India needs education leaders who see beyond classrooms, who convert resource-scarce rural realities into launchpads for national excellence. Dr. Ashok Pandey embodies this rare vision. His reputation as an educator spread in his youth through relentless efforts that built a comprehensive educational ecosystem spanning every learning stage. Be it Drona Kids for toddlers, or Drona College for higher education, and even institutes such as Drona Training Institute for professional courses, and his flagship Drona Public School, this educational empire, complemented by social initiatives like the Kulanjan Prasad Sharma Foundation and promotion of yoga and natural wellness, reflects his commitment to complete child development.Â
Academic Insights proudly recognizes this transformative journey by honoring Drona Public School, Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, as Distinguished School of the Year 2025 for Academic Results & Discipline, where Dr. Pandey’s vision delivers CBSE toppers and character-built leaders.Â
Small Steps, Big Education LegacyÂ
Dr. Ashok Pandey was born on June 24, 1972, in a simple village in Chhattisgarh. He grew up in village Temri, the same village now known as a model village adopted by Chhattisgarh’s Governor.Â
Young Ashok learned his first lessons playing in village lanes. This rural childhood built strong foundations for his big dreams in education. Intelligent and well-behaved from the start, he finished school with top marks and moved to Bilaspur as the family’s youngest and most loved child.Â
After college in Mathematics, he taught at P.N.S. College as an Assistant Professor. But his intentions were always to do more than this, indeed – change education for the better.Â
In 2013, Dr. Pandey started Drona Public School in Bilaspur. This ISO-certified English-medium school follows the CBSE curriculum up to Class 12. Set in a large green campus with all modern facilities, it gives children the best learning environment.
Under Dr. Pandey’s guidance through Drona Shikshan Samiti, the school helps every child grow strong skills for a bright future, while spreading quality education so no child misses out.Â
Joyful Classrooms, Strong FuturesÂ
Drona Public School creates a joyful place for children to learn without stress. The school focuses on more than just books and teachers. It builds happy classrooms where kids love coming to school every day. Personality development classes run from Class 3 to 9. These sessions teach good manners, etiquette, and strong values, and as a result – children grow into confident, well-behaved young people ready for life.Â
Safe transport keeps children secure on their journey. The school runs new buses that follow all RTO rules, where each bus carries 50 students comfortably with trained drivers. Medical care is always available during school hours, and a full-time nurse and pediatrician help sick children quickly. And importantly – health programs and posters on walls teach kids about staying fit and strong, both physically and mentally.Â
Drona Public School’s excellent sports facilities encourage every child to join games actively. This builds discipline and teamwork naturally. Dedicated sports teachers help children learn rules and self-control through play, strengthening their character alongside classroom studies for complete growth.Â
Simple Steps to Join the Drona FamilyÂ
Joining Drona Public School is straightforward and welcoming. Nursery admissions begin with a friendly parent-child interaction and counseling session, where children simply need to be at least 3 years old by registration date. For Classes 1-9, merit decides entry through simple tests, with selected names posted on the school website and notice board. Spots fill first-come, first-served, making the process fair and accessible for every family.Â
Dr. Ashok Pandey personally invites all parents: “Drona Public School is more than an institution, it’s a family committed to nurturing every child’s potential through quality education, discipline, and values. Join our journey of excellence.”Â
This seamless admission leads naturally to the school’s true strength – happy, holistic growth for every child. Thereby, at The Academic Insights Education Excellence Awards & Summit 2025 we celebrated this complete package and Dr.
Pandey’s visionary guidance, under which the school has transformed rural dreams into national success, one joyful learner at a time.