A Visionary Educationist CEO ON A LIFE MISSION!

Pune, Sep 22, 2020 (Issuewire.com) - Recently, I had the privilege of meeting Mr. Jitendraa Indraman Siingh, the CEO and co-founder of the Priyadarshani Group of Schools, Pune. An interesting conversation ensued, where I was completely overwhelmed by his unique vision to change the education scenario in India. Here are some excerpts from the meet.

After exchanging some pleasantries, I kick-started the conversation, by asking Mr. Jitendraa about him, his background, and the Life/ Educationist journey. I realized immediately that I was speaking to a man of substance when he said: "I am a qualified educationist, with degrees in M.A., B.Ed., besides D.C.M. Also, I am currently pursuing a 5-year D.S.S.I. (Dream Science and Symbols Interpretation) program from Canada". Being curious, I inquired, "What is this program all about?", to which he replied "It is a science to understand and interpret our dreams, and attempts to connect the dots between our past, present and future. Look it up on http://www.dssi.ucm.ca/" he suggested, with a smile. He also added, "Besides the qualifications, I am also a Reiki Master, a Black Belt, a practicing 'Past Life Regression Therapist', NLP & EFT skills expert & trainer, and have received several educational accolades, awards, and recognition", including:

• Excellent Innovator Award in Education - from the British Parliament, UK, for pioneering innovative global programs for the overall development of students since 1990. Mr. Jitendraa was honored by several eminent luminaries including Mr. Gaur Gopal Das, Ms. Seema Malhotra, Mr. Manish Agarwal, Dr. Sayyam Bharadwaj, and Mr. Rajesh Bajaj, during this prestigious award
• Top 100 Organizations in Education Leaders Award - GFEL (Global Forum for Education and Learning) conference, Le Meridian, Dubai, UAE in 2019. This was a special recognition of Mr. Jitendraa's exemplary efforts and meritorious contribution, towards innovative methods, excellence, and transformation in the realm of education. He also was the keynote speaker, representing India, and initiated and ushered the 3-day Education Conference with a Keynote Session for the (+ -)CODE PROGRAM, where he addressed the topic 'Education for Life', to kick-start the

These were indeed proud moments for both, Mr. & Mrs. Jitendraa! Then he went on to explain a little bit about his life and family background.

Mr. Jitendraa was born in a lower-middle-class family in Pune, which had its fair share of challenges and struggles. He apparently had a troubled childhood. However, being always positive he converted the pain-points in his life to his advantage. He started taking a special

interest in Spirituality and used all his troubles as a springboard into learning more about Spiritual Sciences. He said, "I personally derived immense emotional benefits from Spirituality, and wanted the same for my students too, when I became an educationist, later". True to his word, he incorporated and integrated Spiritual Sciences, a 'new' subject, into the academic curriculum of his own Priyadashani School. The school was founded by his father, Mr. Indraman Singh, in 1982 with just 5 students, at Bhosari, Pune. Recollecting his troubled growing years, on an emotional note, Mr. Jitendraa said, "Using this opportunity, I would like to express my gratitude to all the pain-givers and cheaters who throttled my growing years and made me understand who I was... my inner-self. Without their troubles, I wouldn't be what I am today. Also, I want to expressly thank them for making me realize that gratitude and disturbance cannot co-exist. I chose the former, and undoubtedly it transformed me into a stronger and better human being than I would have otherwise been". These emotion-filled words choked me, and would always remain close to my heart and etched in my memory... forever!

As a youngster, Mr. Jitendraa always wanted to serve his nation, India, by joining the air-force. However, destiny had other things in store. After a lot of discussions, deliberations, and arguments with his parents, he was finally convinced that he could still serve the country; even much better, by shaping young minds and helping them unleash their true potential to build a Great India! This started his journey as a teacher and educationist in 1990. Although it was not his inner calling, his deep involvement, passion, and commitment to teaching made up for all his initial skepticism, joining hands with his Professor father. He felt more empowered by devoting his entire life to the young ones. Igniting young minds was so gratifying that he thanked his parents, especially his teacher dad for coaxing him to select the respectable teaching profession, instead of the Indian Air-force, as his career. To this end, he soon acquired B.Ed. and M.A. qualifications, which was a major pivot point and milestone in his long and beautiful teaching journey.

Amidst this teaching quest, Mr. Jitendraa discovered his life partner... mystically, and soon entered into a blissful married life with her - a life-changing moment of their lives! They shared a common interest in psychology and child development. Like him, she also was a multi-degree veteran, with 3 degrees viz. B.Sc. - Microbiology, M.Sc. - Psychology, M.B.A - Human Resources, and also has a Doctorate in Religion, under her belt. Also, like Mr. Jitendraa, she is also currently pursuing the 5-year D.S.S.I. program, from Canada. Besides, she also is a practicing 'Past Life Regression Therapist' and an expert in D.M.I.T. (Dermatoglyphics Multiple Intelligence Test); a specialized science relating to the scientific analysis of fingerprints and the brain, to decipher and understand the faculty orientation, aptitude, and attitude of individuals. Soon, they were blessed with two sons who had a water-birth method of delivery, which both Mr. & Mrs. Jitendraa strongly desired. Hence, this was truly a watershed (...no pun intended!) moment of their lives... for both! "But we have the rare privilege of having many more daughters and sons... over 15000 i.e. the students of Priyadarshani!" chuckled Mr. Jitendraa wittingly!

The Educationist journey 

Now, the focus shifted to the new direction Mr. Jitendraa found himself moving into, as a youngster... after a rocky start. The Educationist journey!

"Slowly I realized that, what started as just another profession, soon became my passion and obsession, and finally my 'Life Mission'. My wife was a true catalyst in this beautiful journey, which I had embarked several years ago. She not only encouraged me in all my endeavors but also actively participated in it. Her brilliant thoughts, ideas, suggestions, and most importantly critique fostered many a change at our own Priyadarshani School. Our vision was radically different from other schools. We were keen on giving the education system, at least within Priyadarshani School, a tectonic shift. Something unprecedented and unparalleled, in the typical Indian school setting! A radical move; out of 'rote-learning', and into more 'hands-on' skill-based learning, which will not only produce boys and girls with immense potential but responsible and super-productive citizens too. The results took a while to manifest, but parents of our school were extremely thrilled to see their children bloom into talented and aware individuals, who knew exactly what they wanted to do with their lives!" narrated a pleased Mr. Jitendraa. I could now sense the adrenalin pumping in him.

"Subsequently, with my siblings also getting involved, this new paradigm of education at Priyadarshani, saw it expand into a multi-branch school, and soon it became the - 'Priyadarshani Group of Schools'. A prestigious flagship group of schools and knowledge brand, which now boasts of a total of 5 branches - Bhosari, Alandi, Chakan, Indrayani Nagar, and Moshi!", continued Mr. Jitendraa. But, as they say, "The Flight of Ambition knows no bounds". "Hmmm... So, who knows where the next one could be?"... thought I, silently.

(All here-under, as narrated by the CEO)

 The Vision of Priyadarshani Group

Traditionally the Indian Education System has churned out individuals broadly at two ends of the spectrum -

• The 'Mis-fits' or 'Failures' - who could be average in academics, but who could shine in a practical 'hands-on'

• The 'Brilliants' or 'Successfuls' - Indian Education System also, on the other hand, has produced brilliant specialist professionals in every field, ranging from research/ academia to medicine to I.T., besides innumerable entrepreneurs and business leaders, and not to miss

The above classification is not my own invention, but the broad perception of Indian society. A society that never challenged this deep-rooted perception. A society that believes in maintaining the status-quo!

But we were not going to watch this as mere bystanders! Something had to be done to challenge this status quo! This small spark soon ignited into a raging fire, which propelled us into introducing a radically different curriculum at the Priyadarshani Group of Schools.

Our Observations of the Indian Education System

 While everyone understood the strengths of the Indian Education System, which undoubtedly has contributed a lot to the world, we also observed and understood the lacunae which existed; in the very same system.

Flaws of the Indian Education System

 Obedience over Independent Thinking, Self-Regulation & Discipline:

Indian education emphasizes obedience over independent thinking, self-regulation, and discipline. This is a British-Colonial era hangover that unfortunately still persists. The British were keen to produce obedient slaves in colonized India. But, despite several decades of Independence, this 'slave' mentality still continues to persist.

Rote-Learning instead of Problem-Solving and Deep Lateral & Creative Thinking:

Indian education stresses on 'rote-learning' or as the parents and teachers say... "Learn By- Heart!", which is a euphemism for "Don't use your brains or imagination!". There is excessive emphasis on memorization than lateral thinking, problem-solving, and creativity.

Students not taught to use both sides of the brain: As you may be aware there are 2 hemispheres of a human brain. While the left side of the brain generally is a number cruncher and processes logic and facts, the right side is more intuitive, imaginative, and creative by nature. When both sides of the brain are allowed to develop in tandem, it shapes the student into a well-balanced individual. However, Indian education generally trains students to use only one side of the brain... mostly the left. Also, most Indian parents desire their children to become Doctors or Engineers, instead of 'mere' Creative Artist(e)s. Consequently, the Indian system of education produces lop-sided individuals, instead of well-balanced ones!

Experimentation, Failures, Risk-Taking & Enterprise:

Children, especially in schools are not trained to take calibrated risks. Also, parents want their children to play it safe in life. Failures are frowned upon. Experimentation in life (in any form) is strictly not encouraged, due to the 'fear of the unknown' or failure. Only academic learning is accepted. 'Experiential' learning is only a distant dream in the Indian context. Consequently, the child is unable to deal with insecurities, failures, and setbacks later in life. Also, the enterprise is heavily discouraged. This needs an immense overhaul!

More 'Followers' than 'Leaders': Due to all the above reasons, the Indian Education System produces more 'followers' than 'leaders'. Leadership skills are heavily underplayed in the Indian curriculum and its priorities. This needs to be re-evaluated and recalibrated... radically!

IQ over EQ and 'Material' over 'Spiritual':

Indian education stresses developing IQ i.e. Intelligence Quotient only. But to lead a holistic life EQ or Emotional Quotient is equally important. Wealth creation is made glamorous, while compassion and Spiritual Sciences are not taught as part of the curriculum. This again has created lop-sided 'Materialistic' individuals instead of well-balanced individuals; having the rare 'Material' and 'Spiritual' blend! Also, the students are not mentored and encouraged to become 'global' citizens with a strong civic sense, oriented to environment protection.

Priyadarshani Group of Schools - Education Transformed!

Not being silent observers of lacunae in the Indian Education System, Priyadarshani Group has endeavored to customize its school curriculum to create a conducive eco-system for developing and nurturing students into well-balanced individuals, who -

• Have not just aptitude, but the right attitude too!
• Are more 'hands-on' than mere book-worms.
• Have both left and right hemispheres of the brain, equally developed. i.e. their faculties can process numbers, logic, and facts, but at the same time are equally intuitive, imaginative, and creative too!
• Engage in extra-curricular activities and sports, besides science, art, and
• Understand and utilize the concepts of self-discovery, continuous and experiential learning, and their applications in real
• Think independently, rationally, and logically with a scientific temperament, have an open mindset, and are positive, driven, result-oriented, spontaneous, confident, self-regulated, responsible, resilient, experimental, creative, intuitive, innovative, risk-taking, and yet disciplined, level-headed, compassionate & emotionally balanced!
• Are comfortable dealing with challenges, fears, frustration, failures, insecurities, negativity, and setbacks, take calibrated risks and are enterprising with well-developed Leadership skills.
• Have equal levels of EQ and IQ, and who can earn their living, without ignoring the Spiritual side.
• Have a strong civic sense, and subscribe to 'environment protection' as a key motto of their lives.
• And finally - Are well-balanced, aware, and responsible & productive 'global' citizens!

What sets our curriculum apart?

• Emphasis on Agile 'hands-on' skill-based and project-based
• Also, the following are embedded and integrated into our school curriculum, within the Government and State Board framework:
  • Phonemic Intelligence and Learning - a multi-faceted brain-enrichment
  • Positive, Negative, and Grey area perception
  • Abacus and Vedic Maths
  • Spiritual Sciences including Dream Therapy, Yoga, Meditation, and Emotion & Anger Management.
  • Environment, Human, and Computer
• A Student Mentor Program, where senior students mentor their juniors, teaching, and sharing knowledge. The purpose is many-fold:
  • The juniors get valuable knowledge, insights, guidance, tips, and pointers in several areas, especially
  • They are also oriented and groomed to deal with future challenges, in both academics and life!
  • This also provides the opportunity for senior students to showcase their knowledge, talent, skills, and develops leadership capabilities in them, by boosting their self- confidence.
  • This is also a mechanism to build a strong rapport amongst the student
• Knowledge Sharing Forums, Seminars, Events, and Celebrations are also organized from time to time. This provides an invaluable platform for knowledge exchange, positivity, creativity, spontaneity, camaraderie, integration, and more importantly fun!
• Finally, pre-dominant faculties in students are identified, at an early stage in Grade
  • Education is pragmatically imparted by our experienced faculty, depending on the adaptive & natural learning style (see below), and psychology of the
    • Visual (Spatial) - Imagery
    • Aural (auditory-musical) - Sound-based.
    • Verbal -
    • Kinesthetic - Action, Touch, or Body language-based.

All above additional learning components have been specifically conceived and designed for great learning outcomes, and to develop intelligent kids with high IQ & EQ, 'out-of-the-box' thinking, mature, pragmatic, and dynamic individuals with a unique skill-set, drive, and immense potential, who will be not just be 'employment-ready', but more importantly, prepared for life!

This major initiative in re-inventing and transforming education is undoubtedly the Priyadarshani Group of Schools' small and humble contribution to Indian society and towards the 'NEW-INDIA' nation-building goal.

"While we are already on course, we raise the bar higher.... ALL THE TIME!"

These final words will continue to resonate in my ears and mind, but running out of time, I had to conclude a highly impressionable and memorable interaction with -

The Visionary CEO - Mr. Jitendraa Indraman Siingh. A veteran educationist with a tall stature! of the one of a kind... The path-breaking -

Priyadarshani Group of Schools

A Dream Institution to enroll your child in!

Will always treasure this amazing vision, journey, goal, and more importantly, the awesome plan & stellar execution!

An exclusive Interview by Mr. Narayan S Venkataraman

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