My Journey of Life – A Learning CurveEpisode 5: From Vernacular to Voice: My Journey into English Not long ago, a young LinkedIn user remarked that he was probably not born when I first joined the platform — and yet, I am still here, still learning, still writing. It made me pause and ask: what … Continue reading Episode 5: From Vernacular to Voice: My Journey into English
counsellors
Understanding the Emotional Compass: Strategies for Classrooms and Beyond
This article was published in the World Education Fellowship 17 th Newsletter December 2025. I was the principal of a small school with about 600 students closely held together with strong values and an informal way of teaching. I remember the day vividly. A workshop for children was held in the hall and I was … Continue reading Understanding the Emotional Compass: Strategies for Classrooms and Beyond
Who is more difficult to handle – parents or staff?
For years, my instinctive answer was: parents. This incident from my middle-school classroom still stays with me. I had a bright boy in my class, strong in academics. His parents were ambitious and deeply involved. They attended every PTM, went through his answer booklets with a fine-tooth comb, and questioned every mark he lost. In … Continue reading Who is more difficult to handle – parents or staff?
Transforming Education: Lessons from John Holt
60 years ago, John Holt identified why children fail. The education system is still making the same mistakes. When John Holt published How Children Fail in 1964, he identified profound flaws in our education system. Decades have passed, but many of the issues he raised—from fear-based learning to stifled curiosity—continue to plague modern classrooms. This is a … Continue reading Transforming Education: Lessons from John Holt
Beyond the Textbook: How School Infrastructure and Learning Environments Shape Student Success
"Why do children fail academically? As a former principal, I have reflected deeply on this question. Here’s my perspective on how school infrastructure and even classroom colours play a crucial role in shaping student success." It is a question layered with complexity. Every parent aspires to send their child to a “good” school. But what … Continue reading Beyond the Textbook: How School Infrastructure and Learning Environments Shape Student Success
Celebrating the Role of a Teacher in Shaping Futures
I penned this in 2011. It applies to date. A teacher A task master With eyes at the back of the head Equipped with an uncanny sixth sense That picks up the naughty ones! A tough demeanour at times To tackle the tougher than the toughest! A teacher Makes you take up responsibility Tickles your … Continue reading Celebrating the Role of a Teacher in Shaping Futures
Character building at schools – the need of the hour
This is an article published in the World Education Fellowship Newsletter of July 2025. We often come across these statements: He is a man of character. The school is not giving the student a character certificate. I share an anecdote to clear some cobwebs. In one of the schools where I was the principal, a … Continue reading Character building at schools – the need of the hour
Memorable Teaching Workshops at OMKAR International School
Workshops on Classroom management and Differentiation were conducted at OMKAR International School, Dombivali on February 1 and 8th , 2025 under the aegis of Aditya Birla Education.The interested and enthusiastic team of teachers, made the sessions enjoyable and meaningful. The teacher who has made the board that I am standing next to, is amazing! Look … Continue reading Memorable Teaching Workshops at OMKAR International School
Dhimag ki Batti Jalavo
June15, 2024, St. John's complex at Palghar. 'Dhimag ki batti Jalavo' involved Critical Thinking and Problem solving. There were more than 60 teachers in the spacious hall seated in groups as discussed earlier. After the ceremonial lighting of the lamp and Saraswati Vandana, the Chairman addressed his team. After the due introduction … Continue reading Dhimag ki Batti Jalavo
Parenting Styles and Psyche of Children
One of the most difficult things to do in life is to bring up a child. No amount of reading books is going to help individuals unless they deal with it themselves. Parenting styles differ from person to person. It was in the 1960s that the psychologist Diana Baumrind identified three main styles of parenting: … Continue reading Parenting Styles and Psyche of Children