With decades of experience in school education, GR Srithar, Chairman of the KC Kumarappa Group of Schools, Tamil Nadu, has closely witnessed the evolution, challenges, and future needs of Indian schooling. Known for his strong emphasis on discipline, moral values, and skill-based education, he firmly believes that schools play a defining role in shaping not just careers but responsible citizens. In this detailed conversation, he shares his views on priorities for K–12 education, curriculum reforms, technology, government support, and what the next decade of school education may look like.
Q: What should be the biggest priorities for K–12 education in 2026, especially for private schools?
The foremost priority must always be discipline. Discipline leads children towards successful careers and responsible lives. Along with discipline, moral values rooted in our country’s culture are essential. Without moral values, the use of technology or advanced education has no real purpose. Children absorb values deeply up to the primary and middle school levels, especially through teachers. These years shape how they behave, respect elders, and interact with society later in life.
Q: What kind of curriculum is needed today to prepare future-ready students?
Education has evolved from being teacher-oriented to parent-oriented, and now it is clearly child-oriented. Today, children must not only learn lessons but also discover their skills and potential. Curriculum should support creativity and skill development. Skills decide future possibilities, while learning provides direction. Skill-based education, supported by moral values, is the key to survival in society. Skills without values cannot serve society meaningfully.
Q: What are the major challenges private schools face today?
The biggest challenges are competition among schools and the confusion children face due to multiple sources of information. Knowledge is no longer limited to teachers or textbooks. Children often struggle to identify what is right or wrong. Their attention span has drastically reduced due to technology, making it difficult to engage them. Teachers must capture a child’s attention within seconds. Keeping students focused and aligned with the true goal of education is one of the biggest challenges today.
Q: What were your key learnings from the COVID-19 pandemic as a school chairman?
Every individual—parents, children, teachers, and society—learnt valuable lessons during the pandemic. For schools, the biggest challenge was retaining teachers and sustaining students’ interest in learning. Online learning was insufficient and difficult to control. Many students misused technology, and rural schools struggled due to parents’ inability to pay fees. Despite these hardships, the support shown by some parents and students helped schools survive. That support is unforgettable and gave us confidence to continue serving society.
Q: How are you integrating technology into school education?
Technology is unavoidable and must be accepted. The education sector has embraced technological changes to make learning easier and more engaging. Since children are already exposed to technology outside school, we integrate it into the curriculum. This enhances understanding and brings students closer to their lessons. Technology, when used correctly, increases comprehension levels among students.
Q: How can the relationship between parents and teachers be strengthened?
Parents must understand that education is a shared responsibility, not just a financial transaction. Teachers are the second parents of students. When teachers maintain strong professional values, they earn respect naturally. Teachers must focus on the overall development of students, not just academics. Open communication, mutual respect, and sensitivity towards children’s emotions are essential. When parents respect teachers and teachers collaborate closely with parents, the relationship strengthens automatically.
Q: What kind of support do private schools need from the government?
Private schools require support in areas such as property tax relief, as most schools are trust-run and non-profit. Fee fixation should be reasonable and flexible, considering infrastructure and parent demographics. The government should recognise private schools as partners in nation-building, as they contribute significantly to academics, sports, moral development, and community growth.
Q: What policies should be prioritised immediately in school education?
Private schools must be involved in curriculum and policy formulation. They have practical experience, flexibility, and innovative approaches. Their participation will help create balanced and effective education policies that benefit students and parents alike.
Q: What immediate rules or protections do private schools need?
Schools need protection from unnecessary interference and false allegations. Responsibility should rest only with the individual who commits a mistake, not the entire management. Clear admission timelines, mandatory transfer certificates for mid-year school changes, and minimum attendance requirements during examinations are essential to maintain academic discipline.
Q: Looking ahead, what changes do you foresee in school education over the next 10 years?
No one can predict what a child will become in the future. Education must therefore be student-oriented and skill-based. Children should understand why they are learning something and how it applies to real life. The future of education lies entirely in skill-based learning aligned with students’ interests.
Q: What is your view on the growing trend of chain schools?
Chain schools may succeed commercially, but they risk damaging individuality in education. India is diverse, and learning needs vary across regions. A single uniform system cannot address local cultural and social differences. Private schools are encouraged because of their unique approaches, and excessive chain systems may dilute this uniqueness.
Q: Is there an ideal limit to how many schools one person or society should run?
Ideally, one administrative head should run one school. The strength of the school can vary, but quality leadership requires focus. Managing multiple schools often compromises effectiveness. Each school needs independent leadership to maintain standards and vision.
Q: What facilities should schools ideally provide today, especially regarding playgrounds?
Playgrounds are essential for a child’s physical and mental development. Tamil Nadu has clear land norms for schools, ensuring playgrounds, laboratories, and other facilities. A healthy body supports a healthy mind, and adequate infrastructure is non-negotiable for quality education.
GR Srithar’s vision for school education is firmly grounded in discipline, moral values, and skill-based learning. While acknowledging technological advancements and policy needs, he consistently emphasises that education must remain child-centric and socially responsible. As schools prepare for the future, his insights serve as a reminder that true educational progress lies not only in innovation, but also in values, focus, and purposeful learning.
