‘Our aim is development with human values’

She has had ample experience in evaluation of SSC papers and has been instrumental in improving the English results for the school. She excels in remedial and diagnostic teaching for problem children.

She introduced the ‘Palakshala’ concept,where parents were counselled and workshops conducted by Dr Anand Nadkarni. She plans to start a special counselling cell in the school to attend to individual problems of the school as well as students.

Sau Laxmibai English Medium School was founded in 1971 by Shri Shriniwas Kulkarni and Smt Jayashree Kulkarni,who strongly believed that the greatest service that can be done to society is by providing value based education. With blessings from their parents,they fought their way against the odds to crystallise their dreams into the formation of Sau Laxmibai English Medium School,named after Shri Kulkarni’s beloved mother,in 1971 initially with only two students. The responsibility to take their dreams further and establish the school as one of the best institutions in Mulund and surrounding areas has been due to the efforts and personal involvement of the principal of Sau Laxmibai English School,Mr Prasad Kulkarni.

The Junior College was initiated in 2000,as a need was recognised among parents to give their wards value based education even after their passing out from the Std X and was based on the trust that the parents had on the school for its commitment to quality and value based education. Sau Laxmibai Junior College has grown to be recognised as one of the finest educational institutions in Mulund East. The college offers science to its students and is a co-ed institution.

What is it that differentiates your school from other institutions?

The mission of Sau Laxmibai Junior College is to provide quality education and all-round development through human values,teaching methodologies,interpersonal assessment methods with the help of a close knit student-teacher-parent relationship. The primary objective is not only in shaping the IQ but also help shape the EQ of students,which is essential in the present times to bring out the best in each student.

The institution believes in maintaining a personal rapport with students and parents as its helps students in their overall growth. Not only are the primary needs of the students looked into but their emotional needs are also addressed.

The college has a trained and dedicated faculty that undergoes training to teach effectively and understand the need of students.

Core values are taught,practised and instilled in students so that they remain with them throughout their lives and they become caring Indian citizens,who are aware of social causes and rise up to them.

Unlike other junior colleges,students do not have a specified uniform but have the freedom to attend school in formal outfits. Attendance is recorded on a daily basis and evaluation of each student is shared with parents from time to time.

What is your motto?

Our mission is to ensure quality and value-based education to students,especially to the underprivileged ones for they understand the value of education despite their tough living conditions.

What are your views on the Right to Education Act?

The RTE Act is a welcome step in the right direction. Conditions must be made suitable and conducive for education of students from the backward and underprivileged areas. I see a psychological problem in the form of feeling of deprivation among these students as they will not be in a position to enjoy those facilities that well-off students could. This could dampen their morale. It is through a close-knit relationship with parents,students and teachers that students could be motivated and encouraged to enhance their knowledge. Moreover,a set of committed teachers who understand the needs of students and provide them with proper guidance will be essential for this initiative.

What measures are being taken to ensure that the school is updated on the education sector?

The college has access to the internet so that teachers and students can update themselves about the happenings in the education sector. Workshops are planned for teachers and students by eminent personalities to keep them informed. The college believes in sharing and exchange of information at all levels. Interactive sessions with parents,teachers and students lead to an informed faculty,an intelligent student and a knowledgeable parent.

How do you inculcate values among students?

Moral values do play an important role in the development of students and our institution has pledged to instil moral values in each student. They are practised and taught so that the students carry them for life. They are nurtured in a gurukul environment where they learn to respect faculty,parents and elders and where honesty,integrity,politeness and humility are instilled in them.

A novel way to create respect for the environment is by teaching the students vermiculture in association with Aniruddha’s Academy of Disaster Management. The students follow the activity regularly. In association with BNHS co-ordinator,events are conducted for students to appreciate nature. Motivational lectures are organised on self-management and time management.

Visits to old age homes helps them appreciate the woes of the aged and they develop a feeling of love and affection for senior citizens. They go out of their way to help them at all times. Field trips and excursions create oneness with nature among students when they visit villages as they get to understand the need for improvement in living conditions there.

What are the assessment methods for students?

Assessments are based on annual exams and unit tests. Students’ progress is constantly monitored by faculty who are familiar with each student and assess them accordingly. These are shared with the parents in all transparency. SSF (Supervised Study Forum) helps in the diagnosis of weaker students and remedial teaching is provided to help them cope. It also helps to maximise the potential of achievers as well. Seminars,symposia and interactions are arranged for students and research in several fields is encourage to create a scientific temperament in them. Students have to be part of group presentations and group talks on topics related to their curriculum.We are the first college in the suburbs to offer psychology as an optional subject in place of maths. This benefits those who opt for biology and have plans to take up medicine later.

How is the faculty motivated to be the asset for your institution?

Our teachers have been with us for a long time and utmost care is taken to meet their requirements. The teachers are well-paid and qualified to meet required standards. They are motivated to upgrade their knowledge base and attend seminars and meets concerning their field of knowledge. The expenses are borne by the institution. There is a sense of freedom among the management and faculty to contribute to the growth of the institution. The credit goes to the leader of the institution who has taken pains to build a good team that our institution can boast about. The teachers are participants in the progress of the institution — we have senior lecturer Mrs Harshada Pande,who even after the stipulated timings of the college,shares with me ideas for growth. This shows the commitment among teachers.

How do extracurricular activities help students?

Extracurricular activities form the backbone of any educational institution for holistic development of students. All festivals are celebrated with great enthusiasm at the college. Guru Purnima and Teachers’ Day enhances their respect and admiration of teachers. During Ganesh festival,Atharva Shirsha is recited by students to develop a sense of concentration and devotion. Saraswati Pooja is celebrated besides Rose Day,Saree Day and other events. Freshers’ party and seniors’ farewell make students evolve in a friendly environment,thus eliminating ragging. Dasehra and Diwali are also celebrated with pomp and excitement. Inter-collegiate competitions in debates and sports are encouraged and students come out with flying colours to make our institution and their parents proud.

How do you see the college in the next five years?

We are in the process of initiating a full-fledged Degree College in the near future. We will introduce various professional courses to ensure education for employment.

I would want Sau Laxmibai Junior College to be the most sought-after institution in the district in terms of quality of education imparted and the commitment it has in providing value-based education.