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

My mother was a principal at a school called Christ Church and also taught at IST ( international school of Tanganyika) in  Tanzania. I loved the way she connected with her students and I wanted to create the same impact. For a while I pursued journalism, however deep down I knew I could be more instrumental if I moved to teaching and from there on it has been a very rewarding journey.

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?

Education is a very dynamic process and it cannot be reserved to passive formats of learning and imparting. A holistic approach towards education encourages the development of all aspects of a child's personality. Co Curricular and extra curricular activities create the essential equilibrium for shaping students into social and competitive personalities.

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

I have created structured modules that involve the teachers and staff in planning lots of activities and enabling experiential learning. These activities when aligned with the study curriculum become more effective and extend the learning experience. I have encouraged our music and dance teachers to incorporate activities along the academic score.

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?

We must sensitise parents to the global contributors. They are not just academicians, doctors or engineers. There is such an array of celebrated talent like Hima Das and Ed Sheeran and many other artists in other fields. We need to acknowledge all types of success and not just emphasise on academic success. Academics should be a strong foundation that allows the child to explore the more coherent side of their personality.

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

Creative activities should be aligned with academic learning. Learning about a beautiful marine animal and drawing the same and writing or enacting the same means the learning is reinforced. These activities should not be designed to fill the gaps, but should be designed to elevate learning outcomes.

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

My interest lies in Music and Dance. Music because it is always a destresser that can calm and bring us to the present. I used to learn salsa and enjoyed it. I enjoy pottery and have created a few pieces which I cherish. 

Any other thoughts you may want to share.

Each child is different, encourage them to explore and identify their potential. Some may learn faster while some may take time to grasp and we as educationalists should make allowances with our time and effort in helping the students develop into curious, compassionate and fulfilled individuals.