ArdorComm Media Group

Friday, July 11, 2025 11:50 PM

Interviews

Dr. M.V.V. Prasada Rao, Educationist & Advisor, Schools, Retd Director, CBSE said “The issue isn’t that unemployment exists; in fact, there are many job opportunities”

“Bridging the Gap: The Importance of Industry and Skill Integration in Education” Q1: How does a forum like this help us at a larger and broader scale? A1: This platform is an excellent opportunity for society, educationists, and students. It brings together people from various fields, including policymakers, e-tech players, educators, and industry representatives. Such a forum is rare, allowing for the exchange of ideas that can help meet the needs of society. Industry participation, in particular, is vital as it connects education to the skills required in the workforce, promoting practical learning that goes beyond classroom knowledge. Q2: Why is industry participation crucial in these forums? A2: Industry participation ensures that the skills students are taught align with the needs of the job market. The skills students acquire must be directly relevant to what industries need, ensuring that they are employable when they graduate. When industries share their requirements, educators can tailor their training programs to meet these needs, leading to better job readiness for students and helping reduce the skill gap. Q3: How does the mismatch between education and industry needs contribute to unemployment? A3: The issue isn’t that unemployment exists; in fact, there are many job opportunities. The problem is that graduates often lack the skills required by industries. This disconnect happens when education focuses primarily on theoretical knowledge, neglecting practical, industry-relevant skills. For example, the need for skilled labor in industries like construction and technology often goes unmet because education systems do not prioritize or teach these practical skills. Q4: Can you explain how skill-based education could help reduce unemployment? A4: If students are equipped with relevant skills during their education, they can directly contribute to the industries’ needs, reducing the unemployment rate. Industries today are looking for specific skill sets, not just academic qualifications. For example, skilled labor such as electricians or plumbers is in high demand but often overlooked by traditional education systems. If students learn these skills, they can be employed immediately and even start earning at a young age. Q5: What is the issue with how vocational skills are viewed in society? A5: In India, vocational skills like carpentry, plumbing, or masonry are often undervalued. Professions that require these skills are seen as less prestigious, and parents often discourage their children from pursuing them. However, these skills are essential for daily life and can lead to significant earnings. For example, a plumber may earn more than an MBA graduate. Society needs to respect the dignity of labor and understand the value of skilled trades. Q6: Why are countries like Japan and China progressing faster than India? A6: Japan and China are progressing faster because they respect and value skilled labor. In these countries, skills like welding, plumbing, and electrical work are taught from an early age and are highly respected. In India, however, there is a cultural taboo around manual labor, and many people believe these jobs are beneath their children. This mindset hinders progress and innovation, as it leads to a lack of skilled workers in essential fields.

Dr. M.V.V. Prasada Rao, Educationist & Advisor, Schools, Retd Director, CBSE said “The issue isn’t that unemployment exists; in fact, there are many job opportunities” Read More »

Dr. Heera Lal, Greater Sharda Sahayak Command Area Development Authority, Govt. of UP emphasised on students interest in choosing career pathway

ArdorComm Interview

“Relying 100% on digital methods is not ideal. There needs to be a balance between digital and physical education” said Dr Heera Lal, Greater Sharda Sahayak Command Area Development Authority, Govt. of UP What does “New Normal” means to you? Thank you for inviting me. The term “New Normal” in education, in my opinion, should mean that when a student enters an institution and eventually graduates, they should leave not only with a certificate but also with a profession. The old system of education, where students just leave with a certificate, is not sufficient in today’s world. We need to identify a student’s passion from the moment they enter our institution, help them grow that passion, and turn it into a profession by the time they graduate. This will ensure that they are not only employable but will also enjoy their profession. How should we address the digital divide between urban and rural areas, and what initiatives should be taken to bridge this gap? The digital divide is a significant issue. However, in my opinion, relying 100% on digital methods is not ideal. There needs to be a balance between digital and physical education. Based on my personal experience, the effectiveness of physical education is much higher than that of digital education. Therefore, I believe the ratio should be 70% physical and 30% digital to ensure that students receive a well-rounded education. How should education balance between skills and employability? As I mentioned earlier, if you impose something on a student that they do not enjoy, they will not take an interest in it, and you will not achieve the desired objectives. Every subject, every action, every activity is equally valuable today. The focus should be on developing a student’s passion so that when they graduate, they have a profession that aligns with their interests. This will make them not only employable but also fulfilled in their careers. Which department or position has been the most inspiring and provided the most learning experience for you? Every department and position I’ve held has been inspiring and challenging in its own way. For instance, the position of District Magistrate (DM) is highly regarded, but I have enjoyed and learned a lot from every position I’ve held, even those considered less desirable. Whether in the cultural department or any other, I have embraced each role and found immense joy and learning in it. The key is to have the ability to govern effectively, no matter where you are, and turn every position into a meaningful experience. In events like this, where government dignitaries, policymakers, corporate leaders, and academics come together, what do you learn, and what is the experience like? Such events are crucial because society is like a bouquet that requires a variety of flowers. By bringing together people from different fields—bureaucracy, academia, technology—you create a complete and impactful product. This initiative is commendable and beneficial for our society. We are celebrating the third anniversary of our media company, AdCo Media. Do you have any message or good wishes for our company? I wish that your company continues to grow and thrive, at least 30 times more in the coming years. Keep evolving and adapting to the needs of the time. My good wishes are with you as you continue doing the great work you are doing. Thank you for being a part of this forum.

Dr. Heera Lal, Greater Sharda Sahayak Command Area Development Authority, Govt. of UP emphasised on students interest in choosing career pathway Read More »

Shri Yogendra Upadhyay, Hon’ble Minister of Higher Education, Govt. of Uttar Pradesh emphasised the contribution of new government in Uttar Pradesh.

ArdorComm Interview

“Approximately 15 private universities have been established, and around 10 more have received Letters of Intent” said Shri Yogendra Upadhyay, Hon’ble Minister of Higher Education, Govt. of Uttar Pradesh Highlight some of the major achievements or policies that your department has drafted? In Uttar Pradesh, particularly in higher education, significant progress has been made. There were six regions in the state where there was no government university, and the education system was not up to the mark. However, since the Yogi government came into power, the education system has developed based on the National Education Policy (NEP). There has been a focus on both the quality of education and its expansion. Today, approximately 15 private universities have been established, and around 10 more have received Letters of Intent (LOI). In the six regions that previously had no government universities, either universities are already operational or are under construction within two years. This is a significant achievement, and the quality of education has improved, with several universities receiving high grades, both government and private. What is Uttar Pradesh’s contribution to urban and rural education, and how is it progressing? Urban education is advancing everywhere, but under the guidance of Yogi Ji, a new education policy is being prepared to expand rural education. The goal is to establish a university in every district, ensuring that even the most remote areas have access to higher education. Incentives and facilities will be provided to support the establishment of new universities in these regions. What provisions are there in government universities for employment or employability? The NEP clearly states that all courses and programs will connect education with values, employment, and technology. When education is linked with technology and employment, and when it provides skills, it will not only create job opportunities but also generate employers. The establishment of new universities also brings employment opportunities, from peons to chancellors. Therefore, education that fosters employment will be provided. What does the term “New Normal” mean to you? The “New Normal” refers to how we can introduce innovation in a regular environment, enabling future generations to compete in the global race. What outcomes do you expect from such an amalgamation, and how has your experience been? This event is a confluence where people from various sectors have gathered. When such a brainstorming session occurs, it produces valuable insights that can benefit society. Would you like to say something special about us on the third anniversary of our organization? I wish you all the best for completing three years of this initiative. I hope your organization continues to thrive and serve society and the nation in the coming years. This should be our collective purpose.

Shri Yogendra Upadhyay, Hon’ble Minister of Higher Education, Govt. of Uttar Pradesh emphasised the contribution of new government in Uttar Pradesh. Read More »

Dr. S. K. Rathor, Chairman & MD, Sanfort Group of Schools shared insights on Franchise model of education

ArdorComm Interview

“The first question I always ask is, “Why do you want to take our franchise? What is your vision?”” Said Dr. S. K. Rathor, Chairman & MD, Sanfort Group of Schools What are your thoughts on institutions offering pre-school education, especially with the implementation of the National Education Policy 2020? I don’t have a problem with such institutions, but my submission is that if anyone is opening a pre-school, they should be very serious about their profession. Now that pre-school education is part of the formal school education setup, especially after the National Education Policy 2020 has come into effect, everyone must comply with state norms for opening pre-schools. Quality pre-school education is now mandatory. What would be the foundational steps and guidelines for someone wanting to enter this serious business? When anyone plans to start a new venture, like how we started 24 years ago, the key question is, “Why should we enter this particular profession?” For instance, when we decided to start a pre-school, we thought about the purpose behind it. Back then, not many people knew about pre-school education. But we knew that teaching 2-3-year-old kids would make them smarter and prepare them better for their educational journey. So, if someone is entering this business out of fascination or because they see it as profitable, that shouldn’t be the purpose. The goal should be to deliver quality pre-school education. What are the key points you would guide someone with if they want to take a franchise of your brand? The first question I always ask is, “Why do you want to take our franchise? What is your vision?” It’s important that their thought process aligns with our philosophy. We are very selective in franchising; we don’t chase numbers. Our focus is on ensuring that whoever takes our franchise fully embraces our philosophy in both word and action, delivering quality early childhood education. How important are health, discipline, and hygiene in this industry? What’s the secret behind your physical and mental health well? There’s no secret. People often ask me how many hours I work, and I say I work for about 8 hours a day, but I work sincerely. After 6 PM, no one is at the office. I give the same environment to my team as well—focus on fitness in the morning, work during the day, and spend time with family in the evening. If anyone follows this routine, they’ll find that their profession, business, or job performs well, their body stays fit, and their family remains happy. What do you think is the outcome of forums like this one where government, education, and corporate sectors come together? I’m very happy to hear from the Minister of Higher Education for Uttar Pradesh. The kind of change I’ve seen in the state, especially in education, is tremendous. When ministers and bureaucrats start talking about outcomes, society will automatically see change. I’ve witnessed a remarkable environment in UP since Yogi Ji came into power, especially in education. It’s crucial that the educational infrastructure in a state as big as UP is strong, and when the focus is on outcome-based education, the results will follow. We are celebrating our third anniversary, do you have any message for ArdorComm Media Group? I’ve been a witness to your journey from the start, and though I can’t attend all your events, I’m always impressed by your work. You’re doing fantastic work, especially in smaller towns where big media houses don’t usually go. This creates opportunities for people in those areas. Keep this momentum going, don’t lose yourself in the crowd. Even if profits from smaller towns aren’t as high, remember you’re also doing social work. It’s an honor and pleasure to be associated with your events, and I wish you all the best. Keep up the good work!

Dr. S. K. Rathor, Chairman & MD, Sanfort Group of Schools shared insights on Franchise model of education Read More »

Mr. Piyush Singh Chauhan, Vice Chairman of SR Group of Institutions shared his growth journey over 15 years

ArdorComm Interview

“We started our educational institution in 2009 with 240 students, and now we have more than 19,000 students.” Said Mr. Piyush Singh Chauhan, Vice Chairman of SR Group of Institutions Welcome Mr. Piyush Singh Chauhan, Vice Chairman of SR Group of Institutions in today’s event Thank you so much, Chandan Ji. This event is truly blessed by God, and the discussions we’ve had so far have been very fruitful. The talks about the New Education Policy, IQAC, and holistic development are especially important. We are trying to address the gaps in our current education system that have been lacking in the last few decades, and with your help and presentations, we hope to bring these improvements to the students. Can you tell us a bit about your educational institutions? We started our educational institution in 2009 with 240 students, and now we have more than 19,000 students. Over the last 15 years, we have been aggressively working with students from rural backgrounds, as this is an area that often gets overlooked. We also have higher education facilities, including a nursing institute, a B.Sc. board school, and ICSE board schools. We cater to students from kindergarten to postgraduate levels, and we strive to help them achieve their potential. Many of our students come from army backgrounds, or have parents who are doctors or IIT graduates. We aim to fulfill the gaps that have existed until now. As we move from traditional education to digital education, what initiatives have been taken by your institutions in this direction? We are currently planning to build an AI, VR, and AR lab in our institution. The reason behind this is that what we read often isn’t retained for long, but what we visualize stays with us much longer. AI is both the best and the worst tool, depending on how it’s used. We’re setting up this lab to make the best possible use of AI. We already have an Atal Tinkering Lab, among other facilities, where we provide education to students. As the event’s name is “New Normal Education Leadership Summit and Awards,” what is your definition of “New Normal”? For me, the definition of “New Normal” should be about focusing on making students good citizens and good human beings. While education, grades, and knowledge are important, the “New Normal” should also focus on emotional intelligence. Today, many children struggle with anger, depression, and rejection, leading to drastic steps. If we can handle children emotionally well, they will grow into balanced citizens who contribute positively to society. We are pleased to share that this is the third anniversary of our company. Do you have any wishes or messages for the ArdorComm Group? My heartfelt congratulations to the ArdorComm Group for your hard work and the growing team that you’ve built. I wish that you don’t just celebrate 30 years, but also 200 years of anniversaries in the future. I hope you continue organizing such excellent events, bringing together many educationists and education leaders, and I extend my best wishes to you.

Mr. Piyush Singh Chauhan, Vice Chairman of SR Group of Institutions shared his growth journey over 15 years Read More »

Prof N M P Verma, Vice Chancellor, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University emphasised on the foundation of startups

ArdorComm Interview

“The current economic philosophy emphasizes disinvestment, market growth, CSR, and the hiring of technologists and professionals by corporate sectors.” Said Prof N M P Verma, Vice Chancellor, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University We would like to know more about your university. Under your leadership, how has the university expanded and flourished, and what is your vision for the coming years? This university was established by the Parliament of our country in 1997, and over the last 25 years, it has established itself in various disciplines such as social sciences, technology, engineering, science, environmental science, mass communication and journalism, law, and many more. We have two centers here, one of which was previously occupied by IIIT, and we are now developing that campus. We have around 800 students, 400 teachers, and 1,000 non-teaching staff, along with approximately 1,000 PhD scholars. Our campus spans about 250 acres, equipped with full infrastructure, and is located in the heart of the city near the airport, with easy access via the highway. The university is a NAAC A++ accredited institution, and we recently organized a NAAC workshop for the North Zone. We have also advocated for changes in the NAAC rating policy to ensure that only truly deserving universities receive the highest ratings. In the 21st century, how important are skills and employability, and how is your university progressing in this direction? Education is intrinsically linked to employability, knowledge generation, peace of mind, pleasure, and even entertainment. But fundamentally, education provides livelihood. We all work for our livelihood, seeking wealth, assets, and luxury. In this century, especially in a country with a rapidly growing population like ours, employability is crucial. If more and more educated people remain unemployed, it indicates that the country is not progressing, which could lead to violence, political instability, and social issues. My humble suggestion is to link education with ethics to prevent moral erosion in society. Character building is essential, just as it was during our national struggle for freedom. We must ensure that education is free from unethical practices like question leaks and delays in result declarations. The big challenges today are in imparting education, evaluation, and enhancing employability. If around 80% of IIT graduates are not finding employment, we must question the purpose of their education. We need to increase employability to ensure that the income level rises, and as income increases, the population size may decrease due to the inverse correlation between the two. This will lead to overall improvement. In forums like this, where the government, policymakers, corporate representatives, and academicians come together, what do you think is the takeaway or outcome of such gatherings? Corporate sectors play a significant role in the development of the country. The current economic philosophy emphasizes disinvestment, market growth, CSR, and the hiring of technologists and professionals by corporate sectors. These professionals are, in turn, driving startups and investments both in India and globally. However, the best talents from our country often migrate abroad due to the substandard ease of doing business here. This issue needs to be addressed to attract and retain our best talents, who are currently moving to capitalist or developed nations. This is the third anniversary of ArdorComm Media, and we are celebrating our third year. Do you have any message or good wishes for the ArdorComm Media Group? Yes, you are doing very well in terms of social transformation and business development. My advice would be to focus on managing quality over quantity, as there is a lot of competition in your field. If you maintain quality, your success will naturally follow, and your growth will be substantial. My best wishes to you.

Prof N M P Verma, Vice Chancellor, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University emphasised on the foundation of startups Read More »

Prof Geeta Gandhi Kingdon, Manager, City Montessori School shared the importance of diversification, and vision for the future of the school

ArdorComm Interview

“The key factors are the choice of parents to send their children to our school, honesty towards the children, and a sincere commitment to service.” Said Prof Geeta Gandhi Kingdon, Manager, City Montessori School We would like to understand more about your organization, its diversification, and your vision for the future. City Montessori School is a K-12 school in Lucknow with 21 campuses across the city, serving about 63,000 students. Each campus has its own principal, and there is a head office managing common operations. We focus on providing education in three areas: material, human, and divine. We emphasize skill development, not just theoretical learning, so children can apply their knowledge effectively and develop communication and collaboration skills. How does it feel to have your school ranked and nominated in the Guinness Book of World Records as the world’s largest school in a city? What are the key factors attracting both domestic and international students? It’s a great privilege to be in the Guinness Book of World Records. The key factors are the choice of parents to send their children to our school, honesty towards the children, and a sincere commitment to service. Our diligent teachers, discipline, focus on good values, and respect for teachers contribute significantly to our success. What key implementations have you made to modernize your education system and move towards new-age learning? We have embraced educational technology, using tools like Google Classroom, interactive whiteboards, and flat panels. However, modernizing education is not just about technology but also about moving away from rote learning towards skill development. We’ve reformed our assessments to be competency-based, encouraging teachers to focus on creating competencies rather than just preparing students for exams. This shift aims to ensure conceptual clarity and the ability to apply knowledge effectively. The event is named the New Normal Education Leadership Summit and Award. What does the term “new normal” mean to you? The new normal signifies a shift from traditional teaching methods, where the teacher is the sole source of knowledge, to a more engaging and participatory approach. It involves students being actively involved in their learning through peer work, group work, and collaborative learning. We aim to integrate subjects and use experiential learning to show connections between different topics, like how geography and chemistry intersect. We are celebrating the third anniversary of ArdorComm Media. Do you have any messages or feedback for the ArdorComm Media Group? Connecting people and bringing together stakeholders in education is valuable. By facilitating exchanges of ideas, you help improve education practices. I appreciate the platform you provide for educationists to share their insights.

Prof Geeta Gandhi Kingdon, Manager, City Montessori School shared the importance of diversification, and vision for the future of the school Read More »

Prof. Saramma Samuel, Secretary, RVS Group of Institutions emphasised on Teacher Training and Nurturing

“Our goal is to provide practical learning experiences, as classroom education is just the beginning. Through hands-on experiences, students gain valuable insights and skills relevant to their field.” Said Pradeepa Thinakaran What was your main takeaway from today’s event? Today’s event provided a vibrant platform for educators to exchange ideas and network. One significant takeaway was the acknowledgment of an uncertain future for students. We discussed the importance of preparing students to adapt and excel in uncertain situations. Can you highlight two best practices under your leadership in RV’s group of Institutions? One of our key practices is prioritizing teacher training and nurturing. We believe that well-trained educators positively impact student learning. Additionally, we have a dedicated training department focused on enhancing students’ communication skills, aptitude, and attitude to prepare them for employability. What does “New Normal” mean to you in the context of education? “New Normal” signifies resilience, adaptability, and integration of hybrid learning environments. It’s about persevering and not giving up despite challenges, embracing change, and finding innovative solutions. Could you discuss the initiatives related to skill development in your institution? We emphasize connecting students with industry practices beyond classroom teaching. Our goal is to provide practical learning experiences, as classroom education is just the beginning. Through hands-on experiences, students gain valuable insights and skills relevant to their field. Any words of encouragement for ArdorComm Media Group? I commend ArdorComm Media Group for their initiative, especially starting during the challenging period of COVID-19. Your efforts to bring together leaders and change-makers from different regions are commendable. Keep igniting the fire of innovation and leadership in all of us. Any final thoughts? It was a pleasure to participate in this event. Thank you for the opportunity, and I wish Ardorcom Media Group continued success in their endeavors.

Prof. Saramma Samuel, Secretary, RVS Group of Institutions emphasised on Teacher Training and Nurturing Read More »

Pradeepa Thinakaran, Founder & MD, Zing International Preschool, Chennai expressed on Child safety

“When parents trust us with their children, safety is paramount. We prioritize safety measures, such as eliminating plastic, maintaining cleanliness, and providing a safe play area.” Said Pradeepa Thinakaran Can you tell us more about your organization? I’m passionate about kindergarten education, so I founded Zing International Preschool. In the first year, we admitted nearly 200 children, and the second year saw a similar intake. Our school is eco-friendly, focusing on greenery and avoiding the use of plastics. We prioritize helping children learn to read and write using phonetic sounds. Importantly, we allow children to learn at their own pace through free play, which sets us apart from other schools. What are the primary concerns for educators regarding safety and implementation of education? When parents trust us with their children, safety is paramount. We prioritize safety measures, such as eliminating plastic, maintaining cleanliness, and providing a safe play area. Safety, discipline, and education are the top concerns for us. How do you view the growth of the preschool segment, especially with the implementation of the National Education Policy? Preschools have seen significant growth as parents appreciate the focus on early childhood education. Unlike K-12 schools, preschools concentrate solely on the kindergarten years (ages 2-6). This specialization is attracting parents, leading to the booming growth of preschools. What factors should parents consider regarding hygiene when selecting a preschool? Parents should prioritize hygiene during preschool visits. They should inspect restroom cleanliness and inquire about restroom maintenance schedules. Regular cleaning intervals, cleanliness of play areas, and sanitation practices for furniture are crucial factors to consider. What were your key learnings from today’s session? Today’s session provided valuable insights, especially regarding childcare, parenting, and environmental utilization. Learning from panelists about water conservation and parenting strategies was particularly enlightening. The event was a great source of information. How do forums like this benefit participants? Events like this provide a platform for networking and accessing technology partners. Digital tools showcased at stalls are beneficial for students from grade 8 to 12, aiding in their learning outside the classroom. Such forums facilitate the adoption of digital platforms for enhanced learning experiences. Any message for ArdorComm Media Group? Congratulations on your journey of 2.5 to 3 years. The event organization and follow-up have been commendable. Keep up the good work, and I wish you continued success. Any final thoughts? It was a pleasure attending this event. Thank you for the invitation, and I wish you all the best.  

Pradeepa Thinakaran, Founder & MD, Zing International Preschool, Chennai expressed on Child safety Read More »