‘Empowering Tomorrow’s Minds: Parenting in a changing Educational Landscape’

Merchants’ Chamber of Commerce & Industry (MCCI) organised Knowledge Sessions on “Empowering Tomorrow’s Minds : Parenting in a Changing Educational Landscape” on 23 September 2023 at Taj Bengal, Kolkata

The Knowledge Session was inaugurated by Dr. Skand Bali, Principal, The Hyderabad Public School, Begumpet.

The Knowledge Sessions had discussions on “Career Counselling”; “Parent School Connect – the Necessary Bridge”; “Importance of Foreign Language for Students: “How to Choose a Right Education Board for your Child” and “Role of Learning Management Systems in Education”. The sessions were addressed by Shri Nirmal Agarwal, Founder, Cognix Knowledge Group; Smt. Damayanti Mukherjee, Principal, Modern High School for Girls; Smt. Sanjukta Poddar, Head of Student Development, Calcutta International School, Smt. Smaranika Tripathy, Clinical Psychologist, Belle Vue Clinic and Shri Simarpreet Singh, Director, JIS Group.

The Sessions provided a platform for academicians to interact on the changing landscape of education and the challenges faced by parents.

While speaking on “How to Choose a Right Education Board for your Child” Dr. Skand Bali suggested that before choosing a Right Education Board, consideration of few factors such as ‘types of education boards’, ‘assessing your Child’s needs and goals’, “researching about the schools by talking to other parents and students and visit schools”, “reviewing the curriculum” and “considering long-term plans” are crucial. “It is the school which is much more important than the Board of Education” – said Dr. Bali.

Shri Namit Bajoria, President, MCCI while delivering the Welcome address highlighted a few challenges faced by parents such as increasing competition and pressure for academic success, technological advancements, shifting pedagogical approaches to name a few. He viewed that equipping children with transferable skills such as adaptability, critical thinking, and digital literacy would empower them to succeed in an ever-changing world.

Shri Sunil Agarwal, Chairman, Council on Education, MCCI viewed that parenting plays a crucial role in shaping the educational experiences of children, especially in a rapidly changing educational landscape. He suggested that with the advent of new technologies, evolving teaching methodologies, and the need for a holistic approach to education, parents must be active participants in empowering their children’s minds.

Shri Nirmal Agarwal suggested to focus on four factors namely ‘Desire’, ‘Knowledge’ ‘Dedication’ and ‘emotional power’ while choosing the right career path.  He mentioned that one million children are turning 18 every month in India. He also added that in the changing world of education there are new careers getting added every year. He emphasised on ‘single minded dedication’ for children.

Smt Damayanti Mukherjee, while sharing her views on “Parent School Connect – the necessary Bridge” emphasized on honest and equal level communication between parents and child. She suggested that a child should be in the centre of attention and flow of care, love and responsibility should come from school and parents. She also added that there must be achievable and plausible expectations from the child.

Smt. Sanjukta Poddar highlighted the need for learning a second language which would enhance cognitive skills, cultural understanding, expanded career opportunities etc. She has shared a few tips for learning foreign language. “Choose a language that you’re passionate about” – said Smt. Poddar.

While emphasizing on the positive aspect of social media, Smt Smaranika Tripathy, suggested parents to connect with their child’s world and be a networked parent. “There is no harm to play games online with your child for a few hours” – said Smt. Tripathy. It is parents who are more stressed than the Children. “As parents we put expectations on our children and become judgmental of their actions”.

Shri Simarpreet Singh, Director, JIS Group spoke about the latest initiative of introducing Learning Management Systems in Education by JIS Group.

The Session was concluded with a Hearty Vote of Thanks proposed by Shri Alok Sharma, Co-Chairman, Council on Education, MCCI.

(This story has not been edited by News Mania staff and is published from a Media Release)