Teachers’ Role In Digitalised World Highlighted At School Education Summit Of SIMATS

CHENNAI: Dignitaries at the inaugural function of the school education summit on Wednesday, titled ‘SEED 2026’ (Share, Enlighten, Empower, Develop: The Power to Grow) at the Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS) Deemed University, in association with Deccan Chronicle and Hindu Tamil Thisai, stressed on the role of teachers in shaping students’ character to create a responsible and value-driven environment amid the global digital exposure, holistic education model that balances institutional excellence besides using various tools of story-telling, discussion and questioning.

Guest of honour, Dr. Ranjith Krishna Pai, scientist and senior director, department of science and technology, Union government, commended SIMATS for its progressive approach to education through innovative learning methodologies.

Speaking at the summit organised under the leadership of N.M. Veeraiyan, founder and chancellor of SIMATS, under the theme ‘Reimagining School Education in a Globalised but Nationalised World’, emphasised that educating future leaders is fundamental to ensuring meaningful and effective propagation of knowledge and values.

Using a seed-and-ecosystem analogy, Dr. Pai noted that while a supportive environment is vital, the quality and commitment of the learner are equally crucial. He urged students to engage with learning through curiosity, discipline and self-motivation, reinforcing the need for a holistic education model that balances institutional excellence with individual responsibility.

Speaking at the summit, focussing on bridging policy and practice - connecting NEP 2020 with Make in India and classroom transformation, he said India is moving to a fundamental shift in global order with increase in nationalisation of jobs, changing migration patterns and redefining what the nation thinks about talent and education. Today’s world demands a global competence anchored in national priorities, he said, adding schools must prepare students not just for career abroad but capabilities at home that are globally relevant, he said.

Deccan Chronicle, Senior Editor, B. Vijayalakshmi, who was the chief guest, said, “When educators come together, the future of learning becomes brighter. The summit is not a gathering of professionals but a meeting of minds.”

Expressing concern over the growth of crimes involving students, women and children she said, “We need to reflect, re-imagine and re-design education for a world which is rapidly changing. Being in a digitalised world, things are getting tougher and very challenging for school educators.”

On the changing role of education, the senior journalist said education now is not about academic achievements. The world our children are getting into is not going to be easy and it is very uncertain, very dynamic and full of challenges, she noted.

“Schools must evolve from being centres of information to centres of transformation. They need to help students evolve and change. We must make our students compassionate, curious, confident and most importantly, adaptable,” she added.

The teachers should mould the children for the future even while parents play a role. How the future leaders are shaped is left in the hands of the teachers, Vijayalakshmi said.

On digital tools, the senior journalist said it has encouraged creativity and collaboration, besides preparing students to become responsible digital citizens. Students know the impact of social media but it should not be banned as in some countries. Everyone knows the impact of social media on children through studies carried out by doctors and experts.

She stressed on knowing how people use the digital tools and where to draw the line, besides reducing screen time. She said the heads of educational institutions should empower the teachers, encourage innovation, build a positive school culture and they should be ready to learn continuously. She also laid stress on ethical thinking, social responsibility and environmental awareness besides knowing to live with and respect diversity.

Dr Ramya Deepak, director, SIMATS Engineering, gave a brief account of the school education summit and said it was important to enhance quality and skill-based education with effective use of technology in schools.

A new edition of SIMATS Gravity magazine was unveiled by the dignitaries on the dais. The magazine offers a comprehensive glimpse of the latest technological trends and features interviews with eminent personalities from diverse fields. It also includes crosswords, quizzes, and coverage of SDG initiatives conducted by various technical colleges under SIMATS. With its fun corner and engaging health and fitness articles, the magazine provides an enjoyable and insightful read for readers of all ages.

The dignitaries on the dais included Dr. N.M. Veeraiyan, Dr. Saveetha Rajesh, The Pupil – Saveetha Eco School, Dr. Ashwini Kumar, Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Sheeja S. Varghese, Registrar, SIMATS and Dr. Eric Miller, Director, World Storytelling Institute.