Alumni

An Interaction With Eminent Educationist

Smt. Reena CheemaBatch 1983

Principal of several reputed Delhi schools, including S.S. Mota Singh School and Guru Harkrishan Public School, and now an educational consultant.

Madam, you served as the Principal of many reputed schools including S.S. Mota Singh School, New Delhi and Guru Harkrishan Public School, New Delhi. Who or what inspired you to pursue a career in teaching?

We were truly blessed to have wonderful teachers who moulded our lives. My teachers inspired me to pursue a career in teaching. Smt. Luthra, Smt. Kohli, Sh. Nanda, Smt. Astavans… For the Salwanians the list is endless!

Please share the most fulfilling experience of your career spanning 25 years.

While serving as the Principal of United Public School, Kanpur, I identified a child with learning disabilities and provided specialized coaching to enable him to cope with the challenges of mainstream education. The child grew up to become a successful doctor. This is the most rewarding experience of my career.

Presently you are working as an educational consultant. Please tell us about the initiatives that you have undertaken.

I have been actively involved in various initiatives for promoting quality education in rural areas through multi-dimensional educational programmes. I have been coordinating the planning, implementation and assessment of school improvement processes in order to bring the rural schools at par with urban schools.

In Conversation With

Dr. Achal BhagatBatch 1980

Psychiatrist and mental health activist; Founder Chairperson of Saarthak.

Sir, you have been doing exemplary work as a mental health activist. Please tell us about your initiatives.

I am the Founder Chairperson of Saarthak, an NGO working on issues of Mental Health. Presently I am heading a multidisciplinary team of psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, cognitive behaviour therapists and family therapists who provide psychiatric services and train people as well as organizations to deal with mental health problems. We are actively involved in rights movements for gender rights, rights of persons with disabilities and rights of persons with mental illnesses.

Please share some fond memories of your school days.

I owe my communication skills to the debates that I won and lost in school. I remember Smt. Indu Kohli as the most encouraging person, Sh. Dinesh Bahadur Singh for instilling a spirit of enquiry, Sh. Binjoo for interpreting poetry, Sh. Dilip Bedi for making physics interesting and Smt. Rakhee Sharma for making English language learning an enjoyable experience.

What advice would you like to give to school students who are planning to pursue a career in medicine?

Become a doctor if you are passionate about it. Be humble, respect people as people and do not treat them as cases. I feel it’s a very noble profession, and requires one to value life and be committed.

In Conversation With

Sh. Jitender KohliBatch 1971

IIT Delhi (Electrical Engineering); Managing Director of Electronic Tender and among the foremost global experts in e-procurement. His book, ‘The Business Guide to India’, was rated a bestseller.

Rendezvous With Young Singing Sensation

Ms. Harjot KaurBatch 2015

Vocalist; winner at the Baal Kala Utsav, the Hum Kishore Festival, the Delhi Pratibha Puruskar and the Hannah Montana – The Big Popstar Dream Contest.

A proud recipient of many accolades, you are a source of inspiration for many. Please tell us about your journey so far.

I am grateful to my school for providing numerous opportunities to hone and showcase my talent. Training in Hindustani Classical music under the guidance of Guru Pt. Baldev Raj Verma and learning the nuances of Sufi Music at school from the renowned Sufi singer Ustad Maa Zila Khan have been the most gratifying experiences of my life.

You have carved a niche for yourself in the world of vocal music. What was the most significant turning point in your career?

Winning the 1st runner-up award in the Super Singer Contest organized by Radio City – FM 91.1 in 2014 was undoubtedly the most important turning point in my career. It boosted my confidence and provided the much-needed exposure for participation in the Music Reality Show, The Voice of India.

What message would you like to give to budding singers?

Grab every opportunity that comes your way and chase your dreams with undeterred willpower.