On 29th March 2024, Edumate. tv and Genleap hosted a bi-weekly webinar where educators and principals discussed the impact of genetics and environment on students’ growth, focusing on “Making students the best version of themselves.” The session, moderated by Jyotsana Raghunathan and Saniya Khan, featured experts from the industry, including Shruti Shah Kathuria, Chief Strategic Alliance Officer at Genleap, Ajay Singh, Principal of Scindia School, K. Prabhakaran, Deepti Chaturvedi, Principal of Poddar International School, and Narendra Singh Punia, Principal of Birla Open Minds International.
Shruti Shah Kathuria started the conversation by discussing her journey of self-discovery during the pandemic, emphasizing the need to foster internal awareness among students in a world filled with external distractions. She highlighted the significance of understanding students’ personalities and emotions and empowering them to embrace their uniqueness despite societal pressures. Kathuria also pointed out the emotional burdens students often carry, emphasizing the crucial role of educators and parents in providing supportive environments where students can safely explore their identities.
Deepti Chaturvedi introduced the concept of ICC, identification, connection, and communication as essential elements for nurturing students. She stressed the importance of student-centric approaches, where educators guide students in identifying their passions and connecting with society. Ms. Chaturvedi urged a shift from authoritarian dialogue to collaborative communication, enabling students to reach their fullest potential.
Echoing the sentiments, K. Prabhakaran addressed the broader societal influences on students’ well-being, discussing the detrimental effects of competitive and materialistic cultures on students’ mental health. He emphasized the importance of recognizing small acts of kindness and empathy in creating a supportive learning environment.
Ajay Singh delved into the interplay between genetics and environment, pointing out that educators play a key role in uncovering each student’s latent potential and providing a supportive atmosphere where they can openly discuss their concerns.
Narendra Singh Punia focused on fostering a growth mindset and promoting collaboration within the educational community. He highlighted the need for resilient students who view challenges as opportunities for growth and advocated for partnerships with families and stakeholders to offer holistic support.
In the subsequent session, Genleap presented a thought-provoking video in which Shruti Shah Kathuria explained the pressing issues in modern education. She highlighted the impact of parental and peer pressures, accentuated by social media’s influence. With poignant statistics, she underlined the need for educators to guide students toward fulfilling careers aligned with happiness. Shruti emphasized the interplay between genetics, environment, and personal choices, advocating for tailored support. Genleap’s approach integrates these insights to provide comprehensive reports, empowering parents and educators.
Fellow speakers of the webinar labeled it an “eye-opener.” They praised Genleap’s vision of a future where students receive holistic support, shaping a brighter educational landscape through this innovative technology.
Moving further, Deepti Chaturvedi discussed the impact of genetics, familial legacies, and school environments on student development. She highlighted how students often mirror their parents’ traits and how their son’s career choice reflects her family’s teaching tradition. She also highlighted the importance of personalized guidance in navigating career choices, emphasizing the multifaceted factors influencing student development.
Mr.Ojha echoed and reinforced these sentiments, underscoring educators’ need to discern and nurture students’ innate abilities within nurturing learning ecosystems. He passionately emphasized the pivotal role of happiness and fulfillment in guiding students’ career paths. He substantiated his assertions with personal anecdotes that underscored the transformative power of self-awareness and autonomy.
Furthermore, K.Prabharan provided invaluable insights into the intricate dynamics of genetic predisposition and environmental influences. He emphasized the pivotal role of educators and parents in cultivating nurturing environments that empower students to unlock their full potential, transcending any genetic predispositions they may possess.
In addition, N.S. Punia underscored the imperative of creating inclusive and supportive learning environments that catalyze student growth and development. He also stressed educators’ need to embolden students with autonomy and self-efficacy, equipping them with the tools to navigate their career trajectories confidently and resiliently.
This insightful webinar offered a significant platform for deep-dive discussions on the intricate interplay between genetics and environment and their impact on students’ future prospects. In her closing remarks, Jyotsna Raghunathan exhorted attendees to embark passionately on a mission of conviction to aid in the growth and advancement of pupils. She aptly coined this endeavor as a “Genleap” of faith, emphasizing the importance of faith and proactive action in shaping the trajectory of student success.
