Page 14 - Deepak Madhok

Eduleader

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You quit the civil service in 1990 to help your parents realise their mission of providing English-medium schooling
to the educationally under-served children of Uttar Pradesh. Since then the group has expanded to six CBSE affili-
ated schools in Varanasi, and 18 partner schools across UP. How satisfied are you with the progress of SGEI schools?
Sunbeam English School, Bhagwanpur was promoted by my parents way back in the 1970s to provide children of
Varanasi high-quality English-medium CBSE schooling. It became the model for our other five Sunbeam schools in
the city. I am pleased to say that since then all Sunbeam schools have developed into progressive institutions which
combine rigorous academics with excellent co-curricular and sports education. This Sunbeam formula of balanced
and well-rounded education has been spread to other neglected small cities of Uttar Pradesh through our 18 partner
schools.

Since taking charge of the Sunbeam Group of schools in 1990, what are the major initiatives/innovations you have
introduced?
I believe we have created democratic environments in our schools. All teachers and students are co-learners and
collaborators. I will also take credit for integrating information technology best practices and data analysis into the
curriculum.

Sunbeam associate/partner schools are sited in educationally under-served districts of Uttar Pradesh such as Mau
& Gonda. What would you say is the most significant contribution of SGEI to K-12 education in Uttar Pradesh?
Our greatest contribution is that we have enabled children in small towns of severely under-developed eastern UP
to access English-medium education which combines academic rigour with co-curricular and sports activities. As a
result a rising number of schools in UP’s small towns are introducing latest pedagogies empowered by curriculum
design and teacher training. The pioneer role played by SGEI in the backward districts of UP has sharply upgraded
teaching-learning standards and popularised English language learning which is critical for upward social mobility.

Thinker/philosopher you admire the most.
Aristotle and George Bernard Shaw

Leadership style.
I believe in empowering people. My leadership mantra is to delegate, give my colleagues a patient hearing and coun-
sel them when necessary. This has created a wonderful bond of understanding and a team which has stood by us over
the past four decades and helped to sharply raise education standards in eastern UP in particular.

Your favourite book on education.
The Gift of Failure by Jessica Lahey.

Pessimistic or optimistic about the future of education in India?
I am optimistic about the future of India. Good quality education will result in the election of good leaders and policy-
makers who will mobilise the potential of our people and transform India into a united and developed country.

What are your future growth and development plans?
I want to take the Sunbeam brand to other states of India and venture into higher education.

182 | 21 Great Leaders Transforming Indian Education