Schools that are fortunate to have strong and effective leadership are much more likely to successfully implement educational reforms. These leaders act as catalysts for positive change within their institutions by cultivating a supportive and encouraging school culture, while setting clear goals. Kajal Marwaha is one such leader, who leads Birla Public School, Pilani, as the principal, working relentlessly towards building relationships with teachers, peers, and alumni to foster a greater sense of community, camaraderie, and belonging.
From the Scratch
Kajal Marwaha draws inspiration from her father’s remarkable journey. His philosophy of embracing life’s ebbs and flows, along with her mother’s progressive values, has given her the courage to navigate life’s complexities. As a proud daughter, sister, wife, and mother, she acknowledges the profound impact of the four pivotal men in her life: her father, father-in-law, husband, and son. She also recognizes the transformative influence of four exceptional women: her mother and three sisters. Their collective love, guidance, and encouragement have served as the foundation for her personal and professional growth.
Journey towards Birla Public School, Pilani
Kajal Marwaha’s journey as an educator has been a transformative odyssey marked by challenges, growth, and triumphs. She expresses deep gratitude to Mount Litera Zee School in Jabalpur for believing in her and providing a platform to hone her leadership skills. During the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent recovery phase, she learned to adapt and innovate. One of her proudest achievements was empowering teachers to embrace technology-driven approaches. Through dedicated training sessions, she and her team collectively overcome the hurdles of online and hybrid learning, leading to a significant boost in their confidence and establishing the school as a beacon of excellence in Jabalpur.
With the support of her colleagues, Kajal embarked on a new chapter as Principal at Mody School in Lakshmangarh, Rajasthan, a prestigious all-girls residential institution. This opportunity allowed her to further refine her leadership skills in a unique setting. Working with vibrant and energetic young girls, she discovered new possibilities for growth in the post-pandemic landscape. Kajal’s next chapter brought her to Birla Public School, Pilani, an all-boys institution.
Fostering Excellence and Empathy
Kajal Marwaha’s role as the principal of Birla Public School, Pilani, allows her to become an integral part of the Birla Group’s esteemed legacy, which is built on values of excellence, integrity, compassion, respect, and responsibility.
As the principal, Kajal’s primary focus is to create a nurturing environment where students feel safe, supported, and empowered to succeed. Her responsibilities center on fostering academic excellence, innovation, and critical thinking, enabling students to reach their full potential. She emphasizes holistic development by encouraging participation in extracurricular activities, sports, and cultural programs, ensuring students grow into well-rounded individuals.
Kajal believes that strong relationships with teachers, staff, parents, and the wider community are essential for effective school management. She ensures that resources and infrastructure are leveraged to support exceptional learning experiences. Recognizing that leadership is about people, not just tasks, she prioritizes student-centered decision-making, always considering the needs and well-being of the students.
Importantly, by fostering a collaborative and inclusive culture, she encourages teamwork and mutual respect, working towards her ultimate goal, which is to cultivate a community where every student feels valued, inspired, and equipped to succeed.
An Approach to Nurturing Independence and Responsible Behavior
In a brief interview, we asked Kajal Marwaha about the biggest challenge she faces as the principal of an all-boys residential school. She responded, “At our school, we understand the difficulties posed by parental overprotectiveness and students’ tendencies towards excessive mobile phone usage. To encourage independence and responsible behavior, we empower students with self-managed routines, peer support systems, and leadership opportunities.”
Addressing the issue of mobile addiction among children, she added, “To tackle concerns around mobile usage, we have implemented mobile-free zones and designated times, encouraging students to explore alternative activities like sports, arts, and music. Our digital literacy programs educate students on responsible usage, while counselors provide support for those dealing with anxiety or mobile dependency. We also actively involve parents through workshops and partnerships to ensure collective solutions.”
On a Personal Note
Outside of her professional responsibilities, Kajal Marwaha finds joy in the simple pleasures that nourish her mind, body, and soul. Two of her greatest passions are cooking and listening to music. For Kajal, cooking is more than a hobby—it serves as a therapeutic escape. She enjoys experimenting with new recipes, exploring different cuisines, and savoring the aromas that fill her kitchen. The process of creating meals from scratch and sharing them with loved ones gives her a deep sense of accomplishment and connection.
Music, too, plays an important role in her life. From classical to contemporary genres, music is a constant companion that helps her unwind, reflect, and recharge. It serves as a reminder of the beauty found in life’s rhythms, harmonies, and melodies.
