Brimming with innovation and transformative ideas, the 31st Elets World Education Summit (WES), held on December 5th, celebrated the future of learning with inspiring discussions, innovative ideas, and collaborative solutions. Hosted at the Taj President, Mumbai, the summit brought together global thought leaders, educators, policymakers, and innovators to reimagine the future of education.
Inaugural Session
The summit began with a ceremonial lamp-lighting, symbolising enlightenment and innovation in education. Dr. Ravi Gupta, Founder and CEO of Elets Technomedia, delivered a compelling welcome address, setting the tone for a day of inspiring discourse. Esteemed speakers such as Ashwija B V, IAS, Managing Director & CEO, Tumakuru Smart City Limited, highlighted the revolutionary approach of the National Education Policy (NEP) and its potential to reshape the education landscape. Drawing inspiration from Malala Yousafzai, Ashwija remarked, “One child, one teacher, one book, one pen can change the world.”
Dr. Subodh Agarwal, IAS, Director General, Indira Gandhi Panchayati Raj & Gramin Vikas Sansthan, Government of Rajasthan reflected on the rapid evolution of knowledge and technology, sharing personal anecdotes to underscore how swiftly skills can become obsolete in today’s dynamic environment. His insights reinforced the urgency for adaptive learning models in both schools and higher education.
Smita Bharadwaj, IAS, Chairperson of the Board of Secondary Education, Madhya Pradesh, underscored the need for holistic education, emphasising critical issues like foundational literacy and numeracy. Nidhi Choudhari, IAS, Director of the National Gallery of Modern Art, Ministry of Culture, highlighted the role of art in preserving creativity in an AI-driven world, urging educators to nurture the genius within every child.
Special Edition Magazine Launch
One of the summit’s highlights was the launch of the special edition of Digital Learning magazine. This issue features insights from visionaries like Prof. Sudhir Jain, Vice-Chancellor of BHU, and a deep dive into Maharashtra’s journey as India’s educational innovation hub. It also showcases the impact of AI, gamification, and blockchain on modern learning.
Engaging Panels and Roundtables
Roundtable discussions and panels explored topics ranging from integrating AI in K-12 education to reimagining higher education with sustainable practices. Leaders deliberated on transforming classroom dynamics, blending academic and vocational skills, and promoting student-centered approaches. These sessions brought to light actionable insights and visionary perspectives:
- Dr. Shankar S. Mantha, Chancellor, Ramdeobaba University (RBU), Nagpur, Maharashtra, emphasised the transformative role of AI in education, stating, “AI in education is not just about technology; it’s about understanding learning gaps and providing personalized solutions to empower every student to succeed.”
- Highlighting the intersection of tradition and innovation, Prof. Prabhat Ranjan, Vice Chancellor, DY Patil International University, Pune, Maharashtra, introduced the concept of the Multilingual Holographic Guru, remarking, “This groundbreaking technology bridges tradition and innovation, offering students a culturally relevant, personalized digital mentor in their preferred language.”
- Stressing the need for experiential learning, Dr. Simon Mak, Founding Vice Chancellor, Universal AI University, shared, “Experiential learning should take center stage, with AI transforming traditional teaching into a tailored journey where over half of education focuses on hands-on applications.”
The discussions also shed light on the growing importance of micro-credentials in education. Dr. Vandana Mishra Chaturvedi, Vice Chancellor (i/c), DY Patil Deemed to be University, Navi Mumbai, noted, “Micro-credentials are the future of modern education, seamlessly linking academic knowledge with industry demands to create a job-ready workforce.”
Similarly, Dr. Kamaljeet Kaur, Director General, Dr. D. Y. Patil Educational Enterprises Charitable Trust, highlighted the flexibility micro-credentials provide to students, saying, “Empowering students with a diverse ‘basket’ of micro-credentials ensures they can tailor their learning to align with their career goals and personal interests.”
Industry-academia collaboration emerged as another key theme. Jitendra Patil, Principal, Universal College of Engineering, Pune, shared his experience, stating, “Aligning curricula with industry needs has revitalized core engineering fields, offering competitive career opportunities for students. Industry-academia collaboration isn’t just a concept; it’s a necessity.”
Expo and Networking Opportunities
The expo was abuzz with activity as innovators and educators showcased transformative solutions in education technology and pedagogy. The networking lunches provided a unique platform for attendees to forge partnerships and exchange ideas, reinforcing WES as a nexus of collaboration and innovation.
Celebrating Excellence: Elets World Education Awards 2024
The summit concluded with the prestigious Elets World Education Awards 2024, recognising individuals and institutions pioneering change in education. Categories spanned higher education, K-12 schools, and EdTech innovation, celebrating leaders who are redefining learning in India and beyond.
Transformative Insights and Visionary Dialogues
Packed halls and enthusiastic participation reflected the summit’s success in creating an inclusive space for dialogue. The energy, innovation, and commitment displayed underscored WES’s role as a catalyst for positive change in education.
As the curtains fell on the 31st Elets World Education Summit, it left a resounding message: “Education must be inclusive, innovative, and future-ready”. Through impactful discussions and collaborative efforts, the 31st Elets World Education Summit has set the stage for transforming education in India and beyond.
