The Indian education system is still plagued by the rote learning process. A majority of schools rely on ‘memory and recall’ as their primary method for learning. However, this approach to learning does more harm than good believe experts. Educator par excellence CA Sonu Gupta (Sri Narayani) strongly discourages the rote learning process too. She has dedicated a good part of her life to understand the logic and reason behind everything. She wanted to help students understand concepts in depth and then apply them in practical life.Fuelled by this thought SonuGupta became a teacher.

However, she is much more than that. A Chartered Accountant by qualification, Sonu Gupta is also an author, humanitarian, preacher of the teachings of Bhagwat Gita and a famous parenting coach. Currently she is the Principal of BhaktivedantaGurukula and International School, a residential school for boys in the holy land of Vrindavan. She holds proficiency in subjects such as Accounts, Cost accounting &Finance and is an eminent author of 32 books on accountancy, strategic management and Finance. Sonu Gupta’s students have always loved her for her conceptual clarity.

SonuGupta is a devoted believer of Lord Krishna and counts him as the driving force behind her success as a professional. Raising her three sons on her own as a single parent, SonuGupta is truly a women of substance.

In an in-depth conversation with the Women Entrepreneur India team she speaks to us about her professional journey, achievements and thoughts on Indian education system.

Take us through your early educational journey and prior industry experience that you bring to the table.

Academically, I was a topper throughout my educational journey. I scored 99 percent marks in maths and biology in CBSE board exams and bagged the National Talent search award. Throughout my three years of graduation at the Hindu College, Delhi University I remained a topper.

I then went on to clear my attempt at Chartered Accountancy and Civil service. However, I still chose the teaching profession because of my passion for teaching and helping students. I have been teaching CA students for the last 25 years. So far I have taught about 52,000 students. 15,000 of them have successfully become Chartered Accounts and are now placed at the top of the corporate world. I am currently teaching, training and mentoring hundreds of All India Rank holders in CA.

Introduce us to Bhaktivedanta Gurukula and International School, the institution you are currently heading. What makes the institution unique?

Bhaktivedanta Gurukula and International School, is a unique residential school for boys in the holy land of Vrindavan. We believe children should be physically strong, mentally alert and spiritually connected. Spread across a beautiful pollution-free campus on 70 acres, it allows students to live close to nature. The school has an exceptional combination of modern scientific education amalgamated with spirituality. Bhaktivedanta Gurukula and International School, is one of a kind educational institution because it is connects children to the roots of Vedic education with an advanced scientific outlook. On one hand, our students are spiritually elevated, peaceful and follow the process of devotion and on the other hand, they are winning even the international F-Tech challenge of Robotics.

Our students are not from a defined local area, they come from all over the world. Although hailing from different cultures and languages, all our students receive education on one uniform platform. In a world full of chaos and wars, Bhaktivedanta Gurukula and International School, by A. C. BhaktivedantaSrilaPrabhupada is cultivating the true essence of being a human.

What are some of the most pressing challenges that you encounter as an educator? How do you successfully mitigate these challenges?

Educating children and seeing them grow with new hopes for the future has always been my passion. The challenges are never too pressing. COVID19 period was challenging since students and teachers were far off and everybody went on lockdown all of a sudden for an indefinite period.

We immediately startedonline live classes for the students using the latest technologies and software. The entire team of teachers and staff worked together and the results were wonderful. We also started a “Lakshaya Program” for skill development for children’s learn. Almost 792 students all over India participated and learned various skills such as app development, deity worship, and doodling.

We launched the “Krishnaunshilanam Program” online where almost 29,000 students participated from all six continents of the world. This program was marked by the presence of great dignitaries and celebrities who were amazed by children’s performances within the little resources present at their homes during the lockdown period.

This stressful period became the most remarkable period which brought several opportunities to shape the talent within the children.

"If you give more than what you get from this world, god will arrange more than what you can hold"

Tell us about some of the most significant milestones that you have achieved throughout your professional journey? What has been the driving force behind your success as a business leader?

At the age of 24, I wrote my first book on Accounts of almost 650 pages. This was my starting point and till now I have authored 33 books and 34th is in the pipeline.

We had more than 100 branches all over India for my institute in CA education. I have been connected to ISKCON since 2001. Being a Bhakti Sastri, I mentor hundreds of families to understand the message of the Bhagwat Gita and improve their life. I have given thousands of lectures on various spiritual topics.

I am also passionate about guiding parents and counselling children. Parents adore me for my concepts of Holistic Parenting. My mission is to make 1 million ‘Happy families’ and cultivate ‘Bright and responsible children’.

The driving force behind my success is Lord Krishna who is present with me in the form of His words in the Bhagwat Gita and His Holy Names. I am also empowered by my three sons who support me in all difficult periods, even though I am a single parent.

How do you envision the Indian school education landscape evolving soon? What trends do you see developing in the industry going forward?

The Indian education system should come out from rote learning to hands-on experience. We have to evolve ourselves from classroom board teaching to experiential learning. Ever-evolving technology empowers teachers to innovate their lessons. Teachersacross the globe must work on their methodology and teaching should be converted into learning.

We should empower children to become problem solvers instead of problem creators. The world would be able to create true leaders if they understand the worth of human life. These future leaders who are spiritually connected can serve selflessly and integrate the entire world.

What advice will you give to young women and girls who also aspire to become business leaders and entrepreneurs in the future?

My advice to young women and girls is that every one of you is empowered with some special qualities. Don’t just be a copycat of men and imitate them in every aspect. Men and women are endowed with their own special powers and qualities. We can work together to form a perfect team.

 We just have to work to solve the world’s problems and money will follow you. You need to be honest with yourself

Ca Sonu Gupta, Bhaktivedanta Gurukula, And International School

CA Sonu Gupta (Sri Narayani) is a Chartered Accountant, a famous Teacher, Author, Humanitarian, Preacher of the teachings of Bhagwat Gita and a famous Parenting coach. Presently, she is serving as Principal of BhaktivedantaGurukula and International Schoo