Interviews

“Ed-tech is very much welcome and we are looking for some wonderful support” said Dr. Ganesh Rao, Director, Pune Business School at ArdorComm New Normal- Education Leadership Summit & Awards 2023” held in Pune, Maharashtra on 24th November 2023. Any Ed-tech initiative that you have implemented in your organization and how it helped the teacher and the students? We have LMS in place so that’s one of the initiatives that we are having and it has become more important after the pandemic. Also, it has created a system of education, everything was at the discretion of the faculty now everything can be monitored very closely by the head of the institution. Similarly in admissions, Ed-tech is very much welcome and we are looking for some wonderful support on that because in admissions we are trying to reach a larger audience and our trust has started a very good University called the Pimpri-Chinchwad University with an ambition to serve thousands of students so definitely this kind of Ed-tech can help us reach a larger audience in the shortest span of time and more effectively Any initiative that you took for the corporate engagement? As far as corporate engagement is concerned we have started a master class series. This master class series is the series of corporate executives talking about emerging areas and the jobs of the future. So, we got this corporate executive, and when they talk the students listen. Even in PGDM courses, we have our academic faculty but more importantly days we are laying a lot of stress on corporate faculties or corporate professors, and a number of these people come from time to time and teach master classes. We have it on YouTube, it’s a way to reach a larger audience and we will very much encourage and appreciate the collaboration with your company in which we can take this master class forward to a larger audience in which you can give information about the emerging area or on a neutral perform. Are there any programs for entrepreneurship at your campus? We have tied up with an entrepreneur network now. This network comprises about 1500 entrepreneurs and they visit from time to time and conduct events. Now these events comprise only the start-ups. Now, start-ups are not only about technology, the non-tech start-ups are also very important because we are a country of 140 crores population, where 100 crore are in not-so-urban areas. We have to come into development so it’s not just tech-entrepreneurship it’s important we need basic industries and basic services so we need to encourage this kind of entrepreneurs rather than making it fashionable to stock off tech-start-ups. Non-tech start-ups are also very important. This entrepreneur network is encouraging this type of start-ups because every time we can’t be like the Westerns facing changing Angel investors even in our community, for example in Rajasthan or Gujarat everybody’s pooling into money. We need not follow one hundred percent of the model What west is saying is if you search internally you get everything in place you need to have confidence in them and propagate these values further. We are celebrating our second anniversary this year, any message you wish to share? Fantastic event today I saw a great gathering of people all-star of education and also a lot of companies who are displaying their products now I would request everybody to pay some attention to these wonderful young people who have made a lot of effort in developing these products now they may see all similar but they are unique in their ways and I would request that someday we need to get started with this earlier the better that we start with this companies and collaborate with them because in this way we can be more efficient and use the technology more efficiently I also find these people quite intelligent because started by their generation have better connect I’m sure that this would go in a long way and helping strengthening and develop the education fraternity of our country

“Half of the day child spent their time with teacher and parents. They must take certain action for child to learn something, rather than isolation and discrimination,” said Dr. Raj Salunke, President, Sharda Group in an interview at “ArdorComm New Normal- Education Leadership Summit & Awards 2023” held in Pune, Maharashtra on 24th November 2023. What’s your take on the mental health of teachers and students? In the context of the cut-throat competition prevailing in today’s educational landscape, the mental health of both teachers and students becomes a critical concern. The intense competition demands a lot, making it imperative for the well-being of children to encompass emotional, social, and psychological aspects. The crucial role of parents and teachers in shaping a child’s mental health is acknowledged, as a substantial portion of a child’s day is spent in the company of these influential figures. Actions taken by parents and teachers, fostering an environment that promotes learning rather than isolation and discrimination, play a pivotal role in maintaining the mental health equilibrium. Any suggestion for children who don’t feel confident sharing problems with parents or teachers? For children facing difficulties in sharing their concerns with parents or teachers, the situation requires careful handling. Teachers, being a significant presence in a child’s life, should approach such situations with calmness and initiate a conversation to uncover the underlying issues affecting the child. Providing proper guidance and support is crucial to creating a conducive and pleasurable learning environment, ensuring that children feel comfortable expressing their concerns and confronting and calming their mental problems. Any suggestions to address the upcoming mental health challenges in the upcoming generation? Addressing the impending mental health challenges in the upcoming generation necessitates honesty and dedicated time-sharing with children. In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it is easy for parents and educators to become engrossed in their own tasks, inadvertently neglecting the mental well-being of the younger generation. Maintaining open communication between parents and children is paramount, as disruptions in this connection can lead to issues such as depression and severe troubles. Proactive steps, such as honest conversations and dedicated time-sharing, are pivotal in ensuring the mental health and well-being of the upcoming generation. What was your overall takeaway from today’s event? Today’s event provided a wealth of insights, particularly in the context of the prevailing technological era and diverse educational approaches. The emphasis on technology and the multitude of players in the educational field highlighted the potential contributions of various technologies to enhance students’ knowledge and, ultimately, contribute to universal well-being. The event underscored the importance of staying abreast of these advancements to foster a holistic educational environment that addresses both academic and mental health aspects for the benefit of the upcoming generation.

“Its core mission revolves around instilling critical thinking skills and dismantling the pervasive fear associated with mathematics among the youth” said Sudhakar Joshi, Head – Marketing and Client Servicing, Chrysaalis I-Math India Pvt Ltd in an interview at “ArdorComm New Normal- Education Leadership Summit & Awards 2023” held in Pune, Maharashtra on 24th November 2023. Can you provide information about I-Maths and its objectives? I-Maths, a well-established program with over two decades of operation across India, has been dedicated to nurturing the intellectual growth of early learners, particularly children. Its core mission revolves around instilling critical thinking skills and dismantling the pervasive fear associated with mathematics among the youth. With a robust track record, the program has impacted the lives of approximately 100 thousand children. The central objective of I-Maths is to present mathematical concepts in the most compelling and accessible manner, facilitating a deeper understanding of how mathematics works and fostering a positive attitude towards the subject. Who are the major target audience, how is the program implemented, and what benefits does it bring to society? The primary focus of I-Maths is on early learners, encompassing students from LKG to grade 3. Recognizing the critical developmental stage during these formative years, the program endeavors to eradicate the fear of mathematics. The implementation strategy is comprehensive, involving in-school programs as a foundational element. In addition to conventional methods, I-Maths extends its reach through activities centers, training facilities, and after-school programs, ensuring accessibility even in schools where official integration might be lacking. The societal benefits are profound, as I-Maths contributes significantly to reshaping the perception of mathematics, turning it from a daunting challenge into an empowering and rewarding learning journey for young minds. Why is I-Maths is mainly focused on early learners? The strategic focus of I-Maths on early learners stems from a well-founded understanding of learning pedagogy. Research indicates three crucial phases of learning: 0-5, where children ask numerous questions; 5-10, characterized by the application of acquired knowledge; and 10+, a period marked by logical reasoning. I-Maths zeroes in on the 0-10 age range, identified as the active learning period when children are most receptive to abstract concepts, numerical understanding, and brain development. By concentrating efforts during this phase, I-Maths maximizes the productivity of early learning, making it more engaging and effective. What was the overall takeaway from participating in the recent event? The recent event marked a significant milestone for I-Maths, with participation spanning multiple locations such as Pune, Bangalore, Chennai, and Hyderabad. The program’s representatives expressed satisfaction in establishing connections with a diverse group of educators and like-minded educationists in these regions. Emphasizing a child-driven approach to learning, the event provided a valuable platform for sharing innovative ideas and experiences. The team acknowledged the importance of collaborative efforts to determine the most effective ways to educate the younger generation. Looking forward, they extended best wishes to fellow participants and expressed a commitment to continued collaboration, anticipating further developments and positive impacts on education in the years ahead.

“In today’s scenario practical learning is far more important than theoretical learning,” said Prof. (Dr.) Rajendra Sinha, Vice Chancellor, Sandip University in an interview at “ArdorComm New Normal- Education Leadership Summit & Awards 2023” held in Pune, Maharashtra on 24th November 2023. How is Sandip University implementing the New Education Policy, and what progress has been made in the process? The implementation of the New Education Policy at Sandip University is marked by a commitment to innovative teaching and learning methodologies. The university has embraced research-based learning, personalized learning, and project-based learning to meet the contemporary need for practical education over theoretical knowledge. Recognizing the significance of practical learning in today’s scenario, the institution is actively engaging in collaborations with other countries. This international exchange program involves sharing teachers and students to facilitate the mutual learning of diverse teaching techniques. The emphasis on personalized learning is particularly noteworthy, ensuring that teachers understand the ‘what,’ ‘when,’ and ‘why’ of their instruction, while students can gauge their comprehension effectively. What was the overall takeaway from this event? The event organized by ArdorComm has proven to be a valuable platform for Sandip University, providing a conducive environment for in-depth discussions on the future of education. The creation of multiple panels and a structured setup facilitated the exchange of diverse views, suggestions, and ideas. This collaborative space allowed participants to delve into the possibilities and challenges of evolving educational paradigms, contributing to the collective growth of the academic community. Any testimony for the ArdorComm Media? Extending wishes and appreciation to the organizing committee of ArdorComm Media, I express gratitude for orchestrating such a wonderful event. The seamless organization and execution of the event not only provided an enriching experience but also created a platform for meaningful discussions and networking. Best wishes for the continued success of ArdorComm Media in fostering educational dialogues and advancements in the future.

“We help digitize the entire process, centralizing leads and automating various procedures,” says Supreetha Gonsalves, AVP Growth at ExtraaEdge, in an interview with Pratik Ghosh, Content Writer, ArdorComm Media at the ‘New Normal – Education Leadership Summit & Awards 2023’ #ELSABengaluru #ELSAKarnataka How are you feeling to witness the New Normal Education Leadership Summit and Awards in Bengaluru? I think the setup that you’ve been able to put up here is fantastic. I got to interact with a lot of industry experts, Vice Chancellors. I really like the panel and the topics that have been discussed today. I think the digital space, the colleges, institutions moving from after COVID from a digital tour back to the physical setup – I think this has also seen a different kind of transformation as the way COVID brought the digital. I think it’s fantastic. I really look forward to more of participating in more of the events that you put together. What is ExtraaEdge offering for the education sector? So, we at ExtraaEdge, we are a CRM Software. We cater to the inquiry-to-admission journey. The software is primarily meant for communication, marketing automation. We have a digital application, a chatbot on the website, and we’ve also brought in WhatsApp. WhatsApp has become a part of the admission journey for students, where you can send across communication, intimations, the last date of application, and other important messages to the student over WhatsApp itself. What is the mission and vision for ExtraaEdge? At ExtraaEdge, we’ve set a mission to be the most preferred CRM software by educational institutions globally. With this mission, we want to make sure that we touch every counsellor, every admission officer, and create a beautiful experience for the students who are seeking admission at the college. What’s the USB at ExtraaEdge? I would say the first one is high customization. We can be built according to how institutions want it to be because no two institutions are alike. They have different challenges and audiences. The second is industry expertise as we work with 350 institutions globally. The third is the simplicity of the product, making the lives of counsellors and management easier. We offer an extensive array of features, including innovative tools such as WhatsApp and a built-in chatbot. Our product also includes live chat for websites, an application form system, and a two-way communication platform. Our mobile app enhances mobility and streamlines the application process. These features have been developed and refined over the last six to seven years. For universities like Dayananda Sagar University, we provide an outreach app that tracks the activities of the outreach team, including the number of meetings conducted. We have also partnered with institutions like Narayana Group of Schools and Allen, which are known for their large student populations. We help digitize the entire process, centralizing leads and automating various procedures. Our clients prefer us because we offer dedicated support, comprehensive training for counsellors, and valuable industry insights to help them succeed. Any message or wishes for ArdorComm Media Group on its second anniversary? I love the fact that you have a very young and enthusiastic team that takes care of the small things. People-centricity is something that will take you a long way. Stay like this, engage with the industry, and we really look forward to more events together.

“People do agree, some disagree, but ultimately there is good discussion, which I feel is the very objective of people coming together,” says Prof. R. Janardhan, Pro Vice Chancellor, Dayananda Sagar University, in an interview with Pratik Ghosh, Content Writer, ArdorComm Media at the ‘New Normal – Education Leadership Summit & Awards 2023’ #ELSABengaluru #ELSAKarnataka How are you feeling to witness this New Normal Education Leadership Summit and Awards in Bangalore? I’ve been associated with ArdorComm Media Group right from its inception, I suppose. I’ve participated in quite a few of your events, and I’m happy that education leaders from all over the country come once in a while and discuss a lot of serious topics which are very relevant to the education industry and to leadership. There’s a lot of frank exchange of points of view. People do agree, some disagree, but ultimately there is good discussion, which I feel is the very objective of people coming together. Knowledgeable people obviously do not simply agree on a certain point of view, and that’s the whole point of conventions and events that you people have been organizing. I wish good luck to whatever you intend to do in the future. Great work so far and good wishes to you in the future. In these kinds of forums where we bring in education leaders, edtech players, as well as the government, how does this kind of forum benefit the education sector at large? One benefit is that it offers networking to academic campus leaders across streams and levels. There is a lot of diversity within the campus, where you find different types of specialists. You are bringing people from various campuses with different specializations and asking them to speak on and think about burning issues within a certain domain of knowledge, which is relevant to the community for today and tomorrow. So, that’s one great contribution which you’ve been doing, and you should continue to pursue that path. Any message for ArdorComm Media Group on its second anniversary? Yeah, you all are young people, you’re vibrant, and it’s good teamwork that I see here. So, that is something that makes organizations successful.