Redefine success as personal progress is important

ANUJA Kaushal, who has been the principal of BCM Arya Model Senior Secondary School, Shastri Nagar, for nearly three decades talks to Shivani Bhakoo about challenges she faced in her journey and the prevailing education system.

 How did your journey as an educationist start?

With a journey spanning over 25 years, I have ascended from a devoted biology teacher to the pivotal roles of senior academic supervisor and Headmistress at BCM Arya. Now, as the Principal, I head the organisation with zeal and commitment, inspiring young minds and playing a vital role in sculpting the CBSE’s academic excellence and progressive educational policies.

 As the competitive spirit grows rapidly isn’t it too stressful for ordinary students?

This is a silent crisis we often overlook. In schools today, students are not just studying—they’re racing, chasing ranks. Amid this, average children—who learn slowly or stay backstage—feel invisible. Their self-worth is crushed under toppers’ success stories. The stress isn’t just academic—it’s emotional. When the system celebrates gold medals, silver hearts break. We must redefine success—not by class position, but by personal progress. Those who struggle are no less important. They must draw inspiration from toppers—not as a comparison, but as motivation to discover their own strengths.

 What is the role of parents in shaping students’ future?

Parents are the first mirrors in which children see their reflection. If parents show faith, patience and love—not just for success, but also for struggle—children bloom. A child whose mistakes are not mocked, whose dreams are not doubted, and whose failures are not shamed, becomes fearless. Parents shape the future of their children not by controlling their path but by walking besides them. The greatest gift a parent can give their child is not perfection, but presence.

 Has education become very expensive? Why do parents make a hue and cry over fees, uniforms, and books?

As a principal, I understand parents’ concerns regarding the rising cost but education should be seen as an investment, not an expense. Fees support skilled teachers, child-centric safety, upgraded resources and nurturing spaces. Schools must balance quality with compassion, and justify cost with care. Parents, too, must see beyond the price and recognise education’s true purpose. When parents and schools stop acting as payer and provider and unite as co-creators, fees become not burdens, but bricks building a meaningful life.

 How can we shape future of students in a better way?

By seeing a child as more than a report card. By making classrooms places where questions are welcomed, not feared. By teaching kindness before competition, and purpose before pressure. By celebrating the artist as much as the achiever. When children feel safe to be real, they grow into people who are not just successful, but significant.

 Is competition among students healthy?

Only if it uplifts. Competition that inspires learning is healthy. But when it turns into comparison and jealousy, it destroys self-worth.