with the changing times? The big question posing before educationalists across the globe is, ‘How does one get to understand the minds of students today?’
To reminisce, looking back at my days at Dayananda Sagar College of Engineering; I was famous for all the wrong reasons – be it student politics, boycotting classes, disrespecting lecturers or defying authority. Punishments and warnings naturally came my way. In my first and second year of college I was almost an outcast with lecturers dreading my very presence in class and academics witnessed a setback, in fact, I lost a year after my second year at college. All this probably would sound incredible to people who now know me.
My turning point in life was during my third year when chance played providence and I met Dr. Ananthram one of the senior most professors at college. He was different for me. Instead of treading the path of other teachers who ridiculed me at any given opportunity, he treated me with respect. It was he who understood my hidden talent of public speaking and he never missed an opportunity to encourage me. My liking for him turned to respect as he was one of the few people who encouraged me to take up ‘oratory’ seriously, at times at the cost of my academics. I grew very close to him, I opened up to him to share a lot of my life. I got a lot of confidence from speaking well and I won almost all competitions in the country that time. It was again providential that during this phase of my life did I start ‘The Activity’, which has now grown to become one of the largest organizations working in the educational space in India.
Meandering to the point, looking back at my mentoring by Dr. Ananthram and the influence he had on me, I realize that he made a conscious and genuine effort to understand and know me as ‘an individual.’ His understanding of me enabled him to have a strong influence in my life. I don’t think I was a rare case in Dr. Ananthram’s career, for he has been instrumental in influencing several lives.
Over the last 10 years I have worked with several thousand students across India. During this tenure, I don’t think I have ever come across any situation where I have been disrespected or disliked by students. I was once asked by a principal in Kolkata as to what is the secret behind my being liked by all students. Though I could not answer her immediately, it set me thinking. My interface with Dr. Ananthram, has enabled me to make a very conscious effort to understand students. I believe it is a part of my profession to have friends who are still studying in school, to go out for coffee, chat, shop, hang out with them, know their likes, dislikes, influences, heroes and more. It is only when I know them well that I can influence their lives.
I strongly feel that most principals live in glass houses and believe that they can see the world. They fail to understand and realize the muck that our children are living in. I believe that all principals must add one important task to their job profiles – ‘Make friends with atleast 5 school students.’ This will give them a first hand understanding of students and I see this as one sure way to avoid situations like the recent shooting incident in Gurgaon or the suicide case of Mumbai.
Here’s wishing all of you a stress free year filled with loads of learning and understanding of children. Happy New Year!
“Principals who understand children, influence children”
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