Emotional intelligence and education: Why teaching empathy is just as important as Math

Time of India

3 days ago

(AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
In today's whirlwind world, where toddlers can swipe before they can walk, it is clear that academic prowess isn't the sole ticket to success. Enter Emotional Intelligence (EI), with empathy as its shining star.
It is not just about understanding others' feelings; it is about nurturing self-awareness, resilience and the ability to navigate life's social maze.
Research has often underscored that children who develop emotional comprehension early on exhibit enhanced problem-solving skills and better peer relationships. It is like giving them a social GPS for life's journey.
One of the key reasons why our National Education Policy 2020 champions this by emphasizing the integration of socio-emotional skills alongside academics.
In an interview with TOI, Sibi Fakih, Head Academic Research and Development at Kangaroo Kids International Preschools, shared, "It clearly calls out educators as well as parents to cultivate not just scholars but well-rounded individuals who can understand multiple perspectives and thus collaborate.
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Many progressive early education institutions are embracing this vision wholeheartedly. Sibi Fakih explained, "Programs that integrate service learning are no longer treated as optional add-ons but are woven into the core educational fabric.
Through community projects, storytelling, and collaborative activities, young learners are encouraged to develop empathy, a sense of responsibility, and purpose, skills that are as crucial as academic knowledge in shaping well-rounded individuals.
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(AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
Imagine a classroom where children not only learn about numbers and letters but also about kindness, cooperation and community. Sibi Fakih said, "Empathy isn't a "soft skill"; it's a life skill.
By embedding it into early education, we equip our children with the tools to become compassionate leaders, thoughtful citizens and resilient individuals. After all, in a world increasingly driven by automation, it's our humanity that sets us apart.
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Bringing his expertise to the same, Manish Agarwal, Senior Director at PrepInsta, said, "Across industries, hiring managers now look for candidates who not only have the right technical skills but also show emotional awareness.
Can they work well in teams? Can they handle feedback? Can they lead with empathy? These questions matter just as much as grades or certifications. Empathy helps students understand different perspectives, build stronger relationships and solve real-world problems more thoughtfully.
This is especially important in today's hybrid and remote work environments, where emotional intelligence can make a big difference in how teams function."
(AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
However, most schools and colleges still focus mainly on academic scores. Manish Agarwal said, "Emotional skills often take a backseat. That needs to change. Education systems must include activities that promote peer learning, group discussions, and real-life projects, where students learn how to listen, reflect, and respond with empathy. Preparing students for the future isn't just about making them job-ready; it's about making them people-ready.
Just like we teach logic through maths, we need to teach empathy through everyday learning experiences."
In the end, emotional intelligence should not be seen as an 'extra' skill; it is a core life skill and it deserves a place in every classroom.