Page 14 - Neerja Birla

Eduleader

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What are the factors that motivated you to launch the Aditya Birla World Academy (ABWA) & The Aditya Birla
Integrated School (TABIS)?
I’ve always been fond of children and passionate about their right to education. Given access and support, every child
can develop into a socially valuable, contributing citizen. Through the promotion of ABWA, I got the opportunity to
conceptualise, design and start a school that provides holistic education beyond academic learning. Moreover, when
my own children were in school, I witnessed many parents pulling differently-abled children out of school because
they were treated like second-class citizens. TABIS’ objective is to provide children with special needs an enabling en-
vironment where they can learn without prejudice and discrimination and transform into self-supporting, respected
and contributing members of society.

What are the distinguishing features of ABWA education?
At ABWA we discover and nurture the latent skills and intelligences that children need to realise their full potential.
We’re a child-centric school, committed to the academic, co-curricular, social and emotional development of every
child. We believe that learning goes beyond academics and our students are encouraged to question, wonder, learn
joyously and develop into compassionate, responsible and contributing members of society.

In 2016, you started the Mpower Foundation and Mpower Centre. What are the aims and objectives of these
institutions?
Mpower’s objective is to stamp out social stigma associated with mental healthcare. It operates through three ver-
ticals. The Mpower Movement focuses on fostering awareness and engagement around mental health issues. The
Mpower Centre provides mental health counseling and treatment through thoroughly researched multi-disciplinary
pedagogies. The Mpower Foundation works towards ensuring that all these mental healthcare services are available
to all individuals regardless of their socio-economic status.

Traditionally and culturally, there’s a negative attitude towards mental health in Indian society. At best, we pretend it
doesn't exist and ignore it, or we react through a mix of stigma, superstition and misdiagnosis. We need a paradigm
cultural shift to acknowledge that mental health is as important as physical well-being.

Thinker/philosopher you admire the most.
While there have been many who inspired me at various points in my life, one thinker/philosopher whom I have al-
ways admired is Rumi. His words always inspire and remind me about the value of surrendering to a higher purpose
in life and working humbly towards fulfilling that purpose.

Your leadership style.
I believe in a ‘shared-vision’ style of leadership. When people share a common vision, they work together to achieve it.

Your favourite book on education.
Reading The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho was a turning point in my life. I am very motivated by the idea that all of us
can be catalysts for change, and that education is not about mere academics but is derived from experiences in the
journey of life.

How satisfied are you with the overall growth and development of Aditya Birla Education Trust?
The road to improvement is always under construction, and the beauty of dreams is that they flower and evolve. I’m
very happy with the way things are progressing, and I feel proud of the hard work and commitment of every member
of my team.

What are your future plans for the Aditya Birla Education Trust?
The long-term plan is to grow in every segment and to create communities where education goes beyond book learn-
ing, where life skills and holistic development are the focus. We also envision a future where people can live stigma
free lives during which they get all the support and resources they need to exercise their right to live fulfilled lives.