At a time when academic achievement, digital technology and artificial intelligence are reshaping education, Dr. Kannan Gireesh, psychiatrist, psychotherapist, counsellor and founder of Live Life Education, highlighted the importance of placing character development and emotional well-being at the heart of schooling. Speaking at the Maharashtra Educators’ Summit and Awards 2026, he called for a holistic approach that prepares children not only for academic success but also for the challenges of life. His address reflected a growing recognition within the education sector that meaningful learning must extend beyond textbooks and examinations. Dr. Gireesh began his address by reflecting on how childhood experiences and social interactions have changed over the years. Contrasting the shared experiences of watching television in earlier generations with today’s digitally connected world, he drew attention to the growing influence of screens and online platforms on young minds. He questioned whether schools and families were paying sufficient attention to what children were learning beyond their textbooks.
Beyond Academic Achievement
Drawing on his professional experience, Dr. Gireesh highlighted concerns surrounding student anxiety, loneliness, bullying, and excessive digital engagement. He observed that children may have numerous online connections yet lack someone they can trust with their personal struggles. He stressed that academic performance alone cannot indicate whether a child is emotionally healthy or feels accepted by their peers. He urged educators to look beyond examination results and recognise the importance of empathy, resilience, creativity, leadership, adaptability and critical thinking. These qualities, he explained, are essential for navigating a rapidly changing world in which technological advancements are transforming the nature of work. The discussion also highlighted the responsibility of schools to create environments where students can develop emotionally alongside their academic abilities. As conversations around student well-being gain prominence, EducationToday continues to provide a platform for perspectives that examine the wider responsibilities of educational institutions.
Character Is the Foundation of Education
A central message of his address was that character forms the foundation of personality and behaviour. Rather than focusing solely on correcting a child’s actions, schools must create environments that nurture positive values, responsible decision-making and self-awareness.
Dr. Gireesh emphasised that trust is fundamental to meaningful relationships between teachers and students. Children are more likely to listen, communicate openly and respond positively when they feel respected and understood. Recalling the influence of memorable teachers, he reminded the audience that students often carry the lessons and encouragement they receive from educators long after their school years have ended.
He also highlighted the importance of creating school cultures in which counselling is accepted, bullying is addressed effectively, and students feel safe seeking help without fear of judgement or ridicule.
Developing Essential Life Skills Through Schools
Explaining his approach to character education at Live Life Education, Dr. Gireesh discussed the importance of helping children become proactive, manage their time, establish goals, work collaboratively and understand others before reacting. He encouraged a shift from negative, reactive language towards expressions that promote responsibility and personal choice.
His approach draws on the seven habits framework to encourage leadership, mutual understanding, teamwork and purposeful action. He also stressed that every child has different strengths and abilities, making it essential for schools to recognise individual needs rather than judge all learners by identical expectations.
According to Dr. Gireesh, sustainable change begins with teachers and school leadership. Through teacher training, practical activities, games and the integration of character-building principles into everyday school life, educators can help students apply these skills beyond the classroom.
Making Every Child Feel Seen and Valued
At last, Dr. Gireesh shared the story of a student who gradually overcame his fear of public speaking, developed confidence, and eventually became his school’s head boy. The experience illustrated how consistent encouragement and practical life skills can help children recognise their potential.
His final message was a reminder for every educator to treat each student with the care they would offer their own child. While academic knowledge remains important, the relationships children build and the sense of belonging they experience can leave a lasting impression.
Dr. Gireesh called for schools to create environments where every child feels seen, heard, and valued, reinforcing the idea that meaningful education must nurture both the mind and the character.
Dr. Kannan Gireesh is an education and well-being professional who highlights the importance of character building and emotional well-being in education.
Character building helps students develop values such as integrity, empathy, responsibility, respect, and resilience that support their personal and social growth.
Emotional well-being helps students manage their feelings, build healthy relationships, cope with challenges, and engage more effectively in learning.
Schools can promote character building through value-based activities, collaborative projects, positive role modelling, community engagement, and everyday classroom practices.
Educators can create supportive classrooms, encourage open communication, teach emotional awareness, foster a sense of belonging, and connect students with appropriate support when needed.
