
Students taking part in Sports.
How do you define “holistic education,” and why is it important in today’s educational landscape?
I define holistic education as a philosophy that addresses students’ intellectual, social, emotional, physical, spiritual and creative needs. It recognises the whole child and focuses on developing them into well-rounded individuals. This approach is crucial today, fostering critical thinking, resilience, adaptability, and a sense of purpose. These go beyond simple academic achievement. Our School, Shri Ram Global focuses on 4Hs – Head, Hand, Heart and Health. We provide learning, values, and diverse extracurricular activities, exemplifying the holistic model. I’m eager to contribute to an environment that prioritises student well-being and lifelong learning.
The importance of focusing on holistic development in today’s educational landscape:
- Balanced Skill Development: Nurtures academic, communication, teamwork, critical thinking, and creative skills.
- Adaptability: Prepares students for a changing world, promoting flexibility and lifelong learning.
- Emotional Intelligence: Teaches empathy and interpersonal skills, vital as automation reshapes workplaces.
- Resilience and Well-being: Fosters resilience and stress management, which is critical given the rising focus on mental health.
- Ethical Awareness: Encourages ethical values, global awareness, and responsible citizenship.

Students taking part in Chess.
- Community and Collaboration: Promotes teamwork and collaboration, building a sense of community.
- Student-Centered Learning: Focuses on individual needs and interests, enhancing engagement and intrinsic motivation.
- Real-World Preparation: Equips students to tackle complex, real-world challenges like technology and climate change.
- Creativity and Innovation: Includes arts and other creative disciplines to foster innovative thinking.
- Lifelong Learning: Instills a curiosity-driven mindset for continuous learning and personal growth.

Students attending a ‘Virtual Lab’ Session.
What role do you believe technology should play in enhancing the learning experience for students?
Technology should be a tool to enhance learning, not to replace quality teaching. It can personalize lessons, allowing students to progress at their own pace. Interactive simulations and digital tools make learning engaging and help visualize complex concepts. Technology also promotes collaboration, connecting students globally for broader perspectives. In Shri Ram Global, we use adaptive learning platforms for personalized practice, virtual labs for hands-on science exploration, and online tools to facilitate collaborative projects with students from other countries. It’s important to remember that technology works best when used strategically by teachers to supplement, not replace, meaningful instruction.

Students at the computer lab.
How does your school foster creativity and critical thinking among its students?
At Shri Ram Global we prioritize creativity and critical thinking. We use project-based learning, emphasizing hands-on exploration and problem-solving across subjects. Students participate in debates and discussions, analyzing diverse perspectives. Open-ended questions are used extensively, encouraging deeper thinking beyond simple recall. Dedicated creative spaces allow for expression through art, music, and technology. We also host innovation challenges where students design real-world solutions. This multifaceted approach develops flexible thinkers and creative problem-solvers, ready to tackle the complexities of the future.

Students taking part in an ‘Innovation Challenge’.
Can you share insights on the importance of extracurricular activities in a student’s overall development?
Extracurricular activities are crucial for students’ overall development. They allow students to explore their passions, build valuable skills like teamwork and leadership, and form strong social connections. These activities also provide a much-needed outlet for stress, promoting well-being and a sense of belonging. In Shri Ram Global, we have a wide range of extracurricular options. Our debate team enhances critical thinking, the school band and drama club nurture artistic talent, and various service-oriented clubs build empathy while allowing students to give back to the community.

The school’s Drama Club.
What strategies do you implement to ensure a supportive and inclusive learning environment for students with diverse backgrounds?
To foster a supportive and inclusive environment, I prioritise several strategies. Firstly, differentiated instruction caters to individual learning styles and paces. Secondly, we celebrate cultural diversity through classroom discussions and heritage events. Culturally relevant materials are incorporated into lessons, ensuring all students feel seen and valued. Finally, we have a strong buddy system to promote peer support and build friendships across backgrounds. This is exemplified in our school’s focus on differentiated learning plans, multicultural festivals, and a student-led mentorship program.

A Student performs at a cultural event.
In your opinion, what are the key challenges faced by educators today, and how can they be addressed?
In today’s educational landscape, educators face significant challenges. One key challenge is effectively meeting the diverse learning needs found within a typical classroom. Additionally, the pressure of standardized testing can stifle creativity and deep learning. Further, educators must increasingly navigate the complexities of student mental health and well-being. To address these challenges, Shri Ram Global invests in ongoing professional development in areas like differentiated instruction and social-emotional learning. Encouraging collaboration among teachers facilitates the sharing of best practices and a holistic approach to curriculum development. Finally, building strong partnerships with families and community mental health professionals can provide crucial additional support to students and educators alike.

Building a strong relationship with Parents.
Could you elaborate on your school’s approach to preparing students for future career opportunities and challenges?
Shri Ram Global takes a proactive approach to preparing students for the future workforce. We focus on developing transferable skills like problem-solving, adaptability, and communication – skills that are essential in any career. Career counselling sessions introduce students to diverse career paths and help them align their interests with opportunities. We also partner with local businesses and organizations to provide internships and workplace visits, giving students real-world exposure. Additionally, our emphasis on entrepreneurship encourages students to think innovatively and identify potential solutions for future challenges.

Students Going for a ‘Workplace Visit’.

Students at a ‘Museum Visit’.