A philanthropist who constantly strives for the welfare of the humankind, Dr. Chandan is also the Director of M.S. Dhoni Cricket Academy, Jwala Gutta Badminton Academy and Shankar Mahadevan Music Academy, Kanpur.

1)How has space for Education Industry evolved over the years? Provide insight into the kind of innovations that the sector has embraced over the years.
The education industry has evolved tremendously over the years. It indeed, is astonishing to witness the gradual transition of approaches, technicalities and processes in the field of education. Most of the positive transitions are a result of societal understanding of how crucial literacy is for any country’s development.

One of the most remarkable innovations is the absorption of various ‘beyond the curriculum’ subjects. Schools have embraced course plans that inculcate holistic development of students. From moral science to environmental studies, from physical education studies to career counselling; children are made to be outrightly prepared for real world challenges. These subjects also create awareness of the world around students.

Another key element that has shown applaud-worthy advancement is the consideration of the mental health of students. Students succumbing to educational pressures is not a rare sight in India. Therefore, multiple schools have realized the gravity of this issue, thereby, appointing full-time counsellors for the well being of students’ mental health. Owing to this transition, suicides, depression, exam anxieties and bullying are strictly looked at in today’s institutions.

Last but certainly not the least, modernized technology has efficiently seeped into the system of education. The impact of which is not unknown to the world. The ancient usage of slates and pencils was replaced with stationary; blackboards were then replaced with white boards which later have been replaced by online presentation on projectors. Lessons have reached online platforms enabling customized and convenient learning.

2) With the world seeing rapid technological advancements, how has technology assisted in Education Sector? What modern-age technologies is the sector looking forward to?
Technology has greatly impacted the education system in our country and across the globe. With online presentations concepts are made easier, interesting and less time consuming. Graphic depictions, practical video demonstrations and quick quizzes on the web have made education easier to grasp.

Secondly, with technology, maintaining records of hundreds of students in a school is no more a tedious task. With online attendance, report cards and personal details, schools are in a better place to be able to communicate with students and their parents. This further leads to allowing a more scrupulous analysis of the student’s performance.

Sophisticated computer labs create a technology friendly environment in an institution. From a very young age, children are taught to learn functions and usage of computer systems.

Lastly, online lectures and guidance videos allow students to learn in case of emergencies, either when institutions are shut or the child is unable to attend school physically.

3) Impact of Covid-19 on Education and what should Institutions, University's, Colleges do to overcome this situation.
This sudden advent of the pandemic has given a set back to the education of all students. Not being able to attend classes, being constantly guided/monitored at school, taking frequent tests or growing among friends has definitely snatched away some precious time from the learning days of students. However, the resilience shown by schools across our country should be saluted. It makes me proud of the fact, that even during stringent lockdowns and fear of Covid-19, schools and teachers have collectively come forward to not let studies suffer. Various online applications were onboarded by schools and online classes resumed in no time.

This unprecedented circumstance has taught all the institutions to learn how to make the best use of technology. Technology must not be looked at as a mere alternative but should be allowed to penetrate deeper in our systems even in the post pandemic time.

4) What strategy should Education industry adopt in order to position its growth in India?
For the education industry to be able to foster growth in the country, it is essential that learning goes beyond books and examinations. Rote learning from books and pasting the exact information in exams to get marks is not an ideal standard of education that India should aim at. The country will be benefited only when students are trained in compliance with current industry requirements. A more practical approach is needed wherein, real talents of children are identified. Those talents then must be given adequate nurturing so that our young brilliant minds can excel in areas that they are passionate about. This will not only create geniuses across industries but will also ensure higher standards of Indian industries which will be led by none but the best.

5)) On a concluding note, based on your robust industry experience and knowledge, what message do you want to put across to the readers/students/investors/Teachers/Principals/business partners.
To the readers, I would like to request them to be supportive as well as motivating towards students around them. As a society, it is our responsibility to provide students with an environment that is positive sans judgements and undue expectations. Creativity and talents must be allowed to flow at the will of children. Only then, will they be able to succeed in true terms and live happy lives.

Students should move towards lives driven by discipline, perseverance and honesty. They must remember that no marks define the results of their lives and it has a lot to offer them till the end. Getting disheartened or giving up should never be an option.

Teachers, principals and all the members of management must constantly strive to develop and improve the prevailing curriculum and policies. They must consistently look for industrial innovations to train children in compliance with the practical world.