Exclusive interview with Sandhya Kakkar, Vice Principal of Bal Bharati Public School Dwarka, New Delhi
Sandhya Kakkar, Vice Principal of Bal Bharati Public School Dwarka, New Delhi receives the Global 50 Glory Award 2021 for achievement in the Education industry. Her school stands as a monolith because of its sterling performance in academics, sports and other co-curricular activities. Here’s an exclusive interview with Sandhya Kakkar:
Please tell us a bit about yourself?
I am a passionate educationist with a penchant for innovative pedagogy. My philosophy and belief have been to help students discover their passion and potential for self-actualization. My unwavering faith in perfection inherent in every human being gives me the energy to continue to make education more relevant and joyful for my students.
What were the challenges that you faced initially and how did you overcome them?
Relentless pursuit and indomitable spirit towards the cause of education have helped me overcome all challenges and obstacles. When I joined Bal Bharati Public School Dwarka, it was a local school with students only till class 9. It is redeeming that my relentless pursuit and guidance of School Principal Mrs Suruchi Gandhi and the support of all staff members have helped to catapult the School amongst leaders in education at the National and International levels. Today the school stands as a monolith due to its sterling performance in academics, sports and other co-curricular activities. The school has become a brand to reckon with, in the field of education and empowerment of students and teachers with 21st-century skills.
What has been your most significant achievement?
The sterling reputation of my school in terms of academic excellence, world-class infrastructure, quality education, multiple professional development opportunities offered to staff and students and a high degree of parental satisfaction are my greatest achievements.
In addition, I am humbled by numerous awards and accolades showered on me such as
1. Eduexcellence Award for Digital innovation in curriculum 2021
2. Best Teacher Award 2021 by Institute of Scholars for promoting research-based learning
3. Winner Microsoft Tech for Good Challenge 2021 in Global collaboration category
4. Microsoft innovator Education Expert Award 2021
5. Winner of State Teachers Award 2018 honoured by Chief Minister of Delhi
6. Prestigious International School Award from British Council for the school 6 times (2004,2007,2008, 2013,2017, 2020)
7. Won Global Teacher Accreditation Award from British Council in 2013 for an action research project.
8. British Council School Ambassador Award
(2013-22)for promotion of online collaboration between schools worldwide
9. OUTSTANDING award three times for promoting open dialogue for exploring religious faith from Generation Global /Tony Blair Faith Foundation.
How do you come up with new ideas?
My inquisitive spirit never allows me to rest on my laurels. I keep pushing the limits in all areas of performance to discover latent potential. The passion to continuously rediscover and reinvent helps me look at the same things with renewed energy and redefined perspective.
Who is your biggest inspiration?
I find my biggest inspiration in nature. Water and rivers inspire me to pursue relentlessly and create a path where none existed. Trees inspire me to become humble and generous beyond expectations. Air inspires me to become a vital part of life without overtly making its presence felt. Flowers inspire me to be delicate and beautiful yet immensely capable of leaving a legacy behind. Mountains inspire me to take a stand in face of all adversities. I find nature to be the greatest teacher.
What motivates you?
My love for my students motivates me to work relentlessly to make education joyful and experiential for them. The smile of satisfaction on every child’s face, his confidence in himself provides me with the much-needed fillip to continuously strive for reforms and improvements and innovations in educational pedagogy.
What does a typical day look like for you?
My typical day involves online classes, administrative work, coordination and planning of school events, parent-teacher meetings, staff meetings and student counselling sessions. My evenings are spent with my family. I enjoy my personal space to spend time reading, writing and meditating.
Who do you look toward for advice?
My School Principal is the perennial source of inspiration for me and also my friend, philosopher and guide. I find that I can share and find solutions to all personal professional issues that may be bothering me.
How do you define success?
Success lies in helping others achieve and become successful. It does not merely involve reaching new milestones, it also involves creating new benchmarks of excellence and new milestones. I see my success I made thousands of my pupils successful professionally and good compassionate human beings internally.
What are your growth plans for the next 12 months?
I plan to work towards excellence in the field of pedagogical innovations and position my school at the zenith of scientific pursuit and academic excellence My personal growth lies in attaining serenity amidst chaos and the ability to focus on my spiritual and emotional growth. I also work on continuously improving my physical fitness so that I can remain healthy and continue to work beyond the chronological age of retirement.