CHENNAI: Something as simple as loosening the rigid structure of our academic institutes can go a long way in promoting creativity in students. The question, ‘What do institutions need to do to make our students more creative’ was best answered by Sharon Apparao, well-known art curator.
According to her, a restrictive environment doesn’t allow students the freedom to exhibit their talent. She remarked that to promote creativity among students, the institutions need to be different in their approach. “They must be flexible, dynamic and allow the students to be who they are,” she opined. Sharon advocated that institutions must not judge the students and added,”There must be patronage of creative talents as well as providing a platform for the same.”
Chairing the session, dancer and actor Swarnamalaya Ganesh stated the younger generation are more than just a human resource or workforce, instead they are to be seen as an ‘individual identity’. She advocated for the serious engagement of subjects like history and literature in the learning process, something which at present is considered as just an extra-curricular aspect.
Stating that even the purest form of arts is governed by a system of knowledge, she said, “The search for knowledge even in sciences can look at non-formal methods and practical forms.” She also said the concept of ‘Gurukulams’ must be looked at seriously.