When and why did you decide to take up education as your career?

My journey of my career in education began 18 years back  .Ironically , It wasn’t by choice but by chance. In course of time I’ve realised that no other workshop would suit me  better than  to manufacture and process the young minds into young adults . My spectrum of the Designations throughout my career include , mostly in the international pedagogy , class room teaching , coordinator  , vice principal  and Dean/principal. At present I’m the CAO cum Head Of Institution of the upcoming International School which will be having K12 education in both the verticals - national as well as International curriculum .

As an educationalist, you are touching many human lives directly. Do you think educational institutions can play a significant role in overall development of students by encouraging them to take up co-curricular interests like Music, Art, Dance or Sports?

I believe that the actual education begins right when a student steps out of the classroom. The skills , which the students of 21st century need to adapt ,can’t   be developed only  inside four walls with chalk and talk method. Research says Performing Arts or Sports are the way to enhance learning .  Teamwork can be taught through actually making children play a sport rather than making them sit in a classroom and telling them about teamwork. A child’s emotional quotient comes out in the form of creativity when s/he takes part in performing arts and music. Hence MADS is a very essential part of education.

What are some of the most important initiatives related to co-curricular that you have taken in the institutions you have served?

I have worked with several international schools in India. In my previous institution, I changed MADS activities from being extra-curricular to co-curricular. I ensured that each subject lesson plan is designed in such a way that it incorporates MADS activity to enhance the learning experience by practical means.  For example in a biology lesson ,while the topic muscle is being taught ,the Sports teacher can demonstrate how the  muscles are  used while playing a particular sports.

In the days when most people measure success only by academic score, how would you convey to the parents of your students that co-curricular education is not something to be looked down upon?

Entire education system in India  is changing , slowly but steadily .So is the mind set,,of the parents. The educated parents are understanding the importance of MADS which is beyond the ‘content based curriculum’ .  They tend to understand that the child’s potential can be much more than the academic score of  any subject . In 21st century there are lot of opportunities for different career options.Sachin Tendulkar was never a very good academician but still he is counted amongst the most successful people on the planet. Such success stories have proved the scope of MADS in the coming generation.

If you were to suggest one major change in perspective of co-curricular education, what would that be?

I want MADS to be a part of the current marks scoring subjects so that we can do justice and make children more aware about its importance. This can be done by catering lots of opportunities to the children. So many students travel abroad to pursue higher studies. Our country lacks such international institutes of MADS to take it professionally. So, I would develop several higher studies’ institutes creating broader career paths towards MADS.

Please let us know about some key achievements of your institution and/or your student(s) in MADS at national/international level?

I remember back in an institution where I served, there was an athlete   girl Ms Nirupama from Ebenezer International School Bangalore who took part in Commonwealth Games .And she has been selected by Stanford University for her achievement. 

Many students have participated in District level and national level games and sports, especially in Taekwondo, Basketball, Football etc.
 

What are your personal interests in Music, Art, Dance or Sports and how do you continue to pursue them?

I, personally, am a connoisseur of Music, Dance and drama. I do take part in Play and drama. I am a dance performer as well.

Any other thoughts you may want to share.

Every child should be given an opportunity, from the grass root level, to unwrap the hidden potential s/he possesses within. We cannot evaluate him/her only with academic score card. Multidisciplinary approach is the keyword of 21st century generation learners .Every student should get an opportunity to unfold the treasure within .No bud should dry unbosomed.