ArdorComm Media Group

Interviews

Anantha Krishnan B, CEO- Operations, Kalorex Group, Ahmedabad shared their approach at Kalorex Group of Institutions

“The issue today is with the influx of AI and other technologies, identifying the skill set needed for a generation that will see the world 15 years later” said Anantha Krishnan B, CEO- Operations, Kalorex Group, Ahmedabad  Could you please highlight some of the initiatives or significant projects of the Kalorex Group of Institutions? We, as an organization, have always been forward-looking. As a policy, we think 15 years ahead of our times. The issue today is with the influx of AI and other technologies, identifying the skill set needed for a generation that will see the world 15 years later. We are working on those lines. The initiative of the AI clone and Avtar Maya that we have created of Dr. Shroff is a step towards that same vision to get the best of skill sets to the children. The progress is ongoing. What are the steps of Kalorex Group towards sustainable education? A couple of things I’d like to mention from today’s session. The morning session on NEP was fantastic. NEP, as a document, is very detailed, but the challenge is implementation. We, as a company, have created ways to implement NEP and converted those practices into a booklet, which we distributed today. This booklet is the outcome of dedicated efforts by about 70-80 teachers across the city who brainstormed and came up with easy implementation strategies adaptable by any school. By following these practices, we can expect a better future in the next 10 years. What motivates a teacher in your institution, and how do they cope with diverse students in a classroom? A teacher must always be forward-looking and a source of information and knowledge. In the age of AI, information is readily available on screens. If a teacher teaches something in the classroom, a child can immediately verify it on a computer. The challenge is teaching students how to compete with humanoids and AI. If you compete with a robot, like in a game of chess or badminton, the robot is likely to win. We need to teach students resilience, value systems, and adaptations required to compete with AI and robots. That’s what we are working on. What are your takeaways from today’s events, and how do such forums help society at large? On paper, many policies and government initiatives come up, especially in the last 10 years with the current government. Initiatives like the AAR card program and UPI payments are examples of good governance practices that schools need to implement for the next generation. Schools play a significant role in translating these policies into practice. For example, I come from a deep south village where the river used to have water up to my neck, but now the water level is down to 1 foot. We, as humans, are responsible for this and for restoring the river. Sessions like these teach us how to implement policies at a ground level, which is crucial for the future. Your efforts in organizing such sessions are commendable. I plan to attend your upcoming sessions in Indore and Vishakapatnam. Any final thoughts or messages? Thank you for having me at this event. It was a pleasure to be here and support your initiatives. Keep up the good work, and I look forward to your future sessions. Thank you.

Anantha Krishnan B, CEO- Operations, Kalorex Group, Ahmedabad shared their approach at Kalorex Group of Institutions Read More »

Uma Kannan Founder Principal, Sri Venkateswara Group of Schools, Ambattur expressed how pedagogies and new strategies can upskill and reskill the students

“The New Normal refers to machine learning, artificial intelligence, and a technologically driven society” said Uma Kannan Could you please highlight some of the initiatives of your institution and give us more light on what your institution is doing? In each and every institution, we take up the growth of the student to bring out the awesome holistic children within the students and through the teachers. The pedagogies, introduction of new strategies to upskill and reskill the students’ energy as well as the faculty’s energy, are crucial. Only then can they produce very good social beings to develop the nation. We are doing a lot of service through seminars and conferences. Would you like to throw some light on the education policy and any initiatives your institution is doing in this regard? Recently, in 2020, the central government adopted a new educational policy and framework. One aspect of that is the 21st-century learning skills, another is the sustainable developmental goals, and the third is design thinking. We incorporate all these with the teachers through some orientation programs to upskill their energy, and then we transform that into the classroom. Any takeaways from today’s forum? Definitely. I learned how to parent the child. Parenting is very necessary with all biological modulations. We need to transparently open up the biological changes to the students. Kudos to Manjula and Chandan for bringing in this transparency. Teachers are the second parents, and we need to instruct the parents to be the first educators, giving all this transparently to the children to bring in a good social being. What does the phrase “New Normal” mean to you? The New Normal refers to machine learning, artificial intelligence, and a technologically driven society. We need to incorporate this into the educational curriculum. However, we should not forget the traditional way of teaching, as it provides an aesthetic approach and emotional well-being for the child and the adult. Any message for ArdorComm Media Group? ArdorComm, you are keeping the summits in very reputed cities like Delhi, which are educational hubs. I want this to extend to all corners of the country, even the villages. Your service should be extended to smaller cities and towns. Thank you. It was a pleasure having you at this forum. Thank you so much. Thank you, Chandan. All the best.

Uma Kannan Founder Principal, Sri Venkateswara Group of Schools, Ambattur expressed how pedagogies and new strategies can upskill and reskill the students Read More »

Swapnil Omprakash Mandhana, Director – Learning and Development, Teachmint expressed on upcoming mission of Teachmint

“We believe in refreshing learning. We aim to create a solid platform for educational institutions worldwide by implementing robust curriculums and the right policies” said Swapnil Omprakash Mandhana Can you tell me more about Teachmint? Absolutely! At Teachmint, we believe in refreshing learning. We aim to create a solid platform for educational institutions worldwide by implementing robust curriculums and the right policies. Our vision is to seamlessly enable academic learning by providing specific classroom devices integrated with our proprietary learning management system. These devices offer high-end specifications to ensure holistic utilization, making teaching and learning processes easy, comprehensive, purposeful, and visible, while also incorporating data-driven AI. What has been your success story so far, and how has the industry responded to your initiatives? Initially, we thought of Teachmint as merely providing devices. However, after engaging with schools and colleges, we received amazing reflections. This empowered us to delve deeper into the problem statement. We realized that while there is existing infrastructure, implementation was challenging due to teachers not being equipped. Our devices, integrated with our management system, have provided visibility to management, teachers, and parents, enhancing communication and transparency in the learning process. What sets Teach apart from other institutions that already have learning management systems (LMS) in place? Teachmint’s unique proposition lies in driving the LMS towards the end learning outcome comprehensively. We go beyond merely compartmentalizing resources; our focus is on purposeful learning by enabling teachers to plan lessons, share resources, create tests, and generate analytical reports seamlessly. Our system ensures that the LMS is not just a repository for materials but a tool for scalable, measurable, and visible learning outcomes. How do forums like this one, involving educators and academicians, contribute to society at large? I believe forums like this are invaluable. They gather passionate educators who are driven by the desire to learn and improve education. Participants come with a purpose, making it easier to share knowledge and align efforts towards common goals, such as achieving excellence in education and enhancing digital infrastructure in schools. Such focused platforms facilitate effective communication and the dissemination of key messages. Any message for ArdorComm Media Group? ArdorComm Media Group is doing an excellent job in organizing forums that bring together schools and institutes. The sessions have been purposeful, fostering meaningful discussions and queries about our brand value. I encourage ArdorComm Media Group to continue their efforts in connecting schools and promoting insightful dialogue. Thank you for your support and association. Good luck with your endeavors!

Swapnil Omprakash Mandhana, Director – Learning and Development, Teachmint expressed on upcoming mission of Teachmint Read More »

Dr. Shaleesha A. Stanley, Pro Chancellor, Jeppiaar University, Chennai expressed the future prospect of JPR University

“We prioritize their upskilling by sending them for faculty development programs and sponsoring their participation in conferences” said Dr. Shaleesha A. Stanley Can you tell us more about JPR University and its initiatives in digital transformation and student development? JPR University, a state private university operational for the past two years, prioritizes initiatives such as AI-powered learning management systems and digital transformation. We focus on incorporating ability enhancement courses and promoting English as a second language, considering them as crucial aspects for student development. We are grateful to Arcom for providing us with a platform to share our views and experiences, and we look forward to collaborating with them in the future. How does your institution prioritize teacher training and upskilling? At JPR University, we believe that teachers are pivotal in the education sector. Hence, we prioritize their upskilling by sending them for faculty development programs and sponsoring their participation in conferences. We ensure that they play a vital role in education and maintain their happiness, as they are integral to our educational endeavors. What does the term “New Normal” mean to you in the context of education? For me, “New Normal” signifies a continuous process of renewal, refreshing, and reliving the path of education. It emphasizes adapting to changing circumstances and embracing innovative approaches to education to meet evolving needs effectively. Any message for ArdorComm Media Group, considering their role in education forums like this one? ArdorComm Media Group has been truly fantastic and fabulous in its endeavors. Despite being relatively young, they have maintained quality, consistency, and played a vital role in various education stakeholders’ businesses, including students and faculty. I wholeheartedly support and stand by their efforts, and I believe they will continue to excel in their contributions to the education sector. Thank you for hosting this forum and providing a platform for meaningful discussions.

Dr. Shaleesha A. Stanley, Pro Chancellor, Jeppiaar University, Chennai expressed the future prospect of JPR University Read More »

Dr. Thomas K George Chairman & Director, LEAD College of Management, Kerala emphasised on importance of Skill development

“Skill development is crucial. The residential setup, similar to the gurukul system, focuses on developing skills beyond mere knowledge acquisition.” Said Dr. Thomas K George What was your takeaway from the session so far? The shift from traditional classes to hybrid and more digital classes was thought-provoking. Institutions need to align with these new requirements. Where is Lead Institute heading towards? We need to follow the same route towards digitalization; otherwise, we will fall behind. Currently, our college is fully residential and 100% offline, but we are considering multiple options. Can you highlight some key aspects of your institution? Our college is fully residential, located in Palakkad, Kerala, near the foothills of the Dhoni Hills. It’s a holistic environment where students run the college. We have a 14-acre farm providing vegetables, milk, and chicken. We guarantee 100% placement with a starting salary of 5 lakhs, or we refund the entire tuition fee. We also have two more colleges we’ve partnered with for the past 10 years. How important is skill development at your institution? Skill development is crucial. The residential setup, similar to the gurukul system, focuses on developing skills beyond mere knowledge acquisition. How is alumni engagement and campus placement handled? Our alumni network is very strong. For instance, on March 31st, we had an event in Dubai with 142 families, and a similar event in Qatar with 42 families. Alumni are involved in various programs, including course evaluations and viva voce exams. They often return to stay on campus, creating a familial atmosphere. What does the term ‘New Normal’ mean to you? The ‘New Normal’ refers to the changes post-COVID. Students today are different from earlier generations. They demand engaging content and are quick to express dissatisfaction. This behavior continues into their professional lives, where they seek jobs that meet their expectations and are not afraid to leave if those expectations aren’t met. This generation is knowledgeable, has many opportunities, and can afford to be selective. How do forums like this benefit society? Forums like this provide valuable networking opportunities, bringing together schools, higher education institutions, skill development organizations, and edtech companies. It’s a space for vertical and horizontal integration, where people from different sectors can connect and collaborate. Thank you for organizing such a valuable event. Do you have any message for ArdorComm Media Group? The age of your organization doesn’t matter. You’ve organized an excellent program. Continue conducting such events and consider coming to Kerala. You have our full support. Any final thoughts? It was a pleasure being part of this event. Thank you for having me.

Dr. Thomas K George Chairman & Director, LEAD College of Management, Kerala emphasised on importance of Skill development Read More »

Vipul Patel, Chairman, Managing Trustee, S.N.V. International School, Nadiad expressed the roadmap of S.N.V International School on NEP 2020

“NEP is a policy, and the roadmap is still not entirely clear” said Vipul Patel, Chairman, Managing Trustee, S.N.V. International School, Nadiad at ArdorComm Media Group hosted ‘New Normal – Education Leadership Summit & Awards 2024’ on 10th February 2024 at Crowne Plaza Ahmedabad City Centre, Ahmedabad, Gujarat. How does technology play a crucial role in developing the overall curriculum of the classroom and school in this Digital era? We live in the era of digitalization and technology, which moves at a much faster rate than any other field. Normally, education should lead the change in society, but technology has advanced so much that education is trying to catch up. Education institutions like mine are striving hard to catch up with technology and make maximum use of it for a better learning experience for both mentors and students. It’s a huge challenge with infrastructure costs and social divides, but if we miss the bus on technology at this point, education will be in serious trouble. So, yes, educational technology has a significant role to play not only in the future but starting from now. What are the various steps suggested by the NEP to improve infrastructure and facilities in schools? NEP is a policy, and the roadmap is still not entirely clear on what they actually want to do for schools. However, when NEP talks about holistic, equitable, and inclusive education, technology can play a huge role in achieving these goals. NEP doesn’t explicitly mandate the use of technology, but it outlines what needs to be done, and technology can help us get there. How far has SNV International School progressed in implementing teacher training processes to improve the curriculum for the children? Teacher training is crucial in an ever-changing world, especially with the new NEP coming up. Most teachers have studied in an older education system and now need to deliver according to the new standards. Teacher training is paramount for any kind of improvement. At SNV, teacher training is of utmost importance. We conduct both in-house and collaborative training sessions using technology to ensure teachers are well-prepared to deliver better to students. What is your overall takeaway from this event? I’ve only seen half of it, but everyone seems to agreeing on many points. However, the devil lies in the implementation. At the micro-level, at the school and classroom levels, much needs to be done. What I’ve learned from today’s summit is how technology can help us achieve those goals. ArdorComm Media is now celebrating its second year of existence. Any message or suggestion you wish to share with us? My suggestion would be to bring in more corporate representatives. While there’s a good mix of educators, learners, corporate sectors, and technology, having more corporate input could provide valuable insights on how to achieve our goals. Thank you.

Vipul Patel, Chairman, Managing Trustee, S.N.V. International School, Nadiad expressed the roadmap of S.N.V International School on NEP 2020 Read More »

Dr. Kartik Jain, Provost, Gandhinagar University, Gandhinagar discussed about NEP and it’s benefit on upcomming labour force

“In Gujarat I have found very good things, students are very particular about their objective,” said Dr. Kartik Jain, Provost, Gandhinagar University, Gandhinagar at ArdorComm Media Group hosted ‘New Normal – Education Leadership Summit & Awards 2024’ on 10th February 2024 at Crowne Plaza Ahmedabad City Centre, Ahmedabad, Gujarat. How new education policy is making the students market ready? The new education policy have certain parameters through which they are making it very student friendly. Initially what was there the entire academics was classified into two or three categories like core subjects, core elective subjects, there was no focus on student development. When I say student development its around 360 degree development. So, there was no focus on sports, there was no focus on meditation-yoga, there was no focus on Indian ethics, so, that policy has bought all the parameters in consideration and now it’s about your capabilities is if apart from academic also if you are capable of doing different things then you will get grades, you will get credits, according to it. It’s not like you have to be very proficient in academics, if you are good in extra-curriculum activities, good in academics, if you are good in meditation, if you are good in history, so all these things are now taken into consideration and that has helped student a lot regarding maintaining their capabilities maintaining there confidence in the academics. How technology and AI will eventually impact the education culture of India in the next 10 years? If you see the latest development in the field of AI, machine language and IOTs, this thing has changed entire academic landscape. Initially, we were thinking and talking in terms of traditional method of teaching and learning but now after introducing these technology, these things have changed the entire landscape. Now, student are free to learn whatever they want to study. Second thing is that these thing have bought a freedom to students, it’s not like 9 to 5 or time table sort of system but if you are interested, if you have capabilities, and if you really want to prove yourself, you have 24 hours with you and so using those technology you can implement and you can feel the excitement of academics in you, so that is the best thing. How Gandhinagar University has adopted the structural changes in the new education policy? First thing is that what is the requirement? When we talk about standard syllabus, we cannot implement standard syllabus across all the discipline and all the team. If I’m teaching engineering, if I’m teaching management, if I’m teaching liberal studies, parameters and inputs should be different. On basis of all the parameter collected from students from faculty member, we have framed the curriculum which is totally based as per New Education Policy and in that curriculum we have given weightage,  every category whether it’s of your core academics, academics of other institute, sports, all sort of things which are related to internal development of student like. How good he’s in ancient Indian culture, how good in meditation, how good in yoga and culture, impact the student. So, we have taken all the parameter into consideration on the basis of that feedback collected process of designing a system as per the parameters of NEP. And once this system is ready then we are going to introduce it to students so that there is all around development of students not only in terms of academics but also in terms of 360 degree personality development. In Gujarat I have found very good things students are very particular about their objective whether they want to go for further studies, in India or in abroad, whether they want to do entrepreneurship, whether they want to start their own startup, that are in the mind of the students. So being educator, being universities, it’s our responsibility to make sure what student once desire should be given to students in terms of academics. So, whatever long term short term objective they have taken that objectives are fulfilled. Any message you wish to share on the second anniversary of ArdorComm Media? I am associated with ArdorComm Media, since its inception and I have been a speaker before as well. So, I think now it’s high time for education institution and as a university to take a lead. Your organisation is doing very good, the way you have taken the entire academy fraternity in one frame. So whatever long-term, short-term objectives they have taken are fulfilled. You have not only taken academia but also industry under one umbrella, so that is the best thing. I really congratulate to your efforts and hats off to your Founder and CEO, Mr. Chandan.

Dr. Kartik Jain, Provost, Gandhinagar University, Gandhinagar discussed about NEP and it’s benefit on upcomming labour force Read More »

Dr. Gangadhar G Hugar, Director – MBA Department, Laxmi Vidyapeeth Institute of Management, Valsad expressed the vision of S.N.V International School on NEP 2020

“AICTE and UGC need to organize massive decentralized workshops at state, regional, and district levels to educate stakeholders on how to implement NEP policies effectively” said Dr. Gangadhar G Hugar, Director – MBA Department, Laxmi Vidyapeeth Institute of Management, Valsad at ArdorComm Media Group hosted ‘New Normal – Education Leadership Summit & Awards 2024’ on 10th February 2024 at Crowne Plaza Ahmedabad City Centre, Ahmedabad, Gujarat. How does the new education policy actually help students become market-ready? In my view, the National Education Policy, which has been drafted by AICTE and UGC, is still not visible in the education market. As per my knowledge, only about 10 to 15% of elite higher education institutions have been able to execute NEP policy amendments and move forward. The remaining 85 to 90% of institutions, especially those in rural and tier 2 areas, are still following traditional methods of education. In my opinion, to address this, AICTE and UGC need to organize massive decentralized workshops at state, regional, and district levels to educate stakeholders on how to implement NEP policies effectively. This will ensure that the benefits of these policies reach the broader education community. How do you think implementing AI and technology in the education system will impact it in the next 5 to 10 years? While I’m not a technical expert, artificial intelligence is making waves globally, including in education and corporate sectors. However, its impact on the education system in India may not be significant in the next five to ten years. India needs to be more open to accepting new technologies like AI. Currently, traditional methods still dominate, and there is hesitancy in embracing new developments. I believe that AI implementation may only impact around 5 to 10% of the education system in India within the next decade. How is your university taking the lead in terms of addressing the mental health of students on campus? At Laxmi Vidyapeeth Institute, we have a vision to become a private university in the coming years. We aim to offer diverse courses to cater to the needs of students in our geographical area. Additionally, we prioritize creating a supportive and friendly environment on campus to alleviate stress among students. We encourage two-way communication with students, listen to their ideas, and implement feasible suggestions to enhance their experience. Moreover, we organize extracurricular activities to provide students with opportunities for relaxation and exploration outside the classroom, fostering creativity and personal growth. ArdorComm Media is now celebrating its second year of existence. Any message or suggestions you wish to share with us? I would like to extend my gratitude to Mr. Chandan Ji for leading ArdorComm. This event has brought together education leaders, including vice-chancellors, directors, and philanthropists, to share valuable insights. I believe that together, we can work towards converting the ideas discussed here into practical implementations for the benefit of the education community. I encourage ArdorComm to continue its efforts in facilitating such discussions and initiatives.

Dr. Gangadhar G Hugar, Director – MBA Department, Laxmi Vidyapeeth Institute of Management, Valsad expressed the vision of S.N.V International School on NEP 2020 Read More »

Archit Bhatt, Managing Director, Tripada Group of Schools & President, AOPS, Ahmedabad expressed the roadmap of NEP 2020

“We need to understand the previous national education policy of 1986 and the Indian knowledge system” said Archit Bhatt, Managing Director, Tripada Group of Schools & President, AOPS, Ahmedabad at ArdorComm Media Group hosted ‘New Normal – Education Leadership Summit & Awards 2024’ on 10th February 2024 at Crowne Plaza Ahmedabad City Centre, Ahmedabad, Gujarat. How can educators align with the government to uplift the Indian education system for the upcoming years? The government has indeed provided a new policy, and it’s the role of educators to work on implementing it. We need to understand the previous national education policy of 1986 and the Indian knowledge system. Educators should start by understanding the new policy, unlearn old methods, and adapt to the necessities of the new era. It will take about four to five years to implement the new policy comprehensively, both in rural and urban areas. It’s essential for educators to actively participate in policy discussions, provide feedback, and collaborate with government bodies to ensure effective implementation. By aligning with the government’s vision and actively contributing to policy development, educators can play a significant role in uplifting the Indian education system for the upcoming years. What steps do you suggest to improve school infrastructure for all educators? Infrastructure needs to be inclusive, accommodating learning and physically disabled students into mainstream schooling. From upgrading washrooms to staircases, every aspect needs to ensure equality. The divide between regular and special schools should be eliminated. Also, teacher training infrastructure needs upgrading to align with the new policy’s requirements. Providing accessible and modern facilities not only enhances the learning environment but also fosters inclusivity and equality among students. Additionally, investing in continuous professional development programs for teachers is crucial to ensure they are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to create an inclusive and supportive learning environment for all students. How is the new education policy targeting the rote learning process and promoting experiential learning? The focus is on developing skills rather than rote or experiential learning. From grade five onwards, the emphasis is on skill development for better employability, considering the uncertain job market due to technological advancements like AI. The new education policy aims to shift the focus from memorization to understanding and application of concepts. By incorporating experiential learning methods such as project-based learning, internships, and hands-on activities, students can develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration skills essential for success in the modern world. The policy encourages educators to adopt innovative teaching methodologies that engage students actively in the learning process, fostering creativity, curiosity, and lifelong learning skills. What’s your overall takeaway from this event? More open forums and discussions are needed for societal progress. Media organizations should spread awareness, involving parents as major stakeholders. Bridging the gap between traditional entrance exams and the skills-focused new policy is crucial, and platforms like ArdorComm can facilitate this. The event provided valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities in education and emphasized the importance of collaboration and innovation in driving positive change. As educators, policymakers, and stakeholders, we must continue to work together to create a more inclusive, equitable, and future-ready education system for all learners. As we’re celebrating our second anniversary, any message you’d like to share with us? I believe open forums and panel discussions should involve parents more, as they’re crucial stakeholders. Platforms like yours play a significant role in bridging the gap between traditional and skill-based education.

Archit Bhatt, Managing Director, Tripada Group of Schools & President, AOPS, Ahmedabad expressed the roadmap of NEP 2020 Read More »