Dubai: She describes herself as a traditionalist and strongly believes that cultural values and beliefs should form the foundation of student's character.
Anubha Nijhawan, Principal of the Indian Public High School in Ras Al Khaimah, who received the Indian national teacher's award, said cultural values should be given a prime place in schools.
She received the award from Indian President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam in New Delhi on September 5. She was the only Indian teacher from the Gulf this year to receive the award.
The award recognised her contribution of over two decades in education. It comprises a cash award of Rs25,000 (about Dh2,000), a medal, certificate of merit and other travel and benefits vouchers.
Talking to the Gulf News from New Delhi by phone, she said: "It's a great honour to be awarded by the Indian nation for my services. Being an expatriate has given me a sense of belonging, satisfaction, and pride for my country."
She attributed her success to the guidance of "almighty God," the love and dedication of her students, and to the support of her colleagues at Indian Public High School.
She taught Hindi language at the school for nine years.
"I am obsessed with teaching and education," she said. To her, education is an intellectual journey and a spiritual enlightenment, saying, "It brings mental satisfaction."
She said this award was in recognition of her services in leading the school to achieve greater heights in the fields of both academic and extra curricular activities.
According to her, many of her students have successfully "won the overall championships at DALA and KAIRALI Youth festivals many times."
She said she likes to run the school "like a personal home with a personal touch".
Her school describes her as having "a truly enigmatic personality dedicated to the teaching profession".
She believes that traditional values should be revived in schools to enable students to lead their lives with a conscious awareness of their culture. "So that they are able to face the challenges presented to them from all aspects," Nijhawan said.
In her view, nowadays youngsters are highly exposed to media and it could adversely affect their personalities.
"The challenge is to maintain the student's personality. Education has a very significant role in teaching students the core values of life," she added.
The world, she said, is changing rapidly and there is a keen need to "deepen the importance of maintaining our culture."
She also emphasised the importance of teacher-student relationship.
"I am very friendly with my students. My office is always open for them for any difficulty they are facing," she said.
She added that a principal should also be firm and direct with students but a friendly environment is essential so that the pupil would appreciate the value of education.
I am obsessed with teaching and education. ... The challenge is to maintain the student's personality. ... Education has a very significant
role in teaching students the core values of life. ... I am very friendly with my students. My office is always open for them for any difficulty they are facing."
