‘Schools should pave the path for truth & integrity’

Manav Mander

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, December 6

With an aim to boost interaction between parents and children as a means to inculcate values that have become a rarity in the age of social media, a Principals Meet was organised here on Friday by The Tribune Group of Newspapers. Organised in association with Chandigarh University, the meet’s theme was ‘Building Moral Intelligence’. 

CS Talwar, retired IAS officer, the resource person, elaborated upon seven types of intelligence, including verbal, musical, visual, mathematical, interpersonal and digital, emphasising thatmoral intelligence was the basis of all types of intelligence. “Knowledge, learning and skills can be increased, but intelligence is genetic; it can be learnt and developed,” he said. 

Explaining four basic models of moral intelligence — integrity, responsibility, forgiveness and compassion — Talwar said integrity was more important than honesty. “One should stand by what he/she says.” Quoting Michele Bobra, he said, “Empathy was an essential virtue. Parents, teachers and administrators should develop moral values among children.”

Stressing upon conscience, the speaker said students should understand the importance of honesty. He further asserted, “Parents should narrate personal examples to motivate children to always speak truth. Talwar also advised educationists to narrate stories about failures as well to students ,” he said. Discouraging comparison, Talwar said, “Teachers should avoid using negative labels, and stop praising one child in contrast to another.” Encouraging Principals to advise parents to spend time with children, Talwar said, "Parents give all facilities to their wards. They must also play with them and try to foster the bond so that children can open up with them."

RS Bawa, Vice-Chancellor, Chandigarh University, emphasised that moral intelligence was the need of the hour. "Ultimate goal should be to make the child passionate about whatever he/she is doing. We should tell them about social values. When one grows, technical assessment is not the only parameter to measure intelligence. We have responsibility towards the nation as well. The education we impart needs to be revisited and revaluated. Moral values, unlike physical health, even built at the age of 25 last until one turns 50.” 

Talking about lack of communication between parents and students, Bawa said, "Today's kids don't interact with parents and become secretive. Family gatherings can help parents understand children's needs. Every child is different and schools need to be patient to be able to identify students’ talents. We have made kids competitive, as a result of which they are becoming jealous of one another, which has resulting in violence and crime. Teaching humility should be one the most important tasks of parents." 

Appreciating the endeavour, Monica Malhotra Kandhari, Managing Director, MBD Group, said, “In today’s tech-savvy environment, students should keep themselves updated with technological advancements in the field of Artificial Intelligence. At the same time, it is the duty of educationists to build moral intelligence among students, so that they can perform every act in personal and professional domains with honesty, loyalty and devotion”. 

A MoU was today signed between Sant Isher Singh ji Memorial Public School, Rata Sahib and Chandigarh University for co-operation to establish co-operation in areas of interest and benefit to both institutions.

Principalspeak

Gaurav Arora

Swami Ganga Giri Sr Sec School, Raikot

We need to uplift the moral education and devise ways on engaging students in studies. The session was informative and I will definitely adopt measures to instil moral values among pupils.

Phushpinder Kaur

Atam Vidya Mandir School, Sanhewal 

Schools have a big responsibility towards building moral intelligence among the youth. Parents also play an important role and they should offer support in the overall development of children. 

Amarjeet Kaur Naaz

Blossoms Convent School, Jagraon 

Parents should become patient listeners. Only then can moral values be inculcated in children to make the world a better place. In the absence of virtues, society will become decadent.  

Gurpal Anand

Ryan International School

Moral values are declining. Family members don’t spend time with each other, but exchange messages through social networking. Measures need to be taken, as discussed in the session.

Sandeep Marhatta

Gobindgarh Public School

Teachers should be trained in handling students. An orientation course in psychology should be made compulsory for them. Family should get together frequently.

Dheeraj Thapliyal

Sant Ishar Singh Ji memorial Public School

Moral values go a long way in a person’s life. Students cannot accept failure and if moral values are imbibed in them, they will have the skills to rebuild and move ahead with courage.