A panel discussion on “Reimagine Education-A Global Approach in 21st Century” was organized by World Trade Center Bhubaneswar in association with Helen O’ Grady International Bhubaneswar.

Moderator Ms Panchami Manoo Ukil, Founder, The Wisdom Tree Global Pvt Ltd, led the discussions along with respective heads of academic and life skill training institutions. 

Ms. Ukil initiated the discussions by sharing her views on the existing model of education and emphasised on instilling global competencies into regular curriculum in order to create a generation prepared for the global citizenship which is going to be the future.

Key Panelist Mr. Duncan Rice, Director, Helen O’ Grady International and a professional life skills & performing arts expert from South Africa discussed on the importance of the 6Cs of 21st century skills like Communication, Creativity, Collaboration, Critical Thinking, Confidence and Content that needs to be integrated in today’s education system. He advocated for the need to inculcate such skills in the students by involving various activities like dance, music, art and theater. He also demonstrated on the methods by which the children could learn about discovering feelings, experiencing new situations, understanding point of views, develop verbal & non-verbal communication, enhance their self-esteem and develop effective social interaction. 

Mr. Harish Sanduja, Principal, Sai International School in his address emphasized on five core competencies that should be focused on in the current educational pattern like learning to learn, communication, critical thinking and application of logic, understanding the world as a global village with diverse communities, culture and perceptions and most importantly love and respect for the environment. “It is very important to create a realization that earth is a single ship and we do not have an alternative” Mr. Sanduja said.

Ms. Nirupama Kapoor, Principal, Aditya Birla Public School shared her views on the future of education. Giving an insight on the increasing role of artificial intelligence in day to day life she deliberated on the essential connect of humans with each other and the impact of the same on the planet and the universe as a whole. “Creative solutions are beyond computers, empathy is one human value that the education should sow the seeds for” Ms. Kapoor said.

Mrs Poly Pattnaik, Principal, Mother’s Public School in her address emphasized on how a child should be groomed to experience happiness in its real terms being in a practical world. She further stressed on changing the pattern of repetitive learning and need for a collaborative effort to build a system which would underline that happiness and learning are beyond the definitions of grades and examinations. 

Ms. Sudha Mishra, Principal, Helen O’ Grady International, Bhubaneswar in her address spoke on developing effective communicators through performance arts. 

Ms Nimeshika Natarajan, Assistant Director, World Trade Center Bhubaneswar proposed the vote of thanks

In Photo (L-R): Ms. Sudha Mishra, Ms. Nirupama Kapoor, Mr. Duncan Rice, Mrs. Poly Pattaik, Mr. Harish Sanduja, Ms. Nimeshika Natarajan