Bhubaneswar: Nobel Laureate and Ford Foundation International Professor of Economics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA, Abhijit Vinayak Banerjee, underscored the immense implications of the SEN project for children with special needs.
The Indian-born American economist was speaking at the KiiT International School’s SEN Globe Department on its 11th Foundation Day on the theme ‘Empowering Beyond Labels’.
“We are all different. We constantly try to attribute success in fixed ways, and that obsession often comes from how we look at economics and productivity. But we all make choices in the world, and it is our responsibility to discover what is truly productive,” he said.
Banerjee strongly criticised rigid learning methods, particularly in mathematics. “By insisting on a single way of doing maths, we discourage children. We suppress their innovative ways of thinking and their different approaches to words and numbers. This is where we unknowingly stand in the way of education,” he observed.
Emphasising opportunity over labelling, he added, “You should give children opportunities, and they will take them. Instead
of deciding who is capable and who is not, we should nurture the abilities that each child has.”
Founder of KIIT and KISS Dr Achyuta Samanta, expressed his admiration for the Nobel Laureate. “Today, we have with us a wonderful human being, Abhijeet Banerjee ji. He has delivered a beautiful and meaningful lecture for all of you,” he said. Dr. Samanta also highlighted the uniqueness of KiiTIS SEN Globe, stating that no other international school integrates children with special needs into mainstream education in such a comprehensive way. “These children are gaining confidence, and that is our biggest achievement,” he added.
In her welcome address, Chairperson KiiT International School Mona Lisa Bal noted how Banerjee’s pioneering research on poverty alleviation and educational interventions resonates with SEN Globe’s efforts to support children with special educational needs through structured, evidence-informed practices.
She highlighted the work of special educators, psychologists, and therapists who constantly strive to provide individualised support so that every learner can thrive.
The cultural segment of the celebration featured performances by SEN Globe students, including music and dance that showcased their confidence, creativity, and joy. A graceful classical performance by Bal Shakti Puraskar Korok Biswas particularly moved the audience.
The programme included the felicitation of teachers and staff in recognition of their dedication to nurturing neurodivergent learners with patience, empathy, and professionalism.