Narayana Group to ensure stress-free education and overall development

'It has been an exciting ride for 40 years from tuition points to coaching centres to colleges to schools' reminisces Dr Sindhura Narayana, Director, Narayana Group of Educational Institutions recollecting the eventful journey of the Group. Having carved out a permanent slot in the education field in the country as one of the leading groups, Dr Sindhura says its focus is now on the next generation which is tech-friendly. 'Digital platforms where online teaching and testing are possible is now our aim combining it with stress-free education and overall development of the students' she affirms.

Recently, Narayana Group launched the Disha helpline for student mental wellness. 'We recognise the need to support children's fragile mental state at an adolescent age and are committed to equipping them with professional help to combat issues that cannot be resolved by teachers or at home. Support our social initiative, spread awareness and draw attention to those who need help' says a Facebook communique about this welfare measure. 'The most important point is that this helpline is also open for students outside Narayana' informs Dr Sindhura who has 40 psychologists deployed to undertake critical psychological counselling for those who seek help.

Tracing the changes that she has seen among the student community since the beginning of the millennium, the soft-spoken head says: 'In 2002, the pressure was from the top on students to perform. About a decade later, the drive was clearly visible among the students themselves to excel and do well'. Under the N-learn scheme, from 2019, all the exams have been made online in their schools for students of XI and XII. 'In the JEE Mains, four out of 15 toppers were from our schools' Dr Sindhura announces.

Laying emphasis on soft skills, from 2013 onwards, there are two periods a week for high school students which makes them balance their communication skills along with educational qualifications better. Inter-school quiz competitions, Spell Bee competitions and sporting events are all being given due weightage to ensure total development, she adds.

On the challenges in the higher education field, Dr Sindhura opines: 'India is a voluminous, people-centric market. The government has been augmenting educational initiatives by setting up new AIIMS institutions, IITs etc. The teaching methods are also getting case-based and CBCS is a good move. We expect the government to come forward reasonably in the same manner and extend better support to private groups also who have involved themselves in value addition to municipal and government schools.' Given that literacy levels are improving in the two Telugu speaking states and there is a churn in the education sector with regard to unlocking new opportunities, it is a good time for sure for the future students.