News Analysis India

Tag: ThinkEdu

  • ThinkEdu Conclave 2023 concludes with delibrations on education, elections, economy

    By Express News Service

    CHENNAI: The 11th edition of The New Indian Express’ ThinkEdu Conclave saw 50 star speakers and many insightful discussions.

    The second and final day of The New Indian Express’s ThinkEdu Conclave 2023 lived up to the expectations of the previous day with 15 engaging and informative sessions including eminent speakers. 

    The day began with a letter from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and a video message from Hardeep Singh Puri, Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs and Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas. Puri said, “At the heart of India’s relentless growth has been the key to leaving no one behind.”

    Full Coverage: ThinkEdu 2023

    The buzz around university rankings every year did not die down at the conclave as well. M Jagadesh Kumar, Chairman of the University Grants Commission (UGC), stated in this context, “Global university rankings cannot be equated to university excellence. Regulatory excellence is also required to achieve more.”

    TNIE Editorial Director @PrabhuChawla says he is baffled about the decision to allow foreign universities to be set up in India. @ugc_india Chairman @mamidala90 responds.@santwana99 @SastraUniv @Xpress_edex @SVaidhyasubrama #ThinkEdu2023 pic.twitter.com/XbX6AvjWHb
    — The New Indian Express (@NewIndianXpress) February 10, 2023
    The session was followed by a conversation between corporate bigwigs Managing Partner, Mela Ventures, Parthasarathy NS and National Leader – Education and Skill Development, KPMG India, Narayanan Ramaswamy. There was also a discussion with Kris Gopalakrishnan, Chairman, Axilor Ventures where topics like layoffs and quite quitting were addressed. 

    Among the young students who joined the session, there was also a young leader, MLA and President, Yuva Sena, Aaditya Thackeray, present. “Environment will not bring me votes but just because of that we shouldn’t stop working for it,” he said as he explained the vulnerable state of the environment. The pollution levels in a few states and cities have forced governments to shut down schools, he said. “But only sensitive governments do that, others do not,” he claimed.

    For city planning, I use the artistic sense of my family and for nature, I use the wildlife conservation part of it: @AUThackeray on how his family inspires him to be a conservationist. #ThinkEdu2023 @PrabhuChawla @santwana99 @SastraUniv @Xpress_edex @Eventxpress @kavereeb pic.twitter.com/OjiFOYem7G
    — The New Indian Express (@NewIndianXpress) February 10, 2023
    Among the several points that MP Varun Gandhi wanted to convey to the youngsters in the audience, one of the many that hit home was, “If you do good, someone somewhere will keep count.”

    Montek Singh Ahluwalia, Former Deputy Chairman, the Planning Commission of India; Bibek Debroy, Sanskrit scholar, Chairman of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister and Congress MP Manish Tewari were also among the eminent speakers on day two. 

    With the upcoming election season, the day was also packed with other stalwarts and politicians who spoke at length about who they thought will win. Kavitha K, Member of Telangana Legislative Council said, “I hope BJP doesn’t win. I believe it is time to go home and give space to someone new as it has failed in all its promises.”

    Opposing views were heard when Vanathi Srinivasan, MLA, President of BJP Manila Morcha said, “As far as 2024 is concerned. The stage is set. It is a clear message across the nation that definitely Prime Minister will continue as the Prime Minister.”

    Before #PMModi goes anywhere, ED goes there, before any election, says @BRSparty MLC @RaoKavitha.#ThinkEdu2023 @PrabhuChawla @SastraUniv @Eventxpress @santwana99 pic.twitter.com/g9lbQCKzxl
    — The New Indian Express (@NewIndianXpress) February 10, 2023
    However, noted Indian economist and thinker Subramanian Swamy said, “BJP will win, but there is no challenge to BJP. But who will be the Prime Minister we do not know.” 

    BJP will win #Elections2024, asserts Dr @Swamy39 while expressing doubt over #NarendraModi being the PM candidate. #ThinkEdu2023 @SastraUniv @Eventxpress @santwana99 @Xpress_edex @PrabhuChawla pic.twitter.com/RIGOnpRGPp
    — The New Indian Express (@NewIndianXpress) February 10, 2023
    The audience waited with bated breath for the final speaker, popular actor Vijay Sethupathi, who spoke about the ‘reel impact’ of art and life.

    Responding to a student’s question on how the young should deal with failures in life, he said, “Failure will affect you as we have to put in some effort. It happens to everyone. The best way to deal with uncertainty is to be present in the moment. There is no excitement in the path if it is straight. If there are no problems, you will get bored within six months or one year. You have to change the small things first to create a big change.”

    I choose my scripts based on my ethics, says actor #VijaySethupathi.@VijaySethuOffl @PrabhuChawla @SastraUniv @Eventxpress @santwana99 @kavereeb #ThinkEdu2023 pic.twitter.com/7DrIEDk8qe
    — The New Indian Express (@NewIndianXpress) February 10, 2023

    CHENNAI: The 11th edition of The New Indian Express’ ThinkEdu Conclave saw 50 star speakers and many insightful discussions.

    The second and final day of The New Indian Express’s ThinkEdu Conclave 2023 lived up to the expectations of the previous day with 15 engaging and informative sessions including eminent speakers. 

    The day began with a letter from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and a video message from Hardeep Singh Puri, Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs and Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas. Puri said, “At the heart of India’s relentless growth has been the key to leaving no one behind.”

    Full Coverage: ThinkEdu 2023

    The buzz around university rankings every year did not die down at the conclave as well. M Jagadesh Kumar, Chairman of the University Grants Commission (UGC), stated in this context, “Global university rankings cannot be equated to university excellence. Regulatory excellence is also required to achieve more.”

    TNIE Editorial Director @PrabhuChawla says he is baffled about the decision to allow foreign universities to be set up in India. @ugc_india Chairman @mamidala90 responds.@santwana99 @SastraUniv @Xpress_edex @SVaidhyasubrama #ThinkEdu2023 pic.twitter.com/XbX6AvjWHb
    — The New Indian Express (@NewIndianXpress) February 10, 2023
    The session was followed by a conversation between corporate bigwigs Managing Partner, Mela Ventures, Parthasarathy NS and National Leader – Education and Skill Development, KPMG India, Narayanan Ramaswamy. There was also a discussion with Kris Gopalakrishnan, Chairman, Axilor Ventures where topics like layoffs and quite quitting were addressed. 

    Among the young students who joined the session, there was also a young leader, MLA and President, Yuva Sena, Aaditya Thackeray, present. “Environment will not bring me votes but just because of that we shouldn’t stop working for it,” he said as he explained the vulnerable state of the environment. The pollution levels in a few states and cities have forced governments to shut down schools, he said. “But only sensitive governments do that, others do not,” he claimed.

    For city planning, I use the artistic sense of my family and for nature, I use the wildlife conservation part of it: @AUThackeray on how his family inspires him to be a conservationist. #ThinkEdu2023 @PrabhuChawla @santwana99 @SastraUniv @Xpress_edex @Eventxpress @kavereeb pic.twitter.com/OjiFOYem7G
    — The New Indian Express (@NewIndianXpress) February 10, 2023
    Among the several points that MP Varun Gandhi wanted to convey to the youngsters in the audience, one of the many that hit home was, “If you do good, someone somewhere will keep count.”

    Montek Singh Ahluwalia, Former Deputy Chairman, the Planning Commission of India; Bibek Debroy, Sanskrit scholar, Chairman of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister and Congress MP Manish Tewari were also among the eminent speakers on day two. 

    With the upcoming election season, the day was also packed with other stalwarts and politicians who spoke at length about who they thought will win. Kavitha K, Member of Telangana Legislative Council said, “I hope BJP doesn’t win. I believe it is time to go home and give space to someone new as it has failed in all its promises.”

    Opposing views were heard when Vanathi Srinivasan, MLA, President of BJP Manila Morcha said, “As far as 2024 is concerned. The stage is set. It is a clear message across the nation that definitely Prime Minister will continue as the Prime Minister.”

    Before #PMModi goes anywhere, ED goes there, before any election, says @BRSparty MLC @RaoKavitha.#ThinkEdu2023 @PrabhuChawla @SastraUniv @Eventxpress @santwana99 pic.twitter.com/g9lbQCKzxl
    — The New Indian Express (@NewIndianXpress) February 10, 2023
    However, noted Indian economist and thinker Subramanian Swamy said, “BJP will win, but there is no challenge to BJP. But who will be the Prime Minister we do not know.” 

    BJP will win #Elections2024, asserts Dr @Swamy39 while expressing doubt over #NarendraModi being the PM candidate. #ThinkEdu2023 @SastraUniv @Eventxpress @santwana99 @Xpress_edex @PrabhuChawla pic.twitter.com/RIGOnpRGPp
    — The New Indian Express (@NewIndianXpress) February 10, 2023
    The audience waited with bated breath for the final speaker, popular actor Vijay Sethupathi, who spoke about the ‘reel impact’ of art and life.

    Responding to a student’s question on how the young should deal with failures in life, he said, “Failure will affect you as we have to put in some effort. It happens to everyone. The best way to deal with uncertainty is to be present in the moment. There is no excitement in the path if it is straight. If there are no problems, you will get bored within six months or one year. You have to change the small things first to create a big change.”

    I choose my scripts based on my ethics, says actor #VijaySethupathi.@VijaySethuOffl @PrabhuChawla @SastraUniv @Eventxpress @santwana99 @kavereeb #ThinkEdu2023 pic.twitter.com/7DrIEDk8qe
    — The New Indian Express (@NewIndianXpress) February 10, 2023

  • India is an aspirational country now: RSS’ Sunil Ambekar

    By Express News Service

    CHENNAI: In 2023, India is aspirational and confident where the younger generation has to make choices with regard to development, the economy and others, said Sunil Ambekar, Akhil Bharatiya Prachaar Pramukh, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh speaking on the topic: “India, Present and Future: Roadmap for the 21st Century” at The New Indian Express’ ThinkEdu conclave in Chennai on Thursday.

    Indians have their own solutions to the problems because of the country’s diverse nature, he added.

    He said the changes in the last 25 years have made us an aspirational country. “Better and prosperous Bharat is very dear to the heart of all people in the country. Before 25 years, we have to ask the parents to send their kids to school. Now, no matter their economic condition or education, they are aspiring that their sons and daughters should find a good school and good education. This has given confidence to the people that change is possible. This is the basic requirement for any country which wants to prosper and be a developed nation,” he said in the session moderated by Professor MK Sridhar, a member of the drafting committee of National Education Policy.

    Full Coverage: ThinkEdu 2023

    He mentioned that young people are now exposed to the world through geographical movement as well as the internet and said that it has given them a clear picture.

    “They even compare their situation with other parts of the world. They also want facts. We were taught manufactured, distorted history for so many years. This generation wants fact-based history. They are challenging it and searching for the truth. They are going to the primary source. Now, everything will be set right. They are pointing out the wrongdoings in the intelligentsia, history and even in media,” he further said.

    #RSS empowers the local people and helps them, says @SunilAmbekarM, Akhil Bharatiya Prachar Pramukh, RSS, at #ThinkEdu2023.@PrabhuChawla @santwana99 @SastraUniv @Xpress_edex @Eventxpress pic.twitter.com/hiAccL8ANy
    — The New Indian Express (@NewIndianXpress) February 9, 2023
    While the old democracies are waning, we are becoming highly democratic as many citizens want to participate in the process. If there is a draft of any policy put out for suggestions, several highly reasonable opinions are sent, he added. Speaking about the social problems, which can’t be compared to any other country, he said that we have to develop our own solution.

    “Our development models are different, family structure is different. We also have to think about what is the cost of development in developed countries. America has a 43 per cent divorce rate. Our family structure is different. Next is development at the cost environment. We have also to think and make a choice about what kind of technology we want. We have to decide our economic model as well,” he said.

    He also spoke about the caste-based discrimination in the country and added that these problems can be solved only if social leaders bring together people, make them talk and guide them to inclusive development.

    CHENNAI: In 2023, India is aspirational and confident where the younger generation has to make choices with regard to development, the economy and others, said Sunil Ambekar, Akhil Bharatiya Prachaar Pramukh, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh speaking on the topic: “India, Present and Future: Roadmap for the 21st Century” at The New Indian Express’ ThinkEdu conclave in Chennai on Thursday.

    Indians have their own solutions to the problems because of the country’s diverse nature, he added.

    He said the changes in the last 25 years have made us an aspirational country. “Better and prosperous Bharat is very dear to the heart of all people in the country. Before 25 years, we have to ask the parents to send their kids to school. Now, no matter their economic condition or education, they are aspiring that their sons and daughters should find a good school and good education. This has given confidence to the people that change is possible. This is the basic requirement for any country which wants to prosper and be a developed nation,” he said in the session moderated by Professor MK Sridhar, a member of the drafting committee of National Education Policy.

    Full Coverage: ThinkEdu 2023

    He mentioned that young people are now exposed to the world through geographical movement as well as the internet and said that it has given them a clear picture.

    “They even compare their situation with other parts of the world. They also want facts. We were taught manufactured, distorted history for so many years. This generation wants fact-based history. They are challenging it and searching for the truth. They are going to the primary source. Now, everything will be set right. They are pointing out the wrongdoings in the intelligentsia, history and even in media,” he further said.

    #RSS empowers the local people and helps them, says @SunilAmbekarM, Akhil Bharatiya Prachar Pramukh, RSS, at #ThinkEdu2023.@PrabhuChawla @santwana99 @SastraUniv @Xpress_edex @Eventxpress pic.twitter.com/hiAccL8ANy
    — The New Indian Express (@NewIndianXpress) February 9, 2023
    While the old democracies are waning, we are becoming highly democratic as many citizens want to participate in the process. If there is a draft of any policy put out for suggestions, several highly reasonable opinions are sent, he added. Speaking about the social problems, which can’t be compared to any other country, he said that we have to develop our own solution.

    “Our development models are different, family structure is different. We also have to think about what is the cost of development in developed countries. America has a 43 per cent divorce rate. Our family structure is different. Next is development at the cost environment. We have also to think and make a choice about what kind of technology we want. We have to decide our economic model as well,” he said.

    He also spoke about the caste-based discrimination in the country and added that these problems can be solved only if social leaders bring together people, make them talk and guide them to inclusive development.

  • Kiran Bedi discusses best practices for public officials at ThinkEdu Conclave 2023

    By Express News Service

    CHENNAI: Former Lieutenant Governor Kiran Bedi spoke on the importance of public service at the 11th edition of The New Indian Express’s ThinkEdu Conclave 2023 in Chennai, using a PowerPoint presentation titled “Public service as a career.”

    Bedi drew upon the teachings of the Bhagavad Geeta, explaining that true public service benefits the community, foster volunteerism, and creates a better world. She also touched upon the principles of good governance and discussed best practices for public officials.

    Bedi emphasised the importance of transparency and accountability in public service, highlighting initiatives taken during her tenure in Pondicherry such as the creation of a WhatsApp group for top bureaucrats and the launch of an app called “My Government” for tracking grievances. She also spoke about the need to spend money based on budgeted schemes and the importance of field visits by top officials.

    Full Coverage: ThinkEdu 2023

    She posed a question to ChatGPT about the Bhagavad Geeta, asking what public service is. She said, according to ChatGPT, public service serves the community by benefiting it, promoting volunteerism, improving others’ lives, and creating a better world.

    When asked if there can be good public service, ChatGPT, representing Lord Krishna, responded that the Bhagavad Geetha teaches that public service is an important aspect of spiritual growth. Regarding the reasons why people deviate from the path of true public service, Lord Krishna, through ChatGPT, explained that it is because they are motivated by their own selfish desires and lack attachments, she said.

    Bedi said the Bhagavad Geetha teaches one to practice yoga, meditation, and self-reflection; practices which help one cultivate peace. She further spoke about what constitutes good governance, stating that it must be accountable, transparent, responsive, equitable, efficient, follow the rule of law, and be participatory, as outlined by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia.

    She added that she wanted to include an African proverb in her presentation, “If the dog is not barking when the thief is stealing, it means both are friends.” Bedi discussed best practices for public officials and informed the audience that any complaints received in Puducherry were digitally tracked through a redressal system, regardless of their size.

    Former Puducherry L-G @thekiranbedi speaks about the use of WhatsApp groups among ranks at the #ThinkEdu2023.@PrabhuChawla @santwana99 @SastraUniv @Xpress_edex @Eventxpress pic.twitter.com/A7MnPkYDCT
    — The New Indian Express (@NewIndianXpress) February 9, 2023
    The officials made use of various social media platforms, phone and chat options to serve the public and maintain transparency. To further improve their services, they introduced an app called “My Government,” which enabled them to address all grievances from top to bottom. She also shared how they managed to overcome financial constraints and still provide quality public services.

    Despite some contractors not receiving orders from the Public Works Department due to concerns over bill payment, they found a solution by bringing in the machinery and contractors and paying them directly. Junior engineers were assigned to oversee irrigation canal cleaning, which resulted in millions of rupees being spent by the PWD, she remarked. “During my tenure in Pondicherry, we have created a WhatsApp group in which top bureaucrats have participated and done positive things for the people’s welfare,” she said.

    She emphasised the importance of responsible spending, mentioning that funds should be allocated according to the budget’s outlined schemes. In Pondicherry, they implemented the Direct Bank Transfer system, which helped them save significant amounts of money. Bedi stressed the importance of field visits, suggesting that top officials from all departments should dedicate at least one hour to visiting the field.

    “Never again:” Former Puducherry L-G @thekiranbedi asserts that she will never contest an election again. @PrabhuChawla @santwana99 @SastraUniv @Xpress_edex @Eventxpress #ThinkEdu2023 pic.twitter.com/eWy6I6Kx80
    — The New Indian Express (@NewIndianXpress) February 9, 2023

    CHENNAI: Former Lieutenant Governor Kiran Bedi spoke on the importance of public service at the 11th edition of The New Indian Express’s ThinkEdu Conclave 2023 in Chennai, using a PowerPoint presentation titled “Public service as a career.”

    Bedi drew upon the teachings of the Bhagavad Geeta, explaining that true public service benefits the community, foster volunteerism, and creates a better world. She also touched upon the principles of good governance and discussed best practices for public officials.

    Bedi emphasised the importance of transparency and accountability in public service, highlighting initiatives taken during her tenure in Pondicherry such as the creation of a WhatsApp group for top bureaucrats and the launch of an app called “My Government” for tracking grievances. She also spoke about the need to spend money based on budgeted schemes and the importance of field visits by top officials.

    Full Coverage: ThinkEdu 2023

    She posed a question to ChatGPT about the Bhagavad Geeta, asking what public service is. She said, according to ChatGPT, public service serves the community by benefiting it, promoting volunteerism, improving others’ lives, and creating a better world.

    When asked if there can be good public service, ChatGPT, representing Lord Krishna, responded that the Bhagavad Geetha teaches that public service is an important aspect of spiritual growth. Regarding the reasons why people deviate from the path of true public service, Lord Krishna, through ChatGPT, explained that it is because they are motivated by their own selfish desires and lack attachments, she said.

    Bedi said the Bhagavad Geetha teaches one to practice yoga, meditation, and self-reflection; practices which help one cultivate peace. She further spoke about what constitutes good governance, stating that it must be accountable, transparent, responsive, equitable, efficient, follow the rule of law, and be participatory, as outlined by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia.

    She added that she wanted to include an African proverb in her presentation, “If the dog is not barking when the thief is stealing, it means both are friends.” Bedi discussed best practices for public officials and informed the audience that any complaints received in Puducherry were digitally tracked through a redressal system, regardless of their size.

    Former Puducherry L-G @thekiranbedi speaks about the use of WhatsApp groups among ranks at the #ThinkEdu2023.@PrabhuChawla @santwana99 @SastraUniv @Xpress_edex @Eventxpress pic.twitter.com/A7MnPkYDCT
    — The New Indian Express (@NewIndianXpress) February 9, 2023
    The officials made use of various social media platforms, phone and chat options to serve the public and maintain transparency. To further improve their services, they introduced an app called “My Government,” which enabled them to address all grievances from top to bottom. She also shared how they managed to overcome financial constraints and still provide quality public services.

    Despite some contractors not receiving orders from the Public Works Department due to concerns over bill payment, they found a solution by bringing in the machinery and contractors and paying them directly. Junior engineers were assigned to oversee irrigation canal cleaning, which resulted in millions of rupees being spent by the PWD, she remarked. “During my tenure in Pondicherry, we have created a WhatsApp group in which top bureaucrats have participated and done positive things for the people’s welfare,” she said.

    She emphasised the importance of responsible spending, mentioning that funds should be allocated according to the budget’s outlined schemes. In Pondicherry, they implemented the Direct Bank Transfer system, which helped them save significant amounts of money. Bedi stressed the importance of field visits, suggesting that top officials from all departments should dedicate at least one hour to visiting the field.

    “Never again:” Former Puducherry L-G @thekiranbedi asserts that she will never contest an election again. @PrabhuChawla @santwana99 @SastraUniv @Xpress_edex @Eventxpress #ThinkEdu2023 pic.twitter.com/eWy6I6Kx80
    — The New Indian Express (@NewIndianXpress) February 9, 2023

  • ‘Calculated, scripted attack’: Adoor Gopalakrishnan on KR Narayanan film institute controversy

    By Express News Service

    CHENNAI: Speaking at The New Indian Express’ ThinkEdu Conclave, renowned filmmaker Adoor Gopalakrishnan candidly expressed his thoughts regarding the ongoing controversy at the KR Narayanan National Institute of Visual Science and Arts, Kerala.

    “It is a calculated, planned and scripted attack on the institution. Many teachers resigned saying that the institution has no future. Very vicious propaganda has been put against the institute. I’m sad that the institute is getting a bad name but I’m happy that now, it has reached more people,” Gopalakrishnan said.

    The veteran filmmaker was speaking on the topic The Art of Filmmaking at the 12th edition of the education conclave.

    He said that he knew that there are people within and outside the institute with interests who have a lot to gain from the institute’s fall. Until Shankar Menon (former director of the institute) stepped in, there was complete anarchy, Menon brought in discipline, Gopalakrishnan added.  

    When asked about the situation at the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune, Gopalakrishnan said that he doesn’t hear about FTII anymore. He spoke about the strike that was staged by the students of the institute after a television artist was made the chairperson. 

    Gopalakrishnan said, “They have started many short-time courses there. These will kill the main course. There are many private institutions that can run these short-term courses.”  

    Talking about the history of cinema watching in India, he said that film societies brought many good films from across the globe to India. This made people understand good cinema and made them interested in studying them. Many people joined FTII after watching world cinema through film societies, Gopalakrishnan added.  

    Answering questions about the merging of the Films Division of India (FDI), Children’s Film Society and Directorate of Film Festivals with the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC), he said that all these separate entities had individual existence and excelled well. Now, they are bundled together. Running NDFC with ‘event managers’ is the wrong approach.

    Talking about FDI, he said that it played a vital role in developing cinema as an art in India. “It was the training ground for young filmmakers. Once they learnt to make documentaries there, they made good films. They did not go behind the glamour of cinema, but went after the art of cinema,” Gopalakrishnan said. He said that FDI recorded the life of a diverse India. Then came the advent of television, and politicians wanted to be on TV all the time which then resulted in the downfall of FDI.

    Citing the example of France, where there is a separate ministry for cinema, he said that India should have the same because cinema under the Ministry of Information and Broadcast does not make sense. 

    When asked about the rise of OTT culture among the public today, he said, “I’m not a fan of OTT. It will finish off cinema. Cinema is meant to be seen on the big screen.”

    Talking about the film-watching habits of the present times, he said that nowadays, people do not watch cinema, they just hear it. And people do not give cinema the respect that it deserves. The highs and lows are not conveyed on TV, only the medium portion reaches the public. Mediocrity is the main ingredient on TV, he opined.

    Answering a question from the audience regarding the global success of SS Rajamouli’s RRR, Gopalakrishnan said, “I have not watched the film yet and from what I’m hearing about it, I do not want to watch it. I do not want to give my money to a movie that I know I will not like.”

    On the question of the importance of regionality in films, he said that it is very important in films, otherwise, it loses its roots and particularity. “People should bring in their own thoughts to cinema,” he added.

    CHENNAI: Speaking at The New Indian Express’ ThinkEdu Conclave, renowned filmmaker Adoor Gopalakrishnan candidly expressed his thoughts regarding the ongoing controversy at the KR Narayanan National Institute of Visual Science and Arts, Kerala.

    “It is a calculated, planned and scripted attack on the institution. Many teachers resigned saying that the institution has no future. Very vicious propaganda has been put against the institute. I’m sad that the institute is getting a bad name but I’m happy that now, it has reached more people,” Gopalakrishnan said.

    The veteran filmmaker was speaking on the topic The Art of Filmmaking at the 12th edition of the education conclave.

    He said that he knew that there are people within and outside the institute with interests who have a lot to gain from the institute’s fall. Until Shankar Menon (former director of the institute) stepped in, there was complete anarchy, Menon brought in discipline, Gopalakrishnan added.  

    When asked about the situation at the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune, Gopalakrishnan said that he doesn’t hear about FTII anymore. He spoke about the strike that was staged by the students of the institute after a television artist was made the chairperson. 

    Gopalakrishnan said, “They have started many short-time courses there. These will kill the main course. There are many private institutions that can run these short-term courses.”  

    Talking about the history of cinema watching in India, he said that film societies brought many good films from across the globe to India. This made people understand good cinema and made them interested in studying them. Many people joined FTII after watching world cinema through film societies, Gopalakrishnan added.  

    Answering questions about the merging of the Films Division of India (FDI), Children’s Film Society and Directorate of Film Festivals with the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC), he said that all these separate entities had individual existence and excelled well. Now, they are bundled together. Running NDFC with ‘event managers’ is the wrong approach.

    Talking about FDI, he said that it played a vital role in developing cinema as an art in India. “It was the training ground for young filmmakers. Once they learnt to make documentaries there, they made good films. They did not go behind the glamour of cinema, but went after the art of cinema,” Gopalakrishnan said. He said that FDI recorded the life of a diverse India. Then came the advent of television, and politicians wanted to be on TV all the time which then resulted in the downfall of FDI.

    Citing the example of France, where there is a separate ministry for cinema, he said that India should have the same because cinema under the Ministry of Information and Broadcast does not make sense. 

    When asked about the rise of OTT culture among the public today, he said, “I’m not a fan of OTT. It will finish off cinema. Cinema is meant to be seen on the big screen.”

    Talking about the film-watching habits of the present times, he said that nowadays, people do not watch cinema, they just hear it. And people do not give cinema the respect that it deserves. The highs and lows are not conveyed on TV, only the medium portion reaches the public. Mediocrity is the main ingredient on TV, he opined.

    Answering a question from the audience regarding the global success of SS Rajamouli’s RRR, Gopalakrishnan said, “I have not watched the film yet and from what I’m hearing about it, I do not want to watch it. I do not want to give my money to a movie that I know I will not like.”

    On the question of the importance of regionality in films, he said that it is very important in films, otherwise, it loses its roots and particularity. “People should bring in their own thoughts to cinema,” he added.

  • 2020 will go down as the year India got NEP: Union minister Ramesh Pokhriyal

    The world may remember 2020 as the year that brought about COVID and a pandemic that rocked our lives but India will remember the year for another reason, said Union Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal.

    “While 2020 will be known as the year of COVID-19, it will also be known as the year when India launched the NEP amid a pandemic,” Pokhriyal said. He was delivering the inaugural address at the ninth edition of the ThinkEdu Conclave 2021.  

    ALSO READ | ThinkEdu Conclave 2021: The science that’s behind Indian epics

    Prior to Pokhriyal’s address,  The New Indian Express Editorial Director Prabhu Chawla spoke about how far ThinkEdu has come over the last nine years. He said, “We step into our ninth edition with mixed emotions – happiness for hosting eight epic editions and sorrow for being coerced into hosting this edition virtually only due to COVID. We have sparked debates and even generated controversies. This year, we have brought illuminating discussions and conversations about new ideas from India’s finest thinkers – scientists, businessmen and storytellers. And all of it to discuss lessons for a new world – a world where education will set us apart.”

    In his address, Pokhriyal reflected on India’s rich past and how the NEP aims to restore  some of the lost glory. “Among the various things that the NEP is set to transform, it will aim to make India more self-reliant, unite the citizens and also help make India a global knowledge superpower. We want to ensure students at the grassroots and also at the higher echelons of academia are exposed to quality education,” Pokhriyal said.

    Speaking about Indian universities making it to the Top 100 of the QS Rankings, Pokhriyal added, “Students usually prioritise higher salary packages as an estimate of their potential. But after the NEP is implemented, we will have more patents by tapping into our capacity for academic probe and research. This year, 12 Indian institutions have made it to the Top 100 in QS Rankings and in the future, more Indian research institutes will be represented internationally. For this purpose, academic research will receive funding of Rs 50,000 crore over five years.”

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    Elaborating on his vision for the NEP, Pokhriyal explained, “Through the NEP, we will not only find and develop talent but help produce top-notch content. Without quality content, talent doesn’t have much worth. When content and talent will unite, it will lead to new patents. That is the day when India will become truly self-reliant. NEP is the foundation on which India’s future development, as envisioned by the Prime Minister, is based. NEP is national as well as international. It is impactful, interactive, innovative and inclusive.”