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Time of India
6 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
From GDP to GDK—Gross Domestic Knowledge: A moment of pride and a call to action
Rashmi S Chari has been actively involved in the field of education for last 34 years. She is currently Director, Academics & Training, Bhartiya Shiksha Board (BSB). She was till recently Member, Educational Research & Innovations Committee (ERIC) of Ministry of HRD, Government of India advising the apex educational institution NCERT on ways to bring qualitative improvement in teacher education through infusion of innovative practices and action research. She has consistently supported the initiatives of the Apex educational bodies as an Advisor to the Apex educational institutions of India in NCERT and CBSE on Teacher Education, Early Childhood Care and Education and National Policy of Education (2015). She has also extensively researched Human Values in Education and has developed a curriculum for teacher-education for MHRD. LESS ... MORE India's rise to become the world's 4th largest economy, with a GDP of approximately $4.19 trillion in 2025, is a proud moment for us. Surpassing Japan in global economic rankings is not just a matter of statistics—it is a proof of determination, hard work and resilience of Indian people. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has projected a robust 6.2% growth rate making India the fastest-growing major economy globally. Even as we celebrate this achievement, we must ask: How do we sustain and expand this growth—and make it truly inclusive? The answer lies in education and skill development across all levels—from foundational schooling to higher education. Additionally, all of us Indians must continue to learn lifelong- whatever phase of life we are in we should continue to expand our horizons by learning more, thinking more, and doing more. These are no longer individual aspirations—they are now strategic national priorities, central to shaping India's economic future. Bridging the gap between learning and earning So, what can we do to connect education with employability? In both schools and universities, skill development should be promoted through experiential learning opportunities across all disciplines—languages, sciences, or social sciences—whether through hands-on school activities and projects, or internships, apprenticeships, and industry-led coursework at colleges. Emerging sectors such as AI, data science, biotechnology, green energy, clean manufacturing, and healthcare demand a workforce equipped with specialized skills and innovative knowledge. The education fraternity must shift its focus to educational outcomes and actively collaborate with both industry and the service sector to understand evolving workforce requirements. Curricula and learning resources should be continually redesigned and upgraded based on these inputs. The NEP 2020 directive to introduce vocational training from middle school and continue it through higher education must be thoughtfully implemented at every level to foster an entrepreneurial mindset among learners. Universities must actively enrich classroom learning by inviting professionals from diverse industries to engage with students. They should also broaden their role as hubs of research and innovation, driving the creation and application of new ideas. Realizing India's demographic dividend through equity and inclusion India's true potential lies in its under-30 human capital. Real progress demands that education, and opportunity should reach every corner of the country. This includes ensuring quality education in rural and remote areas and creating inclusive environments for underserved groups such as girls, differently abled learners, and those from marginalized communities. Let's train these students to use digital tools and access content in regional languages to bridge learning gaps. Scholarships, mentorship programs, and open schools and universities will enable upward mobility in education and vocational training. Higher education institutions must extend their reach beyond campuses—through community outreach, satellite centres, and remote learning models—to ensure that all youth can access relevant knowledge and skills aligned with changing job market needs. Skills that matter: From schools to universities To ensure education leads to meaningful outcomes, the teaching methodology must also evolve. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 recognizes that the future belongs to those who can think critically, solve problems, and innovate. Learning must go beyond rote memorization and exam performance. Therefore, these skills must be developed through competency-based pedagogy and assessments across the educational spectrum. At the school level, this means classrooms that nurture curiosity, independent thinking, collaboration, and creativity. In higher education, it calls for interdisciplinary curricula aligned with industry needs, flexible course structures, and a greater emphasis on research, innovation, and real-world application of knowledge. Rethinking textbooks A key component is the transformation of textbooks from tomes of information to tools for exploration. Textbooks should no longer be dense compilations of abstract theory and repetitive drills. Instead, they must support teachers with activity ideas and discussion prompts that spark curiosity and inspire inquiry. Experiential learning activities anchored in key concepts help students build essential competencies—critical thinking, digital literacy, civic responsibility, environmental awareness, and multilingual proficiency. Case studies that relate to real-life contexts and diverse perspectives must be incorporated to foster a vibrant and inclusive learning environment. Transforming learning with interactive digital books To maximize the impact of these resources, schools and universities must embrace interactive digital textbooks that enable connected, flexible, and continuous learning. These platforms provide students with 24×7 access educational content, allowing them to learn at their own pace and according to their individual needs. Advanced digital textbooks transform learning from static to interactive by integrating search engines, multimedia, and AI-powered tools to create personalized learning pathways. Students can revisit concepts, explore related topics, and receive adaptive support. Simulated experiments and interactive visualizations add a layer of experiential learning, enabling students to understand complex ideas through virtual hands-on engagement. By offering access to a vast universe of curated knowledge and skill-building resources, digital textbooks make learning more engaging, inclusive, and future-ready. Supporting teachers through mentorship and digital skills training To truly transform classrooms in the schools and universities, we must invest in the people who bring them to life—our teachers. A robust system of Teacher Mentorship will ensure the continuous and comprehensive improvement in teaching-learning practices. Veteran educators can serve as mentors by observing classroom practices, providing constructive feedback, and facilitating reflective dialogue. Periodic performance reviews of teachers and lecturers should be followed by mentoring sessions to enhance their skills in pedagogy, resolving classroom challenges, and improving student engagement. Equally vital is the need to build educators' digital skills, enabling them to confidently integrate technology into their teaching. Continuous professional development will empower educators to innovate, adapt, and deliver high-quality, future-ready education. A learning nation: A shared vision and responsibility To retain our global edge, India must become a learning nation. Our policies must reflect our ambitions, but our practices must reflect our intrinsic age-old value system- the Karam Yog. Let us strive to enhance our GDK-Gross Domestic Knowledge to push our GDP to World's No1. This is our moment—not just to rise, but to uplift. Education at every level—from preschool to Ph.D.—must lead the way. Facebook Twitter Linkedin Email Disclaimer Views expressed above are the author's own.
Time of India
27-04-2025
- General
- Time of India
Every child matters: How teachers can lead the way
Rashmi S Chari has been actively involved in the field of education for last 34 years. She is currently Director, Academics & Training, Bhartiya Shiksha Board (BSB). She was till recently Member, Educational Research & Innovations Committee (ERIC) of Ministry of HRD, Government of India advising the apex educational institution NCERT on ways to bring qualitative improvement in teacher education through infusion of innovative practices and action research. She has consistently supported the initiatives of the Apex educational bodies as an Advisor to the Apex educational institutions of India in NCERT and CBSE on Teacher Education, Early Childhood Care and Education and National Policy of Education (2015). She has also extensively researched Human Values in Education and has developed a curriculum for teacher-education for MHRD. LESS ... MORE In a significant step toward creating a truly inclusive education system, the Delhi government has issued a circular mandating the screening of students for 21 types of disabilities, under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016. This move marks a transformative shift—not just in policy, but in how we view, value, and nurture every learner. Screening students for disabilities is a crucial first step in ensuring that no child struggles in silence. As educators, we are at a pivotal moment. Early screening is not merely a procedural requirement; it is a call to action—a unique opportunity to transform lives by recognizing every child's potential early and providing them right support at the right time. By identifying challenges early—whether learning difficulties, developmental delays, sensory impairments, or physical needs—we can offer customised support with care and understanding. Timely intervention not only helps prevent learning gaps but also boosts emotional well-being, enabling students to engage meaningfully in their educational journey. An inclusive classroom doesn't happen by chance. It requires strong leadership, intentional action, and unwavering determination. Building such an environment is grounded in commitment—a shared vision that every student deserves the opportunity to succeed. Delhi government's initiative to implement early screening creates an essential foundation for change, offering an intentional scaffolding for success. By screening early, we don't just address challenges; we uncover talents, resilience, and hidden potential that might otherwise have gone unnoticed. How Teachers Can Lead This Initiative Early screening and timely interventions have the power to transform classrooms into truly inclusive spaces where every learner can thrive. But this transformation solely depends on the teachers ability to bring a compassionate attitude, skilled teaching practices, and a commitment to recognize and nurture the strengths in every student. Here's how teachers can lead the way: Collaborate for Individualized Support: Work closely with special educators, counsellors, and parents to develop Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) with tailored support strategies for each student. Adapt and Innovate: Adjust teaching methods, incorporate multisensory tools, be ready to give extra time, and create flexible, and supportive classroom environments. Foster Peer Inclusion: Cultivate a classroom culture where empathy, respect, and peer support are the norms, ensuring every child feels valued. Monitor Progress: Regularly track students' progress, adapt strategies as needed, and celebrate each milestone—big or small. Engage Parents as Partners: Keep parents involved and informed. Their support at home can significantly reinforce the progress made at school. Strengthen Social and Emotional Skills: Provide counselling and opportunities to build confidence, fostering their emotional growth along with academic achievement. Reflecting on My Journey as an Educator Almost 30 years ago, as a Principal, I struggled to help learners with disabilities. Students like Mohit (name changed), a young boy with dyslexia, couldn't be identified early, and apart from empathy and understanding, we lacked the skills and resources to support him effectively. The absence of proper training and awareness meant that, despite our best efforts, we couldn't provide Mohit the interventions he needed. It was a challenging period, but it also became a defining moment in my career, highlighting the urgent need for change and better preparation to truly support all learners. Fortunately, research and studies have since then equipped us with the tools to identify learning disabilities early and the knowledge to help students through timely interventions. In recent years, I have witnessed remarkable progress, thanks to the concerted efforts of principals and the dedicated support of special educators. For instance: Riya, a young student with dyslexia, benefited from an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) that incorporated multisensory teaching methods. Over time, she improved her reading skills and became more confident in class. In case of Arjun, a student with severe anxiety, challenges were recognized and met with the right combination of counselling, peer mentoring, and classroom accommodations. Arjun has now become more engaged in class, his anxiety has lessened, and his test performance improved. Diagnosed with ADHD, Meera too has made impressive strides through personalized strategies such as task breakdowns, visual schedules, and movement breaks. With the continuous support of a resource teacher and parental involvement, Meera developed better focus and greater independence in her learning, transforming into a confident and engaged student. These success stories are a testament to the power of early identification and the right interventions. They remind us of the extraordinary impact we can have when we act early, together, and with heart. Encouraging All Schools to Embrace This Vision Every school, no matter its size or resources, can take steps to become more inclusive. Screening students for disabilities should not be seen as a burden but as an opportunity to enhance teaching and foster a more joyful, supportive learning environment. Schools that embrace early screening send a powerful message: every child matters, every child belongs, and every child can achieve great things when we believe in them. This is a call to all educators and schools: Let us lead with openness, compassion, and determination. Let us create spaces where every learner is recognized, supported, and celebrated. By embracing early screening, we are not just identifying challenges—we are lighting the way for every child's success story. The earlier we act, the greater the difference we make. Every small step taken today can open a lifetime of opportunity tomorrow. Let us be the teachers who believe first, act early, and never give up on the hope of every child to shine! Facebook Twitter Linkedin Email Disclaimer Views expressed above are the author's own.
