The Changing Fabric of Education-Its Impact on Intellect and Industry

A webinar on “The Changing Fabric of Education – its Impact on Intellect and Industry” was organized by the Department of Commerce (Afternoon and Evening section) UG on the 15th of July 2021 using the Zoom platform. The keynote speakers for the webinar were Mr. Abhishek Bagchi, Principal, RMPS International, Bharuch, Gujarat; Dr. Archana Sharma, RCI registered Founding Director, Carpediem EdPsych Consultancy LLP Kolkata & Dr. Vivek Nanoti, Principal, Priyadarshini Institute of Engineering & Technology, HR Trainer, Managemant Guru, Nagpur. A total of 170 participants comprising students, faculty members and dignitaries from other colleges, universities, attended the webinar.

 The webinar commenced at 5 p.m. with a welcome video followed by the welcome address by Ms. Arundhati Mazumder. All participants were greeted heartily and thanked for joining the webinar. A special and warm welcome was extended to the keynote speakers. Ms. Mazumder discussed briefly, the induced metamorphoses caused by the ‘live with COVID ‘ era. A brief on the concept behind organizing the webinar was also included in the welcome address. Ms. Mazumdar then invited Mr. Saspo Chakraborty to deliver the opening address. Mr.Chakraborty delivered an insightful opening address covering the impact of the pandemic on the education sector.  He went ahead discussing the repercussions on human health, life, mental health and learning especially due to work from home.  He also elaborated on the new normal and its effect on life, livelihood, and the economy. On that note, Mr. Arun Chettry was invited to introduce the first speaker for the evening, Mr. Abhishek Bagchi. Mr. Chettry fittingly introduced the first speaker mapping his career, former work engagements, and publications. He invited Mr. Bagchi to address the audience.Mr. Bagchi, currently, Principal, RMPS International, Bharuch, Gujarat, extended his gratitude to the College.  Mr. Bagchi opened his discourse by stating the evolution of education. He then discussed the invention of writing, the history of skill-based learning in the medieval period. He stressed on the role of the female teacher, gender equality which was noteworthy. He also talked about the change in education after World War II, the Industrial Revolution and its “factory model” and its influence. He then focused on the learning loss due to the Covid 19 pandemic. He discussed the fact that only 24% of Indian households have access to the Internet. Mr. Bagchi went ahead to discuss the paradigm shifts from 20th Century learning to 21st-century learning. He described the present world as Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, and Ambiguous. He extended the discussion on how the locked down teacher, Principal, Promoter are struggling every moment to play their role virtually. In addition, he also spoke about the Physical, Psychological, Technological, Social-emotional, Cultural, Financial, Pedagogy & Assessment and Learning Outcome Impact. He concluded stating the harsh reality that artificial intelligence will grab most of the jobs within the next 30- 40 years including those of the education industry.

Then Ms. Ananya Patra was invited to introduce the 2nd speaker for the evening, Dr. Archana Sharma. Ms. Patra introduced the speaker mapping her career, publications (in International and National journals), research, and work engagements. She thanked Dr. Sharma for her presence and invited her to address the audience.

Dr. Sharma, currently, Founding Director, Carpedium EdPsych Consultancy LLP, thanked all the speakers and the audience. She opened her discourse by the change and impact in education due to the Covid 19 pandemic. She talked about the rising crime and domestic violence due to the pandemic. She discussed some points on the advantages and challenges of online learning. Dr. Sharma concluded her presentation by stating ways on how to take care of mental health in these trying times.

Mr. Arun Chettry was then invited to introduce the final speaker for the evening, Dr. Vivek Nanoti. Mr. Chetry introduced the speaker mapping his career, publication (papers and books), Presentations, association with projects, conferences, webinars, research, and former work engagements. He thanked Dr. Nanoti for his presence and welcomed him to address the audience.

 

Dr. Vivek Nanoti, currently, Principal, Priyadarshini Institute of Engineering & Technology, HR Trainer, Managemant Guru, Nagpur, started the discussion in a different manner by engaging all the participants. He urged the students to write what they love to do in the chat box. That brought out the passion of the students and their willingness to indulge in things apart from traditional academics. He pointed out that this is the era of add-ons along with the traditional degrees. He explained the factors that will lead the transformation in every industry. In addition, he also spoke about future job and business opportunities. He, most impressively described the potentials and constraints of the post COVID world with respect to careers and industry.

Following all the presentations Mr. Rajesh Shaw conducted the interactive session. Several relevant questions were received from the participants and all the three speakers readily answered them with precision and patience. 

The session concluded with the vote of thanks by Ms. Arundhati Mazumder. She expressed her sincere gratitude to the management right at the outset, for the unflinching support and guidance. She also thanked the Teacher in Charge Dr. Subhabrata Ganguly,  Prof Tathagata Sen  IQAC Coordinator, HoD Prof Saspo Chakraborty for their relentless support.  Invited Speakers were also thanked for their gracious presence. Finally, Ms. Mazumder thanked the team members of the webinar organizing committee for their sustained efforts in organizing and making the webinar a success.

The link to the feedback form was also shared so participants could fill in and submit the same to receive e-certificates.