The man at the helm

A sea of students - 1,250 of them to be precise, and all boys. The boys belong to the family known to the world as the DAV Boys Senior Secondary School, Gopalapuram. On campus are young boys of standards VI and VII, who bubble over with youthful energy and enthusiasm; teenagers of standards VIII, IX, and X who go about their duties in a systematic and level-headed manner (despite the fact they are undergoing a metamorphosis), and young men of standards XI and XII who are a cut above the rest in terms of responsibility. Well, who is the driving force behind these aspirations, dreams and achievements? The man at the helm, of course. We were curious to find out more about the man, his methods and his views. He agreed to grant us a short interview. Excerpts from the tete-a-tete with the principal, Mr. C. Satish:

You have been both a teacher and a principal. What is the difference in the outlook/mindset in these two roles. As a teacher I had to focus only on my subject and my students' performance. But as a principal of the school, the focus has shifted to all students. Now, I have to monitor their academic performance and extra-curricular activities and point out the right direction to achieve excellence.

What is the secret of DAV's success?

A committed management, a dedicated team of teachers, understanding parents and finally, my hard-working students.

Each year, an increasing number of students apply for admission to the school. Do you have any plans for expansion? I wish I could accommodate as many students as possible. However, due to shortage of space we are not able to do that. We do not have any plans to increase the number of sections in the school.

We see nowadays that most reputed schools are willing to accept only the most brilliant. Where does that leave the less gifted ones - is it not the duty of a school to train and educate them too?

Well, let me talk about what is happening in our school. It is impossible to admit every one who applies for admission. We have limited sections for each class and we are strict about the class strength. Some criteria had to be followed to give a fair deal to all students. In our school we admit students only on merit. I think what we are doing is right. We ensure quality education to all.

With today's deteriorating values, what does DAV do to ensure that traditional and sensible values are imparted to students?

One has to understand that values and virtues are not hereditary. They are learnt. DAV believes in imparting intellectual and value-based education. As a part of value-based education, regular periods had been allotted in the time-table to impart good values.

Most of the big schools in Chennai seem to offer the science streams to students who wish to pursue engineering or medicine.

Do you think more schools should encourage humanities and the arts?

Yes, I do agree. Most schools offer the science stream. Students should explore humanities and the arts as a career option. Career counselling should be an integral part of school activity.

What dreams and goals do you have?

To make the school a model one by imparting quality education to students with the cooperation of the management and my team of hard-working teachers.

What is your biggest achievement?

I cannot claim anything to be my biggest achievement. I still have a long way to go.

What is your message to students?

Set yourself goals. Have a purpose in life. Develop a positive attitude towards life. Believe in yourself. Focus on the three P's - Persistence, Perspiration and Patience - and believe in the power of prayer. I can assure you, my dear students, - the power of prayer will convert your actions into results.

APARAJITH RAMNATH and S. PRASHANTH, XI B

DAV BOYS S S SCHOOL, Chennai

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