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Hindustan Times
28-04-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
NPSC's 52nd Annual Conference sheds light on conflict management & peace education in schools, check details
The National Progressive Schools Conference, NPSC, conducted the 52nd annual conference on April 25 and 26, 2025, that brought together as many as 250 CBSE-affiliated Senior Secondary Schools to address critical themes of conflict resolution and peacebuilding in education. The two-day event commenced with a school choir performance by Summer Fields School, Gurugram, followed by a welcome address by Asha Prabhakar, Chairperson, NPSC & Principal, Bal Bharati Public School, Noida. In her address, she emphasised the urgency of fostering peace-centric education. Also read: Age no bar: At 84, scientist earns MBA degree from IIM; next step PhD Chief Guest Padma Shri Shobhana Bhartia, Chairperson and Editorial Director of HT Media, underscored the media's role in shaping equitable educational narratives. The inaugural address was delivered by Prof. Edward Vickers, UNESCO Chair for Education for Peace, Kyushu University, who highlighted the global frameworks for integrating social justice into curricula. Keynote speaker Ambassador Shashi Uban Tripathi (IFS Retd.), in his address, linked diplomatic conflict-resolution strategies to school ecosystems. Also read: NEET-UG on May 4: How MoE is trying to ensure there are no lapses during exams, check details The Annual Report was presented by Mallika Preman, Secretary, NPSC & Principal, Tagore International School, Delhi, outlining the major achievements of NPSC, a press statement informed. The event also featured the release of the NPSC publication, a significant step toward advancing educational discourse and collaborative learning. During the event, the Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Dr Ameeta Mulla Wattal, Chairperson & Executive Director, Education, Innovations and Training, DLF Foundation Schools and Scholarship Programmes. Also read: CBSE crackdown on institutions allowing dummy candidates a wake up call for Bihar students, parents Notably, the conference consisted of several intriguing sessions on both days. For instance on Day 1, the first session revolved around 'Conflict Resolution in Focus' wherein insights where shared on understanding conflicts in schools - causes, culture and leadership roles. The panel included Dr Payal Kumar, Principal Academic Advisor, ISH, XLRI, Global L& D Advisor & Award winning Author, Dr Kavita Sharma, Ex- Principal, Hindu College, Delhi University, Dr Amit Sen, Child Psychiatrist and Prof. Edward Vickers, UNESCO Chair for Education for Peace, Kyushu University, Moderator Dr Ameeta Mulla Wattal, Chairperson & Executive Director, education, Innovations and Training, DLF Foundation Schools and Scholarship programmes who analysed cultural, leadership and psychosocial drivers of disputes and underscored the need for collaborative strategies to prioritise student well-being and leverage policy frameworks for sustainable educational growth. Also read: JEE Advanced 2025: IIT Kanpur launches portal to submit registration-related issues, direct link here Session 2 focused on 'Peaceful Schools for National Prosperity' - the panel included Padma Shri Geetha Chandran (Bharatanatyam icon), Sohail Hashmi, Historian, Social activist, Film- Maker & Heritage Conservationist, Padma Shri Prathibha Prahlad, Educator, Choreographer & Sangeet Natak Akademi Awardee, Prerna Bhambri, Indian Former Tennis Player, Moderator Latika Gupta, CIE, Delhi. The experts advocated aligning co-curricular activities with peace education. Likewise, the theme of Session 3 was 'Masterclass on Effective Communication for Conflict Resolution: Mastering 'Active Listening' to 'Deep Listening''. During this session, Sudarshan Rodrigues (RTL Works) in conversation with Dr Annie Koshi, Principal, St Mary's School trained attendees in 'deep listening' techniques, the press release added. On the second day, the audience was enthralled by an interactive performance by ventriloquist Santhosh, a TEDx Speaker and Voice Coach, whose engaging act seamlessly combined storytelling, humour and valuable insights into effective communication- an essential tool for conflict resolution. The Induction of New Members and Felicitation of State and National Awardees, where distinguished educators were recognised for their dedication to fostering innovative educational practices, was also conducted on the second day. Additionally, the remaining sessions were conducted on Day 2. On Session 4, Sudhanshu Trivedi, Member, Rajya Sabha & BJP National Spokesperson, delivered a compelling address on policy framework for technology integration in education. He focused digital infrastructure and skilling initiatives, emphasising the need for future-ready academic environments that integrate digital literacy and technological advancement into conflict resolution strategies. Similarly, Session 5 was themed 'Expert Dialogue: Conflict in the Cybersphere: Exploring the inter section of technology and Peacebuilding'. Cyber law specialist Pawan Duggal, Bhaskar Basu, Director at Microsoft, and Hemant Tiwari IPS- DCP- IFSO/Cyber Crime, in dialogue with Ashok Pandey, Innovator, Classroom Practitioner and an influential education Leader discussed cyber conflicts. The session examined the regulatory challenges, ethical AI practices and the role of technological policies in safeguarding digital spaces within educational institutions. In Session 6, the theme was "Voices from the Bard: Memory, Meaning and Metaphor." Dr Ameeta Mulla Wattal, Chairperson & Executive Director, Education, Innovations and Training, DLF Foundation Schools and Scholarship programmes led an interactive role-playing exercise on Shakespearean themes, fostering critical thinking and empathy in conflict resolution. Session 7 was 'Student-Teacher Collaboration & Policy Insights', wherein, Principal of Hyderabad Public School, Skand Bali, Dr Ruchi Seth, Principal, Lotus Valley International School, Noida, Parveen Quaiser, Principal, Sunbeam Lahartara, Varanasi and Ajay Singh, Principal, The Scindia School engaged in a discussion with student ambassadors from Modern Barakhamba, Lotus Valley International School and Sunbeam Lahartara, Varanasi on classroom conflict resolution strategies, emphasising collaborative learning and empathetic leadership. The panel was moderated by Dr Anuradha Joshi, Principal, Sardar Patel Vidyalaya. Chief Guest Rahul Singh, chairman of CBSE, highlighted the curriculum reforms for digital citizenship, ensuring that schools remain at the forefront of ethical tech practices and student-centered education. M J Akbar, Indian Author, Journalist and former Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha spoke on the role of literature and history in fostering empathy and critical thinking. His reflections underscored the need for integrating literature into conflict resolution methodologies, ensuring that students cultivate both emotional intelligence and analytical depth. Session 8 on 'Ekam Sat', commenced with a conversation between Malini Narayanan, Ex Principal, Army Public School Shankar Vihar and Prathibha Prahlad. The power of cultural expression took center stage with a stirring presentation of 'Ekam Sat', performed by Padma Shri Prathibha Prahlad's group. Through dance, music, and dramatic storytelling, the performance beautifully emphasised unity in diversity, reinforcing the significance of cultural heritage in fostering peace and understanding within school communities.
Hindustan Times
26-04-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Educators urged to embrace peace curriculum in 52nd NPSC
Speakers at the 52nd annual conference of the National Progressive Schools' Conference (NPSC) on Friday underscored the need for peace, stability, and conflict-resolution, focusing on school environments and the role of effective communication. Titled 'Conflict Management and Peace Education in Schools,' the two-day event opened with panel discussions and masterclasses on understanding school conflicts and navigating them through dialogue. HT Media Ltd Chairperson and Editorial Director Shobhana Bhartia, the chief guest, unveiled a 260-page book, 'Conflict Resolution and Peace Building in Schools', featuring essays and artwork on peace education. Highlighting the role of educators, she said their contribution to peace, social justice, and global citizenship has never been more urgent. 'Educators will have to act as anchors of stability expanding their role beyond the transmission of facts and figures to become architects of critical thinking and adaptability in the next generation,' she said. Drawing on her work with former United Nations secretary general Kofi Annan's UN Alliance of Civilisations, Bhartia noted how history education tended to overemphasise Western narratives. 'Even then, we flagged how global south perspectives were being sidelined,' she said, calling for reforms such as conflict-resolution labs, digital safety modules, and an interconnected curriculum. On religious education, she said, 'We recommended that texts be non-accusatory and involve interfaith efforts to rethink how religion is taught to the young.' She also warned against the dangers of echo chambers and ideological rigidity: 'We have all become too quick to take a position and then defend it no matter what.' NPSC chairperson Asha Prabhakar said schools must not only teach academics but also instil values and life skills. 'Rising conflict in schools signals a gap in how we nurture understanding and empathy,' she said. Edward Vickers, professor at Kyushu University and UNESCO chair, cited the COVID-19 pandemic to highlight the risks of unchecked tech reliance. A UNESCO report, An Ed Tech Tragedy, found increased digital use worsened inequality and exclusion. In a panel on school conflict and leadership, speakers including Payal Kumar, Kavita Sharma, and Amit Sen emphasised the need for institutional change rather than burdening students and parents alone. A session on co-curriculars and arts, with Sohail Hashmi, Geeta Chandran and others, explored how heritage education and the arts strengthen student connections with society. In a closing masterclass, RTLWorks CEO Sudarshan Rodrigues led a session on 'Deep Listening' to build emotional intelligence. Prabhakar urged schools to become not just smart but also kind and caring.
Hindustan Times
23-04-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
52nd Annual National Progressive Schools Conference on April 25, 26, check details
The 52nd Annual National Progressive Schools Conference (NPSC) will be held on the 25th and 26th of April. Established in 1973, the NPSC is a 51-year-old association that brings together senior secondary schools from across the country. Today, it includes 250 leading private schools under its umbrella, all affiliated with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). The conference will be inaugurated with a welcome address by Ms. Asha Prabhakar, Chairperson of NPSC and Principal of Bal Bharati Public School, Noida. This will be followed by an address by the Chief Guest, Padmashree Shobhana Bharatiya, Chairperson and Editorial Director of HD Media and former Member of the Rajya Sabha. An inaugural address will be delivered by Professor Edward Vickers, Professor of Comparative Education and UNESCO Chair on Education for Peace, Social Justice and Global Citizenship at Kyushu University. The conference will also feature a keynote address by Ambassador Shashi Uban Tripathi, an annual report presentation by Ms. Mallika Praman, Secretary of NPSC, and will conclude the inaugural ceremony with a vote of thanks by Ms. Richa Sharma Agnihotri, Vice Chairperson of NPSC and Principal of Sanskriti School, Chanakya Puri. Over the span of two days, eight sessions will be conducted, each focusing on different aspects of conflict resolution and peacebuilding in educational settings. Session 1 will explore conflict in schools, delving into its causes, cultural influences, and the role of leadership. Session 2 will address the idea of peaceful schools contributing to a prosperous nation, emphasizing the alignment of co-curricular activities and teacher training with peace education. Session 3 will focus on effective communication for conflict resolution, progressing from active listening to deep listening. Session 4 will feature a special address by Mr. Sudhanshu Trivedi, Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha. Session 5 will examine conflicts in the cyber sphere, highlighting the intersection of technology and peacebuilding. Session 6, titled Voices from the BARD, will explore memory, meaning, and metaphor. Session 7 will present student-teacher perspectives and collaborative solutions for classroom conflicts. Finally, Session 8 will move beyond discord with a cultural celebration of unity and cooperation. The event will conclude with a valedictory session featuring a keynote address by Ms. Bansuri Swaraj, Member of the Parliament.
