From the CEO/MD’s desk

Lieutenant General Arjun Ray, PVSM, VSM (Retd.) CEO/MD
Indus Trust

Every individual, family, state and nation is going through the most difficult phase in recent memory. However, in this moment of a humanitarian crisis, we should look upon Corona not only as a scourge, but also as a blessing: a reminder to each one of us that we need to reset our lives - slow down, and re-connect with ourselves. A reminder that there is more to life than money, pleasure and power. A reminder that the greatest gift parents and teachers can give their child, is to help them find a purpose, to give meaning to their life and work. A reminder that, if children do not remain innovative, they will not be able to re-skill themselves continuously.

Corona is a message for the education systems of the world; that education of the heart and mind is more important than education of the head alone. Corona is a cry for return to humanness, a quality we had virtually forgotten.

Corona is the reset button in the life of every person, every nation.

Corona will change the world permanently – the way we live, the way we care for each other, the way we work, we think, we live, we parent, we teach. Education too will change, and its contours are staring at us.

The purpose of education will be to prepare a child for a future we do not know, a future that is increasingly volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous.

Teachers will teach the child, and not the subject alone. Teachers will now become human.

There has to be a pronounced shift in education of the heart (emotions and competencies) and mind (spirituality), and not the head alone.

Schools, corporations and businesses have realised that Internet gives them the capability to work efficiently from home. Coronavirus has made online education go viral. This will increasingly become the norm. Our children should be ready for blended learning, the emerging new learning environment – a combination of online classes by teachers, and school-based learning.

Children must use technology to take ownership for their learning. They can no longer remain passive learners, and expect to be spoon-fed. Lifelong learning and entrepreneurial competencies will ensure their happiness and success.

By the time children graduate from school they should be future-ready; college may be too late.

Indus is committed to this commitment of transformation, through Artificial Intelligence, innovation, courage and resilience.

With warm regards,