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

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

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

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“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.

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

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“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.  

Sanchana Navaneethakrishnan, Trustee, Vivekam Sr. Sec. School, Coimbatore emphasised on the use of technology in education

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“we ensure that these technologies are used minimally, as it is the teacher who can bring innovative thinking into the minds of children” said Sanchana Navaneethakrishnan Can you tell me more about your institutions? Yes, to be particular, we have two branches in Kuwait. The name in Tamil means “Brilliance.” As the name indicates, one thing that we have been focusing on is the quality of education. Our first institution has been around for over 25 years, and the second one for 14 years. Over time, we have always focused on the quality of education we provide, ensuring equality in how we treat children, regardless of their skill levels. We also emphasize values significantly. Being the only daughter of my parents, I was certain from my schooling that I would take up the institutions. Therefore, I have been training myself specifically to become an educationalist. We aim to instill in children the quality and attitude to perceive the world correctly, focusing more on how to do things better rather than just what not to do. How is your institution adapting to the transition from traditional to digital modes of education? We have recently associated with Oxford and are incorporating artificial intelligence and virtual reality to prepare children for future technological updates. However, we ensure that these technologies are used minimally, as it is the teacher who can bring innovative thinking into the minds of children. Mere books and facts cannot achieve that. What modules does your school have to motivate teachers? We are conducting back-to-back workshops and training sessions for teachers. We also plan to provide a wide range of facilities to help teachers educate themselves. Since most of our teachers are female and have household responsibilities, we are digitalizing our library and providing resources within the campus to help them keep up with the knowledge level of the children without having to do extra work at home. What have you taken away from today’s session? This event has been fantastically organized and is much needed. Most of the discussion comes from top-level people who do not implement changes, but as implementers, we can bring real change on the ground. I have found that many people think like me, and this event has provided a wonderful opportunity to connect with other schools. We can contribute to changing society as a whole since children from various schools are part of a larger educational community. Do you have any message for ArdorComm Media Group? Yes, I would like you to organize more such events, focusing on the next generation, especially in schools. It’s important to concentrate not just on sustainable development but on what is needed overall. We often compare ourselves with the United States, but there are significant differences in population and culture. We need to correct ourselves according to our country’s characteristics rather than relying solely on research or statistics from institutions like Harvard University. It would be wonderful if initiatives could be taken to create our own statistics relevant to our population. Thank you for the opportunity to be a part of this event.

Dheepan Thangavelu, Vice Chairman, Sri Shakthi International School expressed upon the importance of traditional education

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“Our higher educational institutions leverage digital platforms, particularly in computer science training programs, enabling students to develop skills through practical applications” Said Dheepan Thangavelu Can you provide more information about the Shakthi Group of Institutions? Certainly! The Shakthi Group of Institutions began as a higher educational institution with our campus located in Nambur Engineering College, catering to around 5,000 students. In 2017, we expanded by establishing a CBSE school campus in Avinashi. Currently, we also operate five play schools as part of our network. From kindergarten to doctoral programs, we offer a comprehensive educational journey under the banner of Shakthi. How is your institution adapting to the transformation of education into a more digital format, and what benefits have you observed? While digital education is beneficial for higher education, we maintain a focus on traditional methods for our schools. Our higher educational institutions leverage digital platforms, particularly in computer science training programs, enabling students to develop skills through practical applications. However, we believe in a gradual introduction to digital learning, especially for younger students. What sustainable education modules is your institution implementing, and what initiatives have been successful so far? We prioritize sustainability education, including initiatives such as water conservation and environmental preservation. Our campus boasts eco-friendly features, including a 25-acre campus with over 5,500 plants and a rainwater harvesting system. Additionally, we offer programs like the Middle School externship, where students engage in sustainable development projects. At the college level, we emphasize tree plantation initiatives. What factors do parents consider when enrolling their children in schools, particularly at Shakthi Group of Institutions? Parents value a holistic learning environment that connects children with nature, provides a supportive atmosphere, and fosters strong teacher-student relationships. At Shakthi, our initiatives, such as morning Zumba dance activities and various engaging programs, create a happy and conducive learning environment for children. What were your takeaways from the New Normal Education Leadership Summit and Awards event, and how do such forums benefit society at large? Participating in events like the New Normal Education Leadership Summit offers valuable networking opportunities and insights into diverse educational practices. It broadens perspectives, fosters collaboration, and allows educators to address common challenges collectively. These forums facilitate knowledge exchange and contribute to the overall improvement of the education sector. Any message you’d like to convey to ArdorComm Media Group? I commend ArdorComm Media Group for its visionary initiatives, particularly in organizing events that bring together education stakeholders. Choosing Katur as the venue reflects an understanding of the region’s significance as an education hub. I look forward to future collaborations and appreciate the support offered by Arco Media Group. Thank you for this opportunity.

Varun Bharadwaj, Vice President – Edtech Solutions, Intercell emphasised upon upcoming technology of Intercell

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“we plan to launch more initiatives to provide end-to-end solutions for students, from their undergraduate studies to their professional careers.” Said Varun Bharadwaj Can you tell us about the initiatives and product line of Intercell? Certainly! Intercell is an online mentoring platform that bridges the gap between mentees and mentors. For instance, if a student is pursuing engineering and seeks mentorship in AI, we provide mentors on our platform who offer guidance on cracking interviews and preparing for job opportunities. Our mentors have extensive industry experience, ensuring that mentees receive practical insights and guidance. Which market or region in higher education has been more supportive of Intercell ‘s initiatives, and which do you find more dynamic and approachable? We have clients across South and North India, and we aim to cover the entire country. Additionally, we have mentors from India and abroad, spanning 18 different career fields. Our goal is to provide comprehensive support to students nationwide. What are your takeaways from this event, and how do you find it? This event has been absolutely fantastic! The speakers, veterans from the industry, provide invaluable coaching and guidance. The event effectively connects industry professionals with academia. Regarding skilling programs, our initiative spans six months, ensuring ongoing support through live sessions, chat, and email. It’s not just a one-time session but a comprehensive program to address mentees’ needs over an extended period. What should educators consider before partnering with a tech company like yours? Educators often face challenges during student placements. Intercell addresses this by providing mentorship from industry veterans, enhancing students’ chances of securing placements. Educators should consider how such partnerships can improve student outcomes and enhance their overall educational experience. Can you share any special initiatives that Intercell is currently running or planning to launch? We have already introduced job recommendations and internship recommendations. Additionally, we plan to launch more initiatives to provide end-to-end solutions for students, from their undergraduate studies to their professional careers. We’re also working with schools to ensure comprehensive grooming opportunities for students.

Dr. T. V. Christy, Vice Chancellor, Ponnaiyah Ramajayam Institute of Sc. & Tech. Vallam talked about four pillars of the New Education Policy (NEP)

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“The New Normal is about being student-centric. Education should focus on where graduates go after graduation, anticipating their future needs. ” said  Dr. T. V. Christy Could you tell us more about your group of institutions? I am from The Ponnaiyah Ramajayam Institute of Science and Technology, famously known as PRIST deemed to be University, recognized by the University Grants Commission. It is located in Thanjavur, and we run programs in various disciplines, including engineering, arts and science, agriculture, pharmacy, and law. When we talk about sustainability in education, what special initiatives have been taken by your institution? We have empowered our students by first making them aware of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We conduct various sessions to ensure that our students and faculty members understand the importance and significance of these SDGs. Our management is very particular about integrating these goals into our educational practices. Regarding education policy implementations, what initiatives or developments have you undertaken? The four pillars of the New Education Policy (NEP) can be summarized as AE AQ: Accessibility, Equity, Accountability, and Quality. We ensure that these principles form the basis of our NEP implementation in our campuses. If the first three (Accessibility, Equity, Accountability) are in place, Quality naturally follows. What are the leading roles of your institution in terms of the incubation center and industry engagement? One of our best practices is ensuring that every faculty member is in touch with a minimum of two industries. For example, in a department with 15 faculty members, we have connections with 30 industries. Faculty members develop relationships with industry professionals, bring them to address students, and ultimately establish memorandums of understanding. This approach brings industry-oriented skills meaningfully into our university. What does the term ‘New Normal’ mean to you in the context of education? The New Normal is about being student-centric. Education should focus on where graduates go after graduation, anticipating their future needs. The goal is to foresee the skills and knowledge they will require three to four years after graduating and adapt our educational practices accordingly. This forward-thinking approach is what I consider the New Normal. How do forums like this, which bring together representatives from schools, higher education, skill education, technical education, and tech companies, benefit the society at large? I’m really touched by the name “ARCOM.” It stands for Community, Aspiration, Reimagination, Digitalization, Opportunity, and Readiness. These are exactly what we need in today’s educational scenario. Such forums motivate students and ensure they serve the community. Bringing industry leaders and educational leaders together provides a platform for sharing best practices and learning from each other. It’s an excellent initiative that should continue. Any message for ArdorComm Media Group? Continue your efforts and gather feedback from participants. Learn from any challenges or difficulties faced in conducting this program and strive to improve in future events. Bringing together industry and educational institutions on one platform is a mammoth task, and you are doing an exceptional job. Congratulations! Any final thoughts? Thank you so much for inviting me to this forum. It was a pleasure and honor to participate. Your efforts in connecting different stakeholders in education are commendable. Thank you.

Dr. P. Krishnakumar, CEO & Secretary, Nehru Group of Institutions emphasized on the future progress on Nehru Group of Institution

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“We strongly believe in molding true citizens, which means not only giving an opportunity to complete graduation but also upskilling their abilities to meet industry requirements.” Said Dr. P. Krishnakumar Could you tell us more about your group of institutions? We have completed our 50 years of existence, starting in 1968 in Coimbatore. We have a presence in the states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala with over 24 institutions, ranging from schools to a medical college. How do you ensure sustainability in education within your diverse group of institutions? We strongly believe in molding true citizens, which means not only giving an opportunity to complete graduation but also upskilling their abilities to meet industry requirements. We emphasize training and employability. For example, we have Technology Business Incubation (TBI) funded by DST (central government) to create startups, and we also have the NewGen IEDC initiative, which central government funds up to 2.5 lakhs for students’ projects to help them move from prototype to commercialization. Could you elaborate on the skill development and teacher training programs in your institution? We believe in training our faculty frequently. We have quarterly training sessions where we invite trainers from different industries and academia. We also encourage our faculty to upskill through various online certification programs as we evolve from traditional education to digitalization. Are there any new initiatives in technology within your institution? We are one of the few institutions in Kattur with multiple multiplex theaters on campus. This allows students and teachers developing e-content to see their work in a theater setting, enhancing the learning experience by creating an entertaining yet educational environment. What about global collaborations and exposure to international universities? As an affiliated institution, our ability to collaborate with foreign universities is limited due to state and central government policies. Universities have more freedom to engage in student exchange programs and faculty development programs abroad, but affiliated institutions must follow strict guidelines. What are your thoughts on employment versus employability? Employability is more important because it’s not just about getting a qualification but about ensuring that students are absorbed by the best industries. This is crucial for an educational institution’s survival. Top institutions maintain their status by ensuring high employability for their graduates. We focus on incubation and entrepreneurship, promoting a startup culture that allows students to understand entrepreneurship and take risks while still studying. What does the term ‘New Normal’ mean to you? New Normal means introducing new changes and ways of thinking and executing programs. It involves changing the traditional system to adapt to new methods and ideas, reflecting a fresh approach to education and leadership. Any message for ArdorComm Media Group? ArdorComm Media is doing an excellent job of connecting educational institutions and stakeholders. Networking and sharing knowledge are crucial in today’s world. Your role in connecting people from different age groups, experiences, and industries is invaluable. I’ve had the opportunity to meet many people from top institutions today, which is beneficial for information and networking. This positively impacts the education sector and brings about new changes. Keep up the good work. Any final thoughts? Thank you so much for inviting me to this event. It was impressive talking with you, and I appreciate the opportunity to be a part of this forum. Thank you.