“Challenges Are Opportunities To Innovate And Find Solutions”

How would you describe yourself?

Well, I would describe myself as a passionate educator, a lifelong learner and a committed leader in the field of education. I think my philosophy of education is centred on creating inclusive and dynamic learning environments that empower students to reach their full potential. What I thrive on is innovation, collaboration, and fostering a sense of purpose in everyone I work with.

One thing that comes to mind when you think of teaching profession?

Happiness. I’m happiest when I’m surrounded by children. They are full of energy, curiosity, and honesty. Their frankness keeps us grounded. While adults often filter their words, children speak their minds, reminding us to stay true to our purpose. That innocence and honesty should never be lost.

A quote that inspires you?

Nelson Mandela’s words resonate deeply with me: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”

Gone are the days when children feared the principal, or when the principal’s office was seen as a place of punishment, often used by teachers to discipline students. That mindset has changed.

What prompted you to become an educator?

My journey as an educator spans a little over 27 years. I began with the traditional classroom teaching and then evolved into leadership roles. I had the privilege of working across diverse curricula, including CBSE, Cambridge and IB in India, Botswana and the UAE.

Over the years, I’ve embraced innovative teaching methodologies, developed inclusive practices, and prioritised teacher development to ensure the best student learning outcomes. I believe that investing in teacher development programmes is, in essence, investing in the learning success of countless children. As a certified teacher trainer, I have conducted workshops and outreach programmes, equipping educators with modern pedagogical strategies and tools to enhance their teaching effectiveness.

My efforts have been recognised through various accolades and awards. As the principal of K.R. Mangalam World School, I lead a dedicated team that shares my vision for holistic and personalised education, fostering an inclusive environment where every learner thrives. This journey has been both fulfilling and transformative, and I remain committed to striving for excellence in shaping the future of education. I continuously explore new tools to raise awareness and connect with educators who are eager to learn and create meaningful change.

How has your journey as an administrator evolved over time, given your decade-long experience and international exposure? How do you see this evolution in the context of India specifically?

I believe administration in India is evolving. However, it still has deep-rooted traditional perceptions, where a school principal is often imagined as someone who sits on a high chair and gives commands. But true leadership is about leading from the front — it requires being a role model, walking the talk, and actively engaging in every aspect of a school’s functioning.

Gone are the days when children feared the principal, or when the principal’s office was seen as a place of punishment, often used by teachers to discipline students by saying, ‘I will take you to the Principal’s room.’ That mindset has changed. Internationally, this evolution has been even more positive.

Education today acknowledges the social, emotional, and even spiritual needs of children. A strong connection between the principal, school culture, and students, significantly impacts learning. When the school environment is positive, welcoming, and encourages self-expression, students become more confident and willing to participate. On the other hand, if a principal remains distant, only engaging with teachers and not the students, it creates a rigid culture where children may not feel comfortable. The culture of a school is a reflection of its leader, and if a principal fosters a happy and inclusive environment, it benefits both teachers and students, ultimately leading to better learning outcomes.

If we want students to see education as a fulfilling career choice, we must present teaching as a joyful and meaningful profession. If they don’t see happy, passionate educators, they won’t be inspired to choose this path.

You are among the few principals active on social media, breaking the stereotype of a principal as a serious authority figure…

Yes. When I attend principal meetings, I still notice a very traditional mindset — serious expressions, rigid approaches, and a belief that a principal must act in a certain way. But children and teachers relate to you as an individual, not just as an authority figure. You cannot lose your personal identity just because you hold a leadership position. If we want students to see education as a fulfilling career choice, we must present teaching as a joyful and meaningful profession. If they don’t see happy, passionate educators, they won’t be inspired to choose this path.

This is one of the reasons there is a shortage of teachers today. Teaching is often perceived as a stressful and undervalued profession. While financial concerns exist, the job satisfaction in education is immense. At the end of the day, when I reflect, I know I have added value to students’ and teachers’ lives, and that is deeply fulfilling.

Yes, leadership has changed and evolved over the years, and those who do not adapt are missing out on the opportunity to build a positive school culture.

That is true. One of the most fulfilling parts of being a teacher is watching your students blossom.

Absolutely. The relationships we build with students greatly influence their learning. If students look forward to engaging with you, they will come to school eagerly.

It’s heartwarming to see how much students trust their teachers. Many share personal stories they wouldn’t even tell their parents. This highlights the deep impact educators have on their lives, especially today, when many children grow up in nuclear families with busy, working parents. Schools often become their second homes.

As an administrator, how do you ensure students have a well-rounded school experience beyond academics?

I believe that every experience — inside or outside the classroom — should contribute to growth because learning is a lifelong journey.

While we follow the CBSE curriculum, we enhance it with international best practices. The NEP has given us flexibility, allowing us to provide diverse learning opportunities, especially up to Grade 8 and even beyond when it comes to subject choices. I personally work with my academic team to enrich the curriculum. For instance, in the next academic session, we are introducing dramatics as a subject, which is uncommon in CBSE schools. We are integrating AI, design thinking workshops, and student-led initiatives. Our student council actively participates in decision-making — they design the canteen menu, lead community projects, and work on prototypes to support differently-abled and underprivileged students. We also expose students to real-world learning through NGO visits, where they teach underprivileged children — whether in academics, dance, or music.

Additionally, we offer hands-on experiences like podcasting and interviewing experts. To develop life skills, we include subjects like mass media, culinary arts, tie-and-dye, textiles, hair and makeup. One of our unique initiatives is a Grandparents’ Day, where students engage with senior citizens, pampering them with makeovers and interviewing them about their experiences.

Ultimately, it’s about building a strong community connection because if we don’t nurture compassion in our children and focus on their overall development as individuals, academics alone won’t take them very far.

It’s about building a strong community connection because if we don’t nurture compassion in our children and focus on their overall development as individuals, academics alone won’t take them very far.

Challenges you have faced over the years?

One of the biggest challenges has been changing parental mindsets. Many parents still expect education to be limited to traditional chalk-and-talk methods, exams, and marks.

Another challenge is teacher upskilling. Many educators entered the profession because it was a convenient career option. Now, with the demand for innovation and transformation, some struggle to adapt. Changing one’s teaching approach after years of a fixed mindset is difficult.

Additionally, convincing management to invest in these changes has been an ongoing challenge. But challenges are opportunities to innovate and find solutions.

Your key learnings?

I have learned a lot through my journey, which led me to write two books — Elevating Education: from Chalk to Change; and Collaborative Classrooms (soon to be published).

In India, progressive leadership is still limited to a small section of society. A vast number of schools, particularly in rural areas, remain untouched by modern educational reforms. My goal in writing these books is to bridge that gap, sharing my learnings with a larger audience. If we don’t drive transformation at the grassroots level, we cannot truly impact the country’s educational progress.

I hope my books contribute to this movement. We are in discussions to incorporate my published book into M.Ed. and B.Ed. curricula, ensuring that aspiring educators benefit from these insights.

Want to discover more inspiring stories of amazing teachers? Click here

What’s next?

My upcoming book, Collaborative Classrooms, focuses on practical strategies for using collaboration as a teaching approach.

Beyond that, my ultimate vision is to create a sustainable education system that fosters resilience, empathy, and lifelong learning — shaping mindful global citizens and compassionate human beings. How and when will I achieve that? That’s a journey still unfolding.

And that will be a part of another book.

Yes.

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