Mukta Bhanudas Khatavkar, Principal of Sou. Shakuntala Ramsheth Thakur CBSE School, Ulwe, made Maharashtra proud by representing the state at the International Conference on Quality Education 2025 held in Sri Lanka. The global summit, hosted in the scenic Uva Province from October 28 to 31, brought together educators, policymakers, and academicians from several countries to discuss innovative practices in teaching and learning.
I’m writing about this story because it highlights how Indian educators are gaining global recognition for their commitment to quality education. In a time when teaching practices are evolving rapidly, educators like Mukta Khatavkar play a crucial role in bridging traditional learning with new-age methodologies. Her participation in an international platform is not just an individual achievement but also a reflection of the growing focus on improving education standards in India. Such representation strengthens cross-cultural understanding and encourages the exchange of ideas that can help our schools evolve and adapt to global challenges.
Representing Maharashtra on a Global Platform
At the conference, Mukta Khatavkar shared her insights on the importance of quality education and student-centred learning. Representing the Rayat Shikshan Sanstha — one of Maharashtra’s oldest and most respected educational institutions — she spoke about the organisation’s initiatives to improve classroom engagement, digital integration, and teacher training in rural and urban schools.
Her presentation focused on making learning more inclusive and activity-based, aligning with the principles of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. She also discussed how schools in India are embracing technology to create more interactive and experiential learning environments.
A Global Dialogue on Quality Education
The conference was attended by education experts and researchers from across Asia and beyond. Discussions revolved around improving learning outcomes, integrating AI responsibly into education, and ensuring equal access for all students. Sessions were held on topics like innovative curriculum design, sustainability education, and leadership in schools.
Mukta Khatavkar was also part of panel discussions that explored how schools can maintain academic rigour while promoting emotional and social development. Her contribution was appreciated for bringing a practical, grassroots perspective from Indian classrooms.
Rayat Shikshan Sanstha’s Contribution
Founded in 1919 by Karmaveer Bhaurao Patil, Rayat Shikshan Sanstha has been a pioneer in making education accessible to all sections of society, especially in rural Maharashtra. Under this legacy, Sou. Shakuntala Ramsheth Thakur CBSE School in Ulwe has been focusing on holistic education that balances academics with life skills, moral values, and innovation.
The school’s participation in an international event reflects the Sanstha’s commitment to global educational exchange and continuous improvement. Principal Khatavkar’s representation is seen as a moment of pride for both the institution and the city of Navi Mumbai.
Recognition and Future Goals
Speaking about her experience, Mukta Khatavkar expressed gratitude for the opportunity and said that such global forums help educators learn from each other and implement new ideas back home. She emphasised that the true goal of education lies in shaping confident, empathetic, and socially responsible citizens.
She also mentioned that the insights gained from the conference will be shared with teachers and students through workshops and training sessions at her school. The aim is to adopt best practices that can further improve teaching quality and student engagement.
