“Every Child Should Feel Valued In School”

For her, nothing is more satisfying than seeing the smiles on her students’ faces. Meet Dr Charu Sharma, Principal, Dr Rajendra Prasad KV, who says that her happy and content pupils are her biggest motivation. Read on to know more about her…

Quote that inspires you?

Actually, there are two quotes that inspire me:

“If you salute your duty, you need not salute anybody. But if you pollute your duty, you have to salute everybody” – Dr APJ Abdul Kalam

“Destiny is not a matter of chance; it is a matter of choice. It is not a thing to be waited for, it is a thing to be achieved.” – William Jennings Bryan.

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

I really feel that I am truly blessed. In a way, especially when working with children who don’t have anyone else as a campus in their lives, you are shaping their destiny beyond just the day-to-day, without them even realising their inner potential. When that potential emerges so well, it is an incredibly satisfying experience.

How has the journey been from a teacher to an administrator?

I think that even when I was a teacher, I was a leader in my own way. In a school system, a principal cannot run the school alone. He or she has to build a team. I was always part of a team that, in some way, contributed to the school’s growth.

That’s why I can say that the transition from being a teacher to becoming a principal has given me greater exposure. As a physics teacher, I was focused on my subject, but now I have the freedom to be involved in all aspects of a child’s holistic growth—whether it’s English, Hindi, folklore, sports, or the innovation, all kinds of things.

That’s what keeps me excited every time. Even after 15 years of service as a principal, I still feel the thrill and excitement. Whatever I do, I approach it as if I’m doing it for the first time.

Every school had a different challenge. Through conviction and personal experience, I’ve come to believe that no challenge is unachievable — everything has a solution if our intentions are clear.

What prompted you to take teaching as a career?

Honestly, it happened because my father was also a teacher. He persuaded me to be a teacher. It wasn’t initially by choice, I could say, or perhaps I just wasn’t that aware. We had our education in a small town, so I didn’t have the freedom to decide my future. I simply followed the path my father set for me.

Challenges you faced over the years?

I am very adventurous. I have been a principal for 15 years, served in six Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs). Every school had a different challenge. It has now become a habit for me to view challenges as opportunities.

Through conviction and personal experience, I’ve come to believe that no challenge is unachievable — everything has a solution if our intentions are clear.

I always consider the end goal: What will be asked of me? If I can honestly say that what I’m doing is in the best interest of my students or even my teachers, then I know others will understand. That’s how I’ve moved forward, and it’s how I feel.

Others see me as a successful leader, and I believe that’s the key to it.

From KVs in Uttarkhand to KV in President’s Estate. How challenging is it?

President’s Estate – the name itself is a big honour. This has also been the most challenging journey of my tenure.

Initially, it was a Sarvodaya Vidyalaya, and the task before us was to convert it into a Kendriya Vidyalaya. It wasn’t a typical transition; it was something entirely different. All the teachers were replaced, and we had a new staff but the same students. The emotional support needed for the students, especially given their family backgrounds and the fact that the school provided free meals, free education, was immense.

The challenges in shaping, moulding, and emotionally supporting these children were significant. But when I see the spark in their eyes, I know that all the effort was worth it. Now, when people acknowledge our presence in Rashtrapati Bhavan, we accept it with humility and grace.

However, the journey to this point was far from smooth, as many might think. It was, however, incredibly satisfying, especially knowing that my teachers were successful in helping these children reach their fullest potential.

How do you ensure that your students have a well-rounded and fulfilling school experience beyond academics?

We have plenty of other activities—science exhibitions, green initiatives, zero-plastic campaigns, theatre, and many more. Gradually, the culture has shifted to where students understand that they need to be happy as well.

Academics alone don’t make a child happy. There are so many things that can bring smiles to their faces, and everyone should feel valued. If a child is not excelling in academics, they should never feel isolated. That’s my belief.

How are you keeping your teachers motivated?

I plan very well and provide strong support to my teachers. I guide them and never simply hand them problems. I encourage them to come up with solutions, and I do the same. Together, we reach a consensus on what needs to be institutionalised. For example, for academic purposes, we establish a structured pattern for remedial work and revision.

Initially, teachers who haven’t had this level of exposure might feel uncomfortable or burdened. That’s just how the journey begins. But as results start to show, teachers become motivated. They also develop a healthy sense of competition, and their ambitions grow. Often, they express surprise at discovering potential within themselves that they didn’t know existed.

In a school setup, we need all kinds of strengths: intellectual, creative and physical. Every teacher shares responsibilities, which helps maintain motivation. When teachers look around and see everyone contributing, it strengthens the culture.

I believe in decentralisation and empower my head teachers accordingly. Meetings, performance evaluations — everything is part of this approach. About 70% of teachers are highly productive, and they align in various ways. All of them might not be excellent, but I’m confident in how to help each teacher reach a certain level of their potential. I understand that it’s unfair to expect more from someone than they’re capable of.

In a school setup, we need all kinds of strengths: intellectual, creative and physical. I’m also careful to ensure that no teacher feels overly burdened. Everyone shares responsibilities, which helps maintain motivation. When teachers look around and see everyone contributing, it strengthens the culture.

Learning that you would like to share with us?

I think perseverance. I am an incorrigible optimist, and I think nothing is as uplifting or healing as seeing the smiling faces of children.

What next?

I am a firm believer in destiny and I surrender myself to God. I trust that He has better plans for me. I focus on doing things that keep me excited, and that’s how I approach life.

Serving at the Rashtrapati Bhavan is not equal to serving elsewhere. I look forward to what comes next, hoping it will be as exciting as my previous experiences. That’s what defines the next step for me.

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