In September 2009, Intel completed 10 years of education initiatives in India. This remarkable decade-long journey is replete with inspiring stories of enablement, empowerment and transformation.

Intel has positively impacted 1 million teachers, teacher educators and student teachers across the country. These beneficiaries were enabled and trained with appropriate skills, resources and the use of Information Communication Technologies (ICT) that resulted in more effective classroom teaching and learning and the inclusion of research and high-order thinking skills among the students. This is a key driver towards accelerating digital literacy, which is crucial for India's success in a knowledge economy. At the foundation of this journey lies Intel's sustained partnership with the governments, academia, like-minded companies, NGOs and other stakeholders.

To celebrate the milestone, a ceremony was held in New Delhi on September 2, 2009 where about 200 delegates gathered. This included teachers, students, members from NGOs, academia and government officials who gathered to celebrate this very significant milestone and further cement their commitment towards education and empowerment in India. Many of them were felicitated by Intel for their contributions, partnership and support.

The delegates shared their thoughts and anecdotes and brought a sense of nostalgia and pride to the event as they walked down the memory lane of the last 10 years. Here are a few of those moments.

Madhurima, the first participant of Intel® ISEF from India in 1999, shared her memories on how Intel ignited the spark in her as a young innovator. This put her on the path to becoming a scientist. Today, Madhurima works as a Research Scientist at TIFR, Mumbai.

Click on the above image to view Our Journey of 10 years: The Milestones chart. (3 MB, PDF file)

Nafisa Bhindewala, the first Intel® Teach-trained teacher, is now a staunch advocate of the use of technology in education. She shared her story of how Intel transformed her from a technology novice to what she is today. "I would never have soared as high without the help of the Intel® Teach Program."

Sujata Gohain Baruah, the estimated millionth teacher, teaches chemistry at Jhanji Higher Secondary School in Sivasagar district, Assam. She thanked Intel immensely for reaching out to her at a remote place and training her on the use of project-based learning and technology in the classroom. Expressing her gratitude to Intel, a visibly elated Sujata invited Intel India President on to the stage and wrapped a traditional shawl around his shoulders.

In-Pictures

                                        

At the event from Intel, Rahul Bedi, Director, CAG, Intel South Asia, took the audience through Intel's 10 years journey marked by several Intel® Education Initiatives. He underlined the importance of the Public Private Partnership with academia and government driving Intel's success in education.

Sivakumar Ramamurthy, MD, SMG (Intel South Asia), spoke about the role of innovation, research and higher education in propelling India forward. He also honored Intel's key partners in the higher education space including Dr Sanjay Dhande, Director, IIT, Kanpur, Prof H S Jamadagni from IISc Bangalore among others.

The millionth teacher Sujata Gohain Baruah from Assam honors Intel India President Praveen Vishakantaiah with a traditional Assamese Shawl.

Speaking on the occasion, Praveen Vishakantaiah, President, Intel India said, “Intel is committed to empowering teachers and students in India with the tools to navigate the opportunities the global economy offers. We have collaborated with others who share this vision, and have been working closely with the government, development agencies, multilateral organizations, and non-profit organizations to advocate for education excellence. Making quality education available to more students around the world, with the help of technology, has inspired Intel’s commitment to education for ten years in India. To see our vision turn into reality is indeed a great moment.”

He then honored the key partners from the government including Subhash C Khuntia, Joint Secretary of Department of Education, Government of India, Prof Siddiqui from National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) and H A Ranganath from National Assessment Accreditation Council (NAAC), Dr. Vasudha Kamat from NCERT.

Navin Shenoy, VP & GM, SMG, Intel Asia Pacific, in his address spoke about the significance of education, its multiplier effect on a country and the huge potential it has for India. Navin felicitated the first and the millionth Intel Teach-trained teachers Nafisa Bhinderwala and Sujata Gohain Baruah respectively. He also honored Prof. M S Swaminathan, founder chairperson of M S Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF), P P Shrivastav, Chairman of North Eastern Regional Education Council, Dr. Warren Mellor, Director and UNESCO representative to India.

In her message on Intel’s effort (which was read out by Joint Secretary, Department of Education, Government of India, Minister of State for Human Resources, Smt. D Purandeshwari observed, "I would like to congratulate Intel as it celebrates its 10 years journey of supporting educational transformation in India. During this remarkable journey, Intel has demonstrated unwavering commitment towards enhancing the education system in the country through the effective ICT in education. Setting up a good Public Private Partnership, the company has worked closely with the education and other related departments."

The journey of supporting education transformation in India continues with renewed vigor towards the next milestone.