Excellent education for 2500+ students in Chennai

When I first entered my classroom, I noticed that many students were hesitant to share their thoughts and often struggled to show kindness toward one another. Because empathy and generosity are values I deeply believe in, I set a clear intention to nurture these qualities. Through consistent morning meetings centered around kindness, sharing, friendship, and emotional awareness and by encouraging the daily use of “magic words” such as please, thank you, and sorry - I have witnessed a meaningful transformation. Today, my students express gratitude sincerely, apologise genuinely, and actively help and support one another. This shift reflects not just improved social-emotional skills but also the growth of a more caring, connected classroom community.

Alongside this, my co-fellow and I are working on our BTCP project, designed to meet the evolving needs of our students. The idea emerged when we noticed how many children struggled to explore their talents or access platforms to express existing skills. Many are unable to afford professional training in extracurriculars, which affects their confidence and limits exposure. Our project aims to bridge this gap by collaborating with professionals in theatre, dance, and music who can train students based on their interests. The year will culminate in an End-of-Year Showcase, where students will present their learning creatively to a broader audience. We have already begun by establishing classroom reading circles with the support of a volunteer; these have now successfully transitioned into student-led circles. Our next step is to collaborate with theatre artists to host immersive workshops.

Beyond the classroom, I am also reflecting deeply on my long-term pathway. After the Fellowship, I plan to work for a few more years before pursuing postgraduation. Over time, I have developed a strong interest in the Human Resources domain. My internships have exposed me to people engagement and candidate selection processes, strengthening my desire to build a career in this field. My current role with the Fellowship Recruitment Committee at Teach For India has been particularly meaningful, it has allowed me to engage with potential Fellows and better understand the People function. The Pathway Exposure Series has further clarified my future direction within the Enablers (People) domain.

This journey continues to shape my growth as an educator and leader. I remain committed to continuous reflection, stronger instructional practice, and fostering spaces where students feel empowered to lead - with empathy, courage, and curiosity.

Links:

• TEACH FOR INDIA