Aprincipal plays a pivotal role in shaping the vision and facilitating the success of an institution and its student and faculty population. They not only help teachers to become better educators but also mentor and train students. One such inspiring woman whose remarkable contributions and unwavering dedication are transforming the educational landscape is Shrutika Lawand, Principal at B.D. Somani International School. Having worked with all boards and types of schools for over 35 years, she has redefined excellence in education, inspiring countless students and educators alike. From pioneering inclusive curricula to spearheading groundbreaking initiatives, Shrutika is shaping the future of learning and setting new standards for educational leadership.

In this interview, Shrutika shares her career journey and sheds light on the education industry of India.

Can you please walk us through your career journey in the education industry?

I began my teaching journey 35 years ago with very conventional teaching. Over the course of years I evolved significantly as a teacher. I eventually had the opportunity to work with International schools that implemented a highly innovative and future ready curriculum. This collective experience has enriched my teaching journey and equipped me to lead B.D. Somani International School, a top-notch school in Navi Mumbai, efficiently.

Professionally, I have been involved in creating an instructional design which makes education hands on and experiential, allowing students to apply what they have learnt to real life situations. I have also conducted trainings in ISO processes and am an ISO process auditor.

The program I have worked on embraces an interdisciplinary approach to learning where we equip students to think creatively and critically about the world around them. My varied and enriching experiences have provided me with a skillset that equips me to lead B.D. Somanii International School, Kharghar towards being a future ready school.

A crucial aspect of my career is that I have served as the founding principal for three successful schools, making a transformational impact on young minds. This experience has honed my skills in establishing new schools and understanding the requirements of young learners. Additionally, in my previous roles, I have delivered a 21st-century curriculum, emphasizing the need for education to evolve for the future. I believe strongly that schools and educators must lead this change to benefit our students.

Can you tell us about B.D. Somani International Schooland the key areas of expertise you have developed as a leader in early education?

B.D. Somani International School, Kharghar, draws on a legacy of excellence in education since 1975. We are committed to offering every student meaningful and useful educational experience that enable them to be their best self.

As a premium 21st-century school, BDSIS, Kharghar will provide cutting–edge facilities and a future-ready campus to create and sustain a conducive ambience for our young students.

Our approach uses cross-curricular linkage to foster learning capacity and ensure that classroom learning is interconnected. Cross-curricular education helps students establish connections between different academic and co-curricular subjects. This allows students to find common elements between subjects and strengthens their understanding by assisting them in applying what they learn in the classroom to their lives outside. This is also effective for shaping students into lifelong learners.

What have been the most critical challenges you have faced in your current role, and how have you overcome them? What is your success mantra for achieving this success?

Most schools focus on a learning based model and scoring well. It s difficult to wipe this mindset which parents initially think is important. However, once they experience the difference, they become our advocates and brand ambassadors.

Identifying talent that believes that education is evolving is yet another challenge. Selecting people with the right mindset and beliefs and training them to align with your vision has helped in overcoming this challenge.

Despite all the hurdles, our only focus at BDSIS was to make learning fun and experiential for children. With a team that believed in this vision, we crossed all the hurdles that came our way and have had a successful year.

With your extensive experience in the education industry, how do you foresee the future of school education in India?

Education must prepare students for the challenges of the future. In a rapidly changing world, where AI, Automation and Digitization are transforming the way we live and work, I can see that the focus of education today is changing more towards a skill based program. Schools will now look at cultivating critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving skills and most importantly creativity in students.

The focus of education in this competitive age, will be to break away from the practice of repetitive learning and work towards equipping students with the skills they need to be successful in the future workforce and develop mindsets that enable them to thrive and positively contribute to the society they inhabit. Strengthening this viewpoint, our government has also reformed various initiatives and created the National Education policy which fosters immersive learning.

This will transform the Indian education sector. Education will now shift from a 'learning-based' model to a 'skill-based' model. There is a need to emphasize on the importance of practical, on-the-job training rather than classroom instruction. Schools will promote inclusive and equitable education and lifelong learning for all.

'Being a life long learner' will be the key mantra not just for educators but also for the students.

Shrutika Lawand, Principal, B.D. Somani International School

Shrutika Lawand is the Principal at B.D. Somani International School. With nearly 35 years in education, she emphasizes on creativity and innovation, preparing students with essential 21st-century skills for a dynamic and interdependent society.