Dr. Madhu Chitkara

Vice chancellor, Chitkara University and chairperson, Chitkara International School, Chandigarh

Where would you place education on your list of national priorities?
At the very top. Providing a child with education is to equip her to lead a fulfilling life. It’s an eternal lantern for generations to come.

How best to upgrade government schools and colleges?
Providing high quality public and private education offers parents and children the choice to avail best opportunities.

Thinker/philosopher you admire the most.
Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, a great statesman and philosopher who brilliantly interpreted the Vedanta.

Your favourite Nobel laureate.
Rabindranath Tagore, a thinker and educationist far ahead of his time.

Your leadership style.
I firmly believe in leadership by example. Motivation will follow.

Your favourite book on education.
The Awakening of Intelligence by J. Krishnamurti.

For or against the 25 percent reservation for underprivileged children in private schools?
The objective is commendable and forward looking, but its effect on the private education system needs to be carefully assessed.

Should the annual education outlay be doubled by cutting defence expenditure?
Education is undeniably a top national priority, but not at the cost of national security.

How satisfied are you with the growth and development of Chitkara Group of institutions?
Against our vision and mission, our objectives have been substantially achieved. But the exploration of our potential and growth will continue.

Pessimistic or optimistic about the future of education in India?
Highly optimistic. Internationalisation and augmentation of education in India is proceeding apace.