Education has undergone transformational change
Principals and representatives from prominent schools of Jalandhar, Phagwara, Kapurthala and Hoshiarpur today attended the annual edition of Principals’ Meet organised by The Tribune Group of Newspapers in association with Chitkara University. This year’s theme, “Overhauling the Education System: Growing Expectations”, sparked discussions on the transformative changes happening and the need to align Indian education with global standards.
The keynote address was delivered by Aadi Garg, a psychologist and career counsellor, with over eight years of experience in the field of education. Garg offered critical insights into the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, calling it a visionary roadmap to transform Indian education. He stressed the NEP’s core values of accessibility, equity, affordability and accountability, noting that these principles aim to reimagine the education system to meet both national and international aspirations.
Garg highlighted how NEP-2020 aligns with India’s global education mission, which includes making India a hub of learning, innovation and research. The policy emphasises foundational literacy and numeracy, multidisciplinary approaches and creativity, aimed at producing globally competent graduates. “Indian education requires more responsiveness, effectiveness and communication,” he said, underlining the importance of evolving from traditional approaches to modern, learner-centric models.
A key focus of the session was the transformative role of technology in education. Garg explained how initiatives like the National Digital Education Architecture (NDEAR) and the National Educational Technology Forum (NETF) aim to modernise India’s vast education network, which caters to over 260 million students across 2.5 million schools. He said that NDEAR creates a unified framework for digital solutions, promoting seamless access to resources and equitable opportunities for students and educators. NETF, on the other hand, fosters collaboration between tech innovators and academic institutions, encouraging the development of cutting-edge educational tools.
Garg noted that these advancements are critical but must complement, not replace, the role of educators. “Technology alone may not revolutionise the education system, but a transformed educational approach benefits society,” he emphasised. He further said that educators play the most crucial role in shaping the future, acting as the guiding force for students. Technology, while essential for modern learning, should serve as an enhancement, empowering teachers to connect with and inspire their students more effectively
Delving into research-driven education, Garg discussed SPARC (Scheme for Promotion of Academic and Research Collaboration). He explained that SPARC facilitates partnerships between Indian and global institutions, enabling joint research initiatives and knowledge exchange. By emphasising research as a core component of education, SPARC aims to instill critical thinking and innovation among students and faculty alike. This aligns with the NEP’s vision of holistic development, ensuring that students are equipped not only with knowledge but also with the skills to apply it in a real-world scenario.
Garg also addressed significant reforms in administrative and academic processes through programmes like the Academic Bank of Credits (ABC) and the Nishtha teacher training initiative. He explained how ABC allows students to seamlessly transfer credits across institutions, encouraging multidisciplinary studies. Nishtha, meanwhile, equips educators with the skills needed to adapt to modern teaching methods and diverse learning needs.
Another highlight of the discussion was India’s progress in literacy and enrollment. Garg noted that the country’s Gross Enrollment Ratio in education has climbed from 20 per cent to 50 per cent, reflecting improved access to education. However, he emphasised the need to bridge existing gaps and ensure all students receive quality education.
Referring to the Performance Grading Index (PGI) of Punjab and Chandigarh, he highlighted how this comprehensive system is meticulously crafted to evaluate and enhance the performance of states and Union Territories in the education sector. It measures performance under two primary categories: Outcomes and Governance Management, using 73 detailed indicators in alignment with the goals of the NEP 2020. “This structured framework serves to identify critical areas requiring attention while encouraging data-driven strategies for improvement,” he said, adding that Punjab, scoring 647, and Chandigarh, with an impressive 690, are among the top 2 per cent of performers nationwide.
An interactive question-and-answer session allowed principals and teachers to share insights and challenges. Garg praised the enthusiasm and commitment of educators, urging them to adopt innovative strategies tailored to their unique institutional contexts.
Preeti Chaudhry, Director of the Office of Strategic Initiatives at Chitkara University, echoed similar sentiments during her address. Chaudhry said that overhauling the education system is about aligning it with the 21st century goals of inclusivity, innovation and global competence, ensuring every individual is empowered to thrive in a fast-changing world.
She highlighted the importance of holistic and tech-enabled education, stressing both academic excellence and student well-being. She noted that tools are essential, success depends on creating environments that promote learning, listening and laughter.
