Interviews

“I think it is important to give more emphasis to moral education,” says Md Azizur Rahman, Chairman, Tarbiyah Cambridge International School in an interview with Pratik Ghosh, Content Writer, ArdorComm Media Group at the ‘New Normal – Education Leadership Summit & Awards 2023’ #ELSAChennai #ELSATamilNadu How are you feeling to witness this New Normal Education Leadership Summit and Awards in Chennai? Yeah, this type of education event is very much needed for society. Actually, South is of course, advanced, but we feel that our Eastern part is in a gap. So, it is very good. I am feeling good. Can you tell us about your institution? Yes, our institution was actually started in 2014. Our intention is to provide digital education to the interior parts of India, especially the villages and remote areas. We focus on these areas because nobody is giving attention to the interior side of our country. So, our goal is to work on education in these neglected regions. In this kind of forum, where education leaders, EdTech players, and government officials come together, how do you think it benefits the education sector? Of course, it will benefit the community and the country. However, I feel there is a gap. While all the speakers talk about the quality of education, nobody is giving emphasis to moral-based education, the repair of the soul. So, I think it is important to give more emphasis to moral education. We are a media startup, and in a few months, we will be completing two years of our existence. Any message you want to give to ArdorComm Media Group? I believe it will be beneficial for our community, society, and our country. So, I also hope that you can keep more focus on our country.  

“It was indeed a wonderful session with insightful discussions and a great panel session,” says Mincy Varghese, Principal, St. Joseph Matric Hr Sec School in an interview with Pratik Ghosh, Content Writer, ArdorComm Media Group at the ‘New Normal – Education Leadership Summit & Awards 2023’ #ELSAChennai #ELSATamilNadu How are you feeling witnessing The New Normal Education Leadership Summit and Awards in Chennai? It’s an amazing program and much needed for the current academic year. It’s really important for children’s development and their future employability. The bridging of education with employment was particularly impressive. Educating the educators first is a crucial step, as you mentioned. We believe we need your help in developing our technology capabilities. Other than that, everything was great and much needed. How are you implementing technology in your institution? We have smart classes, internet connectivity, and various programs like the English lab and STEM program. As you can see in forums like this, we bring together education leaders, EdTech leaders, and government officials. How does it benefit the education sector? These forums play a vital role in benefiting the education sector by brainstorming ideas and discussing how to implement and upgrade the education system to make it more skill-oriented. Yes, it was indeed a wonderful session with insightful discussions and a great panel session. It was an eye-opener for all of us, making us realize the need for action and implementation in education. Any message you want to give to ArdorComm Media Group? Absolutely! I believe it is crucial to reach out to more people and spread awareness about the benefits of technology in education. Many people haven’t had the opportunity to attend events like this, so we need to educate and inform them about the possibilities and advancements in education through technology. Top of Form  

“We have been in the field of education for over 30 years and have accreditations from NBA, NAAC,” says Dr. R. M. Narayanan, Dean, Dr. M.G.R. Educational and Research Institute in an interview with Pratik Ghosh, Content Writer, ArdorComm Media Group at the ‘New Normal – Education Leadership Summit & Awards 2023’ #ELSAChennai #ELSATamilNadu How are you feeling to witness this New Normal Education Leadership Summit and Awards in Chennai? It was amazing to participate and take part in this summit in Chennai. The event took place at the Green Park Hotel, which was nicely organized. We are looking forward to the education sector reaching the next level, as per the targets set in the new age policies and education policy. We are particularly interested in the knowledge shared, improvements in curriculum and syllabi, and the inclusion of technical skills in the new curriculum. We aim to have important interactions with eminent people at the summit. Could you highlight your institution? Dr. M.G.R. Educational and Research Institute is one of the topmost organizations in Chennai, located in the heart of the city. We have been in the field of education for over 30 years and have accreditations from NBA, NAAC. We have the autonomous status declared by the Government of India through UGC. How does this kind of forum benefit the education sector? The interaction between education, industry, and governance is crucial. Forums like these facilitate an interface between educationalists, industries, and the government. Whenever there is innovation from the academics, it needs to be transferred to the industry for further development and production of prototypes and products. The government plays a role in commercialization and reaping economic benefits from these collaborations. Any message you want to share for ArdorComm Media Group? Keep up the good work! We would like to have more interactions and engage with more eminent people in the future.

“The product is designed to be student-centric, which sets us apart from other solutions in the market,” says Prince Daniel, Director – Business Development, SpaceBasic in an interview with Pratik Ghosh, Content Writer, ArdorComm Media Group at the ‘New Normal – Education Leadership Summit & Awards 2023’ #ELSAChennai #ELSATamilNadu How are you feeling about witnessing The New Normal Education Leadership Summit and Awards in Chennai? Yeah, it’s great to be here. This is one of our focuses, to meet a lot of educators in one place and see the new updated technology they are using. It’s exciting to see all the new and unknown faces in this summit. Our company is based in Bangalore and we are the only ones providing a hostel management solution with a mobile application. The application covers end-to-end functionality, making it easy for students to show their attendance and manage various aspects. It’s a hassle-free solution for parents as well, allowing them to track their child’s activities in college. We started in 2017 and currently serve more than 75 colleges and universities in India. We plan to enter the international market soon. What is the unique selling proposition (USP) of SpaceBasic? Our USP lies in the fact that while ERP systems are typically used by management, our solution is primarily used by students. Students can use the application to manage their entries, know the mess menu and timings, block their food preferences, and even request leaves or permissions. It eliminates the need for students to stand in lines for signatures and makes the process more user-friendly. The product is designed to be student-centric, which sets us apart from other solutions in the market. As we can see, this forum brings together industry leaders, education leaders, and government representatives. How does this benefit the education sector? Such forums are important for knowledge sharing. For example, as a representative of Space Basics, attending this summit allows me to understand the thoughts and opinions of educators and industry leaders. It helps me stay informed about trends and the ideas they have in mind. This knowledge allows me to develop our product and contribute to the advancement of the education industry. It’s about spreading ideas and trends to benefit the sector as a whole. Any message you want to share for ArdorComm Media Group? My message is that everyone should embrace change and adopt new ideas. The education industry is evolving rapidly, and it’s important to stay updated. By attending forums like this, we can understand the needs and perspectives of others and share our own ideas. Together, we can take the education industry to new heights.

“It helps in creating a new model of education policy and implementing digital technology-based learning platforms for the students’ benefit,” says Dr. P. Senthil, Dean, Chettinad Academy of Research and Education in an interview with Pratik Ghosh, Content Writer, ArdorComm Media Group at the ‘New Normal – Education Leadership Summit & Awards 2023’ #ELSAChennai #ELSATamilNadu How are you feeling to witness The New Normal Education Leadership Summit and Awards in Chennai? Yeah, it’s very nice, actually. I need to thank the organizer Chandan Anand and the ArdorComm Media for this well-organized platform. Here, we learned a lot about the new normal educational upliftment for the 21st-century students. Many eminent delegates came here to discuss this, and they provided valid points on how entrepreneurship incubation and innovation play a major role in education. Various digital technologies were also highlighted for their significance in student learning. The chief guest and eminent speakers emphasized the importance of skill training, which is crucial for students’ learning and employment sustainability. As you can see, in this kind of forum, we bring together education leaders, EdTech experts, as well as representatives from the ministry and government. How do you think this kind of forum benefits the education sector? Definitely, this platform of panel discussions and expert talks gives them ideas for policy-making and educational reformation. It helps in creating a new model of education policy and implementing digital technology-based learning platforms for the students’ benefit. These discussions also highlight the importance of skill training and employment sustainability. Overall, this kind of forum greatly benefits the education sector. Any message you would like to give to ArdorComm Media Group? It’s a well-organized event, and I wish to commend ArdorComm Media Group and all the team members for their excellent hospitality and wonderful job in serving society.

“We are utilizing different types of technology in education, examinations, and skill development of students,” says Dr. Nazibar Rahaman, Principal, Kaliachak College in an interview with Pratik Ghosh, Content Writer, ArdorComm Media Group at the ‘New Normal – Education Leadership Summit & Awards 2023’ #ELSAChennai #ELSATamilNadu How are you feeling about witnessing the New Normal Education Leadership Summit and Awards in Chennai? Yes, this is an important event for the education sector, especially considering the new normal that has emerged after COVID-19. I believe similar programs should be organized in different places to educate educators, learners, and institution owners about the changes and advancements in education. Academicians should come forward and take the next steps to contribute to the growth of our nation. How is your institution implementing technology in education? We had already initiated the implementation of various technologies for education even before COVID-19. However, the pandemic has accelerated our efforts to adopt these programs and technologies faster. We are utilizing different types of technology in education, examinations, and skill development of students. What message would you like to convey to ArdorComm Media Group? I want to express my appreciation and extend my best wishes to ArdorComm Media Group. They are doing an excellent job for the nation. I strongly believe that such programs should be organized in different locations to enhance our nation’s development. We must focus on preparing our children, students, and youths for the forthcoming days to contribute to the growth of our nation.

“Whatever I learned today, I will deliver the same to all the faculty members in our institution,” says Dr. I. Cicil Ignatius, Head of the Department, Dhanalakshmi Srinivasan Engineering College in an interview with Pratik Ghosh, Content Writer, ArdorComm Media Group at the ‘New Normal – Education Leadership Summit & Awards 2023’ #ELSAChennai #ELSATamilNadu How are you feeling to witness the New Normal Education Leadership Summit and Awards in Chennai? I feel very proud and happy to participate in this event. Actually, I did not know about these activities. I casually came across it on Facebook and clicked on it. A person contacted me and conducted an interview about me and my institution. I didn’t expect it to go to this extent, but the resource persons and the content they delivered were marvellous. I gained a lot of information regarding admissions, reverberation acoustics of buildings, and new software related to the progression of an institution. I’m very thankful to New Normal scheme. Whatever I learned today, I will deliver the same to all the faculty members in our institution. It will be a great support to our institution and me. I learned a lot. Thank you. In this kind of forum where we bring together education leaders, EdTech experts, and government representatives, how does this benefit the education sector? I noticed that this forum mainly focuses on higher officials, but it does not give much importance to the basic needs of the students. If teaching strategies were also involved in this program, the teachers would benefit more. The learning process is the main root cause of institutions, and if more importance is given to teaching and learning processes, it would be very beneficial for teachers and students. I hope in future programs, this aspect will be included. I’m happy to participate in future programs as well. Thank you. Any message for ArdorComm Media Group? It’s a wonderful program. You are doing a service to society, especially to the education sector. It is very essential and important nowadays.

“We utilized platforms like Google Classroom to share study materials and assignments,” said Prof. Dr. R. Haritha Devi, Director, Research Publications & Academic, The Tamil Nadu Dr. Ambedkar Law University in an interview with Pratik Ghosh, Content Writer, ArdorComm Media Group at the ‘New Normal – Education Leadership Summit & Awards 2023’ #ELSAChennai #ELSATamilNadu How are you feeling to witness The New Normal Education Leadership Summit and Awards in Chennai? I think I’m very happy and delighted to be part of this event. A huge thanks to the organizers for conducting it. I believe it’s a great encouragement for people who want to learn through new technologies. There’s always a controversy about whether new technology will advance education or not, and there are difficulties that some people face. For example, some students feel that traditional classroom teaching is better. However, events like this can change that perspective and show that new technologies can be implemented effectively. Can you tell us how you are implementing technology in your university? Definitely. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we had to adapt to online modes of teaching. We utilized platforms like Google Classroom to share study materials and assignments. In our classrooms, we have digital boards and frequently use PowerPoint presentations. So, we have embraced digitalization in our teaching methods. What does “New Normal” mean to you? How do you define it? “New Normal” means keeping up with technology. As technology evolves, we also need to grow and adapt. We can’t cling only to traditional methods. So, for me, the “New Normal” in education involves embracing and integrating technology. In events like this, where the education fraternity, corporates, and government come together, how do you think it benefits the education sector? Technology undoubtedly benefits the education sector. However, my concern is whether we are compromising the privacy of both teachers and students in the name of technology. We need to find a balance and ensure that technology doesn’t overpower us. Forums like this can address these concerns and help maintain a balance while spreading knowledge. Any message you would like to share for ArdorComm Media Group? I think this is a very commendable initiative. Congratulations to the institution for organizing this event. It should be taken forward. The key is to maintain a balance in education and ensure that knowledge is spread effectively while conquering technology rather than letting it conquer us. Top of Form  

“This environment will not only benefit the corporate and educational sectors but also bridge the gap between secondary education and higher education,” says Prof. Padmanabhan Krishnan, Director, Academic Staff College, Vellore Institute of Technology in an interview with Pratik Ghosh, Content Writer, ArdorComm Media Group at the ‘New Normal – Education Leadership Summit & Awards 2023’ #ELSAChennai #ELSATamilNadu How are you feeling witnessing this New Normal Education Leadership Summit in Chennai? It’s a great initiative by ArdorComm Media Group, and I’m enjoying the ambiance and the sessions. We’ve learned a lot, and learning is both transactional and transformative. As you know the event name is New Normal Education Leadership Summit so what does New Normal stand for you? Well like one of the experts said you had live before Corona, you had life during Corona and you have life after Corona hopefully when I think Corona is still there so like I would say that it is not yet after Corona and we are still in a Corona season so new normal refers to the digital learning and its impact and its mandatory necessitated existence or coming into existence or coming into the being itself that would be the new normal situation. Like they didn’t want to call it abnormal though I think that would have been an appropriate term but rather crude so I would say that we don’t have to say normal season before 2019 December or 2020 or we don’t need to say anything after that was abnormal we try to be normal so we would call it new normal and then we’ll take it and destroy it and then if digital learning has more to offer obviously why not I mean Corona though is about 140 nanometres in diameter has taught us a lot of things. Many things teach positive or negative thank you the best way is to keep going forward. How are you implementing technology in your institution? At Vellore Institute of Technology University, we focus on training the trainers. We explore various technological methods to train our staff members in emotional, adaptive, intuitional, and psychomotor capabilities. We aim for holistic development through enabling technologies, including digital and online learning. In forums like this, where education leaders, industry experts, and the government come together, how does this benefit the education sector at large? As a metallurgist, I would like to highlight the significance of alloys in the field. Commercially pure copper, while not particularly useful, can be transformed into brass by adding zinc. However, brass is prone to marine corrosion as the zinc tends to seep out of the copper lattice. To stabilize zinc, tin and other elements like aluminum are added. In comparison to soft metals like copper, well-alloyed brass, bronze, or corrosion-resistant alloys like silicon bronze and naval bronze offer better properties. I believe this metallurgical experience and philosophy can be applied to the relationships between the private and public sectors, NGOs, academia, and the corporate sector. This amalgamation of different entities can lead to synergistic effects, where the positive hybrid outcome surpasses the sum of its parts. The new education policy, government initiatives, and funding for research and higher education, including training for trainers, are empowering prospects. The support from NGO startups and various governmental initiatives, as well as the recognition of private universities, alongside prestigious institutions like IITs and IACs, create a mutually beneficial environment. This environment will not only benefit the corporate and educational sectors but also bridge the gap between secondary education and higher education. It will facilitate the transition from the first year to the final year and ultimately to internships, providing numerous programs, skills, and avenues for career development. As emphasized by one of the experts, jobs are not the only important aspect, but building a successful career holds greater significance. Overall, this amalgamation between different sectors and entities is highly advantageous. It holds the potential to foster growth, enhance educational environments, and create a supportive ecosystem that benefits individuals and society as a whole. We should extend our best wishes to everyone involved in these endeavours. Any message for ArdorComm Media Group? I believe it is crucial for ArdorComm Media to continue its initiatives like Nama Chennai and expand them further. However, it is important to recognize that it’s not just about the teachers or students individually. The bond between teachers and students holds great significance. Moreover, what truly matters is the transformation that occurs from being a student to a project student, then to an intern, and eventually a full-fledged company executive. The process of bridging these different phases is more important than the isolated actions performed during each stage, whether it’s in high school (plus two student), undergraduate studies, or master’s programs. In the realm of education and career advancement, the concept of interface is highly valuable. Interface refers to the interaction and connection between different stages, roles, and skills. It is essential to be equipped with the ability to interface, bridge gaps, and smoothly transition from one phase to another in life and career development. Without the necessary skills to navigate these transitions, challenges may arise. I strongly urge ArdorComm Media to not only focus on the educational journey but also on bridging the gaps between schools and colleges. Many students face difficulties in coping with the significant changes that occur during the first year of college. Some students who excelled in their secondary education, scoring high percentages like 92, 96, or even 98, may struggle to adapt to the demands of engineering colleges, leading to frustration and even depression. Bridging programs and initiatives are vital in creating compatibility and facilitating a smoother transition into higher education, whether it be from school to college or even pursuing advanced degrees like a Ph.D. or studying abroad. For instance, when students go to the United States, they often experience culture shock. It would be beneficial to address this culture shock in advance by providing resources and insights from individuals who have returned from

“After this pandemic, in fact, we were forced to go for the new technologies like online classes and various types of even the assignments, conducting examinations, the proctored examinations in online,” says Dr. S. Sriman Narayanan, Vice Chancellor, VELS Institute of Science Technology in an interview with Pratik Ghosh, Content Writer, ArdorComm Media Group at the ‘New Normal – Education Leadership Summit & Awards 2023’ #ELSAChennai #ELSATamilNadu How are you feeling to witness The New Normal Education Leadership Summit and Awards in Chennai? Yeah, I think it looks very attractive and with a lot of people participating in it. And a lot of different themes are being discussed in different sessions. I think it will be useful to the people who are attending this, and it will be also useful to the administrators as well as the Vice Chancellors like me, even the directors and all the teachers who are attending here. How are you implementing technology in your institution? Yeah, ours is the VELS University, which is the VELS Institute of Science, Technology, and Advanced Studies. It is a deemed-to-be university. We house roughly around 15,000 people with 750 faculty members, and roughly we run around 120 different programs comprising of engineering, pharmacy, law, basic sciences, life sciences, education, so everything. After this pandemic, in fact, we were forced to go for the new technologies like online classes and various types of even the assignments conducting examinations, the proctored examinations in online. So we are implementing wherever it is required because now the minds of the people have changed, you know, from the classrooms to the online classes and other things. So accordingly, we are making more changes that are needed for the betterment of the students. As you can see in this kind of forms, we bring in the education leaders, the EdTech players, as well as the government. So how does this kind of forum benefit the education sector according to you? Actually, whenever there are gaps, we cannot say that all know everything. So, by attending such meetings, we could see that there is some information we are getting which can fill the gaps between what is existing and what is expected. So that way, it is very useful. ArdorComm Media started in 2021, and we are close to completing two years of our existence. So what message do you want to share for ArdorComm Media Group? Okay, right. You talk to the institutions, educational administrators, and you tell them that if this is the type of people that the other side is expecting, the product that is what they are expecting, and this is the gap. And we will be able to help you to fill this gap by providing all these arrangements. Then maybe that would be a better idea.