Indian cardinal champions educational transformation and Synodal journey at Landmark Conference
Cardinal Poola Anthony, Archbishop of Hyderabad and President of the Telugu Catholic Bishops' Council, inaugurated a pivotal educational conference addressing the challenges and opportunities in the education systems of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, India.
Accompanying the cardinal were Brother Sajan Anthony, General Secretary of Catholic Institutions Hyderabad, Fr. Y. Bala Showry, Vicar General and Vice Chairman of the Hyderabad Archdiocese Educational Society (HAES), Fr. Dr. VK Swamy, General Secretary of the TCBC Commission for Education, along with other distinguished leaders.
The conference focused on enhancing regional collaboration and growth, particularly within Catholic institutions, to meet the evolving educational needs in these regions.
In his keynote address, Cardinal Poola emphasized the importance of incorporating the Jubilee Year 2025 into the mission of Catholic institutions, linking it to the broader "Journey towards the Synodal Church" and Mission 2033, as outlined in the new Pastoral Plan for the entire Catholic Church.
He stressed that the future of education lies in equipping students not just with knowledge, but with critical thinking, creativity, adaptability, and a lifelong passion for learning.
"Change is the only mantra," Cardinal Poola remarked. "We must lead the change in this digital era. The future of education is in our hands; it is our responsibility to shape a system that not only reacts to the world but also transforms it. We are called to be the change-makers, the leaders, and the visionaries who will empower the next generation."
The conference featured distinguished speakers, including Dr. Sujiv Nair, Global Chief HR Officer of Re Sustainability Limited, and Mr. Jose Jacob, CEO of INTEGRO Infotech & Consulting.
Various sessions covered topics such as embracing innovation, mastering social media and technology for transformative learning, and the role of faith and values in modern leadership.
Notable participants included nearly 150 heads, correspondents, vice principals, education counselors, and prominent educators from various institutions.
The gathering served as a powerful platform for exchanging insights on modern education and reaffirming the role of Catholic institutions in shaping future generations.
This conference stands as a testament to the commitment of Catholic educational leaders to remain dynamic and visionary, adapting to the challenges of a rapidly evolving world while staying rooted in values and faith.- Pujitha Nagalli
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