Education is the foundation of a progressive society, and transformative leaders are at the forefront of shaping future-ready institutions. They have been instrumental in driving innovation in education through holistic learning, emotional intelligence, sustainability, and technological integration. In this exclusive interview, she shares her journey, philosophy, and vision for the future of education.
Your journey as an educational leader is truly remarkable. What personal values or philosophies have driven your success and inspired your leadership in education?
My journey has been guided by six core values:
- Holistic Development: Education should nurture intellect, emotions, and social values. I focus on fostering curiosity, resilience, and empathy in students.
- Lifelong Learning: I believe learning is continuous, and I encourage students and staff to embrace a growth mindset.
- Inclusivity and Equity: Every student should feel valued, which is why we implement differentiated learning strategies.
- Empowerment Through Collaboration: Education thrives in an environment of open communication and teamwork among students, teachers, and parents.
- Ethical Leadership: Integrity and transparency guide my decision-making, ensuring student and educator well-being remains a priority.
- Visionary Thinking: The future of education is evolving, and I advocate for integrating technology and global perspectives to prepare students for tomorrow.
These principles shape my approach to education and inspire me to create an environment where students become confident, compassionate leaders.
You have received numerous national and global awards. Which recognition has been the most meaningful to you, and why?
The National Education Leadership Award holds a special place in my heart. This award recognised not just my efforts but the collective hard work of our school community. It validated our focus on holistic development, emotional intelligence, sustainability, and technology integration. More than an accolade, it served as motivation to push the boundaries of innovation and inclusivity in education.
You have implemented AI-powered tools and blended learning models at Prominence World School. How do you envision technology shaping the future of education?
Technology is not merely a tool but a transformative force in education. Some key aspects include:
- Personalised Learning: AI adapts to student needs, providing customised resources and feedback.
- Global Accessibility: Virtual classrooms and digital resources make quality education available to all.
- Enhanced Engagement: Tools like AR, VR, and gamification create immersive learning experiences.
- Skill Development: Technology equips students with future-ready skills like coding, data analysis, and AI literacy.
- Data-Driven Insights: Analytics help educators tailor teaching strategies effectively.
- Sustainability and Efficiency: Digital learning reduces dependency on physical resources and streamlines administration.
By embracing technology thoughtfully, we prepare students for a world where innovation is paramount.
Sustainability and environmental education are key focus areas under your leadership. How have students responded to these initiatives?
Students have shown remarkable enthusiasm for environmental education. Key benefits include:
- Enhanced Critical Thinking: They develop problem-solving skills by addressing real-world environmental issues.
- Active Community Engagement: Projects connect students with local sustainability efforts, fostering social responsibility.
- Personal Growth: Exposure to nature reduces stress, increases focus, and improves well-being.
Environmental education instils a sense of stewardship, making students proactive in creating a sustainable future.
Mental health and mindfulness are integral to your curriculum. What challenges have you faced, and how have students benefited?
Challenges:
- Breaking the Stigma: We conducted awareness sessions to normalise mental health discussions.
- Training Educators: Workshops with experts equipped teachers to support students effectively.
- Curriculum Balance: Short mindfulness exercises were integrated into daily schedules.
- Measuring Impact: We used surveys and behavioural observations to assess improvements.
Benefits:
- Improved Focus and Productivity
- Enhanced Emotional Regulation
- Stronger Peer Relationships
- Academic Growth
- Lifelong Mental Well-being Skills
A balanced approach to mental health fosters resilience and emotional intelligence in students.
Emotional intelligence is crucial for 21st-century learning. How does it complement academic excellence?
Emotional intelligence (EI) enhances learning by:
- Improving interpersonal skills and teamwork.
- Developing resilience and adaptability.
- Strengthening decision-making and leadership abilities.
- Creating a positive learning environment that boosts academic performance.
- Preparing students for a workforce where empathy and collaboration are key.
By integrating EI into academics, we nurture well-rounded, capable individuals ready for modern challenges.
Vocational training is a cornerstone of your educational philosophy. How do you align these programmes with the evolving global workforce?
We ensure vocational training stays relevant through:
- Industry Collaborations: Partnering with experts to align training with current industry trends.
- Hands-on Learning: Providing internships, real-world projects, and workshops.
- Global Benchmarks: Adhering to international certification standards.
- Personalised Pathways: Offering diverse vocational streams based on student interests.
By equipping students with practical skills, we prepare them for self-employment and high-demand career opportunities.
How have global exposure programmes influenced your students perspectives?
International collaborations and competitions broaden students’ horizons by:
- Cultivating cultural awareness and empathy.
- Enhancing problem-solving and innovation skills.
- Boosting confidence and communication.
- Strengthening career readiness for a global workforce.
These experiences inspire students to think globally while staying rooted in their values.
Your research spans sustainable development to experiential learning. Which theme do you believe has the greatest potential to transform global education?
Experiential learning is the most transformative because:
- It fosters active engagement and better knowledge retention.
- It develops critical thinking and adaptability.
- It strengthens emotional intelligence and self-awareness.
- It aligns with sustainable development goals by integrating real-world problem-solving.
This hands-on approach ensures students learn beyond textbooks, making them lifelong learners and responsible global citizens.
You have spoken on ‘Happiness Quotient’ and ‘Skill Education.’ What advice would you give educators for making classrooms more engaging and future-ready?
To create an engaging learning environment, educators should:
- Prioritise Emotional Intelligence: Foster a positive classroom culture and growth mindset.
- Integrate Skill-Based Learning: Implement project-based learning and technology-driven lessons.
- Encourage Critical Thinking: Use inquiry-based methods and real-world applications.
- Foster Lifelong Learning: Encourage curiosity and adaptability.
- Personalise Learning: Cater to individual student strengths and goals.
- Engage the Community: Collaborate with parents and industry experts to enhance learning opportunities.
By adopting these strategies, educators can empower students to excel academically and personally in an ever-evolving world.
