Devyani Jaipuria dons multiple hats in her various roles as a young philanthropist, an industrialist and a global advocate for social welfare. She is the Pro Vice Chairperson of Delhi Public School, Sector-45, Gurugram, Delhi Public School - Jaipur, and Dharav High School-Jaipur, DPS International – Gurugram. she sheds light on her core values, vision for education, social causes and thoughts on women’s empowerment.
A smart man once said, “When you have more than you need, build a bigger table, not a higher fence.”
Indeed!
Individuals in positions of abundance and privilege also have a social responsibility to leverage their advantages to help those in need. A plethora of legacy families believe in this and go out of their way to use their privilege for the social good.
Devyani Jaipuria is one such legacy entrepreneur working towards creating a better world. She hails from a family of visionary philanthropists. Early on in life, she realised that the core tenets that help any ecosystem thrive are integrity, education and philanthropy. With this value system coupled with her passion to ensure young minds start strong, Devyani embarked upon her journey towards enriching the education ecosystem in the country. She dons multiple hats in her various roles - a young and energetic-philanthropist, an industrialist and a global advocate for social welfare.
One of her primary roles is as the Pro Vice Chairperson of Delhi Public School, Sector-45, Gurugram, Delhi Public School - Jaipur, and Dharav High School-Jaipur, DPS International – Gurugram.
In a conversation with Women Entrepreneur India, Devyani talks about her desire to strengthen the Indian education sector, her views of where its lacking and her vision as an educationalist. She also sheds light on her foundational values that she learnt from her family which is a known name in the Indian business landscape.
Take us through the early years of your life. What were some of the key early influences that shaped you as an individual and influenced your core values?
My early years were profoundly influenced by the philanthropic values of my family, emphasizing the importance of integrity, education, and philanthropy as foundational elements for any thriving ecosystem. These principles have been the driving force behind my commitment to enriching the education ecosystem in India, fuelled by a deep passion to ensure that young minds embark on their educational journey with a strong foundation.
Did you always envision becoming an educationalist? Tell us about your foray into the field of Indian education. What sort of an impact do you envision creating through your extensive work as an educationalist?
While becoming an educationalist was not always my envisioned path, I entered the field of Indian education with a clear focus on providing relevant and impactful learning experiences. My role in establishing DPS International, elevating DPS 45 to academic excellence, and leading institutions like Dharav High School and DPS Jaipur reflects my dedication to shaping the educational landscape. The launch of creative programs has been instrumental in contributing to the growth of the educational foundation.
As someone spearheading major educational institutions, you are privy to the current state of India school education. In your opinion, where is the Indian school education sector lacking currently? What are some of the major road blocks being faced by the Indian school education space?
As someone at the forefront of major educational institutions, I keenly observe the current state of India's school education sector. In my opinion, the sector lacks a focus on relevant education and skill-based learning. The roadblocks include a need for a more dynamic and adaptable educational approach to meet the evolving demands of the students and the workforce.
Here are the major roadblocks faced by the Indian school education space succinctly:
Infrastructure Deficiency: Lack of proper classrooms, libraries, and sanitation facilities.
Teacher Shortage and Quality: Insufficient qualified and trained teachers, affecting education quality.
Curriculum Relevance: Outdated curriculum not aligned with modern needs.
Inequitable Access: Disparities in access, particularly among marginalized groups.
Assessment Pressure: Emphasis on high-stakes exams leading to stress and rote learning.
Lack of Vocational Education: Limited focus on practical skills and job readiness.
Digital Divide: Unequal access to technology and internet connectivity.
Addressing these issues requires comprehensive reforms focusing on infrastructure, teacher training, curriculum redesign, equitable access, assessment reforms, vocational education promotion, and bridging the digital gap.
Beyond education, you have also done credible work in the social development sector. Give us a glimpse of your work in the community welfare space. which of your social development endeavours are the closest to your heart and why?
Beyond the field of education, my involvement in social development is deeply rooted in initiatives like the Shiksha Kendra where we adopted government schools to enhance the teaching-learning process. Additionally, my commitment extends to healthcare welfare programs, vaccination drives, and the establishment of Pravah, a skills centre aimed at empowering the economically disadvantaged.
You hail from a family that has witnessed immense business success. Can you tell us about the key leadership or business lessons who have learnt from your father, who is one of India’s premier business figures?
Drawing leadership and business lessons from my father, a prominent figure in India's business landscape, has been invaluable. The key lessons include the importance of integrity, strategic vision, and a commitment to creating a positive impact on society through business endeavours.
What is your take on women’s empowerment in recent times across India? How do you envision leveraging your work to advance women’s empowerment in India?
My perspective on women's empowerment in recent times is shaped by a belief in its significance across India. I envision leveraging my work to advance women's empowerment by integrating programs and initiatives within educational institutions that foster gender equality and empower young women to pursue their aspirations.
What is your vision for your work endeavours in the education and healthcare space going forward?
Looking ahead, my vision for my work endeavours in the education and healthcare space is centred around creating a future-ready working population. This involves continually innovating in educational approaches, addressing gaps in healthcare, and fostering collaborations that contribute to the holistic well-being of individuals and communities.
As 2024 unfolds, what is your wish and hope for women’s empowerment. What advice would you like to give to the young women of India?
As 2024 unfolds, my wish and hope for women's empowerment are for continued progress and recognition of women's contributions across all sectors. To young women in India, my advice is to embrace education, believe in their potential, and actively participate in shaping a more inclusive and empowered future for themselves and those around them.
My wish for women's empowerment in 2024 is to see continued progress towards gender equality, with more opportunities for women to thrive in all areas of life.
To the young women of India, my advice is simple:
Believe in yourself.
Educate yourself.
Speak up.
Support other women.
Break barriers.
Take care of yourself.
Never stop learning and growing.
By following these principles, you can contribute to the advancement of women's empowerment and create a brighter future for yourself and others.
