In today’s rapidly evolving educational landscape, institutions must adapt to prepare students for future challenges. In this interview, Dr. Amit Bhalla, Vice President, Manav Rachna Educational Institutions (MREI), shares his insights into the importance of blending academic excellence with holistic development. He discusses MREI’s focus on experiential learning, STEAM education, and the integration of digital tools, ensuring students are equipped with critical thinking, creativity, and resilience. Through initiatives like Media Shala, Maker Shala, and MRImpact, Dr. Bhalla highlights how MREI fosters innovation and global responsibility. Let’s dive in!
Campus of Manav Rachna Educational Institutions (MREI).
Q. Please share your educational philosophy. How is this connected to the educational vision of MREI?
At Manav Rachna, our educational philosophy blends academic excellence with holistic development, fostering creativity, critical thinking, and a global mindset. Through inquiry-driven learning, hands-on experiences, and a focus on values, we nurture confident, compassionate learners prepared for the challenges of a rapidly evolving world. Our philosophy has been shaped by the value system inculcated by our Founder Visionary, Dr. O.P. Bhalla, who aimed to nurture students who were not only skilled to meet future needs but also sincere in their conduct and driven by a desire to do good for society. The focus on both competence and character is what drives all our efforts.
Students take part in STEAM activities.
Q. What are your views on experiential learning and STEAM education? What programs are in place at MREI in this regard?
Experiential learning and STEAM education are at the heart of Manav Rachna’s approach to fostering innovation, critical thinking, and problem-solving. Through SDG-aligned projects, industrial visits, new-age laboratories, and a specialized focus on digital, media, and financial literacy, as well as programs like the Global Summer School and Model United Nations, students gain multidisciplinary exposure that helps bridge the gap between classroom learning and the real world.
Students take part in a ‘Commerce’ activity at a Manav Rachna School.
In higher education, with more than 100 degree programs on offer and numerous opportunities for extracurricular and cross-department activities, students have access to a robust platform for experiential learning. Through internships, collaborations with corporations and industries, entrepreneurship promotion by the Manav Rachna Innovation and Incubation Foundation, and soft skills training from the Career Development Centre, students at Manav Rachna are well-prepared for the fast-evolving career landscape.
Students take part in sports activities.
Q. How does MREI ensure that experiential learning activities are aligned with academic standards?
Manav Rachna ensures that experiential learning activities are purposefully aligned with academic standards through a carefully designed, integrated approach. For example, in schools, experiential learning is embedded into both the CBSE and IB frameworks, with planned activities crafted to deepen students’ understanding of critical academic concepts. These hands-on experiences are not isolated from the curriculum but are designed to complement and extend classroom learning, fostering the development of 21st-century skills such as inquiry, critical thinking, and problem-solving. Academic goals are met through well-defined learning outcomes, structured reflection, and assessments that ensure alignment with educational standards. This purposeful integration fosters not just academic excellence but also global readiness, preparing students to navigate complex challenges with creativity, confidence, and a deeper, more connected understanding of the world around them.
School students perform a dance.
Q. What are the innovative initiatives taken up at MREI? Give examples.
Media Shala and Maker Shala at Manav Rachna are key pillars of the Future Skills and Sustainability program. Media Shala fosters creativity and digital literacy through multimedia production, while Maker Shala promotes hands-on exploration of STEM concepts, encouraging innovation and problem-solving. Both labs focus on sustainability and equip students with future-ready skills and a sense of global responsibility. At the university level, one of the most recent initiatives is MRImpact (Manav Rachna Internship for Meaningful Impact), which allows students—selected through a formal recruitment process—to intern in different departments across the organization, giving them real-world, hands-on experience.
Students take part in a ‘Mediashala’ Activity.
Q. How does MREI leverage digital tools in the learning process while preserving the authenticity of real-world experiences?
Manav Rachna leverages digital tools such as coding programs, robotics kits, VR, AR, and data tools like Excel and GeoGebra to enhance learning while preserving real-world experiences. Collaborative platforms like Google Docs and JSTOR empower students to research and collaborate, aligning with the IB’s focus on a comprehensive, 21st-century education that blends innovation with hands-on learning. At the university level, students are adept at using research and note-taking tools, accessing library resources online, and experimenting with the many AI applications now available. With AI in the picture, we have also introduced sensitization programs that focus on the ethical aspects of its use.
A junior class in progress at a Manav Rachna school.
Q. How do you foster critical thinking, collaboration, creativity, and resilience among students?
Project-based learning encourages students to work on real-world problems, promoting critical thinking and collaboration. A diverse curriculum exposes students to various fields, stimulating creativity and problem-solving skills. Mentorship and support from faculty and peers help students develop resilience and perseverance. Community engagement fosters empathy and a sense of responsibility. Participation in extracurricular activities promotes teamwork and leadership. These initiatives equip students with essential skills for success in a rapidly changing world.
School students visiting historical monuments.
Q. What is the role of educators in preparing students for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century?
The role of educators has evolved significantly in recent years. Beyond traditional knowledge transmission, educators must now foster critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, and collaboration. Additionally, equipping students with digital literacy and the ethical use of technology is essential. By focusing on these key areas, educators can empower students to become lifelong learners, adaptable problem-solvers, and responsible global citizens. This holistic approach aligns with the evolving demands of the 21st century, preparing students for a future characterized by rapid change and complex challenges.
A college class in progress.
