.Teachersarelookingforan easywaytohaveparentsbeapart

oftheirchild’sjourneyandhavea goodunderstandingoftheirskills andmonitortheirperformanceson aregularbasis.

Educationisconsideredatoolof empowerment.Whateffortsdoyou andtheinstitutiontaketomakesure thateducationisprovidedtothose whoneedit?

Atruly,interactiveonlineeducation sthasemergedasamain21 -century educationmodelthatensuresan equitableandknowledgeableworld, withexpertsfromallovertheworld contributingtowardslearningneeds fromanypartoftheworld.This borderlesseducationmodelhastaken differentshapesinthelastcoupleof decadesandmovingtowardsabetter outcome.Itisaccessiblebyall.We havecustomizedlearningforallkinds oflearners.

Whatadvicecanyougivetothose whowanttostepintothefieldof education?

Thisisaplacethatshouldbetakenup byonlythosepeoplewhohavea passiontowardsshapingthefutureof thecountry.Consistentpassionis requiredforthisparticularfield.People withafixedmindsetshouldnotacquire thisfieldinalongrun.

Pleasesharewhatliesaheadforyou andAcadPrimeinthenearfuture. AcadPrimeandIaremainlyfocused onensuringqualitycontentand engagementinlearningisconsistently improved.Also,ourfocusisentirely onhowtoensureeducationprovider showsresultsofimprovementto parentsandstudentsandholdthe accountabilityoftheresults,whichis currentlyanareamostoftheEdTech companiesarelookingtoaddress.