KALASANGAM – National Teachers’ Conference 2024
The prestigious KALASANGAM, a National Teachers' Conference, was held on the 17th and 18th of October 2024 at Raja Muthaiah Mandram,Madurai, bringing together an assemblage of 887 educators from across the nation, including 18 esteemed CoE Heads. The conference provided a vibrant platform for educators to engage in intellectual dialogues and refine their pedagogical insights. Session Chairs, distinguished Speakers, and Presenters shared profound knowledge, guiding participants toward transformative teaching strategies and holistic educational practices.
This momentous initiative, taken by Mr. Soumen Chakraborty, Principal of Guru Gobind Singh Public School (GGPS), Bokaro, exemplifies the school's unwavering commitment to academic excellence and innovative learning. The effort was warmly lauded by the stalwarts of the School Managing Committee, with Shri Tarsem Singh, President of GGES, and Shri S.P. Singh, Secretary of GGES, expressing their heartfelt appreciation for the initiative.
The essence of the conference revolved around fostering creativity and inclusivity through the integration of arts into mainstream education. Participants explored the concept of art integration, delving into how music, dance, drama, and visual arts could be harmonized with core subjects to invigorate the learning process. Educators were encouraged to adopt creative teaching methodologies, thereby making academic content more engaging and relatable. The emphasis on cultural awareness further underscored the importance of connecting students with their heritage while promoting an appreciation for the diversity of artistic traditions.
A significant outcome of the conference was the exploration of strategies that nurture critical thinking and problem-solving skills among students by encouraging them to approach challenges from multiple perspectives. Discussions highlighted the value of art-based education in enhancing both verbal and non-verbal communication, fostering emotional growth, and ensuring inclusive learning for students with varying abilities. Hands-on workshops provided educators with practical tools to create lesson plans that seamlessly blend art with academic content, ensuring immediate applicability in classrooms.
During the open session, key observations were made regarding the alignment of school activities with the CBSE activity calendar. It was emphasized that, while the initiatives recommended by the Government of India carry educational importance, schools should prioritize them thoughtfully to balance relevance and practicality. Additionally, concerns were raised about the overlapping dates of the CBSE Class 12 practical examinations with the JEE entrance test, and the assurance that both CBSE and NTA will work collaboratively to address this issue provided much-needed relief.
In conclusion, KALASANGAM was an enriching and transformative experience, embodying the spirit of collaborative learning and professional growth. As Gloria Alphonse, Kranti Srivastava, Snigdha Sinha, and Sushma Singh, the contributors to this report, aptly reflected, this conference not only equipped educators with innovative tools but also ignited a renewed passion for teaching. It heralded a future where education is not merely the transmission of knowledge but a creative, inclusive, and student-centric endeavor.