5th ICSL Progressive Teacher Conclave 2019: Sourav Ganguly shares tips to coordinate education and sports

New Delhi : As a part of its mission to make India a global superpower in school education, ICSL organised 'The Progressive Teacher Conclave' for school educators. The conclave delivered the pedagogical insights on 7 most critical domains of school leadership to the attendees. 

ICSL’s defined school leadership domains are School Environment & Culture, Curriculum & Content, People, Learning & Assesment, Finance, Operations & Legal, Technology, and Leading Organisational Change. ICSL is India’s fastest growing school leaders’ community.

ICSL is a fast-growing organization of teachers, academics, school operators and education professionals in India. More than 300 teachers and academics from 75 cities and towns in India participated in 'The Progressive Teacher Conclave'. 

The key objectives of the conclave were to:

•    Ignite thoughts on how to improve the quality of education in India.

•    Spark debates, talks, and discussions on the challenges in school education.

•    Create a national knowledge-sharing platform for Schools/ Leaders.

The educators received a warm welcome from Dr Atul Nischal, Founder-Director, ICSL. In his welcome note, he addressed the critical issues of contemporary school education.  Dr. Atul invited school leaders to join ICSL and contribute to its mission.

This year's keynote address was delivered by Mr Vineet Joshi, Director General – National Testing Agency. 

While extensively expressing his views on various issues related to school education, Mr Vineet Joshi said, "We need to change the entire education system but the question is, who should take the initiative first, we all need to share our responsibility."

"Earlier everyone did not get the information as per their need, but today one has access to all the information that can help him/her reach to their goal. However, there is a lack of creative thinking, new thinking, and zeal to work as a team.

"There is a notion in our society that without tuitions or coachings one cannot crack JEE, IIT level exams. It is our responsibility to instil confidence in our students and encourage them that they can clear these examinations without taking such coachings."

Lastly, the panel discussion, Leading in Chaos, was held to enlighten the attendees about school leaders' perspective on the draft of National Education Policy and other aspects of school education. 

The panel comprised of esteemed members such as Mr G Balasubramanian – Chairman, Board of Advisors, ICSL, Mr Suraj Prakash – Director, HRD Center, Bal Bharati Public Schools, Mr Rajesh Hassija - Director Principal, Indraprastha Group of Schools, Ms Sangita Krishnan, Education Consultant, and Ms Vinita Kher – Director, HRD Center, DPS Society.

Mr Sourav Ganguly, former captain of the Indian cricket team, was guest of the honour for the event. The legendary cricketer talked about Sports Education & Leadership in India. He guided the attendees on how to take forward Prime Minister Narendra Modi's pet project the “FIT India Movement” at schools. 

He said that fitness is a kind of mindset but it is the biggest challenge. Talking about himself Ganguly said, "I am very passionate about my work. During my childhood days, I have witnessed the parents preventing their kids from playing sports. To a certain extent, it is still visible in our society. But we have also witnessed a lot of change in their mindsets now and kids are allowed to pursue a career in sports. It is the duty of the schools to motivate their students and guide them."

He also cited the examples of star players like PV Sindhu, Mary Kom, and encouraged the teachers to increase curiosity towards sports. He said that apart from cricket, India is also a powerhouse in Kabaddi. 

The conclave was followed by S Chand Group Teaching Excellence Awards 2019. Out of 2500+ nominations received for 15 different categories, 39 outshining school teachers were recognised for their work. Through S Chand Group Star Educators initiative, 35+ school leaders were also acknowledged for their pioneering efforts in school education. 

The objective of these awards was to recognise and reward dedicated teachers who have passionately and consistently delivered high-quality education to their students.