Education is a fundamental human right and a crucial driver of economic and social progress. However, the quality of education in India’s rural areas has been a persistent concern for decades. The solution lies in visionary leaders bringing urban-level education to even the most remote regions, ultimately improving the overall standard of learning. One such leader is Bhawana Ranjan, who is at the helm of SGN Thikra Convent in Dalmianagar, Rohtas district, Bihar. She is steering this long-standing institution towards comprehensive reform and growth, paving the way for a brighter future for the community.
From Aspiration to Leadership
Bhawana Ranjan began her teaching career in 2009 after her marriage, joining her in-laws’ school, which had been established in 1973. Initially aspiring to become a clinical psychologist, she shifted to teaching, encouraged by her father. Over time, she completed her qualifications and became a teacher. After relocating to Bangalore, Bhawana gained extensive experience as a Hindi teacher, working across various educational boards, including CBSE, ICSE, and IB, within the PYP and MYP curricula. Following the passing of her father-in-law, she took over the command of SGN Thikra Convent in Dalmianagar, Bihar.
Reviving a Legacy
To gain insight into Ms. Ranjan’s vision for SGN Thikra Convent, we engaged in a brief discussion with her, starting with her primary objectives as the principal. She emphasized, “My main goal is to deliver quality education and improve literacy rates in the region. The current student enrollment is low, and I aim to focus on increasing that.” She further elaborated, stating, “I believe that raising literacy levels will not only benefit the students but also contribute to the overall progress of Bihar. By offering high-quality education, I hope to attract more attention and encourage families to choose our school.”
Discussing the challenges faced by the school and her strategy to not only address but fully resolve them, Ms. Ranjan shared, “Previously, when my father-in-law was managing the school, it operated up to the 10th grade. However, post-COVID, the school saw a significant decline and now functions only up to the 8th grade. After taking over in April 2024, I have been actively working on rebuilding the school’s strength and restoring it to its former capacity.”
As the Principal
Bhawana Ranjan handles all the responsibilities expected of a principal at SGN Thikra Convent, including managing the curriculum, ensuring syllabus completion, setting and reviewing question papers, and overseeing both teachers and students. She emphasizes motivating individuals to grow and ensures open communication with both teachers and parents, offering support in person or via phone to address any concerns.
One key challenge she faces is the communication gap, particularly in teaching English. While the school’s textbooks are in English, many teachers struggle with using it as the primary language of instruction. Bhawana is encouraging a transition to English as the main medium of teaching, moving from the current bilingual approach to an English-only method.
Over the past six months, she has made significant efforts to engage parents, sharing her vision for the school, students, and the community during school events. Her extensive goal is to help restore the respect Bihar once held for education, culture, and development, and she consistently communicates this mission to the school’s community.
S G N Thikra Convent in a Nutshell
S.G.N. Thikra Convent was established in 1973 by Mr. B.N. Gupta in Dalmianagar, Rohtas. The school is dedicated to offering affordable education with low fees to support the largely grassroots local community. To ensure accessibility, the school offers flexible payment plans without pressure to pay upfront. Families with multiple children enrolled receive discounts, and for those facing financial hardships, small symbolic payments are accepted, maintaining the value of education without making it feel like a free service.
This year, the school plans to reinstate the 9th and 10th grades, allowing students to continue their education beyond 8th grade. Bhawana Ranjan, who now leads the school, is dedicated to ensuring comprehensive education and support for all students.
