On World Autism Awareness Day 2025, the Ministry of Education reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive education—announcing strengthened therapy-based support through Block Resource Centres (BRCs) for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) under Samagra Shiksha. On paper, it all sounds exactly as it should: speech therapy, occupational support, assistive devices, special educators, digital access, even parent counselling and teacher training.

But just three days ago, a deeply disturbing video emerged from a Noida-based private school, showing a special educator manhandling a 10-year-old child with autism in the classroom. The video, accidentally shared on a parent WhatsApp group, has since gone viral, leading to the arrest of the teacher, the sealing of the school, and an FIR under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the JJ Act, and the RPWD Act.

It begs the question: Is our reality in special education as inclusive as our rhetoric?

When Inclusion Becomes a Hollow Word

For far too many children with autism in India, inclusion begins and ends in policy documents. What lies in between is often a cycle of unchecked negligence, lack of accountability, and poorly trained or entirely unqualified “special educators” functioning like gig workers—underpaid, under-monitored, and dangerously unprepared.

We’ve heard of children being tied to chairs during therapy hours, being underfed as a behavioural management strategy, or being punished for sensory overstimulation they cannot control. Many so-called educators don’t even have basic training, let alone the emotional intelligence required to support neurodiverse children.

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What Needs to Change?

If we are truly serious about inclusion, then we need more than just circulars and schemes. We need licensing laws that mandate certification and regular evaluation of all special educators. We need background checks, complaint redressal systems, and swift punitive action against violations. We need to ensure every school, government or private, recognised or otherwise, follows minimum compliance protocols for inclusive practices. And yes, we need parent voices on the table when these frameworks are drafted—not just policy architects in boardrooms.

The Ministry’s renewed vision under NEP 2020 is a welcome step, and BRCs could become powerful hubs of change. But only if they are funded, monitored, and held accountable. Inclusion is not a checkbox, it’s a lived culture—and it starts with respect, rigour, and responsibility.

There’s something deeply sacred about a child’s first sketch—the awkward crayon lines, the lopsided sun, the stick figures that smile despite their missing limbs. That’s the heart of human creativity: messy, imperfect, emotional. And then there’s AI art—sleek, polished, awe-inspiring, and often eerily devoid of that same soul. So where do we draw the line when we bring this technology into schools, where the purpose of art isn’t just aesthetic, but emotional, developmental, and deeply personal?

As AI-generated art becomes increasingly accessible, educators and institutions are exploring its use in classrooms, textbooks, exhibitions, and even personalised student projects. The tools are powerful. With a few prompts, a teacher can conjure up a world map in Van Gogh’s style or generate a Ghibli-inspired version of a student’s family portrait. It’s engaging, efficient, and undeniably exciting. But in this rush to embrace innovation, are we unconsciously sidelining the raw, human act of creation?

Take, for instance, the aesthetic influence of Studio Ghibli—a name synonymous with hand-drawn magic. Hayao Miyazaki, its legendary co-founder, has publicly criticised AI-generated art as soulless. For a man who believes every frame must carry the weight of life, suffering, and intent, AI art is an affront to authenticity. And when we use Ghibli-inspired AI to recreate school memories or cultural illustrations, are we honouring that legacy or reducing it to a visual filter?

This question becomes even more relevant in educational spaces, where art is more than visual delight. It’s therapy, it’s storytelling, it’s identity-building. A classroom wall covered with AI-generated posters may look stunning, but what happens when it replaces the joy of getting paint under your fingernails or proudly misspelling your name in glitter?

Then there’s the ethical dilemma of data and labour. Who gets credited when AI art is trained on thousands of anonymous, unpaid artists? Are we inadvertently participating in a system that borrows without consent?

And what message does that send to young creators—that their work can be replicated, remixed, and resold by a machine in seconds?

Of course, this isn’t a call to ban AI art from classrooms. Quite the opposite. There’s immense potential here—to use AI as a collaborative tool rather than a replacement. Imagine students learning how to prompt ethically, understanding how AI generates images, and using it to reflect on visual storytelling, bias, and authorship. Education is the perfect place to ask these questions—not avoid them.

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And let’s talk about nostalgia—the emotional undertow of this whole conversation. Many of us turn to AI to recreate what once made us feel safe, seen, and whole. Whether it’s turning a family portrait into a Ghibli scene or reviving the aesthetics of Amar Chitra Katha, it stems from love. But love also requires respect. And perhaps the most respectful thing we can do is to remember that some things—like a child’s first drawing, or the tremble in an old hand sketching memories—are sacred because they are human.

So as educators, creators, and curators of tomorrow’s imaginations, let us not trade soul for style. Let AI walk beside our children, not ahead of them. Let it support the messy, magical business of making art—not sanitise it.

Because in the end, the point isn’t to create perfect art. It’s to create honest ones.

In a deeply reflective and engaging episode of the NEP Tunes podcast, Dr. Anju Chazot, education reformer and founder of Mahatma Gandhi International School (MGIS), Ahmedabad, sat down with Mrs. Anita Karwal, former Secretary of School Education, Government of India, to explore one fundamental question: How do we prepare children for a rapidly changing world?

Titled “Be the Change in the Changing World,” the episode offers a powerful conversation between two veterans of Indian education who have shared a decades-long friendship—and a mutual vision for a holistic and transformative school system.

“You can’t prepare children for tomorrow with the pedagogy of the day before yesterday.”

Drawing inspiration from John Dewey’s famous words, the episode begins by addressing the urgent need for policy literacy among stakeholders in education. Mrs. Karwal and Dr. Chazot underscore that the pace of global change—technological, environmental, economic, and emotional—has far outstripped the ability of traditional education systems to keep up. “We are in a VUCA world—volatile, uncertain, complex, ambiguous,” Karwal reminds listeners, calling for schools to adapt to this reality rather than resist it.

Decolonising the Classroom

A significant portion of the conversation focused on the historical context of schooling in India. Dr. Chazot draws parallels between today’s school system and Michel Foucault’s “cell and bell” model, which mirrors the prison system—marked by uniforms, bells, and rigid structures. Tracing the roots of modern schooling to the Prussian military model and colonial-era policies introduced by Lord Macaulay, both speakers lamented how education was once used as a tool to produce clerks for the Empire, rather than creative, entrepreneurial individuals.

“Colonialism didn’t just take away our resources; it colonised our minds,” Chazot observed. Karwal added, “The gurukul system was rooted, contextual, and sustainable. The colonial model replaced it with standardisation and control.”

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Disruptions and the Call for Change

From climate change to AI, from the gig economy to rising mental health challenges—today’s youth are living in an era of non-stop disruptions. Mrs. Karwal shared a poignant insight: on the very day she retired from her government service (30 November 2022), OpenAI launched ChatGPT. “As a senior citizen, I would have felt useless had I not tried to understand this disruption,” she said, urging listeners to stay updated with technological trends.

Mental health also featured prominently in the discussion. The World Health Organization reports a 25% increase in global anxiety and depression cases, especially among the youth. Schools, Karwal said, must acknowledge and address this invisible epidemic, and create environments that are nurturing—not anxiety-inducing.

Why NEP 2020 Is a Game Changer

Against this backdrop, both educators believe the National Education Policy 2020 is a timely and visionary document. “It’s not just about academics—it’s about the whole child,” said Chazot, pointing to NEP’s focus on holistic development across cognitive, emotional, physical, and ethical domains.

Key elements of the NEP and the newly released National Curriculum Framework (NCF) discussed in the podcast include:

• A shift from rote learning to competency-based, experiential learning

• Focus on Indian traditions and cultural rootedness

• Moving away from exam-centric teaching, especially in early years

• Recognition of multilingualism and contextual learning

• Encouragement of critical thinking, creativity, and adaptability

“Learning to learn is the most essential skill of the future,” Karwal stressed. “Children must be ready to unlearn and relearn throughout life.”

The Future of Jobs

To illustrate the rapidly changing employment landscape, both speakers listed a host of emerging careers—from Prompt Engineers and Drone Fleet Managers to Climate Data Analysts and Digital Detox Specialists. “Just imagine,” Chazot quipped, “if I were a child again, I’d become a Prompt Engineer and finally fulfil my parents’ dreams of being an engineer—with a creative twist!”

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Karwal, on the other hand, expressed a desire to become a Human-Machine Team Manager—a futuristic role bridging collaboration between people and machines.

Their message was clear: the world our children are entering is drastically different from the one their parents and teachers grew up in. And education must keep up.

A Takeaway Challenge for Listeners

To wrap up the episode, the hosts offered a unique call-to-action: ask yourself what job you would pick today if you could go back in time again. Then, explore new professions with your family or students. From LinkedIn job listings to the World Economic Forum’s reports, Karwal recommended several tools to research emerging careers. They invited listeners to write in with their findings and reflections.

“This exercise is not just for students,” said Dr. Chazot. “It’s for parents, teachers, and policy-makers alike. We must all become learners again.”

Final Thoughts

In an era where the only constant is change, the NEP Tunes podcast is a timely resource to help educators, parents, and students reimagine the purpose of schooling. With leaders like Anju Chazot and Anita Karwal at the helm of the conversation, the journey towards meaningful transformation in Indian education seems not only possible—but exciting.

🟡 This article is adapted from the NEP Tunes podcast hosted by Dr. Anju Chazot. You can listen to the full episode on YouTube. Here is the video- 

In an important stride towards implementing the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the Ministry of Education has launched the “Baalpan ki Kavita” initiative—an ambitious project to restore and revive Indian rhymes and poems for young children across the country. Spearheaded by the Department of School Education & Literacy (DoSE&L), this initiative aims to build a vibrant compendium of age-appropriate, culturally resonant poems in all Bharatiya Bhasha (Indian languages) and in English, for pre-primary to Grade 2 learners.

The initiative recognises the powerful influence of rhymes and poems in early childhood education—offering not only linguistic development but also cultural grounding. Through the “Baalpan ki Kavita” contest, DoSE&L and MyGov are inviting educators, parents, poets, and language enthusiasts to contribute existing or original rhymes under three categories: Pre-primary (ages 3–6), Grade 1 (ages 6–7), and Grade 2 (ages 7–8). The entries can be submitted from 26 March to 22 April 2025 on the MyGov website, and should reflect joyful, child-friendly content rooted in India’s diverse cultural milieu.

While the initiative has been widely welcomed, it has also sparked necessary conversations around what it means to restore “Bharatiya” poems in a truly pluralistic and inclusive India. Critics and educators alike are cautioning that while returning to linguistic and cultural roots is commendable, it is equally essential to ensure that the selected rhymes reflect progressive values, diversity, and regional representation.

For decades, Indian children have grown up reciting foreign nursery rhymes like Twinkle Twinkle Little Star or Jack and Jill, with little exposure to traditional Indian poetic forms. While some schools have occasionally included regional gems such as Nani Teri Morni Ko Mor Le Gaye (Hindi) or Chanda Mama Door Ke (widely popular in Hindi and Telugu), these have rarely found a standard place in national curricula.

The absence of Indian rhymes in mainstream education can be attributed to colonial hangovers, lack of standardisation across states, and an education system that long prioritised English-medium content. However, the NEP 2020 has made a strong case for multilingualism and cultural rootedness in foundational education—opening the door to such initiatives that celebrate India’s linguistic diversity.

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That said, educationists emphasise that inclusion must go hand-in-hand with critical curation. Rhymes must reflect the India of today—not just folklore, but stories that uphold gender equality, environmental awareness, and kindness. We must move beyond simplistic moral binaries or caste-laden tales that have occasionally crept into traditional literature.

In fact, there’s an opportunity here to revive some of India’s lesser-known literary treasures—folk rhymes from the hills of Himachal, tribal lullabies from Odisha, Malayalam couplets about the monsoon, Marathi riddles, and more. Rhymes like Appa Amma (Kannada) or Kokila Kokila (Tamil) can be powerful vehicles for language immersion, identity formation, and emotional development.

Still, romanticising the past without scrutiny is not ideal. While the intent to preserve Bharatiya Bhasha is commendable, there is a fine line between celebration and cultural imposition. This initiative must not become a tool to homogenise or politicise early education. India’s strength lies in its diversity—and that diversity and representation must be reflected in the poems our youngest citizens grow up reciting.

As “Baalpan ki Kavita” moves forward, stakeholders must approach the process with sensitivity, balance, and a deep commitment to building a generation that cherishes its heritage while dreaming with open, inclusive minds.

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The Vanishing Dream of Teaching

Once upon a time, being a teacher was one of the most aspirational professions for children. Ask any five-year-old about their future career, and chances were high that “teacher” would be among the first responses. The classroom was their stage, their teacher—an idol. So what changes over the years?

By the time students reach high school, teaching is barely on their list of dream jobs. In a classroom of over 30 students, only one or two might express a desire to teach (a stat that deserves deeper analysis, but the trend is evident). The question is—why does the admiration for teachers fade?

And more importantly—how do we fix it?

One radical yet simple solution: Make every student teach once a month.

The Power Shift: From Passive Learning to Active Teaching

Imagine this—once a month, students step into their teacher’s shoes. They prepare a topic, conduct a lesson, handle questions, and even deal with distractions.

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This isn’t about replacing teachers; it’s about allowing students to experience the magic and the challenge of teaching firsthand.

Why does this matter?

1. Reigniting Respect for Teaching
   Students often underestimate the skill and patience required to be an educator. By making them teach, they gain firsthand experience of the effort it takes to engage a classroom. It’s easy to complain about boring lectures—but what happens when they’re the ones standing at the front?

2. Boosting Communication and Leadership Skills
   Teaching isn’t just about delivering content; it’s about clarity, confidence, and connection. Students who teach regularly develop public speaking skills, empathy, and the ability to break down complex ideas—skills that are valuable in every profession.

3. Making Learning More Engaging
   Students teaching their peers can make the classroom dynamic. They tend to explain concepts in relatable ways, sometimes even better than teachers, because they understand their classmates’ thought processes.

4. Creating a Pipeline of Future Educators
   The biggest challenge in education today is the declining number of passionate teachers. If more students experience the joy of teaching early on, it could plant a seed—a realisation that teaching isn’t just about textbooks and tests; it’s about impact, mentorship, and shaping futures.

Breaking the Myth: “Teaching is Not a ‘Cool’ Career”

Somewhere between childhood admiration and teenage ambition, teaching stops being a “cool” career choice. Students idolise influencers, entrepreneurs, and tech wizards—but rarely educators.

But think about it—every great leader, scientist, or artist was shaped by a teacher. We need to change the narrative. Instead of framing teaching as a ‘fallback’ career, let’s reinforce its power and prestige.

And the best way to do that? Let students experience it themselves.

A Practical Model: How Schools Can Implement This

This idea isn’t just a thought experiment—it can be implemented with a simple framework:

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• Rotation System: Once a month, selected students teach for a short segment of a lesson.
• Guidance from Teachers: Educators help them structure their lesson and anticipate challenges.
• Reflection Sessions: After teaching, students share their experiences—what worked, what didn’t, and how they felt in the teacher’s role.
• Recognition: Acknowledging student-teachers fosters motivation and a sense of achievement.

The Ultimate Question: What If…?

What if students fell in love with teaching again?

What if schools became a place where the best minds were eager to pass on knowledge—not just absorb it?

What if, a decade from now, classrooms weren’t struggling with a shortage of passionate teachers—but overflowing with them?

It starts with one simple idea: Let students teach.

Because sometimes, the best way to inspire future teachers is to let them be one today.

The debate around smartphones in schools has gained fresh momentum following a Delhi High Court ruling that a complete ban on smartphones for students is “undesirable and unworkable”. This decision aligns with the evolving global discourse on whether restricting mobile phones in schools improves learning outcomes or stifles digital literacy. While concerns around screen addiction, cyberbullying, and distractions in classrooms remain valid, an outright ban may deny students access to essential learning tools, safety, and connectivity.

With 79 education systems worldwide banning smartphone use in schools by the end of 2024 (UNESCO Global Education Monitoring Report, 2025), India now faces the challenge of formulating balanced policies that regulate smartphone use while ensuring digital inclusivity and responsible online behaviour.

Delhi HC: Ban is “Undesirable and Unworkable”

The Delhi High Court, in its February 28 ruling, acknowledged both the harmful and beneficial aspects of smartphone usage in schools. While the indiscriminate use of phones can impact student focus, expose them to cyber risks, and encourage excessive social media engagement, the court recognised that smartphones serve crucial purposes, such as:

• Ensuring safety and coordination between parents and children
• Providing access to educational resources, research tools, and digital learning platforms
• Enhancing student engagement through AI-based and gamified learning apps

Instead of a blanket ban, the court proposed regulated use, allowing schools to create structured policies for monitoring smartphone usage while keeping students informed about digital well-being, online etiquette, and responsible internet use.

The Court’s Guidelines on Smartphone Use in Schools:

• Schools must educate students on responsible online behaviour and ethical smartphone use
• Students should be counselled on the risks of excessive screen time, social media anxiety, and cyberbullying
• Where possible, students may deposit smartphones upon entering school and retrieve them at home time
• Classroom use must be prohibited, and camera/recording functions should be disabled in common areas and school vehicles
• The policy should be developed with input from educators, parents, and digital safety experts

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and Delhi’s Directorate of Education have been directed to formulate revised guidelines based on the ruling.

The Global Perspective: Countries Banning Smartphones in Schools

According to the UNESCO Global Education Monitoring Report (2025), a growing number of education systems worldwide are implementing strict regulations on smartphone usage in schools. As of 2024, 79 education systems (40%) had introduced bans in some form.

• China: Schools in Zhengzhou require written parental consent to use smartphones for academic purposes.
• France: A “digital break” policy was introduced in lower secondary schools to complement existing phone bans.
• Australia & Spain: Some regions have imposed strict bans, while others allow individual schools to draft their own regulations.
• United States: 20 out of 50 states have enacted restrictions, with some allowing exceptions for students requiring learning accommodations.

Despite these regulations, UNESCO’s report warns against over-restricting smartphone use, arguing that technology should only be banned if it disrupts learning and does not support educational outcomes.

The Learning vs. Distraction Debate

The 2023 GEM Report cited research indicating that smartphone bans in countries like Belgium, Spain, and the UK improved learning outcomes, especially for struggling students. However, it also raised concerns about equity, stating that students must learn to navigate technology rather than be shielded from it entirely.

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India has yet to implement a nationwide smartphone policy for schools, but many institutions have internal restrictions on mobile usage. While the Delhi High Court ruling offers guidance, a broader national discussion is required to strike the right balance between technological innovation and student well-being.

Who Stands to Lose if Smartphones Are Banned?

While privileged students may have alternative access to digital resources at home, a complete ban on smartphones could disproportionately impact lower-income students who depend on mobile devices for online learning, research, and access to educational apps and AI-based tutoring tools. These devices also serve as gateways to government-led digital learning initiatives like DIKSHA and PM eVidya, as well as crucial resources for career counselling, scholarships, and college applications. Eliminating smartphone access in schools could further widen the digital divide, hindering India’s goal of building a digitally literate workforce at a time when technology-driven skills are becoming essential in global job markets.

Why Smartphones Are Essential in Education?

1. Safety and Connectivity

In an unpredictable world, smartphones provide a crucial safety net for students and parents. Real-time communication ensures students can report emergencies, navigate transport routes, and stay connected with family.

2. Digital Learning and AI-Based Education

With the rise of AI-driven education, smartphones serve as gateways to:

• AI-powered tutoring platforms that personalise learning experiences
• Online courses, coding platforms, and gamified STEM learning
• Language-learning apps and digital libraries

3. Encouraging Self-Directed Learning

Apps like Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning allow students to acquire real-world skills beyond traditional textbooks, preparing them for 21st-century careers.

4. Bridging the Digital Divide

For students from rural and underserved areas, smartphones may be their only means of accessing quality educational resources, bridging the gap between privileged urban learners and those in resource-limited settings.

5. Future-Ready Skills

The Delhi High Court’s emphasis on digital literacy is crucial—students must be taught not just how to use technology, but how to use it responsibly. Schools should integrate:

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• Workshops on cyber safety and responsible social media use
• AI and coding bootcamps to prepare students for future careers
• Digital etiquette lessons to ensure ethical online behaviour

Aim for Balanced Smartphone Policies

As India moves towards Viksit Bharat 2047, its policies on technology in education will shape how well students adapt to the future. Instead of outright bans, schools must:

✅ Develop structured smartphone use policies in consultation with educators, parents, and digital experts.
✅ Educate students on ethical digital use, cyber safety, and screen-time management.
✅ Allow controlled use of smartphones for educational purposes while restricting recreational distractions.

Hence, India must find a middle ground—A well-balanced policy will ensure that students benefit from digital learning tools while minimising the risks of excessive screen time and online distractions.

In a world where the speed of change is often breathtaking, traditional pathways through education are being questioned more than ever. High school students today are increasingly turning away from the conventional route of pursuing undergraduate degrees. Instead, they are opting for direct skill acquisition—learning that is more targeted and often more in sync with the evolving job market. This shift is also reflected in the recruitment practices of modern businesses, where the emphasis on degrees is waning in favour of demonstrable skills and practical experience.

The Rise of Skills Over Degrees

The reasons behind this educational shift are manifold. Firstly, the soaring costs of university education are a significant deterrent. With higher education costs ballooning, students and their families are re-evaluating the return on investment of a traditional university degree. The burden of student loans is formidable, prompting many to question the financial wisdom of this path, especially when there is no guaranteed employment at the end.

Moreover, the rapid pace of technological advancement means that many jobs available today did not exist a decade ago. Many of the skills required for these new roles are not adequately covered in traditional degree programs. This discrepancy has led to the popularity of vocational training and online courses that offer specific skills relevant to particular industries or roles.

Shifting Recruitment Practices

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On the recruitment front, there is a noticeable shift in priorities. Companies across various sectors are increasingly valuing skills and practical experience over formal educational qualifications. This change is partly due to the dynamic nature of modern industries, where adaptability and practical skills often trump theoretical knowledge.

Businesses are looking for employees who can contribute immediately, without the need for extensive on-the-job training. As a result, candidates with hands-on experience and specific skill sets, such as digital marketing expertise or coding proficiency, are becoming more attractive to employers than ever before.

Case Studies and Success Stories

This trend is exemplified by the success stories of individuals who have bypassed traditional educational routes to achieve career success. Tech giants like Google, Apple, and IBM are among those who have revised their hiring criteria to include candidates without degrees, provided they have the necessary skills.

A thought-provoking LinkedIn post by Akshal Agarwal, Co-Founder of NatureNurture, sparked an important conversation about prioritising skills over degrees. This debate highlights the growing need for a workforce that values competencies and hands-on experience over formal educational qualifications.

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Educational platforms such as Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning are capitalising on this shift, offering courses designed to develop specific skills that meet the immediate needs of businesses. These platforms also provide certifications that, while not formal degrees, are highly regarded in various industries.

Looking Ahead

The educational landscape is witnessing a profound shift, as more high schoolers choose skill-based learning paths over traditional university degrees. This trend is mirrored in the evolving recruitment strategies of companies, which now prioritize practical skills and experience over formal qualifications. This paradigm shift signals a move towards a more adaptable, skill-focused society where performance and practical abilities are valued above academic credentials. As we navigate this change, it’s vital for educators and policymakers to ensure that our education systems are equipped not just to prepare students for exams, but to equip them for real-world challenges.

This article is authored by- Ravi Santlani, Founder, CEO & Group Editor at ScooNews

The IB PYP curriculum is structured to support an inquiry-based approach,  guided by empathy, kindness, and the concept of the “power of yet,” which fosters  validation within a safe, non-judgmental space. While physical safety is crucial,  emotional safety is equally important. This emotional safety must first be  nurtured within the individual, who then becomes the facilitator, replicator, and  enabler of such an environment. As a result, the curriculum extends beyond a  mere written framework; it is a living approach—one that nurtures a culture of  coexisting ideas, fostering both personal growth and collaborative learning 

So what is this “Power of Yet?” 

The “power of yet” is a concept popularized by psychologist Carol Dweck, rooted  in the growth mindset theory. It refers to the belief that abilities and intelligence  can be developed through effort, perseverance, and learning. When someone  says “I can’t do this,” the “power of yet” suggests adding “yet” to the statement— 

“I can’t do this yet.” This small shift helps to reframe challenges as opportunities  for growth rather than fixed limitations. It encourages a mindset where mistakes  are seen as a natural part of the learning process and success is achievable  through continuous effort and improvement. 

As a Visual arts facilitator I always kept asking myself how to enable this non judgmental space? I continue to pen my conversations with likeminded  individuals. 

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In today’s educational landscape, the significance of nurturing self-expression in  children cannot be overstated. As we navigate a world increasingly focused on  emotional intelligence and creativity, primary art classes stand out as vital  spaces for young learners. These classes provide children with opportunities to  explore their identities and express themselves creatively. A powerful approach  to enhancing this environment involves the concepts of “yes” and “yet.” By  integrating these affirmations, educators can create a validating atmosphere that  empowers children to embrace their individuality and artistic expression. 

How to validate?  

One of the most effective ways to create a nurturing environment in an art class  is through validation/ the power of “yes.” When children present their artwork  or ideas, a teacher’s enthusiastic affirmation can make a significant impact.  Positive responses to a child’s creative choices not only boost their confidence  but also reinforce their sense of belonging within the classroom community.

For instance, consider a scenario where a child shows their painting of a  fantastical landscape. A teacher might respond with, “Yes, I love the colors you’ve  chosen! They really bring your imagination to life!” Such affirmations validate  the child’s effort and creativity, encouraging them to take pride in their unique  perspective. This practice fosters a culture of positivity where students feel  encouraged to share their ideas freely. 

Moreover, acknowledging children’s feelings is vital in this context. Art can be an  emotional outlet, and children often face frustrations or self-doubt during the  creative process. If a student expresses frustration about their work, a teacher  can respond with empathy: “Yes, it’s okay to feel that way. Art can be  challenging!” This validation helps children feel understood, creating an  environment where they are more willing to share their thoughts and emotions. 

The concept of “yet” is equally powerful in promoting validation and a growth  mindset among young artists. When children encounter difficulties For example,  if a child struggles with a particular technique, the teacher might say, “You  haven’t mastered it yet, but let’s try together!” This simple shift in language  redefines challenges as opportunities for growth, helping children understand  that mastery comes with practice and persistence. By embedding “yet” into  classroom discussions, educators encourage children to see their artistic journey  as ongoing and evolving. 

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Using “yet” also allows children to recognize their potential. If a student states,  “I can’t draw this,” the teacher can reply, “You can’t draw it yet! Let’s practice  some more.” This reframing not only promotes resilience but also instills a sense  of hope and determination. Children learn that struggles are part of the creative  process, and that improvement is always within reach. 

“They are copying me!” – Creating a Safe Space 

To truly unlock the potential of “yes” and “yet,” it is essential to cultivate a  classroom environment that prioritizes safety, support, and respect. Central to  this is fostering a culture of non-judgmental feedback, where students feel  empowered to share their ideas and creations without fear of criticism.  

Often, I observe students covering their artwork or hiding their work, anxious  that their peers may copy them. It is crucial to acknowledge and validate these  concerns. Through thoughtful discussions on academic integrity and the  importance of crediting others’ work, we can shift the conversation. Instead of  labeling it as “copying,” we can frame it as “being inspired by,” transforming what  could be a negative feeling into a positive, growth-focused one. By encouraging  students to recognize and express their sources of inspiration, we not only honor 

their creative process but also promote a culture of respect and collaboration,  where each individual’s contributions are valued. 

Non-Judgmental Feedback to us and to the learners  

I have consistently observed my mentor’s approach during our team discussions,  where he emphasizes acknowledging what went well, while also creating space  for constructive “even better if” feedback. He provides clear, actionable  feedforward that is both practical and attainable, which has been invaluable in  helping me refine and improve my work. Additionally, he encourages the team to  reflect on their successes through anecdotes, coupled with achievable  feedforward, which effectively scaffolds the learning process. This approach  nurtures a growth mindset and empowers individuals to build on their strengths,  fostering meaningful progress in their ongoing journey of improvement. 

In celebrating the art of being, we lay the foundation for a generation of confident,  creative individuals. Art classes, when infused with the power of “yes” and “yet,”  become transformative spaces where children can thrive, experiment, and  ultimately discover who they are as artists and as people. Through this journey,  they learn that their voices matter, and that their unique expressions contribute  to the vibrant tapestry of the world around them.

This article is authored by– Neha G Utmani, Visual Arts Faculty, The Kulish School, Jaipur. She recently led the school to an India record for the longest Dot Art created by a school in a single day. Beyond her achievements, she is a dedicated educator who nurtures and grooms children through art in a deeply therapeutic way.

Bibliography:  

Dweck, C. S. (2006). Mindset: The New Psychology of Success. Random House. 

Thomas, M. (2013). The Art of Encouragement in Education. Routledge. 

Costa, A. L., & Kallick, B. (2008). Learning and Leading with Habits of Mind: 16 Essential Characteristics for Success.  ASCD. 

McKenzie, T. (2013). Teaching and Learning Through Inquiry: A Case Study Approach. Solution Tree Press. McKenzie, T. (2014). The Inquiry-Based Learning Revolution: A Teacher’s Guide to Transforming Your Classroom. Corwin.

As India strives to become a developed nation by 2047, investing in education and physical development is paramount. With the world’s largest youth population and a median age of 28, India is poised for a demographic dividend—a period where a large working-age population can significantly boost economic growth. However, failure to adequately educate, upskill, and ensure the well-being of this young population could lead to a crisis of underemployment and social instability, as highlighted by the World Bank and IMF.

A Missed Opportunity Without Education

India’s literacy rate currently stands at 74.5%, trailing the global average. The Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) 2024 revealed gaps in rural literacy and foundational skills, pointing to a need for immediate intervention. To meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which include universal education by 2030, India must increase its education spending from 4.6% to at least 6% of GDP, as recommended by UNESCO.

India’s neighbouring nations have shown varying levels of investment in education, with some surpassing UNESCO’s recommended target of 4-6% of GDP. Bhutan leads the region by allocating 7.5% of its GDP to education, reflecting its strong commitment to human development. Nepal follows closely with 6%, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and ensuring steady progress in literacy and quality education. In contrast, Pakistan significantly lags behind, investing only around 2% of its GDP in education, contributing to persistent challenges in literacy and educational access. India, currently allocating 4.6% of its GDP to education needs increased investment to bridge educational gaps and fully leverage its demographic advantage.

Experts argue that increasing funding for both formal education and vocational training is essential. According to the IMF, inadequate investment in education and health could result in India squandering its demographic dividend. By bridging the gap between current spending and SDG targets, India can provide access to quality education and skill-building initiatives, thereby empowering youth with future-ready skills.

Beyond Academics: The Case for Physical Education

Parallel to academic learning, physical education is vital in ensuring holistic development. According to a 2024 UNESCO report, more than two-thirds of secondary school students worldwide do not receive the minimum recommended hours of physical education. India is no exception, and the limited emphasis on physical education could hinder long-term benefits, including improved mental health, academic performance, and productivity.

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UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay stresses, “Physical education not only improves pupils’ health but also their academic performance and personal development. It should be treated as a core subject, not an extracurricular activity.”

UNESCO’s recommendations highlight five critical areas for member states:

1. Improving the training of sports educators.
2. Increasing investment in infrastructure.
3. Developing inclusive physical education programs.
4. Increasing allocated hours for physical education in school curricula.
5. Integrating the values of sport into educational programs.

The benefits are evident: physical education can reduce student obesity rates by 30%, improve exam scores for 40% of students, and prevent anxiety and depression among youth. Schools that prioritise sports also report improved attendance and behaviour. However, India currently allocates less than 2% of its education budget to physical education, significantly below the recommended level.

Investing in Holistic Development

To fully harness its demographic advantage, India must adopt a holistic education policy that integrates physical education into the broader academic framework. The growing focus on sports through initiatives such as Khelo India needs to be complemented by increased funding for grassroots physical education in schools. Audrey Azoulay notes that integrating sports values into education builds empathy, teamwork, and resilience, which are essential for navigating the challenges of a rapidly changing world.

Closing the Gap with Public-Private Partnerships

Public-private partnerships (PPPs) have the potential to bridge funding gaps in both education and physical development. Private sector involvement can also ensure that physical education programs receive sustainable support. Initiatives such as specialised sports training academies and skill-based internships can enhance students’ employability and overall development.

India’s path to becoming a developed nation hinges on its investment in education and physical development. Allocating at least 6% of GDP to education and prioritising physical education will create a well-rounded workforce capable of driving economic growth. By bridging the gap between policy and practice, India can ensure that its youth are not just beneficiaries but active contributors to the nation’s progress.

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