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
educationists
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
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
The Story of General Cariappa: A True Patriot and Leader
This is a sequel to ‘How to foster patriotism among youth’. General Cariappa took over as Commander-in-chief of the Indian army from Francis Butcher the last commander-in-chief of India on 15th January. This day is observed as the Army Day. Army day also honours the soldiers who have sacrificed their lives for the country. K.M.Cariappa … Continue reading The Story of General Cariappa: A True Patriot and Leader
Humility and Indian Ethos
Pride and humility are two words that are often used in contrast to each other. The key difference between pride and humility could be - pride refers to having an excessively high opinion of one’s importance where as humility refers to having a modest opinion of oneself. These lessons help to understand SDG 4 quality … Continue reading Humility and Indian Ethos
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
Vasudaivakutukbakham
More about the Sustainable Development Goals. SDG 1 deals with No Poverty. This is a long-term goal that requires community participation as well as Government policies and norms to eradicate. There is a reference to No Poverty in the Hindu Mythology. Vasudeva Kutumbhakam has been the guiding light of our ancient culture. India has always … Continue reading Vasudaivakutukbakham
SDG 17: Building Effective Partnerships for Global Goals
No man is an island. The entire globe is interconnected. In this VUCA world, to reach the goal alone is not possible. SDG 17 calls for partnerships between governments, the private sector, and civil society. Let me quote Henry Ford. “If everyone is moving forward together, then success takes care of itself.” Is working together … Continue reading SDG 17: Building Effective Partnerships for Global Goals
Active Learning and Critical Thinking in NCF Implementation
I recently had the honour and privilege of conducting an insightful training session at two institutions. The topics were linked and relevant. This occurred on two consecutive days. Dr. KasturiRangan the Chairman of the NEP drafting committee had reviewed my book and motivated me to write more. He has moved on but his legacy shall … Continue reading Active Learning and Critical Thinking in NCF Implementation