Ajay Singh is a distinguished educationist revered for his profound expertise and extensive experience in the realm of education. Holding a Master’s Degree in Psychology from the prestigious Banaras Hindu University, coupled with a B. Ed. and a UGC-NET qualification, Ajay has honed his skills in teaching Psychology across a spectrum of educational frameworks, from the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) to the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) and IGCSE. His adeptness extends to teaching the Theory of Knowledge and Global Perspectives in international curriculums, showcasing his versatility and commitment to holistic education.
Throughout his illustrious career spanning over two decades, Ajay has assumed multifaceted roles as both a facilitator and an administrator. His tenure at Mayo College, Ajmer, where he served as a Psychology Teacher, Career Counsellor, and Housemaster, exemplifies his dedication to shaping young minds and fostering their holistic development. At Genesis Global School, Noida, Ajay’s leadership as the ‘Dean of Residences’ and later as the head of the National Curriculum (CBSE) showcased his exceptional administrative acumen and visionary leadership.
Before his current role as the Principal of The Scindia School, Ajay served as the head of Punjab Public School, Nabha, leaving an indelible mark with his innovative educational practices and transformative leadership.
A connoisseur of knowledge and an avid traveler, Ajay’s global expeditions have enriched his pedagogical insights by acquainting him with diverse educational systems worldwide. His unwavering commitment to excellence has earned him numerous accolades, including the prestigious ‘Excellence in Teaching Award’, ‘International School Award’, and ‘The Most Transformational Practices in Student Development Award’. Notably, he was the recipient of the inaugural ‘CV Raman Award’ for Principals in 2021, a testament to his pioneering contributions to the field of education.
As an educational leader, Ajay espouses a philosophy of providing transformational learning experiences, fostering a spirit of teamwork, and cultivating camaraderie within the learning community. With his blend of pedagogical prowess, administrative finesse, and unwavering dedication, Ajay Singh continues to inspire and shape the future of education at The Scindia School.
In a riveting exchange with The Interview World, Ajay Singh illuminates the remarkable odyssey of The Scindia School, delving into its strategic initiatives aimed at tackling pressing environmental concerns. He offers invaluable counsel on navigating a world fraught with challenges and uncertainties. Here, we present pivotal highlights from his enlightening interview.
Q: How has the illustrious 125-year journey of The Scindia School shaped and contributed to the cultivation of future leaders, as perceived from the vantage point of your esteemed school?
A: The Scindia School epitomizes the creation of versatile individuals who embody global citizenship while remaining deeply rooted in the Indian values of Sanskaar and Sanskriti. Fundamentally, the institution aims to nurture leadership qualities to produce well-equipped leaders for governance roles. Through a diverse range of opportunities, students explore their potential and identity. Over the years, the school has established a remarkable legacy, evident in the achievements of its alumni.
Scindians have excelled in various fields including Defence forces, Bureaucracy, IT, Banking, and the Entertainment industry, underscoring their prowess and versatility. This legacy serves as a testament to the school’s commitment to holistic development and the cultivation of excellence across different spheres. By fostering a supportive environment that encourages exploration and growth, the School continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the leaders of tomorrow.
Q: What strategic initiatives is your school currently undertaking to effectively address and mitigate the pressing challenges of environment and climate change?
A: At The Scindia School, we strongly believe in the principle of giving back to society. As part of our commitment to this ethos, we have integrated Ecology into our core curriculum. Situated within the Fort, we have embraced the Fort Biosphere concept, which encompasses Ecology, water management, waste reduction, and energy conservation. Our goal is not only to raise awareness but also to empower each student who graduates from our school to become environmentally conscious individuals.
The grassland within our meadow area serves as a vital carbon sink, contributing to our efforts in mitigating climate change. Every aspect of the ecosystem is integrated into students’ portfolios, project work, and classroom activities.
Moreover, our students actively participate in water conservation initiatives. They have constructed channels throughout our 160-acre campus to capture rainwater and redirect it into the six Taals (water bodies). This initiative aims to make our campus water-positive, reducing our reliance on external water sources.
Furthermore, The Scindia School promotes itself as a zero-waste institution. All waste generated on campus is decomposed through composting. The resulting compost enriches our nursery, which is dedicated to cultivating native plants that are then distributed across the city.
In addition to waste management, we prioritize water conservation by treating and recycling wastewater for use in irrigating our lawns and fields.
Looking ahead, we are embarking on a solar project to further our commitment to energy conservation and reduce our dependence on traditional electricity sources. Through these initiatives, we aim to create a more sustainable and eco-friendly campus environment for current and future generations of students.
Q: What specific features and methodologies does your program ‘Asthachal’ employ to facilitate the holistic transformation of students’ personalities, and how has it been successful in achieving this goal?
A: Embedded in our vision is a profound connection to Sanskaar and Sanskriti. Dating back to the 1930s, one of our enduring traditions is Astachal, a sacred ritual bridging the tangible and intangible realms. Clad in pristine white kurta pyjamas, the boys congregate in a designated open space, their gazes fixed upon the descending sun.
Within this setting, they embark on a journey of self-discovery, guided by the principles of “Atmabodh” (self-awareness) and “atmamanthan” (self-reflection). This ritual serves as a crucible for their personal growth, instilling in them a habit of introspection and adaptability.
As a result, each graduate emerges as a refined individual, adept at navigating the complexities of life with a steadfast moral compass. By nurturing self-awareness and resilience, we cultivate a community of individuals deeply grounded in their values and fortified with unwavering character.
Q: How does the rich history of your school contribute to the empowerment of students in the dynamic fields of computer science and Information Technology, fostering an environment that encourages learning and innovation?
A: In 1983, when the School began, it stood as a pioneer in technology. Notably, the initial four students to undertake the CBSE Computer exams hailed from the Scindia School. Our commitment to leveraging technology is evident through the integration of interactive panels, fostering lively and engaging classes. Additionally, the Think Lab serves as a platform for nurturing innovation among students from a young age. The institution also hosts the prestigious Sam Pitroda Award, evaluated by both industry experts and IT college professors. Over the years, our projects have spanned a diverse spectrum, ranging from remotely driven cars to inventive drying machines and drones, as well as traffic management systems, among others.
Q: How can students navigate and thrive in a world riddled with global challenges and uncertainties, and what key messages or advice do you have for them in this context?
A: In offering guidance, I’ve consistently stressed the importance of simplicity and practicality, especially in the realm of cricket. However, beyond the boundaries of the cricket pitch, there lies a broader landscape where the principles of adaptability and continuous learning are paramount.
As we find ourselves in the era of artificial intelligence (AI), the landscape of skill development has shifted. It’s no longer sufficient to merely excel in technical aspects; individuals must also cultivate a diverse skill set that enables effective interaction within an increasingly digital and interconnected world.
This includes honing not only communication and collaboration skills but also mastering the art of expressing oneself both verbally and in writing. Additionally, proficiency in data handling and staying updated with advancements in information technology are indispensable assets in today’s job market and society at large.
Moreover, while technical skills are crucial, the ability to navigate setbacks and failures with resilience is equally vital. These lessons in resilience are often learned most profoundly on the playing fields, where the unpredictable nature of sports teaches invaluable lessons in perseverance and determination. Equipped with the ability to confront challenges head-on and the resilience to weather storms, individuals are better prepared to navigate the complexities and uncertainties of our ever-evolving world. In an era marked by unpredictability and ambiguity, it is this combination of adaptability, resilience, and determination that empowers individuals to thrive amidst the chaos and uncertainty.
