Mr. Bashudev Niraula, Principal of Kautilya Global School, is a scholarly figure and a key figure in the advancement of education in Nepal. He began his academic career at Kankai School, Jhapa, and has over thirty years of experience in the field of education. Mr. Nirola emphasized the importance of ethical education rooted in Eastern philosophy combined with skills and technology. Recently, he shared his insights with College Readers during a brief interview.

You have extensive experience in the education sector and currently lead Kautilya Global School, advocating progressive education for the 21st century. Many people do not fully grasp the concept of progressive education. Could you enlighten us on what progressive education entails?

Progressive education is an activity-based learning approach. An appropriate learning environment is essential for real learning. Merely possessing bookish knowledge is not sufficient to evaluate overall learning achievement. Therefore, in progressive education, the learning environment is tailored to the learners' natural abilities. It involves a continuous learning and assessment process that emphasizes the learners' diverse capabilities and unique talents. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities are integrated into the curriculum. The innate talent, capacity, and performance of the learners are assessed to determine actual achievement. The students' overall performance is a reflection of their learning achievement.

In recent days, there has been widespread discussion about progressive education in Nepal that best suits the 21st century. What progressive approaches have you adopted for this program?

We have all the prerequisites in place for progressive education, including physical infrastructure, curriculum development, and human resource management. We aim to fully implement progressive education in our school by the end of the 2080BS academic session. We are prepared to run classes from Play Group to Grade Five in a progressive model from the beginning of this academic year. The syllabi for Grades 6 and 7 are also almost finalized. Our focus now is on developing the curriculum for Grades 8, 9, and 10 in line with our mission.

The curriculum at Kautilya is designed to tap into the multiple intelligences of our students. We emphasize both co-curricular and extra-curricular activities as integral parts of the learning process. We have enlisted well-known national figures from various fields such as sports, dance, music, arts, and Scouts to help uncover the hidden talents of our students. In addition, activities like PowerPoint presentations, field trips, problem-solving sessions, and virtual idea-sharing are conducted to engage students inside and outside the classroom. We not only impart knowledge but also focus on its practical application. For example, when teaching about the Bagmati River, we take students to its source near Chovar to show how pollution is caused by human activities. This practical approach helps students explore solutions to make the river pollution-free. Our teaching philosophy emphasizes core values and encourages students to reflect on their behavior. The progressive education syllabus at Kautilya integrates knowledge, skills, culture, and technology.

How has your school worked to engage parents and the community to improve the quality of education?

Without parental and community support, schools struggle to meet the educational needs of students. At Kautilya School, we prioritize parental and community engagement to improve education quality. Through initiatives like PTAs, Open Houses, seminars, and workshops, we promote collaboration. Our events cover topics like parenting strategies and curriculum changes, empowering parents to support their child's education effectively. We aim to create a supportive environment where parents, teachers, and the community collaborate to enhance education quality and student

What suggestions would you like to convey to the parents, students, and readers of this magazine as the Principal of Kautilya School?

Kautilya School is at the forefront of progressive education. We are dedicated to nurturing independent learners who will grow into responsible citizens. To support our mission, we provide education that integrates knowledge, skills, technology, and culture. Our approach to education is tech-friendly. While progressive education may come at a higher cost, its impact is transformative. Our goal is to cultivate technologically adept individuals for the 21st century, a feat achievable only through progressive education. Success hinges on fostering a harmonious relationship among parents, students, and supporters. As the Principal, I wish to reassure our esteemed parents, students, and well-wishers that Kautilya remains steadfast in achieving our mission collectively.