Page 19 - DAIS - DAISPORA ISSUE03

Her perspective on entrepreneurship as a “skill that can be learnt” is particularly

Ms. Bajaj has been an integral part of the DAIS family from the very first academic illuminating, highlighting her approach of encouraging students to be better sharp intellect but also be empathetic in their approach towards society. Hence, For Ms Bajaj, her journey in DAIS started in the first year of its opening and
year. Personally, she has left an indelible mark in my memories of the school. decision makers – whether “data-driven or compassionate in decision making”. a value-based approach is integral to all her interactions with parents, students continues into the whole new chapter with the inauguration of NMAJS. Seeing the

Never a person of many words, to us students she symbolised open mindedness, She is able to contribute towards the pedagogical development of the school and teachers while designing experiences for us as part of the curriculum. These dream unfurl from a blueprint to the physical spaces, is being a part of the history
positivity and a source of strength who inspired us to explore our passion and and curriculum due to her subject expertise in Business Management and her real-life connections had an enduring impact on me especially as I transitioned of this glorious institution, which she treasures.
work towards realising our dreams. I considered her not only as a mentor and continuous commitment towards lifelong learning. Personally, as I re-commit from practising law in UK and then in India. It is this foundation which has made
guide, but also someone who offered me a safe space to share my doubts and myself now as a parent, this conversation was reassuring that the school is ideal us adaptable and open -minded and stayed with us long after we left our alma

apprehensions. for developing future ready learners. mater. As our conversation came to an end - full of anecdotes too innumerable to
capture - I am struck by how optimistic and heartened I feel. Like the educator

she is, Ms. Bajaj has almost effortlessly left me at the age of 34 feeling the same
It is 20 years later – that I have a deeper appreciation of the intentionality of Student success for Ms. Bajaj transcends academic grades and scores alone, but For Ms. Bajaj, life is best when it is multi-dimensional. Her love for listening to way I did at 14 - that no achievement is impossible, and no situation is

Ms. Bajaj’s approach, underpinning the values she instils in every student who has also encompasses building resilience, developing social emotional maturity and TED Talks for example, ensures she makes time to oversee the insurmountable, as long as I approach it with effort, commitment, passion and
been under her guidance. This intentionality reverberated through every aspect of living by a set of values. This translates into exploring varied opportunities to TedExYouth@DAIS event in school. However tight her calendar is, there is always focus. Like she says - “building resilience is like a workout -something you work
our wide-ranging conversation about her personal experiences as an International become balanced individuals with holistic goals. This took me straight to my time to enthusiastically engage with students in selection of topics, speakers and on everyday”!
Curriculum student, to her own journey as an educator including her perspectives parent teacher meetings (almost two decades ago) with Ms. Bajaj, where her organization of this annual event. I recall Sports Days, Annual Days, inter house

on the changing landscape in education. guidance always focused on our overall development and wellness. competitions would witness her cheering for students as she embraced the
serious with as much enthusiasm as the light-hearted moments in school. In

every way she elevated our school day, and we treasure those moments. Even in
Ms. Bajaj emphasizes that teaching has always been “very close to her” – she For the 21st century learners, education is meaningful when it is futuristic and her busiest times, she is aided by her organisational skills to also support

considers teaching therapeutic and believes that “there is nothing more aimed at problem solving. Ms Bajaj is deeply conscious of the role she plays in wholesome experiences in creative pursuits within the school and this personally
meaningful than being in a learning environment where the opportunities to foster shaping future change makers who need to not only have brilliant minds and aligns with her love for music, visual arts, theatre, and sports. Ushma Ghatlia Marwah
intellectual and emotional growth is boundless”. Class of 2008

When asked what makes DAIS
Enduring memories of our time in school would be incomplete without recalling special, Ms. Bajaj’s response is
the numerous times I have reached out to Ms. Bajaj individually and in a group immediate – it is an institution
while we progressed through the IGCSE years as the first batch of the school. Her that has its heart in the right

accessibility and ‘bias free’ approach was comforting and reinforced positivity. place, and unequivocally places
Her suggestions always focused on the holistic development of every student, “the learner at the centre”. All
providing them a judgment-free space for self-expression, and eventually decision making is truly driven
supporting us to become independent problem solvers. from the student perspective and

opportunities for individual
students are created and
Her in-depth understanding of the DAIS culture has been integral in shaping the supported whole heartedly.
school in this fast-changing world where student needs and the world at large are She values Mrs. Ambani’s

more dynamic than ever before. As an educator, Ms. Bajaj has focused on the philosophy of this “vision in
exponential changes in the socio-technological sphere and its impact on students action” which permeates to every
and teachers. level of the school, making the
institution robust and evolving.