Teachers Without Borders
CACHE commemorates World Teachers’ Day
CACHE – Centre for Advanced studies in Culture, Happiness and Ethics – marked World Teachers’ Day by organising an international symposium on “Teachers Without Borders – Classroom | Connect | Community” on Thursday, 05 October 2023 at St. Andrew’s School Conference Hall, Bandra (West).
The Symposium began with the Chief Guest Sr. Adv. Joaquim Reis and invited speakers placing electric candles on a stand in front of the dais while the students of St. Andrew’s High School sang “This little light of mine”. Fr. Magi Murzello then recited the beautiful prayer, “Make me a channel of your peace”.
Sr. Adv. Reis and Fr. Magi Murzello, Founder, then inaugurated CACHE – a community centre focussed on illuminating and empowering individuals as they face complicated challenges and exceptional opportunities. The logo has been inspired by a digital motherboard (a storehouse of knowledge waiting to be shared) and a tree (an evergreen symbol of happiness, knowledge and growth). The four colours have been deliberately chosen – yellow (happiness), green (nature), orange (culture) and blue (ethics).
The Symposium was declared open as Sr. Adv. Joaquim Reis gave the inaugural address wherein he acknowledged the presence of teachers and how they affect the community at large. The Chief Guest, dignitaries and speakers were then felicitated with a ‘wellness basket’ comprising a memento, a ThankPad, a heat pad and a host of healthy treats that was much appreciated.
Dr Preeti Oza, gave us an insight on what CACHE was all about and the future plans as well as introduced the Symposium.
The line-up of speakers comprised a host of distinguished educators. Prof. Dr. Michelle Philip (Wilson College, Mumbai) elaborated on “Humour, Creativity and Community in Professional Development” as she asserted that all educators are really “imagineers”.
Maj. Gen. Om Gulia, SM, VSM (Retd.) enlightened the audience on “Leadership” as he drew on his experiences in the Indian Army. He presented ideas which would help children learn to take decisions, build their character and inculcate discipline.
Dr. Snehal Pinto (Ryan International Group of Institutions) spoke on “Global Citizenship Education”. She emphasized on learning skills and values rather than learning only content. She pointed out that the need of the hour was really to “think global, act local”.
Prof. Dr. Hanif Lakdawala (Akbar Peerbhoy College of Commerce and Economics, Mumbai), a motivational speaker, used the example of the sinking of the Titanic and the story of David and Goliath to drive home the fact that one must “Cultivate a Growth Mindset”.
Fr. Adolph Furtado SDB (Don Bosco, Nerul) pointed out just how easy “International Collaboration in Education” has become as foreign universities have begun to openly share knowledge. ChatGPT was not the be-all-and-end-all of knowledge. He stressed that the educators needed to become a prophet, a mystic and a servant to achieve the desired goals.
Ms. Anna Bredemeyer (former Miss India and The Original Supermodel) took the educators down memory lane as she reminisced on her school days and her “Role Models and Inspiration”. She motivated the teachers to be nurturers, guides, give constructive criticism and gently nudge the children back to reality from their excessive involvement in social media.
Rev. Prof. Dr. Chandima Gangodawila (renowned Buddhist scholar) emphasised the need for “Conflict Resolution and Peace Education” from the Buddhist point of view. He stressed on the need to resolve potential conflicts and minimize conflicts by understanding our personal ego.
Prof. Dr. Nestor Castro (University of Manila, Philippines) elucidated on “Education for Personal Integrity”. He emphasized on the teachers having personal integrity, being a role model and exchanging experiences across the globe.
The last speaker for the morning, Dr. phil I Ketut Ardhana (Udayana University, Bali), explained “Ethics and Values in Education”. He addressed the participants online on globalizing the nation by understanding the process of society and culture in relation to strengthening the teaching – learning process.
Each speaker brought in their own special brand of humour and personal experiences that kept the audience’s attention throughout the programme. After a hearty lunch, the nearly 250 educators from more than 80 schools across Mumbai left with a Certificate of Participation, a memento and wonderful memories of a morning well-spent.
The event would not have been possible without our cooperators – St. Andrew’s Educational Foundation – Mumbai, International Federation of Social Science Organizations (IFSSO), Grand Academic Portal (GAP) – India, Nalanda Nritya Kala Mahavidyalaya (NNKM) – Mumbai, Archdiocesan Board of Education (ABE) – Mumbai, Academic Network of Dynamic and Inspired Educators (ANDIE) – India, Ryan International Group of Institutions – India, Rose Manor International School – Mumbai and Lifelline Hospitals – Mumbai.
