Each new year brings with it opportunities for change and growth—moments to enhance our lives and the lives of those around us.
This year, I stepped into an additional role as Chairperson of TAISI – The Association of International Schools of India. This responsibility has granted me a deeper perspective on the world of international education—its boards, curriculum, pedagogy, and the transformative impact it can have. At the TAISI Conference in November 2024, during my opening address, I shared a profound observation. Over the years, my work and travels across more than 60 countries, and education systems in 18 of them have taught me something striking: Indian students are present in every corner of the globe, and so are Indian teachers. Whether it’s a classroom in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, or Europe, there is always an Indian educator making a difference.
Yet, while Indians are globally recognized as exceptional doctors, engineers, and teachers, I’ve rarely heard India referred to as a “leader in education.” We excel as expatriate students and educators but haven’t asserted ourselves as a global educational powerhouse. I firmly believe the next decade is an opportunity for India to establish itself as a leader in education worldwide. We have the numbers, the talent, and the history; what we need now is to share our best practices on a global stage.
Learning from International Models
Over the past few months, I’ve had the privilege of exploring the Western Australian curriculum as TAISI supported its introduction to Indian schools. What struck me was the thoughtful inclusion of vocational education, skill-building, and sports—all seamlessly integrated into the framework for overall student development. The curriculum resonates deeply with the principles of NEP 2020 (National Education Policy).
Five years since NEP 2020’s launch, it remains a visionary document, but tangible implementation on the ground is still limited. Interestingly, some international board schools, particularly those following the Western Australian curriculum, have already embraced the spirit of NEP in practice. Their effectiveness offers valuable lessons for Indian board schools, which would benefit from understanding and adopting these approaches.
The potential for collaboration is immense. By learning from the best practices of international boards, low-cost private schools and government schools in India could elevate the quality of education significantly. Imagine a future where international and Indian boards work together, bringing complementary strengths to improve pedagogy, curriculum design, and learning outcomes for millions of students.
The Role of Technology in Education
The past year was marked by the rapid rise of generative AI, which has shown us that tools beyond human intelligence are no longer futuristic concepts—they are part of our present. If used effectively, AI can revolutionize education, saving time for teachers and enabling them to focus on meaningful, human-centric interactions with students.
However, the challenge lies in navigating the overwhelming array of AI tools available. Schools and educators must identify which tools truly add value and avoid being lost in the clutter. The goal is not to replace the teacher-student relationship but to enhance it, giving teachers more time to mentor and inspire.
Looking Ahead
Adapting international best practices to the Indian context and embracing technology could be a powerful mantra for the coming years. As we navigate 2026 and beyond, these shifts could reshape Indian education for the better, positioning us not just as participants but as leaders in the global education ecosystem.
Here’s wishing you and your community a year filled with growth, collaboration, and success. May 2025 bring us closer to realizing the transformative potential of education.
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