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Innovative Teaching

Maharashtra Educators Honored: Kolhapur’s Dance Champion and Gadchiroli’s Tribal Advocate Win National Award

Two distinguished educators from Maharashtra, Sagar Bagade of Sou SM Lohia High School and Junior College, Kolhapur, and Mantaiah Bedke of Zilla Parishad Upper Primary Digital School, Jajavandi, Gadchiroli, are among the 50 recipients of the National Teachers’ Award 2024, as announced by the Union Ministry of Education. Sagar Bagade, a 57-year-old Art teacher from Kolhapur with over 30 years of experience, has earned accolades, including two Asia Pacific Book of World Records for folk dance performances with his students. “I wasn’t sure Art teachers were considered for this award, but I remained hopeful after making it to the finals,” said Bagade, who is set to retire next year. He believes in a unique approach to education, focusing on careers in the arts for students who may struggle academically. Post-retirement, he plans to extend his educational philosophy to children in remote areas of Maharashtra. Meanwhile, Mantaiah Bedke, a 42-year-old primary school teacher in Etapalli, Gadchiroli, has been working with students from the Madiya Aadiwasi community since 2010. Starting with just seven students in classes 1 to 4, the school now boasts 138 students up to class 7, with Bedke playing a pivotal role in expanding the faculty and resources, including the addition of a projector and smart TV through community support. Despite these advancements, secondary education remains a challenge, as students must travel to Etapalli. Both educators will be honored on September 5, Teachers’ Day. Last year, Maharashtra’s Mrunal Ganjale from Pimpalgaon Mahalunge ZP school in Pune’s Ambegaon received the same award for her contributions to technological advancements in the classroom. Source: Indian express  

Inauguration of Sakura – The Indo-Japanese Nursery Division at JG International School Marks a New Era in Global Education

In a landmark collaboration, JG International School (JGIS) in Ahmedabad and Keimei Gakuin School (KG) from Kobe, Japan, proudly inaugurated Sakura, the first-of-its-kind Indo-Japanese Nursery division. This historic event at JGIS symbolised a unique partnership between two esteemed educational institutions, setting a new benchmark in early childhood education. Keimei Gakuin, a 100-year-old institution from Kobe, Japan, is renowned for its innovative approach to education, rooted in Japanese philosophy, culture, values, and excellence. The newly established Sakura division integrates pedagogical methods, educational approaches, and cultural aspects from India and Japan. This collaboration aims to nurture a generation of globally-minded students who possess curiosity, creativity, and empathy, empowering them to excel and lead in an interconnected world. The educational philosophy at Sakura aligns with core principles of education, focusing on the moral character of children and fundamental societal principles. Emphasis is placed on human dignity and the comprehensive assimilation of human knowledge. Education is viewed as a process of unfolding children’s innate abilities, nurturing the total personality of each child rather than developing isolated skills. The curriculum moves away from rote learning to a skill-based system, fostering real learners with complex and flexible learning frameworks. Dr. Kavita Sharma, Principal of JG International School, expressed her excitement about the collaboration, stating, “We are thrilled to embark on this remarkable journey with Keimei Gakuin. The Sakura division is a testament to our commitment to providing a holistic and globally enriched education. We believe this collaboration will inspire our students to become compassionate, culturally aware, and innovative leaders of tomorrow.” Mr. Ibusuki Chikara, Principal of Keimei Gakuin High School (KGHS), added, “This partnership marks a significant milestone in fostering educational excellence and cultural exchange between Japan and India. We are excited to bring the rich heritage and educational philosophies of both countries together, creating an environment where students can thrive and grow into global citizens.” The bicultural curriculum seamlessly blends ancient and contemporary Indian and Japanese educational frameworks, offering students a comprehensive understanding of both cultures. Students will master English and Japanese, fostering multilingual competence and cross-cultural communication skills. Equal emphasis is placed on Literacy, Numeracy, Program of Inquiry, and life skills education, including critical thinking, problem-solving, decision-making, communication, collaboration, and personal and social responsibility. Students will engage in traditional Japanese arts like calligraphy and martial arts, as well as Indian classical music, folk dances, and indigenous games. Regular student exchange programs and collaborative initiatives will foster mutual understanding among students from diverse backgrounds. Furthermore, expert educators from both countries will collaborate to enhance teaching methodologies and share best practices. The inauguration ceremony was a grand celebration featuring cultural performances, speeches by distinguished guests, and a tour of the new facilities. The event showcased the deepening ties between India and Japan, highlighting a shared vision of creating a world-class educational experience for young learners.