Multiple economic and lifestyle sectors have been influenced by technological advancements, and future occupations will be reserved for tech-savvy individuals; thus, children must get familiar with the newest technologies at a young age. While we may celebrate the new educational technology (EdTech) developments that emerged during the pandemic, they will be worthless if K12 institutions and of higher education do not begin to see the value of adopting a more holistic strategy for teaching and learning. Understanding this scenario, Dr. Latha Murthy - a veteran educator, established Empowered Minds in 2021 intending to bring cutting-edge technology into the classroom. Dr. Latha Murthy and other prominent educators and administrators with a combined 120 years of experience in the field of education, management, and technology are responsible for establishing Empowered Minds. Dr. Latha Murthy is the driving force behind the success of the organization owing to her 40 years of experience in the fields of education, teaching, academics, administration, management, training, curriculum creation, and directing schools.

What motivated you to establish Empowered Minds? Tell us about the underlying idea behind the company and some of its most unique features.

As an educator, I understood that our society needs a different type of creativity and innovative skills teaching, a homeschooling- style online classroom supported by a governing board. In light of this motivation, I founded Empowered Minds with the help of certain educators established Technology Empowered Subject Matter Skills Training Programs and now serve teachers & children from all across India and overseas. Additionally, we manage a fully accredited, online CBSE school known as the 3E(Engage-Educate-Empower) school. We don't have classroom boundaries because we want students from all over the world to be a part of our educational community. Our Teachers’ Training can reach all over the World through Online & Offline programs.

Empowered Minds’ the 3E Home School is an online school where both professors and students may participate from the convenience of their own homes while receiving an education from highly qualified instructors LIVE. Some parents may not be able to afford the 60,000–70,000 rupees required to send their child to a CBSE school, thus this is an alternative. Also, as our technology partner, Microsoft is an integral element of our educational approach and practices.

What are some of the most pressing challenges that you encounter as an educator? How do you successfully mitigate these challenges?

I know firsthand that as a teacher, my background gives me a distinct advantage when it comes to the unique challenges of bringing a wholesome diet to the student. We have modified our solutions to meet the standards and current demands. The education system needs to be revamped, and we intend to do just that by providing students with the tools they need to become independent thinkers. We are the innovators. But the only challenge I've encountered so far has been introducing innovative modalities to the classroom. Simply said, our educational system is locked in the past. It is incumbent upon them to consume something novel that will benefit the classroom educators and students. Furthermore, we need to be at the leading edge of 21st-century learning and teaching following UNESCO's Vision 2020. As an educational technology firm, we face this same difficulty while pitching our wares to prospective clients: Schools. That is why we advise our clients that, in the long run, this will benefit your school, even if it is happening slowly.

“My secret to success is always looking on the bright side of life; there is a solution to every difficulty, we just have to be patient”

In your opinion what are some of the most significant milestones that you have achieved throughout your professional journey?

Rather than follow my original plan of becoming a medical doctor, I went on to get a doctorate instead. Next, I made it a priority to make sure my children were all set up successfully; I have two sons: one who lives in Singapore and the other who runs a business in India for a company from the United States. I have never put my kids in a tutoring situation, nor have I ever sat with them, though I may have helped out sometimes. However, I've been telling them that they're on their own to figure things out. The kids need everything, even a sense of freedom. Despite my many responsibilities, I am glad that I have always been there for my loved ones. And my secret to success is always looking on the bright side of life; there is a solution to every difficulty, we just have to be patient. My family is a great support for my success!

In your opinion what is the state of education in the post-Covid 19 world? What steps can be taken to bring learning and education up to speed?

The current education system is rather decentralized. But they, in my opinion, need to take a more active stance, and they need to introduce a new approach to education. In reality, different persons with different skill sets and interests (someone in construction, someone in business) operate various educational institutions. All that has to happen is for the principles to adopt a new way of thinking. That's where India's people, and the country as a whole, fall short: in their outlook. As a principal myself, I can tell you that there are very few who are receptive to novel ideas or approaches to education. However, due to the administration, that option is closed to thousands of teachers. Their goal is to present a concept that they just cannot at this time. Since the management is clueless about what works best for students' education, their efforts to improve the school's environment are thwarted. This is the current state of affairs in India; if the ideas are implemented, principals have the potential to revolutionize every aspect of the education sector.

Dr. Latha Murthy, Founder & Chairwoman, Empowered Minds Edu Solutions LLP

Dr. Latha Murthy has been teaching for over 40 years and is an expert in the Preschool, CBSE, ICSE, IGCSE, and IB curricula. She is a forward-thinking individual who has taken more than a hundred Microsoft Certification courses and earned the Microsoft Innovative Educator credential. In 2021, Dr. Latha founded Empowered Minds with a vision to revolutionize the educational system.