India’s vast and diverse educational landscape requires more than just teachers; it demands a wide array of education professionals to address challenges such as language diversity and curriculum development. Azim Premji University is leading efforts to nurture such professionals through its postgraduate programs, aligning with the National Education Policy’s vision to transform India’s education system.

The COVID-19 pandemic led to a shift towards technology-driven education, prompting Azim Premji University to adopt inclusive, student-centric teaching methods. A recent survey highlighted the importance of addressing diversity in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) classrooms through group work, multimedia resources, and tailored support for neurodivergent students.

It is perhaps too well known to students, parents and educators alike that the Indian higher education system is highly competitive. While some competition may be unavoidable, the question is - are some aspects of this competitive environment unnecessary, or even toxic? In this article, biology researcher and educator Anil Kumar Challa, from the Shiv Nadar Institution of Eminence, Delhi NCR presents a perspective on why a collaborative environment is better than a competitive one.