When Good Word Public School first opened its doors, it did so with a conviction that education should not merely inform, but transform. What began as a modest effort to build an environment where learning and values could coexist has today evolved into one of Southern India’s most admired centres for holistic education.

Over the years, the institution has remained steadfast in its founding belief that true progress lies in shaping intellect with integrity. This philosophy has guided every step of its journey, from nurturing academic excellence to instilling empathy and moral strength in each learner who walks through its corridors.

The school’s progressive initiatives speak volumes of its forward-looking approach — introducing Robotics and Coding from Grade 3, adopting AI-driven tools like DeepGrade and Class Saathi, and establishing itself as an NIOS Centre to help more than 200 parents and learners complete formal education and vocational training in Tailoring, Fashion Designing, and Toy Making. These milestones underline its resolve to make education inclusive, relevant, and empowering.

It is this rare blend of tradition and transformation that has earned Good Word Public School a place among Southern India’s Education Changemakers, recognised at “Navigating the Future: Education’s Changemakers”, curated by The Economic Times in collaboration with e-store by Senrysa at EDNXT Chennai 2025.

In this conversation, I Jalaludeen, General Secretary & Correspondent of Good Word Public School, Chennai, reflects on the school’s guiding vision, defining milestones, and how its moral foundations continue to shape young minds for a world that needs wisdom as much as knowledge. Here is the edited excerpt:

What was the vision that guided your school to become a trailblazer in education, and how has this vision shaped your journey so far?

From its inception, Good Word Public School has been guided by a clear and compelling vision — to nurture intellectually vibrant, morally upright, and socially responsible individuals who can make a meaningful difference in the world.We believe true education should enlighten the mind and elevate the character. This belief has shaped every aspect of our journey — from classroom learning to community engagement. Our classrooms encourage empathy, integrity, and curiosity, while our programs combine academics with values-based initiatives.

By integrating digital learning tools and technology-enabled teaching, we ensure our students are not only knowledgeable but also guided by compassion and moral clarity.

Looking back, what turning points or bold decisions do you believe played a key role in your school’s success story?

Several pivotal decisions have defined our growth trajectory. One major turning point was our early transition to Activity-Based and Experiential Learning, allowing students to connect theoretical knowledge with real-world applications.

Another transformative step was introducing Robotics and Coding as compulsory subjects from Grade 3 onwards. This encouraged creativity, problem-solving, and ethical innovation. Complementing this, Abacus training enhanced students’ concentration and mental agility.

We also embraced digital solutions like Class Saathi, a smart classroom response system that fosters engagement, and DeepGrade, an AI-based grading tool ensuring fairness and accuracy.

In a socially empowering move, we became an NIOS (National Institute of Open Schooling) Centre for both academic and vocational education. Over 200 parents and students have since completed their 10th and 12th exams and gained skills in Tailoring, Aari Work, Fashion Designing, and Toy Making — transforming education into a tool of community empowerment.

Each step reaffirms our conviction that innovation must walk hand in hand with morality and inclusivity.

Every success story has its challenges. What were some of the major hurdles your school faced, and how did you overcome them?

One of our greatest challenges was maintaining a balance between educational modernization and core human values. As we integrated technology into classrooms, it was vital that our students remained rooted in empathy, humility, and discipline.

We addressed this through value-integrated learning — embedding moral lessons in academics, assemblies, and mentorship programs. Another challenge was ensuring teacher readiness for tech-driven education. We overcame this by investing in continuous professional development, training teachers not just as educators but as mentors of character and conscience.

This adaptability — grounded in values — helped us turn challenges into opportunities for growth.

How do you balance traditional values with modern, technology-driven education?

At Good Word Public School, we see tradition and technology as complementary rather than contradictory. Our cultural programs — such as Tamil Kalai Thiruvizha and Pongal celebrations — nurture respect for heritage and community bonding. The Botanical Garden within our campus fosters environmental awareness and mindfulness.

Simultaneously, through Robotics, Abacus, and Coding classes, students gain futuristic skills. Platforms like Class Saathi and DeepGrade enable personalised learning while keeping the educator’s emotional connection intact.

This balance ensures our students are both intellectually equipped and ethically grounded — ready to lead with heart and mind.

Could you share one or two innovative practices that helped your school gain recognition at “Navigating the Future: Education’s Changemakers”?

Two initiatives truly set us apart.

The first is our Comprehensive Skill Development Framework, which integrates academics, technology, and physical education. Alongside Robotics and Abacus, we offer a diverse range of sports and activities — from Silambam, Archery, and Skating to Football, Basketball, and Kho-Kho — building teamwork, resilience, and humility.

The second is the Good Word Liberty Council, a democratically elected student body that nurtures leadership, accountability, and civic responsibility.

We also take pride in our Technology-Integrated Moral Learning Environment, where digital tools enhance inclusivity and engagement without compromising ethics. Our students regularly conduct public awareness campaigns — “Switch Off Mobile, Switch On Life,” “Say No to Drugs,” “Save Trees, Save Life,” and “Water Conservation” — fostering civic consciousness and social empathy.

Together, these initiatives make our school a living example of holistic education — nurturing the head, hand, and heart.

What does this recognition mean for your school, teachers, and students, and how do you plan to carry this legacy forward?

Being recognised by The Economic Times as one of Southern India’s Education Changemakers is both a privilege and a responsibility. It reaffirms our guiding belief that character precedes competence.

For our teachers, it celebrates their unwavering dedication; for our students, it serves as an inspiration to blend excellence with ethics; and for our institution, it strengthens our mission to redefine moral and intellectual education.

Moving forward, we aim to:

• Expand our digital learning ecosystem while maintaining human connection.
• Strengthen value education and sustainability projects, including our green campus initiatives.
• Introduce community leadership and sustainability modules to nurture civic sense.
• Continue empowering parents through NIOS and vocational programs, ensuring education uplifts families and communities alike.

Ultimately, this recognition reminds us that true educational leadership is about leaving behind a legacy of values, vision, and virtue that continues to inspire generations.