Page 14 - Anirudh Gupta

Eduleader

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The first DCM school was established 74 years ago in Ferozepur. Since then the number of DCM K-12 schools has
grown to six across Punjab. What were the major factors behind the promotion, growth and development of these
institutions?
Our seven-decades journey was — and remains — inspired by the never say die spirit of our founders, who ventured
far from home to provide quality education to children of educationally neglected Ferozepur. The Decent Children
Modern School was the first English-medium school in Punjab with an expatriate faculty. However, before the school
could get going, it suffered a major setback during the Partition. Not one to give up easily, Mr. Dass re-established the
school with the support of Rai Bahadur Vishnu Bhagwan ICS, the first deputy commissioner of Ferozepur, and the local
citizenry. I am pleased that I haven’t let the founders of this institution down.

What are the major initiatives/innovations you have introduced since assuming charge of DCM schools 21 years
ago?
We have imported best global education practices into Punjab and Haryana. Our common inquiry-based curriculum
which integrates latest technologies develops the creativity and imagination of children. Moreover, our well-trained
teachers develop their communication, digital literacy, leadership and problem solving skills.

What would you say is the most significant contribution of the DCM group to K-12 education in Punjab?
Our schools have revolutionised K-12 education in Punjab and placed this hitherto educationally underserved state on
the education map of India. Our alumni have risen high in business, industry and government in the state and India.

Thinker/philosopher you admire the most
Ukranian educator Vasyl Sukhomlynsky, Greek philosopher Plato, American author Richard Bach and educationist
John Dewey.

Your leadership style
Participatory, supportive and transformative. I believe that task-focused leadership that inspires and rewards achieve-
ment, is essential for the success of any organisation.

Your favourite book on education
Experiential Learning — Experience as a Source of Learning and Development by David A Kolb.

How satisfied are you with the growth and development of DCM institutions?
Although I believe that our DCM Group schools have evolved into model institutions, a lot still needs to be done to
make them the best in all spheres. I dream of achieving much more, and this motivates and energises me every day.

Pessimistic or optimistic about the future of education in india?
Fiercely optimistic. Several new initiatives of the Union government such as establishing a National Testing Agency,
the Digital India and Skill India programmes and introducing STEAM education, are slowly but surely transforming
India’s education landscape.

What are your future plans?
Now that we have over seven decades of experience, I believe we are prepared to roll out DCM K-12 schools across
India and perhaps abroad. We are also ready to contribute our expertise for the continuous professional development
of teachers to government schools and develop the native spirit of entrepreneurship within our students.

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