Q. Could you provide us with a brief overview of your professional background and areas of expertise?
Born in Hyderabad and raised in a military family, I hold three master's degrees from Osmania University and a master's degree in education from Bengaluru University. Apart from academics, I also excelled as a national-level athlete and cricketer. My rich tapestry of experiences includes over a decade of teaching in an international school, culminating in my leadership role at Silicon City Academy, a position that I have held for ten years. Under my guidance, the institution has evolved into Karnataka's First Finland school and a model institution aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP).
Q. Could you highlight some of your key accomplishments in the field of education?
My contributions to education have been recognised through numerous prestigious awards. The recognitions include as one of the 50 Effective Principals by EducationToday, the Best Principal award from Helpage India Jaipur, and accolades like the Youngest Principal Award, Active Principal Award, Ideal Principal Award, Top 10 Inspiring Leader by Trade Flock, Top 100 Principals 2024 by EEA and the Stalwart Achievement Award by DK Education. Silicon City Academy, under my leadership, has consistently secured top rankings as the best CBSE school for holistic development. The school's recognition as The Best School of the Year by Education Excellence Awards (EEA) further attests to our commitment to excellence. Additionally, I actively serve in key capacities as a CBSE resource person, Affiliation committee member, and Inspection committee member.
Q. What impactful changes or innovations have you implemented in the education segment, and what further advancements would you like to see or implement in the field of education?
My imprint on education is characterised by a commitment to inclusivity, creativity, and the cultivation of 21st-century skills. Beyond conventional teaching, I have demonstrated a deep sense of social responsibility by working closely with underprivileged and marginalised students, ensuring they receive a quality education. Under my guidance, Silicon City Academy has witnessed the establishment of a cutting-edge STEAM Lab, emphasising the importance of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics in the curriculum. Moreover, the introduction of Project-Based Learning, where young students actively engage in designing their own learning spaces, underscores our urge to foster creativity, critical thinking, and a sense of ownership among the student community. NEP Learning Stations, Implementing Finnish Pedagogy at Classroom level, Bench Buddies, Communication Spaces, Talking Point, moving away from Teacher Centric to Student Centric, converting corridors into learning space, converting traditional library into modern learning space, Skill Education Lab, setting up screen-free Coding lab and Hands-on experiential learning to name a few. A recent highlight is under Good Food Movement where we grow vegetables organically on the school premises. b
Q. What advice can you give emerging education professionals/fellow educators regarding essential leadership qualities in this field?
For emerging education professionals, I would suggest demonstrating strong ethics. Drawing from my extensive experience, I believe in emphasising the necessity of retaining the joy of learning by injecting creativity into the education system. We should go beyond conventional approaches, advocating for a curriculum that dynamically adapts to evolving societal and occupational needs, all while instilling high moral values in students.
My leadership principles go hand in hand with empowering others to self-organise. I believe in fostering a sense of connection and belonging within the educational community. By encouraging collaboration and inclusivity, we create an environment where individuals feel empowered to take initiative and contribute to the collective success of the institution.
Furthermore, I embrace open-mindedness to new ideas and organisational learning. This helps in nurturing a culture that values innovation and embraces continuous improvement. This openness ensures that the education system remains adaptable to change, staying relevant in an ever-evolving landscape.
In line with fostering growth, I was able to seamlessly integrate ancient and modern educational ideas, striking a balance that nurtures a well-rounded, harmonious society. My leadership is marked by an unwavering commitment to shaping not just academically proficient individuals but holistic, socially conscious citizens. As a leader, our approach should be direct towards positioning students for success in the ever-changing world, creating a legacy of educational leadership that prioritises ethics, connection, openness, and growth.