Navigating Sustainable Practices and International Perspectives in Education

The Seth Anandram Jaipuria Group of Educational Institutions stands out as a prominent conglomerate in education. It encompasses 16 K-12 schools, 5 preschools, 2 management institutes, and a teachers’ training academy across north and central India. With a rich educational legacy spanning 78 years, the group currently boasts a student body of 20,000, a network of 15,000 alumni, and a dedicated team of 900 educators. What distinguishes them is their comprehensive presence across all facets of the education sector.

During a candid conversation with The Interview World, Dhwani Jaipuria, Advisor, sheds light on how the Jaipuria Group is actively contributing to the enhancement of sustainability and internationalization within the Indian education landscape. Here are some key insights from her discussion.

Q: Can you share your institute’s overarching vision and mission when it comes to sustainability and internationalization of education?

A: At the heart of Jaipuria Group lies a visionary commitment to fostering an educational environment that seamlessly integrates sustainability and internationalism into the fabric of daily life. Our overarching goal is to cultivate a generation of students who not only grasp these principles as concepts but embody them as a way of life. We also aspire to shape individuals who possess heightened environmental consciousness and cultural sensitivity, equipping them to thrive in an interconnected global landscape.

Aligned with the Government of India’s vision for a progressive nation, our mission is to weave the ideals of global citizenship and environmental stewardship into the very fabric of education at every level. This ensures that each student emerges not only academically proficient but also imbued with a sense of responsibility towards the world and an appreciation for diverse cultures. In essence, our educational mission mirrors and amplifies the national vision, creating a harmonious blend of local and global perspectives for a brighter future.

Q: How is sustainability integrated into the institute’s curriculum, and what steps have been taken to ensure students receive a comprehensive education in this area?

A: At Jaipuria, sustainability is not just a trendy term; it’s ingrained in our core values. Furthermore, we go beyond theoretical discussions on environmental preservation, incorporating hands-on experiences like our Jaipurians for Sustainable India campaign, where we’ve planted over 1 lakh trees across our institutions. This ensures that sustainability is seamlessly integrated into our curriculum, providing students with a practical understanding of their pivotal role in environmental conservation, shaping them into responsible global citizens.

The recent ‘Haat Se Heart Tak’ campaign organized by the Jaipuria Group added vibrancy to Diwali celebrations. These lively carnivals, in collaboration with local vendors, not only brought joy but also uplifted over 60 vendors with direct financial support from the purchases made at their stalls. With the active participation of more than 5,000 Jaipurians, this initiative not only promoted the ‘Vocal for Local’ spirit but also underscored our dedication to poverty alleviation, aligning with SDG 1. The entire endeavor was highlighted through robust social media engagement, reinforcing our commitment to corporate social responsibility.

To reinforce our dedication to SDG 4 and the ‘Education for All’ initiative, Seth Anandram Jaipuria School Ghaziabad has adopted a Government Primary School nearby. In Jaipuria School Kanpur, we run an afternoon school catering to underprivileged students. Additionally, in Lucknow, our school has played a pivotal role in the redevelopment of a Government Girls College.

Our commitment extends beyond education, as evidenced by our Corporate Office’s recent donation of 5000 books and stationery to nearby NGOs in Ghaziabad, reaching out to those in need.

Q: Could you discuss the institute’s approach to building and maintaining international partnerships? How do these partnerships contribute to the overall educational experience for students?

A: We cultivate meaningful international partnerships, with a clear focus on establishing enduring relationships that contribute to the enrichment of our educational offerings. We take a thoughtful approach in selecting partners who share our unwavering commitment to global learning, ensuring they bring diverse perspectives that enhance our students’ educational journey.

Adopting a strategic and collaborative stance, our approach to international partnerships aims to provide our students with comprehensive global exposure. In our pursuit of this goal, we have implemented the Cambridge International Curriculum for Primary and Secondary School, along with the International Early Years Curriculum for pre-primary classes across our schools. These globally recognized curricula further bolster our commitment to offering a well-rounded education.

Spanning from our K-12 schools to management colleges, our students actively participate in foreign exchange programs and forums, fostering the development of global perspectives. An exemplary collaboration is observed at Jaipuria School Ghaziabad, which has an ongoing partnership with Thoren Business School in Sweden. Similarly, Jaipuria School of Business, one of our two management institutes, has established multiple collaborations with prominent institutions in Europe.

These partnerships also play a pivotal role in shaping a multicultural learning environment, providing our students with a broader perspective and equipping them to thrive in an interconnected world.

Q: Can you share examples of specific initiatives or programs that provide students with hands-on experiences related to sustainability and global perspectives?

A: As previously mentioned, our commitment to sustainability education is evident through initiatives such as the ‘Jaipurians for Sustainable India’ campaign and ‘Haat Se Heart Tak,’ which provide students with hands-on experiences in global awareness and sustainable practices. The annual highlight of our K-12 schools in Kanpur, Lucknow, and Ghaziabad, The Jaipuria Founders’ Day, revolves around the theme of Sustainability.

By actively engaging in these initiatives, students gain valuable insights into the significance of environmental conservation and the importance of supporting local communities. Complementing these efforts, we regularly host student lectures featuring renowned dignitaries and organize conclaves, deepening their understanding of global issues and potential solutions.

Our widely recognized Model United Nations competition, JMUNC, spans all our schools, fostering a global perspective among students. Notably, the United Nations body SSDN recently acknowledged Jaipuria School Lucknow as one of the top 30 schools worldwide and among the top 10 schools in Asia for its commitment to promoting education for Sustainable Development.

Q: How does the institute support faculty in staying updated on global trends and best practices in sustainability education? Are there specific programs or resources in place for faculty development in this area?

A: To ensure that our faculty stays informed about the latest global trends in sustainability education, we offer ongoing learning opportunities. This includes engaging workshops, enlightening seminars, and insightful conferences. Our focus is on faculty development, ensuring they not only have access to the most recent resources but also possess the skills to deliver education aligned with global best practices in sustainability.

In 2023, our premier teachers’ training academy, STTAR, took a significant step by hosting the inaugural Global Education Conference. The conference centered around the theme of ‘Education for a Sustainable Future’ and drew participation from teachers not only across India but also from abroad. This event marked a milestone in our commitment to fostering a global perspective on sustainability in education.

Q: How does the institute measure the impact of its sustainability and internationalization efforts on students, faculty, and the broader community?

A: We gauge the effectiveness of our sustainability and internationalization endeavors using diverse metrics. These metrics encompass factors such as the level of student involvement in global programs, the accomplishments of our environmental initiatives, and the feedback we receive from the community. Our evaluation extends to understanding how these initiatives manifest in tangible knowledge and skills, and their role in advancing the overarching goal of cultivating a sustainable, globalized society.

Q: What future initiatives or plans does Jaipuria Group have in enhancing sustainability and internationalization in education?

A: Looking forward, the Jaipuria Group is set to enhance its dedication to sustainability and internationalization. To achieve this, we plan to broaden our global partnerships, providing a wider array of international programs and exchange opportunities. Simultaneously, in the realm of sustainability, we are actively exploring inventive environmental projects and amplifying our participation in community-driven initiatives.

In 2024, we aspire to organize a grand Sustainable Development Summit. This event will feature a multitude of seminars, talks, competitions, and exhibitions tailored for students from various schools, all centered around different Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Our overarching objective is to continually evolve, ensuring that our students not only excel academically but also cultivate social and environmental responsibility. We aim to prepare them to create a meaningful impact in the global arena.