Education should go beyond Employability

I had the privilege of attending the National Education Summit at the Sai Hira Global Convention Centre, a 1000-seater, State of the Art Convention Centre located in the sacred premises of Prashanti Nilayam, Puttaparthi, Andhra Pradesh. This summit, organized from July 5-7, 2024 by the Sri Sathya Sai Vidya Vahini, brought together distinguished figures from the field of education.

The Sri Sathya Sai Vidya Vahini (SSSVV) is a global network of over 1800 volunteers united digitally to create educational content for school children in India. SSSVV stands as the largest contributor of free educational content to the Prime Minister’s DIKSHA portal. I am actively involved as a ‘Language Reviewer’ within this noble initiative. The core philosophy of SSSVV revolves around providing inclusive and quality education to all children, regardless of their background or abilities.

The discussions at the summit shed light on the importance of adapting educational practices to cater to the diverse needs of students. The landscape of education is shifting towards a more inclusive approach, recognizing that every child is unique and may require different forms of support to thrive academically and personally. The concept of inclusive education is central to the vision of SSSVV, ensuring that all children, including those with special needs, have access to quality education.

In response to the growing acknowledgment that every child is unique, with varying needs and potential challenges, there has been a significant shift in the perspectives of educators and policymakers. This shift is reflected in initiatives such as the New Education Policy-2020 and the National Curriculum Framework, which emphasize the importance of integral and inclusive education.

The concept of inclusive education becomes imperative in recognizing and catering to the needs of Children With Special Needs (CWSN). Discussions at the summit explored innovative approaches to adapt classroom content to accommodate all CWSN effectively, emphasizing the importance of inclusive practices within the framework of integral education.

The evolving landscape of education requires a focus on learning outcomes rather than just teaching methodologies. Ensuring that students achieve specific learning outcomes at each stage is prioritized over the mere completion of syllabi. The objective is to ensure that every child is able to grasp essential concepts and skills that will contribute to their overall development and success.

Historically, children with perceived shortcomings were often labeled and overlooked without delving into the root causes behind their challenges. The imperative of early detection and intervention, either by parents or teachers, can significantly impact a child’s development and quality of life. By addressing these challenges early on, children can receive the support and resources they need to thrive academically and personally.

The objective of education has transitioned from merely preparing students for employability to empowering them with holistic knowledge and wisdom. The emphasis of the NEP-2020 is on equipping students not just with academic skills but also with values that encompass a reverence for life in all its forms. Education is seen as a tool for empowerment and enlightenment, aiming to nurture individuals who not only excel in their professions but also contribute positively to society.

I had the honor of being recognized by the Managing Trustee of the Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust, Sh. RJ Ratnakar, and the Director of Sri Sathya Sai Vidya Vahini, Smt. Karuna Munshi, for my contribution in writing the Anthem of SSSVV. The anthem, composed and sung by Sai Vignesh, a renowned Indian playback singer and musician, and Nisarg Baxi, was also released during the summit.