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
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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
The Curious Case of the Lifetime Achievement Award
Have you ever wondered what a Lifetime Achievement Award really means?On the surface, it sounds grand—glittering, prestigious, a tribute to decades of contribution. But look closely and you’ll realise it’s also the world’s most elegant way of saying: “You’ve done enough… perhaps more than enough. Now please make some space for others.” Let’s be honest. … Continue reading The Curious Case of the Lifetime Achievement Award
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
Why Children Fail – Navigating Parenting Challenges
This is the second in the series Why Children Fail. The focus is on Parenting and how it should work with the school in tandem. Parenting is never easy. It demands patience, empathy, and resilience. The teenage years, in particular, can be overwhelming for both parents and children. The African proverb “It takes a village … Continue reading Why Children Fail – Navigating Parenting Challenges
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
Beyond Paychecks: The Priceless Rewards of Teaching
“Teaching does not pay”—this is the oft-repeated cliché of the aam janata. True, teaching remains one of the most poorly paid professions across the world. Perhaps that is why we seldom come across “teaching families,” unlike those of doctors, engineers, or the armed forces. Yet, let me share one of the most beautiful moments that … Continue reading Beyond Paychecks: The Priceless Rewards of Teaching
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
Fostering Patriotism among Youth
Breathes there the man with soul so dead,Who never to himself hath said, 'This is my own, my native land!' By Walter Scott This poem reminded me of the complex relationship Indians have with patriotism. While national holidays like August 15th and Republic Day evoke strong feelings of patriotism, these sentiments often take a backseat … Continue reading Fostering Patriotism among Youth