Kavita Sahay Kerawalla: Accelerating the Evolution in Indian Education

ldquoEducation can be the catalyst to transform the world inspire our youth and make the world a better placerdquo Kavita Sahay Kerawalla Vice Chairperson VIBGYOR Group of SchoolsThe driving force behind VIBGYOR Indiarsquos leading chain of K12 schools and a change agent in the Indian Educational Sector Kavita Sahay Kerawalla has always been outspoken about the importance of holistic learning in schools and the drawbacks of rote learningHer journey as a changemaker started in the early nineties Known for her nonconventional approach to teaching she engaged with students not only as an educator but also as a guide friend and nurturer Ms Kerawalla believes that teachers have a monumental impact on studentsrsquo lives helping them succeed beyond classrooms by sharing important life lessonsA few years into teaching she realised that the existing education system needed an overhaul While the world outside was changing rapidly teaching and learning methodologies had remained stagnant in schools ldquoStudents at that time were still studying from the same books I had 20 years agordquo says Ms Kerawalla Firm in her belief she decided to be the change herselfSince its inception in 2004 VIBGYOR has been the fruition of Ms Kerawallarsquos dream of providing quality and holistic education to all children currently spanning 40 campuses with 55000 students across 14 cities in India Her exemplary contribution to the field of education has also won her many accolades She received recognition from ET Now in February 2020 as theBusiness Leader of the Year Education Sector She has also been bestowed with several other awards including theMost Innovative Woman of the Year Award Education Sector theTimes Power Women Award 2018 theWoman Super Achiever Award for Excellence in Education Coaching and Consultingby Femina at the 5th World Woman Leadership Awards 2018 theLeader in Education Awardby International Women Leaders Forum in 2017 and theWomen at Work Leadership Awardat Asiarsquos Best Employer Brand Awards in 2017Her next goal is to make learning even more integrated and focussed on building life skills among children by introducing new subjects like Vocational Skills in the curriculum ldquoI believe schools should play a pivotal role in building character value and life skills among children which is beyond academicsrdquo affirms Ms Kerawalla She emphasises her belief ldquoAs children grow up and go out into the world it is important for them to be independent and emotionally resilient to be able to take care of themselves in a fastchanging and dynamic world and navigate their adulthood with confidence and easerdquoThe purpose of education according to Ms Kerawalla is to equip students for a disruptive uncertain and everevolving future And at VIBGYOR she prepares students by offering them a holistic learning environment