I was born in a Marwari family which is typically wrapped in traditions and orthodox. Girls in those times were groomed to be efficient homemakers who would do everything to keep their families happy. But I guess, I was extremely lucky that the anchor of my life - my father, had a clear vision and had dreamt of seeing me break all barriers and emerge a winner in my chosen field. I was encouraged from the very beginning to open my wings and fly in the vast expanse above. What days were they! I could not really comprehend why I was made to work so hard or why I was asked to read the works of great philosophers and thinkers and draw inspiration from them when the girls of my age would play all day long. But as I grew, my bonding with my father grew more profound and as I understood him, I also understand his mindset and his broader perspective.
My name flashed at the sixth position in the all-India list for admission in Hotel Management. The glamorous Hospitality Industry was luring me into its inviting arms. I clearly remember my mother heaving a sigh of relief and my father a bit perplexed about my chosen field but they were resting assured that my ambition would be fanned by the wings of modern education. Well, let me share with you a well-guarded secret that it was just after six days on the campus when questions started badgering my mind. "Is this my calling?” I felt as though I was walking in a dark tunnel not knowing where it would lead to. I could not share my doubts at home, so I pursued the course laboriously and topped the institution but was sure that I would never work in the hotels. I faintly remember during a discussion on careers with my close group of friends, when asked which department would I join, I had retorted, "I would rather go and teach in a school." Now I realize that the passion for teaching is something I had subconsciously inherited from my father who was a renowned professor in his time.
The next milestone in my life was twenty when marriage came knocking at my door, a usual trend in a Marwari family. Marriage too brought its share of responsibilities and jubilation. I marched on with panache expanding my horizon and keeping all in my fold, safe under those sturdy wings accepting all that life had to offer. Life took a new beautiful turn when soon I had my adorable babies in my arms. Life seemed full, my hands were full. I enjoyed every bit of motherhood but then questions from nowhere puzzled me day and night. The questions began to challenge my identity.
DAV Public School gave a new dimension to my life. Surpassing a few required qualifications, they offered me a job. They must have thought the dame could charm the kids into learning Computer Science which was the basic need for a primary teacher; hopefully, I lived up to their expectations. My decision to teach also brought a lot of challenges on the professional front, being untrained and ill-equipped topped the list. So, I decided to debug and correct the basic code of my resume and add more to my hard disk. I studied numerous computer languages. I evolved with every new learning and subconsciously took up more and more responsibilities. Later, I moved and joined the Ryan International School. Seeing my passion for my subject and love for my students, I was promoted, first as the head of the department and later as the senior supervisor. Though coy and unsure, I lead from the front. I gave my heart and soul in understanding my students and left no stone unturned to help them lead lives of significance. But my journey had something else in store for me. Life is so unpredictable, isn't it? When you feel that you have found what you are looking for, it puts you on another road and gives it another direction.
That challenge was the offer to head Bal Bharti School. I withered and then grew new leaves as I realized that if I wanted to do more for the children, I had to equip myself further. I became a master trainer with CBSE for the conduct of workshops for teachers and Principals. I was lauded as the Indian representative at the BETT Asia leadership summit.
Perhaps, change is the only constant thing in life and thus life presented an even wider expanse. This opportunity came in the form of Amity International School, a name synonymous with excellence in education. This incredible institution truly embellished my leadership qualities and deemed me able to help students unleash their inner potential and become holistic global citizens. I wish to reach out to innumerable children in my lifespan. My profile lists me as an administrator, educator, writer, and speaker but I feel that I am and will always remain a learner ...

My role as an educator is not confined to the four concrete walls of my school, it goes much beyond. I deem it my duty to ensure that the society experiences constant production of reliable and stimulated young ambassadors who come up with novel and innovative creations in varied fields which positively impacts posterity.

In the contemporary world, technology is one of the most powerful tools of learning and development. Webinars and workshops are held regularly so that we remain with it, with the constantly changing times. I am an ardent and prolific/passionate writer. I keep posting my thoughts in my compositions and blog. My write-ups are widely read and have inspired people. I feel commended and encouraged.

Over the years, I have realized that I have a few skills that help me not just in my profession but also in my personal life. These skills not only help me as a teacher dealing with my students but also as a leader and in dealing with the community at large.
To work in a team, involving and supporting each other is an ability that I believe has helped me tremendously in all areas of the school.
My passion to constantly learn and my desire to upgrade my skills help me meet new people and learn from them and I always strive to pass on this information to my community and encourage them to expand their horizons.
My communication skills have always been something that has helped me tremendously in all spheres of my life. It is because of my ability to communicate well that I have been a leader and a good mentor.

During my transition from an individual contributor to a principal, I did face quite a few challenges. The first one was that now instead of being responsible for just me and my work I had become responsible for the work of my entire team. Here my communication skills came in handy as I had to convey my message to the members and ensure that all work was done on time and efficiently.
I had suddenly been catapulted to the role of a leader in a team, though I had always taken initiative in all areas of the school, now I had to lead and mentor my the entire school. It was through my zeal and passion for my work that I was able to instil confidence in my team members.

Straightforward, transparent and encouraging.

To all the aspiring teachers, my advice would be to learn, re-learn and unlearn. You can’t rely only on your subject knowledge. Teaching is not just a profession but a passion as you will have an impact on a large number of people. You not only teach the subject to the students you help them become responsible individuals.

An ideal school environment today would be one where the atmosphere is conducive for teaching and learning. A safe, progressive and opportunity-driven environment is what I always aspire to provide. To generate this kind of happy and procreative culture of learning, I encourage my students to participate in the plethora of activities and competitive opportunities and I provide them the right kind of freedom to explore and learn.

In today's world sensitivity is a must. To be human is of prime importance. It is possible to develop an inclusive environment in school by providing ample opportunities and facilities to the differently-abled. Also sensitizing co-learners will make all the difference.

There is so much to learn and so much to do ....but so little is the time! One is always meeting challenges and aspiring to make a difference to the world of learning...hence the only way to keep abreast is to prioritize. I make sure that I meet deadlines and targets by setting deadlines for myself and prioritizing tasks at hand

The use of technology in classrooms is imperative and an absolute necessity. The world is changing by the minute and everything is now going digital. Hence to prepare our children for the world we need to train them and make them technocrats who will etch new destinies.
There were challenges initially when the tussle between technology and the human touch began but when our teachers were trained with all the in house and institutional support we have been able to synchronize all educational practices for the benefit of our children

The best part of our educational system is that it is constantly evolving and innovating. When the gaps are perceived, solutions are concocted and experiential learning is encouraged. Constant efforts are made to bridge the gap by introducing new learning techniques and procedures. Educators brainstorm as to what could be the best possible way for the best outcome and forge ahead ...mostly triumphantly

As an educator, my goal is always to encourage new learning. I always ask my children to be fearless and pursue their passions. To pursue excellence should be their primary duty and commitment as a success only belongs to those who remain resolute.

• Dr. Raghuveer Y.V. (Principal, G.D. Goenka Public School, Patna) is a Change Maker with an open mind
• Mrs. Neeru Dutta Sharma (Principal, Kimberley The International School) - A journey from doing a hunger strike in order to get higher education to shaping young minds today.
• Ms. Sangeeta Kapoor (Founder Principal, Infinity School) The Harvard certified visionary, who is promoting the culture of questioning
• Dr. Sumita Chhabra Ummat (Naturopath, Director, Let us Talk) - Touching Lives and Making a Difference