Mumbai reported no loss of life due to Covid today, which is welcome news, and with the Economist publishing an article that we may be witnessing the end of the pandemic and the beginning of an epidemic, the world at large recognizes the reality of living with the virus with all social distancing norms and protocols that allow for normalcy (well some will argue it is not like before, but for many, the simple act of stepping out and engaging with all norms, is in fact “normal” finally). What does this mean for us in the education space in India, and particularly Maharashtra? Can the youngest, and the most vulnerable who have been in continued lockdown be allowed to resume their world of learning as they were meant to in physical classrooms?
As many States that have seen low rates commenced schools for the younger lot, Maharashtra continues to exercise caution, and for good reason in most parts (some rural areas have commenced operations for the younger ones but not the big cities like Mumbai). The festive season does add to the woes and the task force is taking a more precautionary view given the fact that this city and many parts of Maharashtra witnessed carnage close to 8 months ago. Those memories, and realities cannot be wiped out easily.
Malls have opened for those that are double vaccinated – this is a good sign. Precautions. With steady supply of vaccines now available in public and private hospitals, the access issue that plagued the State is no longer an excuse, and in fact those not scheduling their doses need to have a solid explanation other than personal choice. WHO has published several findings that the severity affects those that are not vaccinated, so now we have concrete data to back what governments have been urging their citizens to do. Cinemas open in the city from October 22nd, as have all religious places, so the fact that more and more are being vaccinated and the news of under 18 also joining this number means that we are slowly crawling to a world where everyone can step out. But what about early learning centres?
Educators have been appealing to government officials to adopt a “staggered” approach to opening, where wards with no cases, and maximum vaccinations, can be allowed to re-open with all norms in place for teachers, parents and students. This includes family vaccination status, and teachers that are double vaccinated, proximity to medical facilities, infrastructure upgrades to have the necessary social distancing, orientation for parents and students and a carefully planned transport and cafeteria service. If these “clusters” as I like to call it can manage with efficiency, then the SOPs can be modified in a way that allows others to open?
The good news yesterday was that Tamil Nadu joined other States, and will resume schools – playschools, kindergarten from November 1st? Can this be the good news that Mumbai receives?
Mumbai are we ready? While I can safely say teachers, and managements are all geared up following strict steps to ensure that they are fully equipped, the decision ultimately lies with the parent who will or will not send their little ones to school. For me personally, it is now upto the educators to instil confidence and assure parents by orienting them, guiding them and walking them through the safety protocols, and ensuring that families continue to operate in bubbles. Because what happens after school hours, is the worry for all. In school checks will be in place but what everyone one does after school hours is the real concern. And there is enough on social media to know that the masks do come off!
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Fatema Agarkar, Founder and Chairperson , Agarkar Centre of Excellence (ACE)
Veteran of 3 educational start-ups , now Founder of the Agarkar Centre of Excellence, Fatema’s passion for teaching-learning and children defines the different roles she has crafted in 20 years – as an edupreneur, educator and mentor.
Fatema who is a State and University topper as part of the prestigious Mumbai based Sydenham College of Commerce & Economics, holds a degree of Masters in Business Administration (MBA) from Birmingham (UK), apart from her B.ED and ECCE degrees amassed when she decided education was her calling. Having kick-started her career in the corporate world and working with premier organizations like Commerzbank, Times of India and Egon Zehnder International, she always had an inner urge to bring about an enhancement in the sphere of education..
As an educationist and life-long learner, she has come a long way to intertwine modern methods of learning, teaching and customizing education as per the student’s intellectual requisites thus eradicating stress that stems from the education system. She has been sedulous in making comprehensive alterations in the education field in India. Being a risk-taker, Fatema has been focusing on the generation of innovative educational modules and her in-depth academic know-how, nothing but truly defines her ceaseless passion. Her name is synonymous with successful education models of the country and she is adjudged as Education World’s top 50 Educators in the year 2020. Adding more feathers to her hat, she has also been the recipient of several prestigious awards for her outstanding contribution to the field of education in the years 2013 and 2015.
Fatema has been awarded by Giants Group for her outstanding contribution to the field of education in 2012, the Young Achiever’s Award in the year 2017, Singapore based, Best of Asia’s, ‘Enterprising Educator in the year 2018 and as an entrepreneur ‘Best Edupreneur 2019 and Best Leadership’ by Progressive Academic Excellence India (Maharashtra 2019) and one of the 10th finest inspirational educators in 2019 by TKR, India . Her name is synonymous with successful education models of the country and she is adjudged as Education World’s top 50 Educators in the year 2020. Adding more feathers to her hat With close to 2 decades of experience in education, Fatema is the recipient of several honours including the Indian Achiever’s Award 2021. In July 2023, Fatema was also awarded the ‘Mumbai’s top Women Leader’ award by the CMO Asia National Awards’ (10th edition). Fatema is also a Jury Member for Cambridge School Recognition Awards 2025.
Having being associated with leading high school brands like DRS International, Hyderabad, NSS Hill Spring International, Mumbai, The Gera School, Goa, D Y Patil High School, Talegaon (Pune), SVM, Ratnagiri by the Gadre family, The Excellere World School, Gurgaon, JBCN International Schools, Mumbai, Fatema has now close to 40 pre-schools and high schools that she has set up from the grassroot level including a school for special needs’.
Fatema is on the Advisory Board of several Trusts including EduTech India, Wockhardft Foundation as well as a jury member, Education World Awards, a platform that recognizes the efforts of educators pan India. Fatema is also the Vice President for Early Childhood Association (ECA) and the Mumbai Territory Head for Association for Primary Education & Research (APER) in India. Fatema has been appointed as the global ambassador of the Commonwealth Entrepreneurs Club. . Fatema is on the advisory board of the All-India Gaming Federation (AIGF) and currently appointed as the National Council Member for Financial Literacy & Management by WICCI. Given her access to parents and her ability to provide age appropriate strategies to enable them to make more informed choices, Fatema’s passion remains counselling in the hope that effective parenting will enable children to benefit the most.
Fatema is also the special advisor of the Child Chapter Association (CCA), a non-governmental organisation registered as a Section 8. company under the Companies Act, 2013 whose mission is to spread awareness and eliminate child abuse, including child sexual abuse. Her role as a special advisor of CCA includes providing advice and guidance for their special outreach programs for Schools and teachers that tap into the child psyche and help them raise their voice against abuse. Fatema also played an instrumental role in the development of the CCA comic books and characters for their global campaign for child abuse awareness and prevention.
Currently, Fatema is the Advisor & Mentor to Finland International School, Race Course and on course to start her own school in 2026. As a TedX speaker, and a avid blogger, Fatema is passionate about sharing her knowledge amassed and inspiring stakeholders be it teachers, parents or students.
Her vision includes set up up of Soup Kitchens, Foster Homes and a community centre for the elderly under the Agarkar Foundation in time.
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