Rashmi Vij built a school from scratch. A school that is excelling further and further. She is a dynamic, soul searching and savvy presenter. A topper in Psychology and here she shares with us the secrets of her success.

Interview with Rashmi Vij (Speaker of the ‘Navigating Principalship' Workshop)

How did you go into teaching?

My father was a professor of English Literature and he used to teach students at home. He was a remarkable teacher touching so many lives. I was really born to be a teacher as well as being groomed to be a teacher by an environment like this. I always thought a Principal had to be strong, domineering and very sure of herself. I thought it was an aloof and lonely profession. So I never thought about Principalship. I had leadership qualities, I had been a leader in guides, school head girl, but my mind never thought that I will one day become a Principal.

What happened was that at first my mentor saw it in me. She encouraged the qualities to emerge from me. I was a people's person, I had empathy and cared to understand people and this is what being a principal is all about. That's why I did a psychology degree, to understand people. The subject was very dear to me even though my father would've wanted me to do English Literature.

Were you ever inspired to write considering your background in growing up amongst English Literature?

I've been writing poems since I was a young child…I still write poetry. I've been very spiritually inclined since I was young and my poems were about God. I was in a protestant church and the focus was beautiful, about God, chapels, worship…Our journey goes from meditating upon form to the formless. From a church to the world and beyond.

Who are you inspired by?

I am deeply inspired by Vivekanand's writings, Yoganand's writings…My mother and father naturally inspired me a great deal too.

Any subjects you are passionate about?

I am passionate about understanding human behavior, understanding God. Inspiring and motivating people is my forte. I have been able to build up a very big school because I can motivate people to walk that extra mile for their internal satisfaction…

Is there anything in education right now that's bothering you?

The area of education has narrowed up. We need to widen it up and focus on life long learning. Not just focus on one thing….not just academics. Our education should teach us to live life. Education has become very focused on reproducing results….before each child was considered on their individual inclinations. Now in the process of generalization of education, we have forgotten about individualization…When will the time come so that we can admire a child, who wants to become a poet? Everyone can't become a doctor or an engineer.

When I entered Class 7, I knew I had to harness my energy from purely creative and philosophical thinking. I had to do well academically so that I would be accepted and acknowledged by everyone.

When I was given the challenge to start a school, qualities that were inherent in me surfaced even more. My school is a big canvas on which I can create different paintings.

Rashmi, do you get any time for hobbies?

I love reading. My reading has crystalized my thought process and helped me shape my perspectives in life. My passion now is to share whatever I've acquired with those in my field. The day I write poetry, it gives me a great euphoria and joy. Creativity gives you the joy and satisfaction of seeing something new.

Many thanks to Rashmi Vij for her very open thoughts from the heart.

• Dr. Rashmi Vij (Principal) M.Phil. (University Topper), M.A. in Psychology (Gold Medalist), B.A. with Psychology Honors.