What does meaningful education really mean? In this special Principal interview, we explore why schools must look beyond marks and exams to help children build confidence, curiosity, character and the courage to shape their own future.
- What do you believe is the most important role of a school in a child’s life beyond academic education?
- How can parents support their children’s education without putting unnecessary pressure on them?
- How do you encourage teachers to move beyond traditional teaching and make learning more interesting and meaningful for students?
- How do you identify and nurture students who may be talented in areas beyond academics such as sports art music leadership or technology?
- With technology and AI becoming part of education how should students use technology without becoming overly dependent on it?
- If you could give one piece of advice to every student and one piece of advice to every parent what would it be?
- Looking ahead what kind of school and education system do you hope to see for the next generation?
What do you believe is the most important role of a school in a child’s life beyond academic education?
As a Principal, I have always believed that a child cannot learn until they feel secure. When we build a school culture that prioritises emotional safety and holistic well-being, academic excellence naturally follows.
School is the very first place where a child steps out of the protective bubble of their home and enters a diverse world.
Our most profound responsibility is to ensure that while they are discovering the world, they are also developing the moral compass and emotional strength to navigate it.
We aren’t just preparing children for exams; we are preparing them for life.
How can parents support their children’s education without putting unnecessary pressure on them?
The greatest gift a parent can give their child is to shift the focus from the outcome to the process. When we obsess over grades, we breed anxiety; when we celebrate effort, we build lifelong learners.
To cultivate a supportive, pressure-free foundation at home, parents must consciously value the process of learning over the final product.
Furthermore, we must transform how we view academic setbacks. Setbacks are essential milestones in cognitive development.
True academic support is not about clearing every obstacle from a child’s path, but about assuring them of your unconditional backing as they learn to navigate those obstacles themselves.
How do you encourage teachers to move beyond traditional teaching and make learning more interesting and meaningful for students?
I believe meaningful learning begins when teachers move from being knowledge providers to learning facilitators. I encourage them to experiment with experiential learning, technology, projects, real-world connections and collaborative practices.
My focus is to create classrooms where students do not simply learn for examinations, but learn to question, create, connect and think—because when curiosity leads learning, engagement and excellence naturally follow.
How do you identify and nurture students who may be talented in areas beyond academics such as sports art music leadership or technology?
As a Principal, I believe every child has a unique talent, and our responsibility is to create opportunities for it to flourish.
We identify strengths through observation and participation and nurture them through specialised coaching, clubs and academies, expert mentorship, competitions, exhibitions, performances and leadership opportunities.
My aim is to ensure that every student finds their strength, receives the right platform and develops the confidence to excel—because holistic education is all about unlocking every child’s potential.
With technology and AI becoming part of education how should students use technology without becoming overly dependent on it?
As educators, I believe our responsibility is to ensure that technology and AI enhance learning without replacing human thinking.
At school, we need to strike a healthy balance between digital learning and reading, discussion, hands-on experiences and human interaction.
The goal is not to make students dependent on technology, but to make them responsible, discerning and creative users of it.
If you could give one piece of advice to every student and one piece of advice to every parent what would it be?
As a school leader and an educator, I believe our greatest responsibility is not to define a child’s destination, but to empower them to discover it.
To every student, I would advise them to believe in themselves, take ownership of their journey and have the courage to create their own path.
To every parent, I would say: nurture your child’s potential, not your expectations. Give them strong values, patient guidance and the freedom to explore.
The true measure of our success is not how far we push our children, but how confidently we prepare them to walk their own path.
When we nurture character, confidence and purpose, success becomes a natural outcome.
Looking ahead what kind of school and education system do you hope to see for the next generation?
I envision schools that do more than prepare students for the future—they prepare students to lead it.
The education system of tomorrow must combine academic excellence with technology, creativity, critical thinking, emotional intelligence, values and real-world skills.
Our schools must become ecosystems where every child is encouraged to question, innovate, collaborate and discover their purpose.
As educational leaders, our greatest responsibility is to build not just successful learners, but courageous thinkers, compassionate citizens and ethical leaders who have the vision to shape a better world.
Disclaimer: This interview reflects the personal views and perspectives shared by Ms. Divya Keni. The views expressed are her own and do not necessarily represent the views of EduxPost or its editorial team.