Global Educational Influencers, 2020

1. INDIA 2020 | VOL-5 | ISSUE-1 GLOBAL EDUCATIONAL? INFLUENCERS, 2020

4. EDITOR’S NOTE THE GLOBAL FACE OF EDUCATION ducation and the essence of learning have E education, chances are we would still be living under the rocks. What gives education the power to change the world is the inquisitive mind human beings are bestowed with. It is this power of questioning and finding answers that have led to the inventions and discoveries that have changed the world and continue to do so. It has also given rise to people or idols who are now respected as great scholars and influencers who wield this power. These Global Influencers are well-versed with the demands that a global economy and society creates. Owing to this, it is up to them to create global citizens who can meet this demand. So they take the platforms that are readily available to their disposal ranging from local schools to digital and online classes. They help students get acquainted with the world that is beyond textbooks and curriculums, exposing them to what is expected of them when they go out of the schools. This creates a generation that is not just educated but profession-ready. shaped human beings and the society to where they stand today. Had it not been for In this new world of global education, borders don’t matter. What matters is credibility and easy reach to opportunities and exposures. Global Educational Influencers like those featured here are the ones who ensure that education isn’t limited to boundaries and is availed by every soul that wants to learn. Here are a few stories about those bridging the gap between quality, global education, and those who want a share of it. As the world shrinks and becomes accessible on the fingertips, the world of education is being rearranged with ideas from people across the globe. These Global Educational Influencers are redefining the way formal education works throughout the world. The best practices in various local education systems are being adopted by global systems. So much so that you now have an Indian yoga class in the schools of America to improve the overall physical and mental health of students and help them focus on studies. T R Sneha Sinha

6. CXO 10 Dr. Dilip Shukla An Advocate of Progressive Education 14 60 Dr. Ranjana Tewari Displaying the True Essence of Passion and Teaching Professional’s Viewpoint The Yearn For Talent in the GCC:How to Retain Staff in the Era of Job-Hopping 18 ARTICLES Piyush Keshav A Visionary Tackling the Real Challenges of Our Education System 22 Editor’s Desk The Significance of Education Consultant 44 26 Prasad P. Mahale Bringing Excellence to Students by Online Courses and Certifications On-Air Podcasting Provides Numerouss Benifits in Education

7. C O N T E N T S Tamil Selvan. S A Devoted and Passionate Personality Enhancing Life 30 52 Prashant Dhanokar Bridging the Gap between Learning and Teaching Udhay Shankar A Light Paving the Path for Future Minds 36 Sanjay Khimesara A Pioneer in the Animation Industry 56 Vinit Upadhyay An Erudite Personality, Reshaping the Educational World 40 64 Sridevi Duraiswamy Changing the Paradigm of the Tech Education “Learning Coach” Vinodh Kumar Changing the way learning happens inside the classroom 48 Sunil Wanjare Guiding Students to Reach their Potential 68

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12. An Educational Influencer of Progressive Education P obstacles, other national, local, or global issues that lingered; all made it nearly impossible to achieve what we did today. Thanks to human perseverance, curiosity, and determination, we are the most thriving beings of the planet. How did you become an educational influencer? Was there any role model growing up? Educational influencer means to lead in the educational field and provide leadership to the education system. Everyone wants to become a leader in their field but it is not possible for anyone. An influencer is one who influences or leads others. In my opinion, a person must have some special qualities to be a leader such as L- lead by example, E- enthusiastic, A-ambitious, D- determined, E- encourage to others, R- ready to learn. hilosophically speaking, looking back from where one stands today, it would have been difficult to anticipate what they would achieve. Endless However, amidst us there live few humans who follow the aforesaid values with utmost sincerity and have a never-giving up nature. While they strive to thrive in life, they also continuously work towards a purpose bigger than themselves. We call them ‘leaders’. Besides these six characters, I have more than two decades of experience in education field, having fundamental knowledge of the subject, effective voice, dynamic personality and innovative thinking, so I can lead properly in educational field and become an effective educational influencer. Now imagine, having such strong leaders at every enclave, especially education. The prominence of such leaders depends on their outlook on education and how they transform everything around them. Role Model:There are some important dimensional factors that may be helpful in growing up an educational system. These factors are- 1. Teaching and learning should be innovative, effective and exciting. 2. Excitement and ambition can do everything in the World. 3. Changing the faulty education system. 4. Always ready to learn and teach what I know. 5. Create a good academic leader. 6. First, set a goal to achieve progress in the educational field and then determined about their goal. Adhering to the same and intending to find such profound educationalists, we landed at Sri Lal Bahadur Shastri Degree College, Gonda. Here, we had the privilege to meet with Dr. Dilip Shukla, Assistant Professor of the college. The below-conversation with him made us understand his outlook on education and how he brings reformation. Please introduce your field of study, place and current occupation to our readers. My field of study in Chemistry subject especially Physical Chemistry. My research topic is ‘To Study the changes in electronic structure and softness parameters of the isomers of some Pyridine derivatives with the help of MNDO calculations’. I have completed my research work under the supervision of Dr. P. P. Singh Ex-Principal, Bareilly College, Bareilly and M.L.K.P.G. College, Balarampur. Dr. P. P. Singh is an eminent international fame personality in the field of research and he had played an effective role as a Chairman in ‘International Coordination Chemistry Conference’ Germany in 1976. How would you describe your teaching style or teaching philosophy? A teacher is a role model for students. I present myself in a good and pleasant manner in classroom. With fundamental subjective knowledge, I provide them spiritual and life related knowledge which is helpful in their career making and life. I teach the class with deep fundamental knowledge through effective voice. Explain the subject topic with appropriate and valuable 10 MAY | 2020

13. Global Educational Influencers, 2020 examples through which students understand matter easily and are memorable for a long time. My teaching philosophy is that “To be thought a leader, you need to lead.” If you want to be a successful educational influencer, then you need to provide a valuable education to your students. To do that, you need to discuss regularly the topics that interest them and provide some kind of value. Tell us about your roles and responsibilities at your Institution. How do you compliment the School's vision? My roles and responsibilities at my Institution are: • Attributes of an academic leader. • Sharing equal responsibilities with teachers, students and staff. • Able to create healthy academic environment. • Endow with academic as well as administrative acumen. • Sound decision makers, have good tact in behaviour and moral character. • Regulator and developmental. • Act as a motivator whose touch inspires people to do their best. • Involving the whole staff in deliberating on goals, belief and vision of the Institution. • Encourage teachers to visit one another’s classes and make an unbiased assessment of teaching. • Help teachers work smarter by actively seeking different interpretations. • Using an action research team or School improvement teams as a way of sharing power. • Encouraging teachers to experiment, new ideas and promote creativity and commitment. According to you How the Indian education system evolved over the years? We all are aware of how broken the system of education in our country. The Indian education system teaches us by heat learning, it teaches us to blindly memorize whatever is being taught. There is no need to raise questions. In exams, we copy whatever the teacher says or whatever is written in books. Exams are everything. One only focuses on scoring marks irrespective of whether they understand anything or not. It doesn’t matter whether knowledge increases or not. We have to score marks by any means because these marks 11 MAY | 2020

14. define our lives. To score marks all they do is study the whole time. Their hobbies and play times all are forgotten. Their whole life spends in struggling. In this way, pressure is created which later gets converted into depression. As a result some of them commit suicide. But the one who endures it and comes out of it, they realize that the skills needed by them in real life, are never really taught. Creativity, confidence, critical thinking could be useful in real life, aren’t taught by anyone. It is not really their fault because this is what they were taught since childhood that whether they see or read should not be critically analysed. opportunities and creative abilities. • Enhanced digital learning awareness. • Make local learning groups. • Promote courses of open universities. • Promote education like Swachh Bharat. What advice can you give to graduates who seek to become Professors or Lecturers in the field of education? My advice to graduates who seek to become Professors or Lecturers in the field of education is to first fulfil the essential and desirable qualifications for such posts. For Lecturers, they must complete the postgraduate degree with above 55% marks and then complete the exam of Higher Secondary selection Board. After completing the exam, they will become lecturers of Intermediate colleges. Instead of it some other things are also to stopped the Indian education system from evolving over the years. They are:- • Old syllabus. • Old subject. • Old case studies. • Old management theory. • Lack of technological knowledge. • Lack of digital internet presentation. • Lack of industry knowledge vision. • Lack of self- motivation. • Unfulfilled requires desires in education. • Without understanding, only memorise. For being a professor, they must have Postgraduate Degree with above 55% marks which are essential qualification for NET and Ph.D. This is compulsory for Professors. After completing NET/Ph.D. they qualify for the exam of Higher Education Service Commission and become Asst. Professor in Degree Colleges and Universities. Based on experiences and their API (Academic Performance Index) they may also become professors in Universities. What aspects of your job are the most challenging and how do you overcome that? The most challenging aspects in my job(educational field) are as- • Incompetent faculty in colleges I.e. cheap faculty. • Shortage of good faculties in India. • To do job like as Robot not with open mind. • Teaching with the conventional theoretical classroom. • No suitable place for experiment and research. To achieve this target, my advice to you is to work hard and with honesty. Be honest about yourself and also work honestly. My best wishes for your bright future. What lies ahead of you in the Upcoming years? Rightful education is the milestone of any nation. According to Einstein, “Education is not the learning of facts but learning up mind to think.” Need to change the faulty education system that has become a factory of photocopy machines. We need to teach the children, the skills and qualities needed to become superior human beings who are empathetic, confident, creative, problem solvers, and critical thinkers. The entire curriculum is designed by keeping these qualities and abilities in mind. Otherwise, the following scenarios lie ahead in the upcoming years- • Purpose of education only for attaining degree. • Education provides serviceman who work like machines. • Education is purposeless. • India becomes educated but, unemployable nation. • Degree without confidence.T R To overcome these challenges, need to change in education system. For this following amendments are require- • Provide better teachers. • Enhance teaching method by giving teacher training through latest technology. • Promote teaching, Respect Teachers. • Government must control the whole education system. • Education based on approach and applications, Students are research oriented. • Prepare well formed mind not well filled mind. • Focus on practical learning, intellectuality, 12 MAY | 2020

16. Dr. Ranjana Tewari Displaying the True Essence of Passion and Teaching L Head of Department of Mangalayatan University. ove towards your passion! These are the only four words that will come to your mind after reading the following journey of Dr. Ranjana Tewari, the It’s part of our culture and tradition achieved through hard work via uniting people. The kind of positive impact that one can make to education, society, and agriculture sector simultaneously by pursuing agriculture as a carrier fascinated me to take agriculture as a carrier. As there is no more noble task than that of being able to feed the hunger, whether it’s for food or knowledge. As a way of life, her family has passed down the love for teaching generation after generation. And at present, Dr. Tewari has coupled her love for teaching with the field of agriculture. Pertaining to your experience of 10 years in the education sector, how, according to you, has the curriculum for agriculture studies improved over time? Read this educational influencer’s journey in her own words. Please introduce yourself and your journey as an educator to our readers and also tell us what inspired you to pursue agriculture studies as a career? During the past 10 years, agricultural education has expanded rapidly and explored the new areas of agriculture and allied sectors to meet the global demand for human resources and agricultural technology. Agriculture being a professional degree, the ICAR has made it more careers oriented by curricula changes for different undergraduate and post-graduate programmes in India. The new curricula recommendation by the fifth Dean’s Committee for the undergraduate courses with the aim to produce agricultural graduates with a strong background in modern science, value-added courses and skill development courses with important features of Rural Agricultural Work Experience (RAWE) to impart practical training in farmers’ fields, Plant clinic. Agro- industrial experiences, sustainable agriculture, natural resource management, watershed management, agriculture journalism, etc. Hello readers, I am Dr. Ranjana, a Researcher, an Educator, Plant Breeder, and Floriculturist. I am presently holding the position of Head of Department in Agriculture at Mangalayatan University, Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh. I graduated from GBPUAT, Pantnagar in agriculture, did my Masters and Ph. D in Genetics & Plant Breeding from AAIDU, Prayagraj, and NDUAT, Faizabad, respectively. I have also worked in CSIR- NBRI, Lucknow. For the past ten years, I have been actively working in the field of research and education. Though I am a lifetime student and I always love to learn, but I enjoy teaching others, even more, it’s in the family. Getting to know all of the different kids and interacting with them. I have always loved kids, so I always enjoy that part of my job. I think every teacher wants to have a long-lasting effect on their students and live forever in the form of their teachings. Tell us more about Mangalayatan University with regard to your department specifically. I have learned that agriculture doesn’t require hundreds of books to mug up; rather, it needs passion and determination. To pursue a carrier in agriculture is not easy; one has to love the soil and nature, needs the courage to get the hands dirty for food and witness the miracle of crop life. Mangalayatan University is a “Gurukul of Global Education.” Here, we work towards a fine blend of values and global professional talents in the making of leaders for the future. The Department of Agriculture was established in 2018 under the Institute of Engineering & Technology and is strengthened with 14 MAY | 2020

17. Global Educational Influencers, 2020 competent faculty, supporting infrastructure, and seventy-five Acre land. The primary focus of our curriculum is to impart technical knowledge to students, exposure to latest industry practices through several industrial visits, training during their course to have adequate exposure in tackling live problems encountered in working of the industrial entity. Dr. Ranjana Tewari Head of Department What is your opinion on the inclusion of technology and smart devices in studying and /or researching within agriculture, and other mediums of education? Vision: Teaching-learning aids like instructional use of computers, television, mobiles, internet and other kinds of electronic hardware and software play a key role in the understanding of the subjects to students as well as to the teacher. The amalgamation of smart teaching- learning technologies also has an important role in agriculture extension as it enhances the effect with ease for the lab to land programmes. To be the leading centre providing student responsive education, farmer responsive training and services for agriculture development and agro-industry. Mission: • To train students to be skilled professional, with the hunger and ability to become leaders • To bring global best practices to our students through the widespread use of technology • To empower our faculty to constantly develop new skills and excel professionally • To provide the best campus environment to students and faculty with all facilities to nurture their interests The Agriculture faculty and researchers who conduct research and teach courses prefer educational technology uses more over conventional methods of teaching because it integrates process involving people, procedures, ideas, devices, the organization for 15 MAY | 2020

18. analyzing problems, devising, implementing evaluating and managing solutions to field problems, in situations in which learning is purposive and controlled. As an educator, what challenges have you faced while building a career in the education domain? The biggest challenge always comes from the students and how their understanding can be enhanced, no matter how much knowledge you have, but how much and how better you can make them understand the topic is always a challenge as every mind is different and respond to every topic is different. I began my career in research but sooner, I realized an educator inside me with a vision and believed for future innovative agriculture and skill- based smart education the world requires. So, I switched my job to college and then finally to university as an educator. Following the zeal of learning by doing to achieve excellence as excellence brings success took me to the present position of HOD. For the first time, the Mangalayatan university started the department of agriculture under my headship. Thus, it’s the will that helps you overcome all the challenges. and tradition. So, “live your passion and culture together.” Where do you see yourself in the near future? I see myself and the Agriculture department of Mangalayatan University as a world leader in the field of innovative smart agriculture especially in crop improvement and exploring new areas of innovative agriculture like post- harvest agriculture management and smart agriculture technology etc.T R What would you advise to those aspiring to study agricultural science? Agriculture not only promises well-paying government or private jobs after degree completion but also provides the satisfaction of working in the field, Agriculture doesn’t require hundreds of books to mug up rather needs passion and determination. To pursue a career in agriculture is not easy; one has to love the soil and nature, needs the courage to get the hands dirty for food and witness the miracle of crop life being part of our culture 16 MAY | 2020

20. Global Educational Influencers, 2020 Piyush Keshav A Visionary Tackling the Real Challenges of Our Education System W hile many visionaries rise and take the mantle of revolutionizing the education system, seldom are any who have looked upon the traveled path, analyzed it, revamped it, and set out on a new course of redefining education for future generations. The following interview with Piyush Keshav, the Founder ofOrison Education India Limited, reveals exactly the same story and his quest to eradicating the roots of rote learning from our education system. cultivate a culture of research-based education in India. The Idea of India First was implanted in us by our grandfather. Having a vision of developed India is the strongest motivation for young minds. The biggest inspiration came from my parents, who allowed me to paint my own canvas and discover my own destiny. In a middle- class family like us, the biggest challenge is to overcome a mindset of having a settled life and getting a monthly paycheque. Tell us more about Orison Learning Studio and the need for such an institute. Let’s walk through the visionary's journey in his own words. Please introduce yourself and your journey in setting up Orison Learning Studio. Also, tell us what inspired you to pursue this career path at a young age? OLS is designed to build a culture of research-based education from as early as class VI. At Orison, the focus of students is more on diving deep into subject matters and learning in-depth and less in finding tricks to crack objective questions. In the beginning, it looks quite a slow process, but once the clarity happens, learning catapults. We help students move from frailty of spoon-feeding to a habit of self-learning. I am passionate about learning and exploring future possibilities of science and humanity. I envisage that we will be able to bring the highest quality of skill and education to every child of this country with an annual reduction in fees, bringing it down to nearly free by 2030. India, in the past three decades, has become a nation of preparation. As a nation, we have forgotten the purpose of education and getting educated. India ranks 110 in the overall education category in the Global Innovation Index ranking 2019. India being the 2 most populous country, th ranks 77 in the number of researcher's categories in GII 2019. These numbers are alarming, looking at the fact that this country has 60 crore plus young minds below age 25. Orison was initially set up at a small garage of Darbhanga, Bihar, in 2009 with a humble vision to bring quality education within the town and nearby villages. Starting with a class on Vedic mathematics and English grammar to providing tuition for physics and mathematics to class 11 th and 12 students and then to building a coaching institute for cracking entrance examinations was a full-on adventurous journey. th nd th We have a miraculous opportunity to transform these young minds and hearts into Nation Builders. This decade could become our boon or curse, depending on our choices. India is in dire need to rethink and reimagine its education system. Orison became the talk of the town by 2012. Yet, after understanding the fact how regular teaching and coaching kills the creativity of a child in the long run, in 2013, I discontinued the well-established coaching institute to further explore and understand the purpose of education and getting educated. Please share your views on incorporating technology with education. Also, how are you implementing the same? For a year and so I traveled to different parts of India, spent time in Himalayan Ranges, read ancient Indian Scriptures and developed an idea of having Orison Learning Studio, to Technological forces will shape the future of our education. 18 MAY | 2020

21. Piyush Keshav Founder 19 MAY | 2020

22. The previous generation was learning technology. This generation is using technology to learn. Next-generation will use technology to think, imagine, and innovate. Learning will become obsolete. The biggest obstacle was fighting my own thoughts. Himalayan yogis guided me, and with practice, I learned to dive deep in the ocean within and win my own battles. Once I had a clarity of thought, it was always an easy task to bring parents and educators on the same page. The biggest beneficiary of the computing advancements will be teachers. They will not have to deliver monotonous lectures, and with freedom of time, they will be allowed to pursue research in their specific domain. Ed-tech companies are still a novice in using technology in the field of education. Technological forces have opened an entire horizon where we can reimagine and rethink education. Yet, as India has somehow become a nation of preparation, and everyone here from KG to PG is busy preparing for some competitive examination, it is a herculean task to create awareness about Research Based Education here in India. Through our customized workshops at schools and colleges, we are making students, teachers, and parents understand the benefits of mindful learning and how it nourishes creativity with time and practice. Thousands of students have started calling themselves Self Motivated Insightful Learners. Our expert coaches guide students to select between millions of online resources, which are already free and can be used to catapult learning. With all these available online resources, it has become easy for us to focus on imparting knowledge and making them perform. We are developing an AI-based model to create customized and cumulative learning programs for our teachers and students. What advice would you give to those who aspire to become entrepreneurs and influencers in the field of education? Brief us about ‘SMILE’ and how it is reforming the educational model since its inception? In your hands, you have a seed that must be nourished such that they could stand on their own feet in the world twenty years from now. Fear of failure should not be a driving force among children for learning and getting educated. Galileo Galilei father of modern science said, “You cannot teach a man anything, you can just create an environment to make him learn.” Yet, the majority focus of an educational institution has always been on how to teach effectively and efficiently. As an aspiring entrepreneur and influencer in the field of education, your job is to design a product and services through which strength of mind is increased, intellect is expanded, and a child can carry his smile throughout his learning journey. You have got an opportunity to build Nation Builders, use all your resources and time wisely. In 2016, I published a paper at IIT Delhi, where I mentioned about creating a conducive learning environment. I conceived of having Self-Motivated Intelligent Learning Environment' SMILE'. Every child's learning journey should begin with self-motivation and should be self-paced. We must move from the industrial model of imparting education to more like an agricultural model. The role of a teacher is more like an expert farmer and a gardener, who understands the right proportion of nutrients for different plants and nourishes with patience in mind. What have you envisioned for yourself and your organization in the near future? As a team, we will play a pivotal role in transforming rural education in India. As an organization, we have plans to build 1,00,000 + learning studios in different villages across the nation. We will bring business opportunities to investors and educators for developing and running Orison Learning Studio in 100 different cities of India and the world by 2023. The model is receiving continuous appreciation from thousands of educators and institutions across the globe. It is helping many reformers and educationists think and talk about Self Learning in the age of innovation and creativity. After building a robust infrastructure and platform for imparting modern skillsets and education to young minds, I personally will shift my focus in bringing Hyperloop and Space Tourism to India.T R Please share your obstacles in Orison’s evolution from a coaching institute for competitive examinations to becoming a mascot for building a research-based education system in India. 20 MAY | 2020

24. THE SIGNIFICANCE OF EDUCATION CONSULTANT 22 MAY | 2020

25. Editor’s Desk F The number of international schools is increasing at an astonishing rate. Thus whether you are admitting your child to a private or international school or college, it makes sense to bring in an education expert to help you navigate the system and make informed decisions. inding the right school for children is the topmost priority for every parent. It is essential that their children are assured of a place at the school of their choice to enable the family to accept an international assignment or a domestic relocation. It is particularly important where school places are scarce or you are working in a tight time frame. One can 23 MAY | 2020

26. take the help of an educational consultant who is easily available in most regions. But it is essential for them to know which companies support particular schools and the locations expatriate families prefer to live in, to help them make their choice. The consultant can take into account the education system one’s child is moving from and any particular requirements, by making efficient search for places, and recommend shortlisted schools to visit. institutions, which may demand huge payment fees. In many countries and regions, particularly where language is not an issue, the local state system may provide education that is equal in quality to that provided by fee-paying schools. However, if the family seeks the advice of the consultant having knowledge of the local state system and the quality of schools in the chosen area, it might be easier for the family to choose the school. Does One Really Needs a Consultant? Some consultants deal solely with finding private fee- paying schools and would not be familiar with the process of sourcing schools in the state education system. Hence, it is crucial to make sure that one selects a consultant who is familiar with the state education system. If one is not sure whether to opt for state or fee-paying education, a consultant who is familiar with both state and fee-paying schools is ideal. If one fails to obtain a place in the chosen state school, engaging an education consultant to help with an appeal can be worthwhile, as it can be a complicated and stressful process. Finding a home in the preferred location is vital, but the need to be within comfortable travelling distance of both school and work can be challenging. Therefore, discussing the specific needs of the relocation with an education consultant can really help the parents with property search. Their knowledge of local property and the best schools may save a lot of time and worry. In some countries, it is important to have a permanent address in the school’s catchment area before an application for a state school can be considered. If an education consultant is familiar with the relocation process, he will be able to coordinate with relocation or destination services provider (DSP), sourcing suitable accommodation for the family. Planning School Visits It is always good to visit a school when it is working, and when the children are in the school premises. Due to this, one can gain a better appreciation of the culture of the school and the quality of the education it provides. Moreover, when one is planning school visits, it is important to check whether the school is in session or not. Additionally, one should always remember that the state schools, private schools and international schools may have different term dates. Some relocation management companies (RMCs) have their own in-house education consultants, while other firms use the services of particular education consultants. Usually, an employer plans to move families to coincide with the start of the academic year. But, this would not be always feasible in the fast-paced and competitive global markets. Sometimes companies need to relocate the employees to take up an assignment to meet business needs. Considering the scenario, an education consultant can be particularly helpful in sourcing schools in a minimal time. A professional consultant may know the market situation and understand the fluctuations in school-place availability. The consultant can therefore help with the timing of the move and the application. It would not be always possible to visit state schools out of term time or in busy periods near the end or beginning of term. But if an education consultant has a good relationship with local schools, he can possibly arrange a tour when the school is closed. In the case of private, international or selective state schools, children are many a times required to give exams or tests or undergo an interview. All of this can be arranged by an education consultant, which can be incorporated into the orientation visit. Notably, the advice of an educational consultant is more helpful when a group relocates, whether that is a domestic group move or transfer to another country. Finding the Right Education Consultant It is important to know that the consultant understands the need of the child and if any particular education requirements. For instance, if the child has Special Educational Needs (SEN), the consultant should be able to The Mode of Education Not all relocating families admit their child to private 24 MAY | 2020

27. Getting the Best from your Education Consultant settle the child in appropriate schools, and understand the schooling options and support available. When appointing an education consultant, one should check their knowledge of school systems, curricula, and state, private and international schools, to make choices accordingly. Most importantly establishing a rapport with the consultant, and discussing about the child’s particular requirements would surely help. Preparedness towards negotiating with the consultant and exploring new options are the better ways to get ones child admitted to the best institution thereby getting best from the consultant.T R Regarding fees, it varies considerably from country to country and between local areas. Consultants specializing in obtaining school places in top fee-paying schools may be very expensive. One should be able to obtain an idea of basic fees from the websites of most reputable consultants, or make an initial enquiry. 25 MAY | 2020

28. Prasad P. Mahale Bringing Excellence to Students by Online Courses and Certifications O leaner can monitor his/her learning environment, which ultimately helps to gain a deeper understanding of the relevant degree course. Not to mention, new models of learning are always evolving on the market, presenting students with a range of opportunities to turn their curriculum into something that suits them, not the other way around. nline education has evolved over the last few years and has been embraced by the mainstream students. Inside such a setup, a taught, I am a part of co-curricular & extra-curricular events arranged for students. Teaching is the most honest profession within the world. This profession comes with an enormous amount of responsibility. It requires rediscovering creativity, while you are following a curriculum with a positive learning outcome to empower students to figure education on their terms. It is also making a difference, getting back your spark, and securing a student’s future. Our next influencer has focused on the same and has developed an online blog for students to learn as per their own time and pace. Let’s hear from Prasad P. Mahale, Assistant Professor of the Computer Engineering Department at R. C. Patel Institute of Technology. Tell us more about how you help aspiring engineers achieve their dreams and ambitions. Desire and dreams are the most significant jewel of our life. In the event that we don’t have aspirations in our life, we wouldn’t have the option to accomplish anything. Not having dreams resembles following imperceptible shadow. So, a few aspects we need to focus: Please introduce yourself and your journey as an educator, to our readers, and also tell us what inspired you to pursue this career? 1. Be Optimistic: To be optimistic that having an awful day does not mean that your complete existence is going to be wrong. You must know that the things did not go as planned. In such situations, the pessimist would give up, but the optimist will simply identify the problem and implement the necessary action to regulate the plan and get back on course to obtain their objective. Hello readers, my name is Prof. Prasad P. Mahale working as an Assistant Professor as a part of the Computer Engineering Department at R. C. Patel Institute of Technology since Jan 2011. I have completed my post-graduation in Information Technology with 79% as well as completed my graduation in Computer Engineering with distinction. I have attended several technical workshops/webinars, published books, number of papers published in reputed journals as well as completed many technical courses. I created a blog which helps students to learn more about various subjects, including topics, presentations, slides, assignments, university question papers along with solutions, books, lab manuals, project exhibition, etc. All the materials are available free of cost on the blog so that anybody can access the required material at any time. That motivates students to take active participation in technical and non- technical events and college rewarding them by publishing their achievements on the college website and through that blog. With several subjects being 2. Be realistic: This is an excellent approach because it will help us to decide on facts, not on ‘rights’ or ‘wrong’ but on idealistic notions as to how things ‘should’ and ‘ought’ to be. 3. Choose a meaningful problem: Endeavour to solve the challenge that you are enthusiastic about and for which achievement will improve the world into a better place. Recognize the issue, organize the given topic, and lead your analysis. 4. Goal setting: One of the most practical ways to 26 MAY | 2020

29. Global Educational Influencers, 2020 Prasad P. Mahale Assistant Professor achieve multiple goals simultaneously, without being too overwhelmed, is by prioritizing. Start by making an inventory of all of your objectives and getting inputs from your peers and mentors, then sort those goals into categories by urgency. It’s important to line clear and specific goals, determine a timeline for an equivalent, and layout an in-depth plan of action. no longer been properly used by engineers to revamp the entire field in the existing scenario. The previous engineering syllabus only contains a traditional part of st technology. But in the 21 century, new platforms created to learn e.g., MOOCS, online courses, IIT workshops, NPTEL, etc. It is important that with the shifting of emphasis in industrial production and engineering education from the good old traditional and conventional fields to the more sophisticated areas of new emerging technologies, the application of High Technology has extended to such diversified and specialized branches of modern engineering. Now requirements are changing as per expectations so as the new emerging trends of technology encouraging society to develop more. We need to face new Pertaining to your experience of more than 9 years as an assistant professor, how according to you has engineering education developed and improved over time? At the existing times, we are witnessing a lot of technological changes. These changes, however, have 27 MAY | 2020

30. challenges, cater to problem statement design, and adopt new technology to meet goals. What is your opinion on the necessity for skill development within the upcoming generation of engineers, to be in line with the industry requirements? As we know that the job market has changed a lot in the past decade, technology is likewise increasing at its highest peak. The recent emergence of Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Cloud-Based and Quantum Computing, Data Science, Robotics etc. require a need to improvise by adding certain courses in the curriculum by taking the initiative to add extra courses. Alongside, this communication skill and soft skill also makes a profound influence. Also, the engineering aspects need to focus e.g. understand problems, social problems, clarify logic, able to prepare good problem statements, make analysis, prepare communication, good documentation, the scope of the problem defined, ways of implementation etc. By making the individual complete certain online courses/certification on the industry level. These are certain steps that one can take to accomplish the upcoming generation of engineers to be in line with the industry requirements. teacher. Be an educator needs to make harmonious learning conditions and to keep up the positive relationship among students, educators, and administrators. Energize co-activity and shared help by getting the student to concentrate cooperatively. We need to consolidate specialized skill, expertise, and expectation alongside insight. Focus on the process of development, understand industry requirement and prepare students for the new challenges. As an educator, what challenges have you faced while building your career in the education domain? What have you envisioned for career growth in the near future? A teacher can be a good role model for the student who can inspire them to live a better life in various means. But, we have to face some challenges as an educator: Computer Engineers have been continuing growth over the past few years and there is no sign of stopping. Software Developers are more creative in their design as they often work closely with graphic designers who are responsible for creating the entire customer story and designing an experience around the company’s product and how it will be used. Few career paths will help to get ready for future needs. 1. Lack of time for planning. 2. Balancing diverse learning needs. 3. Changing educational trends. 4. Lack of resources (urban Area). 5. Teachers are working too many roles at the same time. 6. Educators need to learn to value both tradition and innovation. 1. Artificial Intelligence & Data Science. 2. Machine Learning, Deep Learning. 3. Automation & Robotics 4. Big Data & Internet of Things. 5. Energy-Efficient Computing & Nano-Technology. 6. Virtual & Augmented Reality Engineering. 7. Blockchain 8. 3D Printer 9. Cryptocurrency 10. Space tech ground crews 11. Biomedical engineersT R What would be your advice to aspiring to become educators in the engineering studies domain? “A good teacher, like a good entertainer, first must hold his audience's attention, then he can teach his lesson.” - John Clarke I always follow this quote in my journey of being a 28 MAY | 2020

32. Global Educational Influencers, 2020 30 MAY | 2020

33. A Dhanokar, Assistant Teacher of Rajmata Jijau Shikshan Prasarak Mandal's Arts, Commerce & Science College, utterly understands the importance of quoteand teaches us the responsibility of a teacher to deliver the best to his/her students. PRASHANT DHANOKAR nthony J.1 D’Angelo once said, “Develop a passion for learning. If you do, you will never cease to grow.” Prashant BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN LEARNING AND TEACHING Let’s read how the educational influencer steps into the shoes of students to help them realize their full potential. Below are the excerpts of the interview. Please introduce yourself and your journey as a successful Assistant Teacher. Also, tell us what inspired you to pursue this career path? Hello, I am Prashant Pralhad Dhanokar (M. A.M ed). Since 2005, I have been working as an Assistant Teacher of English in the Junior College Department of Rajmata Jijau Shikshan Prasarak Mandal's Arts, Commerce & Science College, Bhosari Pune. The journey of imparting education has been so colorful and joyful. Being a teacher, I try to transform all my ideas into the tender minds of pupils. I always focus on giving my student joy of learning; hence I try to create a fun learning experiences in my class. Activity-based learning is also well focused on the class. My awesome teachers, such as Kumar Iyer, Doctor Madhuri Gokhale Professor Mandavgane, have motivated me to become a teacher. Brief us about different walks of life you have witnessed in your teaching experience of 16 years. To be a better teacher, you have to be a better student first, and then only a teacher can know a student’s way of thinking, their understanding level, etc. Many students are more brilliant than teachers; some of them are dull; some are average teaching them has always been challenging for me. Students are 31 MAY | 2020

34. Teaching is the greatest tool in the hand of the teacher to cultivate students. We can avoid ineffective ways of teaching and adopting some more effective ways so that we will have high-quality, responsible citizens in the future . What obstacles have you faced in your career as an entrepreneur and trainer? There were several obstacles like the speed of speech clear voice body language, explaining the topic, and taking the right feedback from the students, solving students’ problems, and the last one was really challenging that going down at the level of student and transforming my thoughts to them. What advice would you give to those who aspire to become teachers in the field of education? Always keep yourself fit and fine, never forget to go down to the level of students. Try to become a friend of students than a teacher. Try to guide them properly to solve all sorts of problems with pupils . What have you envisioned for yourself and your organization in the near future? the same everywhere; it’s a teacher’s job to teach them, mold them to create tomorrow’s world-class leaders, responsible citizens. I always keep it mind while teaching them. I see myself improving as much as I can and giving my best potential. I will always look for innovative ways of teaching and guiding students to form their bright career.T R Kindly share with us your opinion on our current education system. The current education system is very innovative and based on activities. But at the same time, it is more theoretical than real. It has failed to create a certain level of maturity among students. According to you, what is the vital quality that a teacher must possess? 32 MAY | 2020

38. Sanjay Khimesara A Pioneer in the Animation Industry O However, it took a considerable amount of time to reach where it stands today. There was a time when it was only considered for kids, and a career in the prominent design industry was just a bleak thought in one’s mind. Nonetheless, these pages have turned drastically today. Please introduce yourself and your journey as an educator, to our readers, and also tell us what inspired you to choose design studies as a career? I am Sanjay Khimesara, founder & Chief Executive of Horizon Institute of Design & Business Partner of Arena GBS, Indore. While doing my engineering, I explored my inclination towards creativity. After studying Engineering and later while doing Management, I was advised to pick up good jobs overseas. Contrary to most of my batch mates, I chose to stay back, look after parents and do something innovative in Indore. I was evaluating various options, including plans to set-up Manufacturing but finally, choose to venture into Skilling the youth and picked Design, Media & Entertainment Vertical for Training & Placements. ur Media and Animation Industry has progressed so much that an average human cannot tell the difference between what’s real and what’s not. Such a development wouldn’t have been possible without the contribution of eminent leaders who molded the industry to become what it is today. Among them, we present Sanjay Khimesara, the Founder and Chief Executive of the Horizon Institute of Design (HID) & Business Partner Arena Animation at Geeta Bhawan Square, Indore(Arena GBS). After doing a lot of research and market analysis of Sectors in different cities, I came to the conclusion that this sector has the potential to grow as Sunrise Sector in the future and considered the option. Despite due support We’re privileged to bring forth his journey and contributions that shaped the Media and Animation Industry. 36 MAY | 2020

39. Global Educational Influencers, 2020 We established Horizon Institute of Design, Indore in June 1997 & became business partner of Aptech’s Creative school Arena Multimedia at Geeta Bhawan, Indore location in Sep’97. Today we are known as pioneer, leader & trendsetter in Central India and most trusted destination. We offer job-oriented skill-based certification programs through Arena Animation in various sectors of Media & Entertainment. In 2016, we became a Training Hub of Tata Institute of Social Sciences, School of Vocational Education (TISS-SVE), to offer a Bachelor's Degree in Communication Design. and encouragement of parents & wife, I consider this a very bold decision. As a first-generation entrepreneur, it was never easy to plan an investment in the non- conventional and technology-intensive academic venture, particularly when there is no past track record available. Opening up of the Indian economy, growing competition, increasing unemployment were some major factors considered towards the foundation of this D-School. I had a firm belief in the technological revolution, so I finally decided to navigate the rare way of opening a Design Venture with a focus on new-age creative segments like Computer Graphics, Animation, VFX, Digital media, Gaming, etc. Pertaining to your experience—of more than 26 years—in the education sector, according to you, how wide is the scope of studying design or a career in this sphere? Scope and Potential in this sunrise sector of Design are as vast as one’s imagination power. Our specific focus is Media & Entertainment Sector. My experience and ongoing growth suggest that going forward; this sector will grow exponentially and play a big role in content produced using animation and CG effects. The Average Indian Media consumption today is 4.5 hours a day, which is 9 times of US. While the growing demand for local content continues to be a key driver for the growth of the industry, the demand-supply issue for trained talent still exists. We were selected as Premier Partner of Media & Entertainment Skill Council (MESC) for World Skills India Training to groom creative talent as per global levels. Autodesk also gave their ATC status to us, and NSDC’s Sector Skill Council MESC also partnered with us. During over two decades, we have trained & placed thousands of students. All the skilled students trained by us are well placed in leading Animation Studios, Production Houses, Gaming Companies, Ad Agencies, Web & Digital Companies, Design Companies, Educational Content developers of India & abroad, as per their interests. We aim to bridge between Industry & academia by providing skills as per Industry Standard. To provide quality training, we have some of the finest, expert-level faculty. Our strength lies in strong Industry connect; Outstanding Placements track record & alumni connect. We have a glorious track record of 50+ Awards & recognition to Centre, including Golden Pixel Award, Trailblazer, Captains, Icons in M.P. amongst other Performance Awards. Recognizing this industry as a significant user of technology, and to play a seminal role in developing domestic design, we formed local creative groups to catalyze the growth of the industry, do community building and also established an interface with the state government. Students have bagged 100+ Awards for their amazing work via films & contests & Alumni have extraordinary credentials, including Credits for 6 Oscar Awards (including a hat-trick of Oscar Credits for Best Achievement in Visual Effects during 2018-19-20) & 4 National Awards. Along with State-of-the-art infrastructure at our Campus, we have Social Incubation Studio to provide exposure on live projects & 150+ The Indian Media and Entertainment (M&E) industry is making high growth strides. Proving its resilience to the world, the Indian M&E industry is on the cusp of a strong phase of growth, backed by rising consumer demand and improving advertising revenues. The industry has been largely driven by increasing digitization and higher internet usage over the last decade. The Indian advertising industry is projected to be the second-fastest-growing advertising market in Asia after China. The Media and Entertainment Industry is set to expand at a CAGR of 13.5 percent over 2019-24. We are expected to touch around the 3.07 Lakh Crore mark by 2024. Hence this sector is expected to blaze a trail, outpacing most other segments. Tell us more about your ventures, their vision, and offerings. 37 MAY | 2020

40. Since Sector is skill-oriented, quality training helped several students to not only fetch good jobs but even get freelance projects. Some of them even started their own set-ups. We take pride in finding credits of our students in hundreds of super successful outputs related to the Films, Television, Games, OTT, Ads, etc. Internship tie-ups with local companies as On-the-job Skill Knowledge Providers. What is your opinion on the role of technology and modern tools in design schools as well as other mediums of education? Currently, Technology & Modern tools are playing a crucial role in shaping the ideas of creative people. Going forward, design technologies will play a big role in the content produced. This alone will be a game-changing paradigm for future productions. What would be your advice to the aspiring entrepreneurs of the education sector? Before venturing into design education, one must ensure to possess conviction towards the career. One must avoid entry if the purpose is just an investment. This industry is very demanding and needs a lot of sensitivity towards students and requires the utmost level of service orientation. As an entrepreneur, what challenges have you faced while building your ventures in the education domain? The initial phase was quite tough. The biggest challenge was to find creative aspirants and convincing them as well as their parents about the advantages and benefits of such skill-oriented training. As we were amongst pioneers in such training, finding appropriate local experts as faculty was also difficult. Another major challenge was to create awareness as an alternative job-oriented Career Option. Even finding local opportunities in Industry and placing trained students was a big task. Convincing various educational Schools/Colleges for conducting Seminars, Contests, Workshops for their students was a big task. All successful visionaries have been Passionate and have love towards the medium. While imparting education, one must stick to the basics and focus on core areas, including Training and Placements. Deploying experienced Mentors, Strong exposure via Industry experts & having patience is the key attributes to success. How have you envisioned your future in terms of exploring new ventures, expansion, or the introduction of new offerings? We believe that to date, we have just touched the tip of the iceberg. We have a long way to go and have many other accomplishments to fulfill. The future plans include setting up a Residential Campus as Design College, and we are working hard to make Indore as the hub for Design. Our future plans include a significant contribution to the eco-system and ensure the success of creative talent up to World Skill Competitions. Indore is sure to see a lot more in Design, Media & Entertainment in the coming years with Arena GBS(HID) around. Traditionally, every Indian parent perceived their wards as becoming Doctors or Engineers or Charted Accountant when they grew up. So, it was very difficult to convince them about new-age careers in Design, Media, and Entertainment. People even had a myth that this is a non- serious career and usually connect it with kids only. It was only after we trained and placed our students in a few top- notch companies globally, people started having trust and awareness towards this alternative Creative Careers option. We dream of not only taking the creative sector at the forefront for solutions to crucial problems but want to bridge new opportunities for the youth trained in this lucrative sector. We also plan to contribute to Skill development initiatives of Government and remain as a leading training provider of Central India.T R Today, the dominance of Art combined with technology is evident from the fact that FICCI & NASSCOM created forums and even top Design and Technology schools like NID and IIT have adopted it in their mainstream programs. Even there are now 100+ Design Schools in India. Another big challenge was developing and sourcing more and more local opportunities. 38 MAY | 2020

42. Sridevi Duraiswamy Changing the Paradigm of the Tech Education performance in school, as well as college, earned merit scholarship during his engineering studies. Understanding the importance of education and mastering engineering skills with passion, he provided an excellent education to his wards, which lifted the disadvantaged status of the family in society. It was also his life, his arduous work, and passion, which inspired me to become an educational influencer. Coming from an entrepreneurial family in Coimbatore, the Manchester of South India, I figured out the pacts of business at ease. But with the technological surge in the late 1990s, I perceived that the advancement was reachable and adaptable only to the highly trained and technically advanced ‘engineers.’ At that time, technology and technological thinking were not accessible to the common man. The situation was such that the rudimentary system of education in institutes could not groom even the pass outs of colleges. Being a Gold Medalist in the post-graduation of Finance & Control with an undergraduate degree in Business Management, I understood the need to be more technically aligned right from a child’s upbringing. Hence, I sought a course in Software Technology and Systems Management at a prestigious institution but had some disparities with my associates from the engineering background. After my stint for approximately two years at a Business T cavemen to becoming advanced futuristics. However, it is education, the sole factor which separates us from our ancestors. It encourages us to build better communities, to develop virtues, and give us a sense of freedom. o state the obvious, humans have made tremendous progress when contrasted to the past million years. We’ve come a long way from being Such development in the educator sector could not have been possible without the contribution of education influencers such as Sridevi Duraiswamy, Founder & CEO of MindSightz Education Pvt Ltd. She undertook extensive research about the present state of the education, mastered the means to enhance it and made it easy for the upcoming generations by being the pedagogy initiator of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Curriculum and STEM education service provider for schools through robotics platform. Please introduce yourself and your journey as an educator to our readers and also tell us what inspired you to pursue this career? My father came from an agricultural family who lived in a small backward village. Hence, most of the communities were unfortunate to collect the gifts of education, including my grandfather. However, the difference came over when my father-who was fortunate enough to gain education- with his arduous work, interest, and excellent 40 MAY | 2020

43. Global Educational Influencers, 2020 Management School and being the placement director, I discovered a gap between the industry, where technically advanced graduates were turned to diverse opportunities, and the rest were left behind. After that, serving as an Operations Manager at an MNC, I recognized the role of technology, and being the forerunner in implementing technology at various aspects of management decision making, aided me to raise my performance bar. The awareness of being tech-savvy left a ridge in my mind to identify an opportunity in the education sector at the early stages and address the problem. Being an early beginner in this sector from 2010, has given the edge to evolve as per the evolution of the generation of the students as per their requirements . Tell us more about Hitech Kids, Robo Hub, and how you have helped young intellectuals to learn and acquire modern tech skills. “ Tell me and I forget, Teach me and I remember, Involve me and I learn” - by Benjamin Franklin is our motto. Hitech kids is a renowned name among the ICT Curriculum providers. It imparts knowledge to children using cutting-edge technology, and inculcate essential computational thinking skills, design, animation, programming skills and serve them through hands-on experience. We blend educational tools and implement project-based learning to develop digital creativity to meet the desired learning objectives. We design our curriculum to cooperate in promoting authentic, project- based, multi-dimensional learning experiences for life, simplifying the teaching of technology and take computer learning imparted in schools to the pinnacle. On the other hand, Robo Hub is an established service provider which supports schools to incorporate STEM program in the platform of ROBOTICS. We present all students with access to quality education in the STEM disciplines. We work with 100,000+ students daily developed on reverse engineering basis to cultivate brainstorming and stimulate creativity for grades 1 to 9. Emerging harmony and ameliorate qualities to form an individual’s distinct character is the principal element focused on divulging cohesive learning. This step is accomplished via LEGO kits, student-driven curriculum, innovative pedagogy, highest quality content, and methodologies implemented through a team of professional engineers spread across India. Our mission at Mindsightz Education is to implant communication, creativity, collaboration, initiative, and inculcate innovative skillsets such as engineering design, technology skills, critical thinking, problem-solving, and adaptive learning with avid indoctrinated techniques. At Mindsightz, we provide a podium to our students to confront real-life challenges and versatility in rapidly adapting to new demands and challenges. We advance a powerful connection and deep learning within adolescent minds for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. Pertaining to your significant experience in the education sector, how, according to you, has the Indian Education Sector developed over time? When India attained independence, the literacy rate was merely 12%. Thereafter, from the 1950s to the 80s, the number of educational institutions in India tripled. The growth was enormous, especially for the primary schools, because of the decision of states to grant the highest priority to the universalization of elementary education. The aim was to fulfill the constitutional directive of providing universal, free, and compulsory education for all children up to the age of 14. Most, but not all, children had a primary school within 1 km (0.6 miles) from their homes. Through the consistent efforts of the government and the private sector to run schools and colleges, the present literacy rate has expanded to a phenomenon of 74%. 41 MAY | 2020

44. Today, Coimbatore city, in Tamil Nadu State, occupies a pride of place in education even in the year 1960 when it had three Engineering colleges out of seven such colleges in the whole state, three Polytechnics, two Arts and Science colleges, and three colleges exclusively for women. Further, it had specialty colleges Agricultural, Forest, and Airforce Administrative colleges. Now, in 2020, Coimbatore has six MBBS medical colleges, Tamil Nadu has 50 and 76 engineering colleges out of 552 available in the entire country. point to the decision-makers as we were just another startup. The reliability of the product and the results after the usage of the product was consistently a questionable factor before the lives to be touched, were handed over to us. Once we disrupted the industry with the output and ease of our operations, we were visible to the top management, and there was no looking back for us. We repeatedly had to keep our clients happy with our service and results. Such has been the spur in the growth of institutions in India proportionally to cater the emerging needs of advanced India. What is your opinion on the necessity of gaining relevant skills and knowledge for the upcoming generation? In my opinion, skill development is a necessary aspect that everyone must master. Novel ways of thinking, including creativity and critical thinking, along with collaboration and communication using new tools for working, incorporating digital technologies, will be the necessity for the future. Inexperienced people will demand to be innovative, responsible, and aware. We have enriched our ICT curriculum to offer even the Microsoft Professional Certification for children from grades 5-12. In robotics, we represented India in the World finals of World Robot Olympiad from 2013 to date and had earned accolades and positioned ourselves as 2, 3, 4,6 out of the top 8 countries from 153 participating countries. What would be your advice to those aspiring to become entrepreneurs in the education sector? The determination should always be to keep upgrading, dedicate, and stretch beyond all the impossible to provide excellent service. What have you envisioned for yourself and your organization in the near future? I was selected among the Top 30 women Entrepreneurs of India by TIE AIRSWEE and US Embassy’s Scale-up Series in 2019 and likewise among Top 100 women entrepreneurs of India in 2017. I was imbibed about paying it forward for the upliftment of women community by the Indus Valley Entrepreneurs and the US embassy as a part of the social campaign. I was also facilitated and forged to draw into an understanding with IIT Mumbai by another mentee of the TIE Airswee Scale-up series. Additionally, I recently got onboarded into the Wadhawani Advantage Program to expand and mount the business for PAN India presence. I realize how valuable it is to build up a set of skills that you can deliver immediately to unusual situations. I believe it’s so crucial for students to graduate from the school with skills that help them rise between jobs and between countries – so they are ready to take up whatever opportunities’ life offers them. When students apply for jobs, they will need to be evident of these distinct types of skills to be successful. And on the other side, employers are ready to enlist who are excellent communicators, collaborators, and problem solvers. As an educator, what challenges have you faced while building your venture in the education domain? As an educator, the first concern, invariably, is to develop the product that would match the expectations of the varied sector of educators and students. In my case, the authentication and validation from the experts, psychologists, and NLP practitioners were sought and practiced to the IT, in the product’s development. After the development, the sale of the product, along with the USP, was another hurdle. The need to enlighten the decision-makers and compete with the established 100-200-year-old publishing houses was in store for us at every doorstep, which we knocked. As far as the organization is positioned, we want it to scale greater heights with a widespread presence in the closer regions of Tamil Nadu with individual woman’s business partners and for PAN India partners to impact more than 5 lakh students on daily basis in the next 5 years. Since the present-day scenario has sent urgency signals to redefine the learning experience forever, We strive to see tomorrow…today. T R The brand value associated with the product and the mileage of the brand was invariably a stern reference 42 MAY | 2020

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47. On-Air 45 MAY | 2020

48. 46 MAY | 2020

50. Global Educational Influencers, 2020 Sunil Wanjare Guiding Students to Reach their Potential T he influencer that we are going to present understands the core fundamentals of teaching. He is well versed in the world of management and started out locally before venturing out in the big league. Let’s see how Sunil Wanjare, Chief Mentor of Crystal Classes, changed the traditional norms of education, and assisted students to convert their dreams into reality. different spoken English learning centers, which were near my locality. During that time, many students started surrounding me. Many students were seeking career guidance and the mantra for developing life skills. I started providing guidance and informing them about different options for students after their SSC & HSC exams. These students requested me to teach commerce subjects. I assured the students about my continual support until the completion of their graduation. I used to spare my weekly holiday evenings with these students. Many times, I did it telephonically. Please introduce yourself and your journey as a qualified professor of Accounting, Costing & Taxation. Quick Insights: Tell us more about Crystal Classes and how you have helped students in attaining excellence in the subjects. Also, brief us about the inception story behind Crystal Classes. • MCom, MBA + 20 years of work experience in various industries like IT, Manufacturing, NBFC, Logistics, Health Research Projects, Infrastructure, Construction, and Dairy I started Crystal paralleling while working. I was interviewing candidates for accounts and office staff positions. These students lacked basic employability skills. They were totally blank about the working culture, knowledge for any position. I noticed that they had lacked guidance about the working culture, nurturing the basic skills for taking up their first job. • Worked with all departments – Accounts, Marketing, Secretarial, HR & Admin and Purchase • Highlights of work experience – Conducted Board Meetings, (Directors Rahul Bajaj, Atul Kirloskar), AGM, EOGM, IPO, FDI approvals from RBI, Approvals for Clinical Trials from the health ministry, preparing and execution of various legal documents, preparing budgets, monitoring budgets This raised the need to counsel the students during their last year’s graduation. I approached the biggest educational institution with more than 3000 students to conduct sessions on CV writings, career guidance, opting add-on courses. I found the Rotary Club as another platform to deliver this social responsibility. As Director youth with a Rotary My Journey: I started as a freelancer, teaching my family & friends. I acquainted myself with two 48 MAY | 2020