At the core of effective school leadership is the ability to adapt to the evolving demands of the world and prepare students for the future. This involves integrating cutting-edge technologies and innovative methodologies into the curriculum while also valuing and supporting the school’s staff. Importantly, successful leadership relies heavily on the backing of a dedicated team, and this is where educational leaders like Pooja Jhaver truly excel as thorough team players.
Heading Nirmal Bhartia School as the Founder Chairperson, Ms. Jhaver is celebrated for her forward-thinking approach, unwavering commitment to community and belief in holistic education. Her leadership has transformed the school into a thriving center of lifelong learning, where students are inspired to pursue excellence with passion and determination.
From Childhood Dreams to Educational Leadership
From a young age, Pooja Jhaver nurtured a dream of establishing a school. Her early experiences including role-playing her favourite teachers, revealed a deep-seated passion for education. Growing up in a large joint family, she was a reserved and shy girl who found solace and joy among books and in the learning environment of school where her creativity and imagination flourished.
An alumna of Loreto House in Calcutta and Carmel Convent in New Delhi, Ms. Jhaver graduated with an Honors degree in Economics from St. Stephen’s College, Delhi University. Demonstrating her scholarly dedication, she also earned a second Bachelor’s degree in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics (PPE) from the University of Oxford. Continuing her academic journey, Ms. Jhaver pursued postgraduate studies at Teachers College, Columbia University, where she completed a Master’s in International and Comparative Education. During this program, she explored various international educational paradigms and developed a keen interest in family and community education patterns, as well as the design of holistic learning environments. Upon returning to India, she conducted research and observations for The School, Krishnamurti Foundation of India in Chennai, before establishing the foundational framework for Nirmal Bhartia School.
Humble Beginnings
In 2006, Pooja Jhaver assumed leadership of Nirmal Bhartia School, which had been established by her grandfather in honour of his son. Determined to build an institution that would do justice to the memory of the young Nirmal Bhartia, she began by articulating a new and pioneering vision rooted in the Advait, non-dualistic Philosophy of Aham-Sah (I am That) or universal connectedness.
At the time of her takeover, the school had only about 15-20 students, but over the years under her guidance, it has experienced remarkable growth. Her approach, which integrates intellectual, emotional, and authentic learning, has fostered strong community partnerships and sets the school apart. Today, Nirmal Bhartia School is celebrated for its individual attention, parent partnership programs, and staff development, consistently earning recognition as one of the top schools in the country. For her exemplary leadership during the COVID 19 pandemic which brought together 10,000 students across 10 schools from diverse parts of the country, as part of SMILE, a pioneering health and holistic well-being programme, Pooja Jhaver was honoured with the prestigious Astitva Samman Award by the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry in 2021.
Nirmal Bhartia School in a Nutshell
At Nirmal Bhartia, education transcends the traditional model of acquiring a limited set of skills. Instead, it envisions education as an organic process of living and engaging with life, of experiencing its uniqueness, diversity, and interconnectedness. The school’s educational environment and experiences are designed to offer children an experiential learning environment imbued with the very same diversity, richness, and authenticity of life itself, making learning meaningful and relevant right from the outset.
Academic excellence is essential, but a comprehensive education at NiBS encompasses more than just scholastic achievements. The educational curriculum at NiBS aims to instill a strong sense of self-belief and belonging, enabling students to face life’s challenges with hope, purpose, and a collaborative spirit.
To achieve this, NiBS has evolved from a traditional school environment into a community-focused space. With around 1,200 students currently enrolled and the capacity to accommodate up to 1,350, the school has grown significantly, expanding from two to three sections per grade following the implementation of the RTE Act.
On a Personal Front
Ms. Pooja Jhaver is deeply passionate about the arts, encompassing contemporary visual art, theater, and poetry. She dedicates her personal time to exploring and practicing these art forms, reflecting her enthusiasm for creativity. Her daily routine begins with yoga or exercise, followed by work until late evening, and is complemented by family time and moments of reading and reflection.
Her personal and professional lives are intricately connected with her artistic passions influencing her leadership at Nirmal Bhartia School. As an inspired and enthusiastic learner, she continually seeks new challenges and opportunities for growth. An eternal seeker, Ms. Jhaver is also deeply interested in Indian philosophy and traditional systems of knowledge.
Her visionary approach and firm belief in the power of community and holistic education guide her, inspiring those around her and shaping the future of Nirmal Bhartia School.
