ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Growing up attending nine schools across six cities, mostly in India’s coal-mining belt, my childhood was a colourful tapestry of diverse experiences. For a Kannadiga, this was an unusual journey. Today, settling in Bangalore feels comforting, as I build a life with my smart, beautiful husband and our chirpy, outgoing daughter—a phase I genuinely consider one of the best in my life (touch wood!).
As I grow older, I crave solitude. I am not lonely; I enjoy small circles and quiet conversations. While I relish outings and social moments, they must be balanced with my cherished alone time.
I was always told to do the “right thing,” and I did—at least until my early twenties. Over time, I have realised this made me avoid confrontations and carry unrecognized emotions. I often wonder if I would have been more driven or outgoing had I been rebellious or if this is just the South Indian way of upbringing. Now, I am comfortable with the idea that being a good person and being nice all the time are not the same.
My mind is a constant hum of thoughts and reflections. I notice patterns and pick up on subtleties that others often miss, which makes it hard for me to stay in the present. Yet, when faced with challenges, I am calm, composed, and calculated—a trait I have come to appreciate in myself. I read somewhere the other day that introverts keep playing so many scenarios in their head, that when an actual incident occurs, there is a high possibility they would already have replayed the entire situation and their reaction multiple times over. Fewer things surprise me these days.
Motherhood is my anchor. When my daughter struts over with her sloppy kisses or showcases her worst emotions to me (while being her best with others), I know I am doing something right. Living across the street from my parents is a blessing—and the joy of mother-daughter arguments across generations? Pure gold!
Cooking started as a necessity but has become a joy. From burning kitchens to creating wholesome meals my family prefers over restaurant food, the journey has been fulfilling. If only my pots and pans would speak, some stories of victories and disasters they would rattle off!
While my personal life is rooted in stability, reflection and growth, my professional journey has been unique and diverse.
A favourite quote that I love to say always is – I am an “Engineer” by qualification and an “Educator” by profession. Here is a glimpse of my work at some good places, with good folks, while picking up skills that are apparently, pretty niche.
- At KPMG Advisory as a Consultant – Designing strategies for state governments to improve their Higher Education GER as required by National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, Developing industry-focused courses for top private universities across the country, Building go-to-market for the establishment of foreign universities in India, Conceptualising the entire model of India’s first Early Years’ Center of Excellence, Conceptualising and creating the framework for India’s Digital University initiative announced in the 2022 budget, among other projects.
- At Cuemath (EdTech) as a Training and Operations Lead – Building early online models for teacher selection, performance monitoring and operation, Managing training programs for 1,000+ women entrepreneurs across 10+ cities, etc.
- At Indus International School, as a Homeroom Teacher – Teaching IB Primary Years Program to students from 15+ nationalities
- At the Teach for India Fellowship – Bridging learning gaps for students from under-resourced communities and Improving student health through nutritional programs and community initiatives, while trying to survive 12 hour workdays just trying to get students to learn.
Few in India have navigated this spectrum—classroom teaching, curriculum design, user research, ed-tech innovation, policy advisory, and consulting. My work in education stems from a strong belief that it can transform families within a generation.
So You See…
I have a lot of things to say, but I don’t. I am a quiet person and have always been quieter than the crowd. But I make sure I am the least smart person in any room I enter (super proud of that!). This mindset has helped me learn so much—about people, learning itself, and things that often feel obvious to me but seem harder for others to grasp.
Now, it feels like the right time to step out of my comfort zone. To share the insights I have gathered, to speak about what I know, and to offer the knowledge I have accumulated over the years. After all, keeping these learnings to myself doesn’t help anyone.
This blog is an attempt to create a space for raw, honest conversations – free from filters and obligations. At its core, it stands with the student who deserves a sound education. I will share my insights and I invite you to reflect, question and contribute. What are we getting right? Where are we falling short? Let’s connect the dots. Let’s talk openly. And maybe—just maybe—we’ll figure out a way forward. Together.
Quotes That Echo
To get something you never had, you have to do something you have never done – Thomas Jefferson
I fear not the man who has practiced 10,000 kicks once, I fear the man who has practiced one kick 10,000 times – Bruce Lee
Well, it often happens that people with good eyesight fail to see what is right in front of them. – Ruskin Bond
Yatho Hasta thatho Drishti, Yatho Drishti thatho Manah, Yatho Manah thatho Bhaava, Yatho Bhaava thatho Rasa – Natyashastra
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