Educational reforms begin not in policy but in how we value our teachers.
The first National Policy of Education was introduced under the PM. Smt. Indira Gandhi, based on the Kothari Commission report (1964-66). The main goal was to promote national progress, cultural unity and quality education across the country. The second major policy was introduced under PM Sri Rajeev Gandhi in 1986 with the primary goal of removing disparities and ensuring universal access to education, especially for the disadvantaged group.
Next, it was modified in 1992 under PM Sri PV Narasimha Rao with the goal of modernising education and adapt to a rapidly changing India in the 1990s. Finally, it is NEP 2020 under PM Sri Narendra Modi with a focus on holistic, flexible and skill-based education.
Empowering our teachers should be our top priority by recruiting qualified educators. What can society do?
Acknowledge teacher’s contributions.
Provide stress free and congenial atmosphere in schools. Support their academic pursuits and provide them standardized training as per requirements.
Ensure that the parents and society look up to teachers as partners and not service providers.
Recognise the contributions and celebrate their achievements. Teachers can transform lives – but only when society stands with them. Society determines culture, and policies guide the system. The role of a teacher is multifaceted – the educator today is a counsellor, mentor, motivator, role model and an emotional anchor to the children in the classroom. Societal support is crucial in today’s scenario, where parents can teach their children basic discipline and engage with them positively at home. Value education should be reinforced at home and not outsourced. Countries with the strongest education systems placed their teachers at the centre of national growth. Not only society, but the community also should lend support for the evolution of the educational ecosystem. Classrooms grow when society stands with the teachers, not by asking ‘ Why didn’t you teach better but by asking, ‘How can we help you teach better? When teachers rise, the whole nation rises.
Mrs. Meera Sundaram
Meera Sundaram — A Leader Who Has Shaped Schools Across India
With over 41 years in education, Meera Sundaram has taught and led across ICSE, CBSE, and State Board schools in multiple Indian cities, giving her one of the most diverse pedagogical perspectives in the country.
She is best known for transforming a small ICSE school in Thrissur into one of the city’s most respected institutions — growing it from 50 students to over 1,500, while consistently delivering 100% board results, including a Kerala State Topper (99.5%).
As an empanelled ICSE school inspector, she has evaluated 40+ schools across India for affiliation and quality benchmarks.
Today, she leads The School for Global Minds, Bengaluru, continuing her lifelong work of building strong academic ecosystems and nurturing educators.
