By Feroz Khan

RIYADH —The Hyderabad Association, Riyadh Chapter, conducted a panel discussion on ‘Future of Education in an Indian Perspective’ at the Hilton Garden Inn Riyadh Olaya. The association also felicitated Dr. Shaukat Parvez, principal of International Indian School Riyadh (IISR), for winning the President’s Award recently and Abdul Aziz, principal of International Indian Public School (IIPS), for his contribution to educational excellence.

Mohammed Abdul Rahman, chairman of Hyderabad Association, Mohammed Sadeq and core team members supported and stage the event, which was attended by various community leaders, parents of students and teachers from different Indian schools.

The highlight of the evening was the panel discussion where-in the panelist engaged in a fruitful dialogue to enlighten and educate the audience on how best to prepare the children for the challenges of 21 century while, at the same time, strengthening their value systems.

This initiative was taken in the hope that it would trigger a thought process to discover how one needs to prepare our children, and oneself, for the difficult tomorrow. Given the forthcoming challenges, all have to analyze, realize and institutionalize methods by which children can be prepared to excel in these changing times. This, of course, cannot be done without parent-teacher partnerships.

Educationists shared their views and advices on the future of education in a changing and challenged environment in a vibrant panel discussion. The panelists included principals of three CBSE schools — Abdul Aziz, principal of IIPS, Rahmatullah, principal of Al Yasmeen International School and Mohammed Haneef, principal of Modern International School. Also on the panel were Mohammed Haqqani, head of learning & development for Middle East, Cognizant, Mohammed Abdul Rahman, chairman of Hyderabad Association and Omar Khan, who moderated the discussion.

The panelists appreciated the support and guidance provided by the authorities in promoting a holistic development of the students and society. The consensus was that education without morals and multi-disciplinary approach is ineffective and that education in the future is incomplete if we don’t embrace new technology, its trends and change the clichéd and rote system.

Panelists emphasized that academic education without values is not beneficial to the society hence the value-based educational system must continue to be reinforced. They stressed that Parent-Teacher Partnership is key in providing wholesome educational growth to children. They also concurred that implementation of the fundamentals of leadership skills and other vital soft skills right at the school level is a must in order for today’s students to succeed as tomorrow’s leaders.

Haqqani cited that in today’s corporate world, the emotional quotient has more significance than intelligence quotient. That’s why, in recent times, we see more and more CEO’s of big corporates have stronger EQ than IQ. Therefore, developing right attitudes and behavioral skills at the school level is essential to close the gap between the campus and the corporate.

Omar Khan wrapped up the discussion by emphasizing that we must inculcate good values amongst the students, instill good communication and leadership skills and provide quality multi-disciplinary education in order to produce world class students and citizens.

Chief Guest Dr. Hifz ur Rahman, first secretary, political & information, Embassy of India and Observer of Indian Embassy Schools, was very appreciative of the intellectual initiative and said, “A panel discussion on education system organized by Hyderabad Association — Riyadh Chapter turned out to be a unique and enlightening session. Presence of Saad Al Haqan, director, department of international cooperation, Ministry of Education, principals of Indian schools and senior community leaders made the event memorable. Congratulations to the organizers for a meaningful evening”.

Guest of Honor, Saad Al Haqan, too, was impressed with the proceedings and said such events add to the intellectual development of students and all stakeholders involved. This is in line with government’s efforts and is aligned with the futuristic plan of the Kingdom’s leadership and the ministry’s objectives. He urged that such events should be regularly organized as it benefits the society at large.

Abdul Aziz, principal of IIPS, said, “Matchless and magnificent, that is my judgment of the panel discussion, led by Omar, and the panelists message. My tribute to the team of Hyderabad Association. The aim of any argument or discussion should not be victory but progress. I learned through our discussion the fact that the differences, views and the divergence of ideas are fascinating indeed. We should learn industriously and enlighten each other by means of discussions and strive vigorously to promote education which emphasizes intelligence and character.”

Rahmatullah, principal of AIYS, said, “Indeed it was a great learning experience for me sharing our concerns regarding present education system and need for transformation towards value-based future education. We felt happy to answer questions raised by parents in view of their children’s bright future. We should share the best practices amongst different CBSE schools in the Kingdom. It (the panel discussion) was an opener for the panelists, parents and the participants”.

Dr. Zaheer Baig, President of Hyderabad Association, Saudi Arabia, said, “The event was well organized by the association for holding a discussion on ‘Future of Indian Education in an Indian Perspective’. I really appreciate all the organizers involved in this spectacular event. Special thanks to Feroz Khan, chief advisor, who gave untiring support to the group. Today’s chief guest and the guest of honor from the Ministry of Education also hailed the event. They reiterated that such programs should be conducted with more involvement of the students. Well done HA Riyadh Chapter.”