Anthony Fernandes founder of Shaalaa.com shares his thoughts on the opportunities and challenges of the education system in India with FE Education Online.
What is the best thing about today’s education system?
The most heartening aspect of India’s school education today is its intent to ensure students have a strong foundational base across diverse subjects, including language, humanities, mathematics, and science. This exposure helps students understand their aptitudes and interests more clearly. It equips them with a basic grounding to then pursue their passions and build professional skills accordingly.
What is the one thing you would like to change in the system?
I believe the education system would benefit tremendously from having more input from PhD scholars and industry experts in shaping curriculum and policies. Their on-ground experience and research lens can make learning frameworks dynamic, skill-oriented, and responsive to real-world needs. This direct involvement of knowledge specialists will ensure policy outcomes align with classroom realities.
What role has digital played in the evolution of the education system?
Digital platforms have exponentially increased educational access and enabled personalised learning at scale. For example, our initiative, Shaalaa.com, aims to make study materials freely available to all students in an interactive format. Such resources supplement classroom teaching. Digital also facilitates peer collaboration and knowledge sharing among students and teachers.
What has been the disadvantage of digital in education?
The open nature of digital content also carries risks, like the potential spread of misinformation and unverified materials that can confuse students. It takes awareness to differentiate credible resources online. Unmonitored screen time can also be distracting if not used judiciously. However, with mindful integration, digital can offer more benefits and will be an asset rather than a liability.
What is the career advice you would like to give to students?
Pursue your true passions and interests. Every career that adds value to society has dignity. Success comes from continuously developing your skills with an open mind, not from where you start. Learning must be a constant, everyday process. Keep learning beyond academics, too. Excellence, ethics, and empathy will make you a productive professional and a good, well-rounded human being.