TheGlitz ‘Super Woman’ Alka Kapur, Principal of Modern Public School, Shalimar Bagh New Delhi, is indeed an inspiration. With more than 20 years of unparalleled experience in education, she has shouldered her responsibilities in teaching as well as administration efficiently and successfully. An experienced educationist, Alka Kapur is also the President of Sahodaya Schools, North West Delhi, presently.
The story of her success began in 1998 when she joined MPS as a primary teacher and was promoted within a span of 2 years. Under her regime as head of the school, MPS made commendable progress and achieved various preset goals. The responsibilities conferred upon her by various institutions of excellence include being an Executive Committee Member of Forum of Public Schools in India and a member of the esteemed panel of Inspection Committee of schools across the globe for upgradation, affiliation of the schools. She has also been a Nodal Supervisor for CBSE Class XII English Examination for almost a decade and has been working as Environment Crusader in collaboration with TERI, an institution for research on the environment. Not only that, she has been prominently associated with various NGOs from Cancer Society of India, Red Cross Society to Sarthak Prayas, Old Age Home. A member of Quality Education Asia for Curriculum Development at Primary, Middle and Senior Secondary levels, Alka is also a member of the Forum of Quality Education for All and a member of various School Managing Committees of Renowned Schools of Delhi. So let’s doff our hats to TheGlitz ‘Super Woman’ Alka Kapur.
Your journey has had many momentous milestones. Could you tell us about your life-changing journey that has molded you to be what you are today?
I have fulfilled my ambition with hard work, discipline, perseverance, and passion. It is rightly said that when you plan something, God creates paths for you. My professional life could only be smooth sailing because I was blessed with strong support from my husband and family. However, on the personal front, there have also been many ups and downs and my family and husband have been with me through thick and thin. My husband pushed me to resume my studies and continue utilizing my skills. In addition, it was difficult for me to manage my education after the birth of my children. But because of my perseverance, I pursued my Master’s degree in 1998.
When I was a student, my principal who was also my English teacher in classes eleven and twelve, sparked my interest in English. I used to love her demeanor and the way she taught. My determination to become a teacher convinced me to pursue a regular degree in B-Ed. This was when I decided I wanted to teach English. I was also inspired by my sister who received her Masters in English literature from Delhi University. So, I didn’t think about making any other decisions while choosing a subject.
Could you list 3 of your major achievements?
Every achievement, however small or big it is, matters a lot to shape the career of a professional. So each and every feat that I have achieved has polished me to become what I am today. I have been bestowed with over 200 prestigious honors and accolades at the National, International, and State levels. Some of them include CBSE Teachers and Principals Award 2019-2020, State Teachers Award 2019, Antrarashtriya Shiksha Utkrishta Puraskar 2022, Nari Tu Narayani Samman 2021 by Global Educators fraternity for valuable contribution to empower society, Most Socially Active Principal 2022 Delhi Region by National School Awards, Kindness Champion by the UNESCO, MGIEP and many more. I have also been a part of the Indian delegation designated by the Ministry of External Affairs & Education Department to sign an MoU in Italy for exchange programs between students of India and Italy and also the Education Leadership and School Improvement Program at UCL Institute of Education, London.
What are the setbacks you have faced? How did you tackle these setbacks or challenges? And what lesson have you learned from it?
Every challenge I have faced in my career has actually made me a much stronger and wiser person and helped me grow as a professional. The setbacks and challenges made me embrace the fact that the beauty of the roses also comes with thorns and we have to be wise and strong enough to cross those thorns without hurting ourselves or others.
When you look back, what are the three qualities in you that have helped you become what you are today?
I had always been fervently dedicated to being hard-working, disciplined and focused, and with years of extensive struggle I have attained the expertise in imparting value education and other psychological issues about mental health and well-being.
Who are the people who have been the wind behind your wings?
The primary credit for my success will definitely go to my father who has been the strongest pillar in shaping me and grooming me the way I am and also my mother, a strong-willed woman from whom I derived my strength to remain strong throughout my professional journey. I am also thankful to my husband for supporting me and playing a very positive role in my journey. And of course, a big part of the credit should go to my team with whom I work day and night.
Lastly, if there was a quote to define you, what would it be?
A teacher’s role and responsibilities are not limited to the classroom and are beyond them. It can help your career and offer an understanding of how your peers manage to teach.
