From kindergarten to university, every educational institution thrives under dynamic systems, guided by influential leaders dedicated to continuous improvement and upholding their legacy. Effective leadership plays a crucial role in an institution’s success, directly influencing student outcomes. In today’s world, the importance of strong leadership cannot be overlooked, and this is where leaders like Aprajita Singh stand out. As the Director of Daffodils Public School, Mirzapur, she ensures that education extends beyond the confines of textbooks, striving on the policy of instilling values in the students so they become not only knowledgeable but also good human beings.
From Personal Need to Educational Vision
Aprajita Singh’s journey into education began with a personal quest for quality schooling for her daughter in Mirzapur, a small town in Uttar Pradesh, back in 1994. Coming from a family deeply rooted in education, with her father serving as a psychologist in the Indian Air Force and her mother as a principal of Air Force Schools, Singh was no stranger to the world of learning. Discontented with the local educational options, she envisioned creating a school that would cater to her innovative ideas, particularly for young children. Despite marrying at the young age of 18 and temporarily pausing her education, Singh later completed her graduation from Delhi University after having her daughters. She further pursued a postgraduate degree in psychology and became an Art of Living teacher, conducting yoga and happiness courses for children and parents. This diverse background laid the foundation for the establishment of Daffodils Public School.
The journey of Daffodils Public School has been transformative under Singh’s leadership. From its inception, the school has aimed to provide a holistic education that extends beyond academic learning. The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the importance of mental health and emotional well-being, prompting Singh to conduct personality development sessions. She teaches students the importance of mindfulness and breathing exercises to help manage their emotions effectively. These practices are vital in addressing the challenges brought about by increased screen time and digital dependency. By integrating these activities into the school’s daily routine, Singh focuses on reducing aggressive behavior, preventing bullying, and combating the negative effects of loneliness. Her ultimate goal is to nurture well-rounded, resilient individuals who can make a positive impact on society.
As the Director
During a brief interview opportunity when we asked Ms. Aprajita Singh to elaborate on her roles and responsibilities as the Director of Daffodils, she shared – “As the Director, I ensure that as a team together we emphasize value-based education, spirituality, and personal growth, alongside academic excellence”. “My role is to nurture this environment and ensure that we are continuously evolving to meet the needs of our students and society”, she added.
One of the significant challenges Singh faced in the early days was finding qualified faculty in the small town of Mirzapur. However, over time, the management succeeded in building a dedicated and skilled team.
Under her leadership, students begin their day with practices focused on mindfulness and personal development before moving on to their regular classes. This approach has positively impacted students’ behavior and overall personality development. Additionally, the school conducts Sanskar classes that instill essential values such as respect, honesty, and punctuality, which are fundamental to building a positive school culture.
Expanding Excellence
Under Aprajita Singh’s leadership, Daffodils Public School has grown to include three branches and a boys’ hostel in Mirzapur, known as Gurukul. Looking to the future, Singh aspires to make Daffodils synonymous with excellence and confidence. The students have already distinguished themselves in academics and sports, holding national titles in handball and making records in the Limca Book of Records. Singh envisions Daffodils’ students being recognized for their achievements and positive societal impact. While there are plans for expansion, the primary focus remains on maintaining the high quality of education and values that define Daffodils.
The school is also deeply committed to social initiatives. Daffodils has adopted a Ganga Ghat, where it sponsors daily Ganga Aarti. The school supports a local village school by providing essential resources such as books, furniture, and computers, along with maintenance assistance. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Daffodils has been providing free meals to patients and their families at the district hospital.
An Embodiment of Positivity
Spirituality plays a vital role in Aprajita Singh’s life, helping her maintain a balanced routine. As an Art of Living teacher, she begins each day with two hours of Sadhana, including yoga, pranayama, and meditation. These practices help her stay centered and joyful, enabling her to spread positivity among students and staff at Daffodils Public School. Aprajita Singh believes that to guide students toward becoming happy and healthy individuals, educators must first embody these qualities themselves. Her daily routine not only keeps her grounded but also enhances her ability to contribute meaningfully to both her personal and professional endeavors.
