Educators stress on constructive use of technology to sharpen pupils’ skills, need to inculcate reading habits Making educators better leaders: 40 educators from Amritsar, Gurdaspur & Tarn Taran attend Principals Meet on ‘Navigating theBest Leadership Path’ organised by The Tribune Group of Newspapers in Amritsar Divya Sharma Amritsar, November 19 The principals emphasised the importance of cultivating right leadership qualities among students, especially in the present digital era at the Annual Principals Meet organised by The Tribune Group of Newspapers in collaboration with Chitkara University here on Tuesday. The meet titled ‘Navigating the Best Leadership Path’, saw the educators stressing on constructive use of technology to sharpen skill sets of students, without losing the sense of the real world. With technology barging into our daily lives, a flood of information capable of influencing young mind with a click, craze to increase number of followers on social media, the gathering reflected on ways of creating future leaders in educational institutions. The importance of reading, holding activities to enhance a child’s abilities and issues concerning students’ interest were raised during a session moderated by motivational speaker Swati Basotra. Stressing upon the positive aspect of technology, RK Bhaskar, Principal, Pioneer School, Fatehgarh Churian Road, said, “We need to look at positive aspects of technology. Innovation is the need of the hour. A child can follow great personalities and learn from them. Reading must be promoted among children to help them develop a vision of their own and be less dependent on technology.” Paramjit Kumar, Principal, Guru Nanak Dev DAV Public School, Bhikhiwind, bent on enhancing the sense of attachment among future leaders, said, “Though vast technology and tools are available to empower young minds, but nothing can replace the role played by a teacher in grooming the future leaders of the world. It is the personal touch that leads to a sense of attachment, which is required to lead a team.” The day also saw educators raising their concerns on massive mobile addiction among students. “Reading is a skill. It is important for the future generation to read. One can hold storytelling activities in schools to create students’ interest in reading. Reading redefines leadership in a lot of ways,” said Basotra, suggesting a probable solution to the mobile addiction faced by many. “The problem of mobile addiction is common; even adults are guilty of the same. Students should be involved in various activities to overcome this problem,” added Basotra. Navreet Kaur, vice-president of the school committee, Goodwill International School, Dhadiala Natt, Gurdaspur, said, “Such qualities should be inculcated at a young age. Activities must be held in schools for a child to understand oneself.” “Awareness is required in such cases. Following each other on social media might form a community, but it will not lead to growth per se. One has to develop a sense of self and lead by example,” said Basotra. Dinesh Kapoor, Managing Director, Rashtriya Bal Shiksha Kendra, said, “We need a leadership that helps students deal with real life issues.” The educators also raised their concern of brain drain. “The students are setting their goals to crack IELTs rather than performing well in competitive examinations. We should guide them about avenues available in the country,” said Ramanjit Kaur, Principal, Grace Public School, Jandiala Guru. Give students wings and they will fly. The best way to create leaders is to give responsibilities to children. This will boost their confidence and help them realise their true potential. — Neera Sharma, DAV Public School, Amritsar The meet was a great effort. The session had substance in it. It was not only informative, but also motivational for all of us. Every day is a new opportunity for us to lead our teams. — Paramjit Kumar, Guru Nanak Dev DAV Public School, Bhikhiwind It was a good session. All the points raised are applicable to every sphere of life. Students these days are well informed and make use of every opportunity to develop leadership qualities. — Harpreet Kaur, Rose Bud Public School, Chheharta The session brought into consideration many aspects of leadership. Academicians play a great role in grooming future leaders. A college professor changed my life and directed me towards armed forces. — Capt Harinder Singh, Capt School of Excellence, Fathegarh Churian We as educators always practise leadership in our schools. It is very important to work on these skills. I would personally be including emotional intelligence in my working style. — Ravinder Pathania, DR Modern Sr Sec School,Chheharta There is a need to interact with children. A bond is established this way. Pupils get to learn about their own self. We organise multiple activities in our school on these lines. — Komal Mohit Sehdev, Aatam Public School, Amritsar Leadership is needed in our lives. The session was a good learning experience. Students must follow the teachings of great men, religious Gods and gurus to be a true leader. — Manjeet Bawa, Ghoman Int’l Public School, Ghoman

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