Reflecting on the monumental Ekya FIND Festival 2023, hosted on the vibrant grounds of CMRIT Campus, Bengaluru, this past November 4th, one can’t help but feel a surge of excitement and pride. This event wasn’t just another entry in the calendar; it was a significant leap forward in K-12 education, uniting a community passionate about crafting new learning pathways.
The festival began with a visionary flourish, courtesy of Dr. Tristha Ramamurthy, Founder of Ekya Schools. Her opening remarks encapsulated our commitment to educational innovation, setting the stage for a day of insightful dialogue and discovery. “Positioned as India’s pioneering global learning platform, the FIND Festival 2023 emerges as a transformative force in the K-12 education arena,” she proclaimed. Adding to the inauguration’s prestige, Shri. Rajeev Chandrasekhar, Honourable Minister of State for Skill Development & Entrepreneurship and Electronics & Information Technology, inspired attendees with his keynote, reinforcing our role in leading the educational renaissance in modern India. He stated, “I am privileged and honoured to be a part of this unique FIND Festival and learn about the institute’s commitment to focus on extraordinary teaching. ”
A particularly exciting moment came with the announcement of Ekya Nava, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the landscape of K12 Education. Shri. Rajeev Chandrasekhar’s unveiling speech underscored the limitless opportunities available to the young minds nurtured by our innovative educational approach.
The festival also celebrated a significant literary milestone with the release of “Creating Extraordinary Educators: A Teacher’s Roadmap to Becoming Extraordinary.” Dr. A. S. Kiran Kumar, Former Chairman of ISRO, and Chairperson of the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, hailed the work as a crucial guide for educators striving towards excellence, underlining its potential to redefine the teaching landscape. Published by Scholastic India, this book promises to be an essential resource for educators far and wide.
The “Design Thinking Challenge” spotlighted the incredible power of creative problem-solving, drawing in 30 teams, including 14 from external schools. Centered around finding innovative and sustainable packing solutions that promote recycling, the challenge exemplified the potential of design thinking in addressing real-world sustainability issues. It underscored the importance of collaboration and innovative thinking, establishing a benchmark for future-focused learning.
Throughout the festival, insights and innovations were shared by esteemed individuals, including Dr. K. P. Gopalkrishna, Founder and Chairman of National Public Schools, and other luminaries. Their shared wisdom inspired a vision of revitalizing the teaching profession and bridging societal gaps through quality education, echoing a message of hope and progress.
The festival was also a showcase for our students’ creativity and problem-solving skills, highlighting their comprehensive learning journeys. The Learning Showcase and Student Development Gallery illuminated the diverse, enriching experiences available at Ekya, while the ‘ReThink Education Booth’ symbolized our dedication to evolving educational practices and technologies.
As the festival concluded, Shri. K. R. Jayadeep, Director of Ekya Schools, expressed heartfelt gratitude to all who contributed to this landmark event. The Ekya FIND Festival 2023 has indeed cemented its place as a keystone event, sparking a collaborative spirit aimed at enlightening the future of education.
We extend our deepest thanks to every attendee, parent, speaker, participant, and volunteer, whose insights and efforts have rendered the FIND Festival 2023 an unforgettable fusion of ideas and ambitions.
For those who missed experiencing the festival in person, a complete recording is available on YouTube, ensuring that the spirit of FIND – the Future of INnovation and Design – continues to resonate within every classroom, lesson, and heart across the Ekya community, until we gather again to celebrate the relentless pursuit of learning, learners, and extraordinary educators.