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In an era marked by rising societal tensions and digital echo chambers, education leaders are calling for a radical shift: a curriculum rooted in peace, empathy, and conflict resolution. At the 52nd Annual National Progressive Schools' Conference (NPSC) held in New Delhi, experts and educators made a clarion call for a peace-centered education system, emphasizing the urgent need for schools to go beyond academics and build emotional resilience among students.
The two-day conference, titled "Conflict Management and Peace Education in Schools," opened with panel discussions and masterclasses focusing on understanding school conflicts and resolving them through dialogue, not discipline. At its heart was a simple yet powerful idea: today’s educators must become architects of critical thinking, stability, and adaptability.
Chief Guest Shobhana Bhartia, Chairperson of HT Media Ltd and Editorial Director, set the tone by unveiling a comprehensive 260-page book, Conflict Resolution and Peace Building in Schools, featuring essays and artworks on peace education. She stressed that in a world grappling with division and mistrust, the role of educators has never been more crucial.
"Educators will have to act as anchors of stability," she said, "moving beyond teaching facts and figures to nurturing critical thinking and adaptability."
Drawing from her global experience, including her work with the UN Alliance of Civilisations, Bhartia highlighted a critical flaw: traditional history education often centers excessively around Western narratives, sidelining diverse global perspectives. She advocated for reforms such as conflict-resolution labs, digital safety education, and an interconnected curriculum that genuinely prepares students for a complex world.
Religious education also found a place in the conversation. Bhartia recommended that religious texts taught in schools should avoid accusatory tones and instead promote interfaith understanding. "We must rethink how religion is taught to the young," she insisted, emphasizing the need for inclusive and empathetic perspectives.
Asha Prabhakar, NPSC Chairperson, echoed similar sentiments. She warned that education systems must not only teach math, science, and grammar but also deeply embed values and life skills. "Rising conflict in schools signals a gap in how we nurture understanding and empathy," Prabhakar noted. In an age where social media accelerates ideological rigidity, she reminded the audience that "We have all become too quick to take a position and then defend it no matter what."
The conversation also delved into the impact of the pandemic on education. Edward Vickers, professor at Kyushu University and UNESCO Chair, observed that the shift to digital learning during Covid-19 had worsened educational inequalities, especially among the underprivileged.
Established in 1973, the National Progressive Schools' Conference now represents over 250 premier private secondary schools across India, all affiliated with the CBSE. As it crosses the 51-year mark, the association’s evolving focus on peace and conflict resolution highlights a critical reimagination of education for the next generation.
In a world struggling with deep divisions, the conference offered a fresh perspective: if education truly aims to prepare young minds for the future, it must first teach them the art of peace. Only then can schools be more than institutions of knowledge — they can become beacons of empathy, critical thought, and unity.