Shomie Das
Former headmaster, eminent educator and chairman of People Combine Educational Initiatives Ltd
Where would you place education on your national list of priorities?
Top of the leader board. No other activity will have greater impact on the development of India. We are such a talented people. It is a tragedy we don’t do enough to harness the limitless potential of our human resources.
How best to upgrade government schools?
Improve the quality of teachers. Introduce the latest in educational technologies to support classroom teaching. Ensure community involvement to make curriculums relevant.
Thinker/philosopher you admire the most.
Rabindranath Tagore and educationist Dr. Kurt Hahn.
Your favourite Nobel laureate.
Richard Feynman, physicist.
Your leadership style.
I believe in giving opportunity to every individual regardless of competence.
Your favourite book on leadership.
None.
For or against the RTE Act mandating 25 percent reservation for underprivileged children in private schools?
It’s essential for private schools to step up to help the inept government system.
Should education outlay be doubled by cutting defence expenditure?
Outlay on education should be doubled, if not tripled. There is no need to cut any expenditure, there is enough money if we can curb corruption.
How satisfied are you with the growth and development of People Combine Educational Initiatives?
Reasonably satisfied. The motivation level of each person is remarkably high. They are aware that there are always obstacles to any endeavour involving initiative and innovation.
Pessimistic or optimistic about Indian education?
Very optimistic but always ready to be disappointed.