By Indranil Mukherjee

National Teacher Awardee 2025

In the modern classroom, we are witnessing a profound “Digital Paradox.” While technology is an undeniable pillar of contemporary education, its pervasive misuse is quietly eroding the cognitive and physical faculties of our youth. As an educator honored with the National Teachers’ Award, I have observed that the boundary between digital utility and deadly addiction has vanished. To safeguard our future, we must champion a new psychological breakthrough: the “I CAN SWITCH OFF MY MOBILE PHONE” movement.

The Crisis of Creativity

The shift from technological mastery to technological slavery is driven by the blind imitation of digital trends. When a student’s world is reduced to a five-inch screen, their capacity for original thought shrinks. My campaign seeks to shift this paradigm. The goal is not total abstinence from technology, but the reclamation of autonomy. We must teach students to be the controllers of the machine, ensuring that their creativity is not a casualty of the “scroll.”

The Biological Toll

Digital addiction is not merely a behavioral issue; it is a physiological crisis. Excessive mobile use disrupts the “biological clock” (circadian rhythm), leading to a cascade of health complications:

Mental Health: Late-night screen exposure is a primary trigger for adolescent insomnia, which frequently spirals into anxiety and depression.

Physical Imbalance: The blue light from screens, coupled with an irregular lifestyle, causes serious hormonal shifts and early-onset vision impairment.

The Strategy for Recovery: Books and Playgrounds

The roadmap for recovery lies in returning to the “Book Page.” Unlike the fast-paced, fragmented nature of social media “reels,” traditional reading fosters deep imagination and critical thinking. By promoting a balance between the reading table and the playground, we provide students with the physical activity and dedicated study environments necessary to rebuild their health and focus.

A Social Responsibility

This movement is more than a local initiative; it is a vital social intervention. For a country to be truly self-reliant and developed, its next generation must be healthy and free from digital dependency. This is a collective mission. Every parent, teacher, and policymaker must join this call to action to ensure our students remain masters of their tools, rather than slaves to their screens.

Excellence Education Academy (EEA) has officially launched Goa’s first CTH-UK accredited culinary institute, introducing Ofqual-regulated British qualifications in Culinary Arts, Cruise Management, Bakery & Patisserie, Bartending, and Hospitality Management.

The inauguration marks a significant milestone for skill-based education in India, positioning Goa as a serious contender in global hospitality training.

What is CTH and Why It Matters

CTH (Confederation of Tourism & Hospitality, UK) is a globally recognised awarding body regulated by Ofqual (UK government regulator of qualifications).

Being CTH-accredited means:

• Internationally benchmarked curriculum
  
• Structured assessment standards
  
• Global credibility
  
• Pathways to higher education in the UK
  
• Strong industry relevance
  

Excellence Education Academy is the first and only CTH-accredited culinary institute in Goa, offering qualifications that align with global hospitality education frameworks.

Strong Government & Industry Backing

The inauguration ceremony was attended by senior government officials, hospitality leaders, and culinary icons.

The event was graced by Rohan Khaunte, Minister for Tourism & Skill Development, who emphasised the importance of structured vocational training in elevating Goa’s tourism and hospitality ecosystem.

Celebrity Chef Kunal Kapur delivered the keynote address, highlighting the urgent need for recognised, skill-focused institutions that produce industry-ready professionals rather than just degree holders.

Ms. Jayant Chauhan, Country Head – CTH India, Bhutan & Nepal, reaffirmed the academy’s adherence to international standards and global qualification frameworks.

Placement-Focused, Industry-Ready Model

Excellence Education Academy is not just another hospitality institute  it is built around employability.

The academy has already begun building strong industry linkages to support:

• Internship placements
  
• Cruise career pathways
  
• Hotel management opportunities
  
• International exposure
  
• Industry mentorship programs
  

With India’s hospitality sector projected to create millions of jobs in the coming decade, EEA focuses on closing the skill gap through:

• Hands-on kitchen training
  
• Professional grooming
  
• Communication & interview preparation
  
• Resume development
  
• Career guidance & placement assistance
  

Students are trained not only in technical expertise but also in confidence, presentation, and adaptability qualities that modern hospitality employers demand.

State-of-the-Art Infrastructure in India’s Tourism Hub

Strategically located in Goa, India’s premier tourism destination, Excellence Education Academy offers:

• Professional-grade kitchens
  
• Industry-standard training environments
  
• Practical learning modules
  
• Globally aligned British curriculum
  

The academy leverages strong industry networks through the Majestic Group, international collaborations with CTH UK, hotel chains, government skill agencies, and professional associations.

Why Excellence Education Academy Stands Apart

• First & Only CTH Accredited Culinary Institute in Goa
  
• Ofqual-Regulated British Qualifications
  
• End-to-End Career Development Model
  
• Strong Industry & Celebrity Endorsement
  
• Placement Assistance & Global Pathways
  

The institution aims to elevate service standards, enhance employability, and contribute to Goa’s growth as a global hospitality education destination.

Admissions Now Open – March Intake

Admissions for the upcoming academic batch are now open.

With limited seats and early enrolment benefits available, prospective students are encouraged to apply at the earliest.

Excellence Education Academy invites aspiring chefs, hospitality professionals, and entrepreneurs to begin their global career journey through structured, internationally recognised training.

About Excellence Education Academy (EEA)

Excellence Education Academy is a premier hospitality and culinary training institute based in Goa, India. As a CTH-UK accredited institute, EEA offers internationally recognised British qualifications designed to prepare students for global hospitality careers.

Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh: Residents of Premnagar and nearby areas have a new reason to shop local as Rishabh Super Mart has officially opened its doors in Premnagar Market, Bhopapur (PIN: 221202). The newly launched neighborhood super mart is offering attractive discounts ranging from 2% to 50% across a wide range of daily-use products, making it a one-stop destination for household needs at budget-friendly prices.

Located in the heart of Premnagar Market, the store marks the first full-fledged super mart in the locality, a development that local shoppers have long awaited. With an extensive inventory covering groceries, household items, crockery, pooja samagri, and other essential products, Rishabh Super Mart aims to simplify everyday shopping for families while helping them save on regular expenses.

According to store representatives, the launch is focused on convenience, affordability, and product variety. “Our goal is to provide all daily necessities under one roof at discounted rates so that customers do not have to travel far or pay higher prices,” a spokesperson said during the opening. “This is the first time Premnagar Market has a super mart format store, and we want residents to experience modern retail benefits right in their neighborhood.”

The store’s discount structure ranges from modest savings on staple grocery items to deep price cuts on select household and crockery products. Early shoppers visiting on opening day reported significant savings on commonly purchased items such as pulses, cooking oil, packaged foods, cleaning supplies, and pooja materials.

Local residents have welcomed the opening, noting that the availability of discounted essentials within walking distance will reduce travel time and overall household spending. Small retailers in the area also see potential benefits, as increased footfall in the market could boost overall commercial activity.

Retail observers note that neighborhood super marts are increasingly expanding beyond metro cities into tier-2 and semi-urban markets, responding to growing consumer demand for organized retail and price transparency. The launch of Rishabh Super Mart reflects this trend, bringing structured retail offerings to a traditionally unorganized market area.

With festival seasons and household purchasing cycles approaching, store management expects strong demand in the coming weeks. Customers are encouraged to visit early to take advantage of launch discounts, as promotional offers may vary by product and availability.

Store Details
Name: Rishabh Super Mart
Location: Premnagar Market, Bhopapur, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh – 221202
Offer: 2%–50% discount on grocery, household, crockery, pooja samagri, and everyday essential products

The store is now open to the public, inviting residents of Premnagar and surrounding villages to explore a wide selection of daily-use goods at discounted prices.