Sundar Krishnan : Transforming Learning Approach In The Modern Era
Sundar Krishnan
CEO
In this interview, Sundar shares his valuable experience in the education industry.
Can you give us a brief overview of your professional journey?
My journey has been fascinating, exciting, and fast paced. I began with exposure to an international organization, the UNDP, working alongside an IAS officer on national programs that were being implemented for the first time. This was my introduction to the development sector. How ever, during the dotcom boom, I transitioned from UNDP's programs to the tech field. But I quickly realized that my true passion lay in the development space. I returned to work that combined technology and development, specifically technology for Development. In 2002, I joined Media Lab Asia, an initiative by MIT Media Labs for the Asia region.
During that time, under the leadership of the then IT Minister, we launched an ambitious project in collaboration with all the IITs, where we conducted numerous pilots and eventually scaled the initiative. This experience gave me significant exposure to how technology can bring substantial change for the masses.
Since then, I've continued working in the tech for development fields, spending many years with organizations like the American India Foundation, Reach to Teach and Kailash Satyarthi Children’s Foundation and a stint at the
intersection of tech, policy, and law, where I was involved in advocacy and policy initiatives, particularly with the Ministry of IT, through my work with the Software Freedom Law Center SFLC.in.
How was your experience at Faculty Management Studies?
FMS provides a platform where talented students and experienced professionals come together to study subjects of interest. I specialized in finance, and the rigorous, industry-oriented approach at FMS offered valuable insights. The focus was on practical applications, showing how the theory we learned could be used in real world scenarios.
How does Experifun maintain its position as an innovative learning platform in today's digital era?
At Experifun, we are actively integrating important developments into our STEM programs. Whether it is Science, Maths, or Robotics, we invest in product development to bring upgrades that incorporate 21stcentury skills such as critical thinking, problem solving, and collaborative learning, with experiential learning as the bedrock of our approach.
One key focus is incorporating environmental projects to address the current climate crisis, emphasizing that it’s not a future issue but a present one. For example, we’ve introduced the concept of "green muscle memory", which intertwines the seven pillars of the circular economy, and we are working on integrating this into school systems through our STEM labs. The goal is to build environmental awareness in students from a young age, nurturing them to become responsible, conscious citizens who understand the importance of solving environmental issues. By instilling such practices early, they develop problem solving skills and a deep understanding of how their actions impact the environment.
What trends or opportunities do you foresee in the education sector?
Looking ahead, three key trends and opportunities are emerging in the education sector. The rise of AI and other technological advancements will become integral to the Indian education system. Teachers will need to
How was your experience at Faculty Management Studies?
FMS provides a platform where talented students and experienced professionals come together to study subjects of interest. I specialized in finance, and the rigorous, industry-oriented approach at FMS offered valuable insights. The focus was on practical applications, showing how the theory we learned could be used in real world scenarios.
The goal is to build environmental awareness in students from a young age, nurturing them to become responsible, conscious citizens who understand the impor-tance of solving env-ironmental issues
How does Experifun maintain its position as an innovative learning platform in today's digital era?
At Experifun, we are actively integrating important developments into our STEM programs. Whether it is Science, Maths, or Robotics, we invest in product development to bring upgrades that incorporate 21stcentury skills such as critical thinking, problem solving, and collaborative learning, with experiential learning as the bedrock of our approach.
One key focus is incorporating environmental projects to address the current climate crisis, emphasizing that it’s not a future issue but a present one. For example, we’ve introduced the concept of "green muscle memory", which intertwines the seven pillars of the circular economy, and we are working on integrating this into school systems through our STEM labs. The goal is to build environmental awareness in students from a young age, nurturing them to become responsible, conscious citizens who understand the importance of solving environmental issues. By instilling such practices early, they develop problem solving skills and a deep understanding of how their actions impact the environment.
What trends or opportunities do you foresee in the education sector?
Looking ahead, three key trends and opportunities are emerging in the education sector. The rise of AI and other technological advancements will become integral to the Indian education system. Teachers will need to
adapt by integrating technology to enhance learning experiences, making them more engaging, personalized, and efficient.
An increased focus on competency-based education will prioritize mastery of skills over traditional time based learning, allowing students to progress based on their understanding.
As the world becomes more interconnected, interdisciplinary learning and problem-solving will be crucial. While a broad understanding is valuable, specialization will become increasingly important as students dive deeper into specific subjects. This specialized knowledge equips them with the expertise needed to solve complex problems effectively.
What is the future roadmap you envision for your journey?
My vision is to establish myself as a thought leader in the field of education and development. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of experiencing diverse educational landscapes across the country, from the northern regions like Uttarakhand and Punjab to the southern states like Tamil Nadu, Kerala and even in the aspirational districts of Northeast Assam. Growing up in an urban environment in Delhi has given me a unique perspective on the varying challenges and opportunities present in different regions.
Looking ahead, my primary goal is to contribute to making the world a better place through transformative education. I am committed to shifting the traditional approach of rote learning to a more conceptual and meaningful method of education. By focusing on deep learning and understanding, I aim to help children develop critical thinking skills and a genuine passion for knowledge. This will enable them to become responsible citizens who can contribute positively to society.
By fostering an environment that encourages curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking, I hope to inspire a new generation of learners who are not only knowledgeable but also capable of addressing the complex challenges of the future. This holistic approach to education will ultimately lead to a more informed, innovative, and equitable society.
Sundar Krishnan, CEO, Experifun
An MBA holder, Sundar Krishnan is on a mission to make education fun while building an environment for children to innovate and learn.
An increased focus on competency-based education will prioritize mastery of skills over traditional time based learning, allowing students to progress based on their understanding.
As the world becomes more interconnected, interdisciplinary learning and problem-solving will be crucial. While a broad understanding is valuable, specialization will become increasingly important as students dive deeper into specific subjects. This specialized knowledge equips them with the expertise needed to solve complex problems effectively.
What is the future roadmap you envision for your journey?
My vision is to establish myself as a thought leader in the field of education and development. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of experiencing diverse educational landscapes across the country, from the northern regions like Uttarakhand and Punjab to the southern states like Tamil Nadu, Kerala and even in the aspirational districts of Northeast Assam. Growing up in an urban environment in Delhi has given me a unique perspective on the varying challenges and opportunities present in different regions.
Looking ahead, my primary goal is to contribute to making the world a better place through transformative education. I am committed to shifting the traditional approach of rote learning to a more conceptual and meaningful method of education. By focusing on deep learning and understanding, I aim to help children develop critical thinking skills and a genuine passion for knowledge. This will enable them to become responsible citizens who can contribute positively to society.
By fostering an environment that encourages curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking, I hope to inspire a new generation of learners who are not only knowledgeable but also capable of addressing the complex challenges of the future. This holistic approach to education will ultimately lead to a more informed, innovative, and equitable society.
Sundar Krishnan, CEO, Experifun
An MBA holder, Sundar Krishnan is on a mission to make education fun while building an environment for children to innovate and learn.