Rising from the ashes. And how

It was to be her first day at college in Mumbai and Aparna Verma was filled with the excitement of entering a new phase.

However, she didn't make it to class that day. And she didn't get her degree.

Because just then, she received a call from her grandfather telling her that her parents were killed in a car crash in Dubai.
Tough times

Her house where we were sitting is warm and cosy.

As we continued to talk, the once shy and sensitive young lady shared memories of how she had to be tough and not break down because she had two younger brothers to take care of.

“It was really tough. My brothers looked to me for support and I had to be there and today they are the sole reason for my survival,'' says Verma

“We were brought up surrounded by love and a value system which is why we were able to cope as a strong family unit after my parent's death.''


Verma had additional responsibilities awaiting her.

At 17, she bravely put aside her own ambitions and took over Dubai Scholars School which was founded by her parents.

“It was not easy because we lost half the students and half the teachers since they were not sure about the school's future. I did not blame them. I approached the head teacher, Thelma Miranda, who was close to my mother and asked for help. We made a deal — she would assist me in managing the school and I would support her in continuing to teach,'' she said.

The school, now a leading one in Dubai, grew from a single villa to eight villas, but the time had to come to build a proper campus shortly after Aparna started working at the school.

“I was 22 years old at the time and I came across many hurdles. When I told people that I needed land to build a larger school — they laughed as no one took me seriously. The truth was, I didn't know much but I was a believer and I had passion and I was not afraid to ask for help,'' said Verma.

The call of college

In the meantime, both her brothers went on to study in the US and feeling like she needed a break — she visited them at their university campuses.

“I was surrounded by beautiful old buildings on the campuses and thought, ‘Wow! this is exactly what I want to experience.' I knew then that I had to study further. I had only studied till the 12th grade and knew that was not enough,'' said Verma

“I flew back to Dubai and within a week I left again as I had been accepted to take my “A'' Levels at a college in England.''

She did her A-levels in eight months and studied day and night to get the best grades she could, while at the same time applying to the best universities and looking after
the Dubai Scholars long distance.

I was accepted into a few universities, and chose Georgetown because of its international flavour. I was over the moon and really proud of myself.''

Today, Verma has continued her parents' legacy and remains as grounded and caring as they taught her to be.

Last September, she opened Scholars International Academy on a seven-acre campus. This new school is just as close to her heart.

She is also still very much a part of her brothers' lives, who I'd met during my visit.

They were vacationing with their big sister during their holidays.

“The reason why I am here doing what I do is because I have an amazing support system and the relationships I have are built from real foundations,'' said Verma.

‘Seek help'

The single, independent and inspirational woman emphasised that we have to be comfortable with who we are in order to feel at home anywhere.

There are times when we all feel low but that is because we are human but we should remember to ask for help when we need it.

“What do you have to lose if you speak up and say, I need your help? No one can be successful on their own. We all need mentors and friends to guide us,'' she said.

This was true when she was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 36.

She had family and friends to get her through it.

“After I was diagnosed I learnt to reach out to people and by doing that, I learned who I could count on. I was surprised. There were many people who came to my help,'' said Verma.

Ready for anything

Now just 41, Verma beat the illness and looks even healthier and active than the average person.

She's ready for a meeting with 30 Georgetown MBA graduates to discuss how to be successful entrepreneurs in the UAE.

The week after, she is sending out her school buses to pick up workers from the worst labour camps and then bring them back to the school where they will play cricket and other sports and watch a comedy and dance show performed by the students.

After which, they will be treated to dinner where food will be served by the children, teachers and Verma herself.

“To me, this is basic humanity, I am not doing anything new or amazing. This should be the norm,'' says Verma.