BCC&I’s 7th Education Conclave Explores How to Bridge Learning Gaps In Education System

The vibrant and intellectually charged atmosphere of The Bengal Chamber of Commerce & Industry’s 7th Annual Education Conclave 2024, a confluence of thought leaders, educators, and students gathered on September 20, to explore this year's theme, Synergy – Bridging the Gap Between School and Higher Education. It was a meeting of minds, where profound insights blended seamlessly with heartfelt aspirations to chart the course of India’s educational future.

Gautam Ray, President of BCC&I and President - Corporate, RPSG Group, opened the conclave with a passionate address highlighting education's transformative role. “Education is an enabler to make the future generation ready to adopt changes, face challenges, and make further progress.” His words highlighted the need for an adaptable educational framework that evolves with societal changes.

Subsequently, Simarpreet Singh, Co- Chairperson, Education Committee, The Bengal Chamber and Director, JIS Group, expanded on the conclave’s theme, who reinforced, “The theme of this conclave goes beyond academic alignment. It encompasses collaboration between educators, parents, policymakers, and students themselves," thereby framing education as a collective social responsibility.

The inaugural address presented by Padma Shri Prof (Dr) Ajoy Kumar Ray, Director of the Institute of Advance Studies & Research, JIS University, was nothing short of an impassioned plea for evolution in education. He posed a critical question: “Where is the gap between school and higher education?” He argued for an educational continuum, devoid of compartmentalisation between the various disciplines. Emphasising the interconnectedness of learning, he insisted that values like kindness and honesty are fundamental to navigating this journey.

Prof VMSR Murthy, Director of Indian Institute of Engineering Science and Technology, (IIEST) Shibpur, delivered the keynote address, eloquently capturing the essence of the new educational paradigm. He articulated the challenges students face in transitioning from school to higher education, while reiterating the need for collaboration between institutions. “Integrating projects into curricula ensures continuity,” he explained.

Further, he emphasised the importance of educator empowerment: “By focusing on curriculum alignment, skill development, teacher training, and technology, we can ensure that every student transitions smoothly.”

Exploring the 5+3+3+4 Curriculum – A New Dawn in Learning

The panel discussion on Building Foundations: Insights into the 5+3+3+4 Curriculum, moderated by Rupkatha Sarkar, Principal of La Martiniere for Girls, sparked vibrant discussions. She opened the dialogue with a probing question, “What are your views on the new 5+3+3+4 education policy?”

Aakanksha Kaur, Director, JIS Group of Schools, offering a fresh perspective, shared, “The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 focuses on the various developmental stages of a child" and pointed out the importance of playway and activity based learning methods.

Rupkatha Sarkar's inquiry into the old (10+2) versus new (5+3+3+4) curriculum systems led Sonali Sarkar, Principal, Mahadevi Birla Shishu Vihar to illustrate with an allegorical tale of two imaginary sisters, namely, Meera studying under the old system and Gita studying under the new system, which made its point clearly. She said, “Meera could quote a Shakespearean sonnet by heart, while Gita could code an app to help her memorise it. Both succeeded, but Gita was better prepared for life.” She elaborated, “The key lies in reinforcing successive stages of learning with practical applications.”

Apala Datta, Principal, Birla Bharati School, described the structured approach of the new curriculum moving beyond rote learning, noting its emphasis on experiential learning and career readiness, while Amita Prasad, educationist, highlighted the NEP’s shift towards holistic assessments via a Holistic Progress Card (HPC) that tracks a child’s development in cognitive, affective, and psychomotor domains, giving equal importance to both curricular and co-curricular fields.

Higher Education in The 21st Century: Adapting to Change

The second panel, moderated by Prof Dr Suman Kumar Mukerjee, Director General, The Bhawanipur Education Society College, shifted the discussion to the necessity of integrated learning in preparing students for a rapidly changing world.

Dr Jhilam Rudra De, Principal, Kingston School of Management and Sciences highlighted the adaptability of students from diverse backgrounds, while Prof (Dr) Yogesh Kumar Sinha, Principal, Om Dayal Institute, advocated for a more student-centric curriculum that fosters essential social and emotional skills. Prof Dr Dhubojyoti Chattopadhyay, Vice Chancellor, Sister Nivedita University, remarked, “We have to make our students global. Digital campuses are becoming the norm, but in our country, the digital divide is very prominent.” He emphasised the critical role of educators in bridging this gap and making education accessible to all; and Prof Anupam Basu, Director, Raja Ramanna Chair Professor, Jadavpur University, Distinguished Hon Prof, Sister Nivedita University, Hon Prof Shiv Nadar University, challenged the rigidity of traditional pathways in education. “Why bind students to a fixed curriculum?” he questioned. “Let’s allow them to explore these interdisciplinary interests.”

Concluding the session on an inspirational note, Prof Dr Suman Kumar Mukherjee introduced the 7 Es of education: Encourage, Explore, Engage, Experience, Explain, Evaluate, and Elate. “Rejoice,” he urged, “because each stage of learning is a step towards the destination.” This session was a compelling reminder that education is a journey, and in the 21st century, it must be adaptable, inclusive, and nurturing to prepare students for the world ahead.

Beyond the Books: Prioritising Mental Wellness

The third session brought to light the critical importance of mental health in a student's journey, especially during the high pressure years of adolescence.

Dr Rima Mukherjee, Senior Consultant and Lead Psychiatrist, and Founder Director of Crystal Minds, addressed the crucial topic of mental wellness among students.

She identified key five areas that an adolescent struggles with. The first area she identified was academic and career-related pressure. The second stressor was the school or college environment. Next, she highlighted the impact of peer influence and acceptance. The fourth factor was the rise of romantic relationships, which add another layer of pressure as young individuals try to navigate the complexities of emotions and relationships. Lastly, she touched upon the home environment and parental influence.

Dr Mukherjee left the audience with a powerful thought: “We must prepare not only for successes, but we must also learn how to handle failures.” This statement resonated deeply, reminding everyone that resilience is as essential as achievement in a student's journey.

The session concluded with an engaging question-and-answer segment, where students and parents openly discussed their concerns, creating a space that was both enlightening and therapeutic.

This was followed by a compelling audiovisual presentation by Suchindra Kumar, Partner and Sector Leader for the Education Sector at Pricewaterhouse Coopers (PwC) India, drawing attention to the evolving landscape of education in India. He emphasised that India’s competitive spirit views education as a crucial means of achieving upward social mobility, reflecting the aspirations of millions of families striving for a better future.

Kumar also highlighted the importance of the optimal utilisation of available educational resources, underscoring how strategic management and distribution can significantly elevate the quality and reach of education in the country.

Insights from Leading Educational Thinkers

On the sidelines of BCCI's 7th Annual Education Conclave 2024, The Telegraph Online Edugraph gathered insights on bridging gaps in Indian education from key influencers shaping this space.

Simarpreet Singh, Co- Chairperson, Education Committee, The Bengal Chamber and Director, JIS Group, highlighted the deep connection between school and higher education: "A student's school experience fundamentally shapes their journey in higher education. Prior to the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, rote learning limited critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. With NEP's dynamic shift, we now emphasise project-based and flipped learning at JIS Group, where students receive materials in advance and engage in group discussions. We also integrate technical and social skills by adopting five nearby villages. Here, students tackle real world issues like plumbing or electrical problems, applying their knowledge and contributing to community building."

Rupkatha Sarkar, Principal of La Martiniere for Girls, stressed the importance of leveraging technology and teacher development for more inclusive education. "Teacher development must progress alongside infrastructure improvements. Urban and suburban schools can utilise technology to bridge gaps, enabling rural students to collaborate with urban counterparts. Equally vital is professional development for teachers. Our mandatory 50 hours of training ensure both educators and students are empowered. We also connect students with real world experiences, like visits to handloom weavers and Kumartuli artisans, linking academic learning with industry."

Apaula Dutt, Principal of Birla Bharati School, addressed the rise of vocational training in schools: "Fashion Studies is increasingly popular among our students, yet there's hesitation in choosing such paths due to concerns about job security and societal pressures favouring traditional careers like medicine and engineering. Policymakers must equate academic and vocational courses in value to give students and parents confidence in these choices."

Thus, the 7th Annual Education Conclave 2024, illuminated the path forward, underscoring that bridging the gap between school and higher education requires not just knowledge but innovation, inclusivity, and a commitment to nurturing future generations. It was a call to action—preparing every student for their journey ahead. It was a call to action, a reminder that education is not just about imparting knowledge, but about shaping minds, inspiring hearts, and preparing every student for the journey ahead.