77th Indian Principal School Conference (IPSC) Conclave Begins at HPS, Hyderabad

The 77th Indian Principal School Conference (IPSC) Conclave started with a positive note as more than 50 School leaders from the top residential schools of India converged at the prestigious school, even as the mood was somewhat sombre as the school's former principal Ms Ramandeep Kaur Samra was fondly missed. She passed away just a week back.

Ms Ramandeep Kaur Samra's last wish was that despite her failing health and an eminent end, the conclave must not be postponed. The conclave started with a condolence ceremony where IPSC members paid rich tributes to her. After the condolence, the IPSC Chairman Commander V.K Banga hoisted the IPSC flag and declared the conclave open.Chief Guest Honourable Governor of Andhra Pradesh & Telangana Sh. E.S.L Narasimhan was welcomed and escorted to the Shaw Cross Hall for the national anthem followed by lighting of the lamp. The welcome note was delivered by IPSC Chairman Cdr V.K Banga. Dr Sumer Singh of Daly College Indore was declared as the winner of IPSC Lifetime Achievement Award.Dr Sumer addressed the august gathering and made some important points; particularly urging school leaders and other attendees not to use the word "boarding", as that only conveys the lodging part of the schools. He suggested these should be called "Residential schools".Hon. Governor of Andhra Pradesh & Telangana Sh. ESL Narasimhan was invited to deliver the keynote address. He started his speech warning all the principals that they had made a mistake by inviting a wrong person for this inauguration as he would be addressing the weak points and will only speak from a grandparent’s perspective as he belonged to the last decade.Mr. Narsimhan referred to declining values and ethics among children and said it was the responsibility of the schools and principals to ensure they are imparted from an early age. He said society consists of ‘You, me and children’ and principals should sow the seeds for the future.Malvika Rajkotia, Advocate Supreme Court spoke about child rights in the first session. Malvika Rajkotia remarked that 'institution is because of children, and each child is more important than the institution. She also spoke about transgender issues and how Supreme Court maintains its stand on it.

In the second session Dr. Nirav Khambhati, CEO, Tata Class Edge spoke at length on self-leadership. This was followed by a session on 'cooperative schools' by Mr Jorge de La Calle Martin from Spain. In another session Dr Rajeev Mohta and Dr Sampath apprised the attendees about adolescent health and related aspects of psychological issues and vaccinations.

Indian Public Schools’ Conference, formed in 1939 is known for its glorious traditions.The three-day conclave with a plethora of knowledgeable speakers, rejuvenating interactive sessions will lay emphasis on seeking, organising and managing knowledge. New ideas that would bring a paradigm shift in the thought process in the education will be discussed and is likely to enable the educators to equip students with the ammunition to face the challenges of the worlds.