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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

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image 2024 02 26T04 37 05 545Z ArdorComm Media Group 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.

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

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image 2024 02 26T04 33 05 069Z ArdorComm Media Group 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.

Kamal Mangal, Founder, Anand Niketan Group of Schools, Ahmedabad expressed his thought on the roadmap of NEP 2020

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image 2024 02 26T04 19 18 237Z ArdorComm Media Group Kamal Mangal, Founder, Anand Niketan Group of Schools, Ahmedabad expressed his thought on the roadmap of NEP 2020

“We are focusing on using technology to make children familiar with it” said Kamal Mangal, Founder, Anand Niketan Group of Schools, 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. What are you doing in your school for the implementation of the NEP? Shed some light on it. Implementing NEP is a nice thing if done properly. For that, we are developing theme-based curriculum and focusing on providing practical vocational experiences to children after sixth grade. We are working extensively on this aspect, including AI, carpentry, and pottery. We are striving to provide proper education in schools. How important do you consider digital learning in proper education, and what role does teacher training play in your school? Well, although COVID has done a lot, there is still much work left. We are focusing on using technology to make children familiar with it. We are also working on how to match the technology with our products, so that the burden on teachers is reduced, management is streamlined, and children are motivated. What initiatives should schools take in skill development, and what initiatives have you taken in your schools? There’s still a lot of work left. We have done more work on soft skills than hard skills. Besides hard skills, we are now thinking of working on live skills and development in soft skills too. What do you learn from such events where so many academic educators come together, and what do you gain from ArdorComm Media’s events? Firstly, there is an exchange of views, and communication continues even after the event. Secondly, there is much opportunity for development in mindset. We haven’t changed our mindset yet, how the learning of new schools changes, we will work extensively on that. I extend my good wishes for ArdorComm Media Group.

Dr. M. S. Shyamasundar, Senior Advisor, National Assessment and Accreditation Council, Govt. of India elaborates on the digital transformation in education community

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image 2022 07 26T11 18 04 226Z ArdorComm Media Group Dr. M. S. Shyamasundar, Senior Advisor, National Assessment and Accreditation Council, Govt. of India elaborates on the digital transformation in education community

“In NAAC we are giving the very due weightage and we are empowering the education community with a digital transformation which is the order of the day,” says Dr. M. S. Shyamasundar, Senior Advisor, National Assessment and Accreditation Council, Govt. of India in an interview with Chandan Anand, Founding Editor, ArdorComm Media Group at the ‘ArdorComm – Higher Education and Edtech Conclave & Awards 2022’ #HEETbengaluru We have seen a major transformation of education from last two and a half years what has been the role of NAAC as an eye opener to the education industry? Now NAAC also has taken a different role especially in the era of pandemic because in the pandemic several higher education institutions came across very many challenges they were not able to come for face-to-face interactions that’s why now we have started very many webinars in a short span of time. We were able to organize several thousands of webinars to go for hand holding exercise of all the higher education institutions and also, we have created our website in a very robust way. Our website is self-explanatory and also when they want to ask any questions we have gone for artificial intelligence just like that they can ask any generic questions any time that is 24/7 and apart from that we have introduced the concept called IMS that is Issue Management Service, anytime they can ask any clarification if they don’t get appropriate answer from the artificial intelligence and within 24 hours’ time their queries would be resolved. I think that is one of the USP of NAAC. Nowadays three words are quite popular ‘Physical Digital and Phygital’, what is the weightage and why? Now especially in the era of pandemic we are constrained to give more weightage especially for the digital transformation because we there is no other go. Because in the absence of this blended learning maybe about 1.2 billion students across the globe would have been totally deprived from the education. Maybe because of this online learning and blended mode of education all these children have been benefited immensely and in NAAC also we are giving the very due weightage and we are empowering the education community with a digital transformation which is the order of the day. When everyone keeps on going in one track and keep performing how does assessment and accreditation plays a role in that? Now we have given due emphasis for data collection because earlier our physical team was going for face-to-face interaction now university should go for proper documentation and they have to put all the documents in order and they have to submit all the documentary evidences well in time and for that about 70 percent of the evaluation would be done based on their documentary evidences remaining 30 percent would be done by the actual peer team and they would be seeing the realities especially with respect to infrastructural development the digital infrastructure in the institution all these things and it’s a blend of both peer team visit and quantitative evaluation also of the data. How does certain conclave like this where we have industry academy and government makes an impact overall to the communities? Especially in the Indian context the mental framework is not so good maybe if you go to the any developed countries like US their corporates go after the higher education institutions for their research and innovation but in the Indian context still it has not been strengthened but anyway nowadays the trend also has been changed maybe conclaves like this would be helpful to create a platform to interact with industries by the higher education institutions because both the stakeholders from both industry would come together and they can have a proper dialogue and this dialogue will go in a very long way and which will be helpful to all the stakeholders and in turn which would be helpful for the growth and development of our Indian economy. As you know today is a special day ArdorComm Media is also celebrating its one year of existence, this is our first anniversary, any message for ArdorComm Media Group? Yeah within a span of just one year you have taken very many significant initiatives because last time also you did invite me for online program at that point of time also I got the opportunity to speak to stakeholders from industry and academia and this time also I did the same thing. Whatever the initiatives you have already taken please continue with the same set of initiatives and create this type of platforms both for industry and academia and all these people would be benefited immensely. Anyway, at this juncture I wish you all the very best to reach the pinnacles on the on the plateau of all your endeavour.  

Brian Cooklin, Managing Director, Nord Anglia Education India tells about how they overcame the obstacles imposed by the pandemic.

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image 2022 07 27T06 11 03 881Z ArdorComm Media Group Brian Cooklin, Managing Director, Nord Anglia Education India tells about how they overcame the obstacles imposed by the pandemic.

Switching seamlessly from physical to online delivery of teaching and learning was achieved because of the level of educational technology already in place and in use says Brian Cooklin, Managing Director, Nord Anglia Education India in an interview with ArdorComm News Network (ANN). What are the steps your schools are taking to complement NEP 2020? A review of the details of the NEP was undertaken for each Oakridge school which showed that 80% of the targets and the stipulations in the policy were already operational. Each school has an action plan to implement the rest of the policy, and this is being monitored and supported by a senior member of the staff. What are the obstacles that you have faced during the pandemic and how did you overcome them? There were many obstacles to be faced for example, a)Switching seamlessly from physical to online delivery of teaching and learning was achieved because of the level of educational technology already in place and in use, reinforced by the support given and experience of Nord Anglia Education colleagues around the world. b)Safety protocols were introduced and observed stringently for the safe return to buildings overseen and supported by our head office safeguarding team. What are the benefits of digital media during online classes? The benefits are the greater use of a variety of methods-flipped learning, interactive quizzes, and a focus on wellbeing. Some groups have flourished online and made outstanding progress, so we want to capitalise on that success. What strategic EdTech/ Industry/ Global partnerships have you led this year? We have integrated Century Tech-Artificial Intelligence software,Callido benchmarking and developing approaches to teaching and learning skills and GL assessments to enhance over personalised approaches. What are the long-term objectives that you have planned for your school? We have a detailed short- and long-term Educational Technology Strategy which will deliver enhancements and 21st century skills

Pratima Sinha, CEO, DSR Education Society Hyderabad shares her views on the impact of NEP 2020 on the School education sector

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Pratima Sinha CEO DSR Education Society ArdorComm Media Group Pratima Sinha, CEO, DSR Education Society Hyderabad shares her views on the impact of NEP 2020 on the School education sector

It’s time we understand that change is inevitable and the need to change our mindset is very vital says Pratima Sinha, CEO, DSR Educational Society Hyderabad, with seven Birla Open Minds International and Preschools under its aegis in an interview with ArdorComm News Network (ANN). What initiatives did your prestigious schools carry out to enhance teaching training to deal with learning in the new normal? Teachers are the backbone of the school and imparting the right kind of education totally depends upon them. With the responsibility of giving unconditional support and guidance to a child, the teacher needs to be always on her toes, forward thinking, in touch with new practices, creative and innovative and ready to face any challenges. The humungous, unexpected and unprecedented challenge that the teachers faced during the pandemic shook the core of the Education System. Every School scrambled to ensure that the learning process shouldn’t get affected and on priority and at the top of the to do list was training of the teachers to teach them the use of technology to teach. For this we had to counsel the teachers very closely to change their mind set for the major change of shifting from physical to remote teaching. Motivate them to relook, review and change the curriculum, the lesson plans for smooth conduction of online classes. New strategies and tools to be adapted to give more and more authenticity to the teaching learning process. Every day there were sessions with the teachers to understand their improvement as well as any further challenges they may be facing. It was an intensive and constant monitoring process that was followed. Further on the need to give emotional stability to the teachers became a must. Teachers were working from the confines of their houses and managing home as well as work front. To give them the emotional strength, the confidence to feel that they are doing a wonderful job we initiated many webinar sessions By the teacher and For the teacher. These sessions made our teachers experts in researching, making presentations, conducting sessions using the best of technology. We ensured that teachers were part of pedagogical sessions that stressed on quality education through remote teaching. We also encouraged our teachers to participate in online competitions initiated by various organizations. This ensured that their competitive spirits remained high. Today I feel proud when my teachers are invited as speakers in various webinars and are conducting successful online classes with such elan and confidence. How do you think schools can utilize technology to face the challenges of the pandemic? Schools have absorbed the use of technology for remote teaching in totality and will continue to do so. New and more sophisticated tools are regularly introduced by tech companies which are being used to enhance teaching. These tools are used for better explanation, more experiential experience, interactive and integrated teaching, holding debates, discussions, giving assignments, conducting formative and summative assessment. As students are very comfortable in using technology, teachers are using it to their advantage by encouraging students to do self-directed learning through flip learning, project and problem-based learning. Students are encouraged to do research and make presentations. The activities mentioned in the school calendar whether it is Literary Fest, MUN, Science fares, competitions, hobbies, parent orientations, PTM to name a few have been conducted with great success using technology. Connecting students with their peers from across the globe, participation in competitions held globally, sharing best practices, their cultures and traditions have made the students more empathetic and open minded. Bringing in experts from various fields placed in different locales to interact with the students and give them an insight about their work has been possible only because of the use of technology. The possibilities are extensive and we understand the great need to invest in the use of technology in the teaching learning process not only during the pandemic but otherwise too. It is here to stay. How do you think the NEP will impact the school education sector? NEP has laid down very progressive plans for the school education sector and if implemented in the real sense and with sincerity we will be in par with any education system across the world. As educators we need to deeply look into the present system and reflect whether we are imparting the right education to our future generation. What we are teaching right now will it help them to sustain as confident individuals. It’s time we understand that change is inevitable and the need to change our mindset is very vital. The overall development that the student requires in terms of inter, intra and cognitive skills, conceptualized knowledge and its application, the life values, the aesthetic exposure is what we are looking at for our education system to provide. Education will take on a new meaning when we put aside the bookish knowledge, the rote learning, the grades and marks which are a huge burden on the student. I am looking forward to the positive approach in our school education system based on the NEP. What are the changes, do you think on the academic and operational side of school after the pandemic? Schools are reopening slowly offering both offline and online option to the students. Lot of preparations and backend work has gone into the reopening. Planning for COVID safety and prevention has been extensive as this is the prime concern. Schools have associated with corporate hospitals for emergency. Have created safety committees in the school to monitor and check the sanitizing facilities and regular sanitizing process. School infrastructure has been prepared as per government safety norms for reopening of schools. SOP created for safety measures keeping the WHO safety guidelines in mind. Lot of investment has gone into upgrading the technology available, safety material, posters and banners. All the staff members have been trained according to the COVID norms and the process to be followed in case of emergency. The School transport system also to follow detailed SOP …

Pratima Sinha, CEO, DSR Education Society Hyderabad shares her views on the impact of NEP 2020 on the School education sector Read More »

Dr. Shrihari Prakash Honwad, President, Sir Padampat Singhania University, on Digital transformation of the Higher Education.

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image 2022 07 27T06 26 40 561Z ArdorComm Media Group Dr. Shrihari Prakash Honwad, President, Sir Padampat Singhania University, on Digital transformation of the Higher Education.

The “Sages on Stage” who transformed themselves into the “Guides on the Side” influences me the most says Dr. Shrihari Prakash Honwad, President, Sir Padampat Singhania University in an interview with ArdorComm News Network (ANN). How can Higher Education institutes leverage digital technologies to improve the employability of students? Employability is a net outcome of knowledge and skillsets. However, attitude, aptitude, and enterprise play a crucial role. Digital Technologies is a very generic term of a sea of technologies. Higher Education Institutions (HEI) have an important task of ensuring the employability of their graduates and making them global citizens. In both these tasks, I would say the digital world has been more than useful. In the future, it will play an important role. Students today can learn in diverse groups (albeit from home) and ensure a better learning environment. Today all transferable life skills and a few technical abilities are available online (synchronous and asynchronous), and with AI assistance, they can be personalised. How will companies of the future integrate technology into their operational systems to cater to a techno-centric workforce? The future is forcing all of us to be digital. Compared to academics, the industry has been welcoming to digital technology. Even in yesteryears, no-contact or remote working technologies such as SCADA and IOT have been adopted readily by the industry. The techno-centric workforce has tasted work from home, and the GIG-projectized groups find it a convenient model. All industries, with the exclusion of manufacturing, would prefer their workforce to be technologically connected. It saves real estate costs for the company. Very soon, going to an office will be unconnected phrases. Homes, on the other hand, may become more technologically integrated to accommodate the futuristic world. How can industry and academia collaborate to fulfil the goals set out by the NEP? Kindly share your valuable views. Several areas of collaboration exist. The NEP envisages a higher GER ratio, and in India, the cost of higher education is likely to increase. In the future, the education industry can collaborate and invest in either academia or students to create a workforce for its use. The education industry foresight and forecasting abilities can be made available in curriculum design and skill set deliveries. NEP foresees outcome-based education, and it can define and ensure the building of relevant outcomes in the future citizens and leaders. NEP emphasises vocational education, and the overall education industry must join hands with academia in realising this dream. The policy envisages banking of credits and intermediary exits (even if temporary). It is the education industry that can make such an exit meaningful and effective. Industry academia collaborations can be a boon for creating start-ups in campuses that feed into industry goals. Collaborations for research in campuses and training of faculty is old rhetoric that would never lose its relevance. What are some of the initiatives your prestigious university has implemented to build a connection between the students and industry? Sir Padampat Singhania University, Udaipur, has had a strong industry connection with Hitachi of Japan, where our students have gone in the past for internships. Our placement cell brings placements for the glorious success of our students. We are constantly co-creating and co-delivering curriculum, faculty immersion, student internships, new program developments, etc. thereby, enhancing student experiences. Our collaboration with Ecosol has given rise to ane-cycle giving our students and faculty an innovative experience. Several industries and entrepreneurs mentor our business incubator funded by the Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprises. In addition, we continue to have insightful expert sessions by industry leaders for our students. What influenced you the most in higher education in this challenging year? Kindly share your views. The year has seen many challenges with the most critical interface between students and faculty, the classroom, becoming inaccessible. Due to the positive attitude of all teachers, we overcame challenges such as technological illiteracy, lack of technological penetration, and in many cases, the inability to afford the technology. Our parents sacrificed a lot in overcoming these challenges in their fashion. Our students shifted their focus from Facebook and Instagram to adapt to a new way of learning. The medium for fun and entertainment suddenly became a medium for learning, arguably a less liked activity. Those who recognised the change successfully created a learning environment through multiple connections and engaging students in active learning. The “Sages on Stage” who transformed themselves into the “Guides on the Side” influences me the most. It is the resilient students who did not lose focus in these difficult times. It is the society at large which fought both pandemic and technological challenges that affected the future of our children that has been the elixir of my inspiration.

Dr. Niyati Chitkara, Director-Schools, Chitkara International School, on the Digital transformation of Schools

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Niyati Chitkara ArdorComm Media Group Dr. Niyati Chitkara, Director-Schools, Chitkara International School, on the Digital transformation of Schools

CIS has been adopting various digital platforms, as a result of which even during the disconcerting pandemic situation, the school was able to provide unhindered education to its students says Dr. Niyati Chitkara, Director-Schools, Chitkara International School in an interview with ArdorComm News Network (ANN). What are the steps your school is taking to complement NEP 2020? Chitkara International School has instituted a functional system that is in line with the New Education Policy. In light of foregoing, for Secondary Stage, the school’s unique curriculum necessitates the amalgamation of co-curricular, technology with academics and for Middle Stage, multi-disciplinary education remains central. Further, a special emphasis is given towards imparting interaction based learning (to grades 3-5) and experiential learning (to pre-school to Grade 2) respectively complimenting the Preparatory Stage and Foundational Stage of NEP. Following a reversed integrated learning model i.e. University to Kindergarten & reverse Gamut of Education (PhD to Playway) and incorporating Theme-based Classrooms, Knowledge Walkways, Vocational Clubs, Green Windows, Career Walls, Fact Windows, Value Windows etc., CIS aims at making students Industry 4.0 ready. Various NEP2020 and SDGs orientation sessions are also conducted by school to acquaint the stakeholders with this policy and goals respectively. The school mechanisms also effectively ensure the constructive integration of Teacher Education, Student Education and Hybrid Education (a point strongly highlighted by the NEP 2020) through Chitkara University’s unique B.Ed Programme. How can educational institutions leverage Edtech tools to create more personalized learning experiences? Stretching from curriculum to infrastructure to Edtech tools, all the means should be merged towards the attainment of the unified aspiration of providing every student with individualized learning environment where the students learn at self pace and attain mastery in learning. In line with the same, CIS pays due heed to personalized learning and uses host of Edtech tools like Online Time table for ever student for home learning programme, Customizable App, Goal graph, Performance Planner, 24/7 Redressal System for Parents, Chitkara’s e- Teachware, BOOKtique App (a virtual reading space with range of exciting books to cater students), Padlet (an interactive learning tool that provides real-time collaborative platform to students to upload/ share content), Mentimeter (a tool that allows teachers to get real-time input through Live Polls, Quizzes, Word Clouds, Q&As and much more), Kahoot (a game-based learning platform, where “Kahoots” are the user-generated multiple-choice quizzes), Digital Behavioural Track, Career Trajectory, D etc. What are the benefits of digital media during online classes? Digital Media is an important part of education as at CIS we believe that the students should engage with the tools of their generation to collaborate, communicate and be the fabricators of technology and information. Since inception, CIS has been adopting various digital platforms, as a result of which even during the disconcerting pandemic situation, the school was able to provide unhindered education to its students. The school’s nervous system, SchoolPad enables the parents to watch their child develop social and academic skills day by day and know how well their child is being nurtured and inspired during online classes. For providing constant support and motivation, the outstanding achievements of the students, during the online classes are highlighted on the school’s social media handles under “Chitkara Gems” &“Moment of the Day”. Moreover, the school also conducts academic lessons, co-curricular activities, health sessions, counselling sessions, notebook checking sessions, celebratory events and squad lessons, utilising digital media. What strategic EdTech/ Industry/ Global partnerships have you led this year? Staying mindful of the need of instilling technology, research, professional and scientific skills in students, Chitkara International School leveraged its technological, industrial and international connect by organising various enlightening online events such as Coding Sessions (for Coding Skills), Skill-Building Boot Camp (for Soft/Professional Skills), Socialising Across Culture sessions with Italy and Australia, Educational & Industry Visits such as virtual visit to Korea’s Maruti Showroom, Diamond Challenge (for Entrepreneurial Skills) and Change-the-Game Sessions (for Industrial and Research Skills) for its students on the digital platform. While the Diamond Challenge enabled students to refine and exhibit their entrepreneurial skills via creativity and research, the Change-the-Game Sessions apprised them of latest Career trends. Further, the school also collaborated with Microsoft for the smooth conduction of online classes on Teams. What are the long-term objectives that you have planned for your school? The long-term objective of Chitkara International School is in line with its vision & mission statements and quality objectives. These all unanimously stand on providing quality skill-based education to Generation-Alpha and Generation-Z that is underpinned with innovative assessment framework, resourceful infrastructure, assuring learning and growth prospects, efficacious online communication system, hygienic learning environment, strong university, industry and global connect, thereby promising the inculcation of core employability and life skills. The school further aims at being a contributor to building a skilful society by promoting research, innovation and entrepreneurship in collaboration with industry, research laboratories and academic institutions of global repute. With the cumulative effect of an elaborate in-campus academic infrastructure; strong national and international collaborations; we further wish to open a chain of schools in furtherance of our vision and mission of imparting quality education and nurturing environment that enables every student to achieve his/her very best.