Path Ahead 2025-26

UA Session on Industrial-Organisation Psychology : FLAME University, Pune

On Wednesday, July 30th, 2025, our school's University Admissions Team organized an enlightening masterclass on "Real-World Applications of Industrial-Organizational (I-O) Psychology" for students of Classes XI-XII. The session was designed to provide students with practical insights into how I-O psychology enhances workplace dynamics, employee well-being, and organizational success in today's corporate landscape.

We were privileged to have Prof. Moitrayee Das, Assistant Professor of Psychology at FLAME University, as our expert speaker. Prof. Das brings exceptional credentials to the field with her PhD and M.Phil. in Management and Labour Studies from the prestigious Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai. Her extensive research work spans critical areas including workplace well-being, sleep dynamics, job burnout, and cultural influences on organizational behavior, making her ideally positioned to bridge academic theory with real-world applications.

The masterclass comprehensively covered key topics including employee motivation, leadership development, workplace diversity, mental health strategies, and the significant impact of sleep and well-being on performance. Prof. Das skillfully integrated current news and relevant examples that highlighted the growing importance of I-O psychology in addressing contemporary workplace challenges. The interactive format, featuring an engaging PowerPoint presentation combined with real-world examples, allowed students to grasp complex psychological concepts and their practical implementations in modern organizations.

Learners actively engaged in discussions and demonstrated genuine interest in understanding the ground reality of industrial psychology applications. The session proved highly insightful, as Prof. Das's expertise helped students connect theoretical knowledge with practical career opportunities in the field.

The masterclass broadened our students' understanding of psychology beyond traditional clinical applications. The session successfully exposed them to the dynamic field of I-O psychology, where professionals work to optimize human performance, enhance workplace satisfaction, and drive organizational success. Students gained clarity on career pathways in corporate psychology, human resources, organizational consulting, and workplace wellness programs.

Path Ahead Session: School of Visual Arts, NYC

On 22nd July 2025, the School of Visual Arts (SVA), New York City, conducted an engaging and insightful session for students of Classes IX and X of Shikshantar, introducing them to the exciting world of Art and Design education in NYC.

The speaker from SVA NYC addressed an enthusiastic group of young creatives, sharing valuable insights into what it truly means to study art and design in one of the world’s most vibrant cultural capitals. The session aimed to broaden students’ understanding of the diverse opportunities available in visual arts, and the dynamic, hands-on education offered by SVA.

The speaker talked at length about various art and design disciplines, and building a compelling portfolio, with practical tips on curating and presenting original, creative work that reflects the applicant’s passion, process, and individuality. She shared specimens of portfolio works by students from India, giving attendees a clear, inspiring sense of the quality and creativity expected, as well as reassurance that success is achievable with focused effort.

This interactive event proved to be both motivational and informative, empowering students to begin exploring their creative aspirations with confidence and clarity.

Path Ahead Session: UK Universities

On Wednesday, 16th July 2025, Shikshantar students of Classes XI and XII had the unique opportunity to interact with representatives from three prestigious Russell Group universities—Imperial College London, University of Birmingham, and University of Nottingham— in a specially curated session focused on studying in the UK.

The session highlighted the numerous advantages of pursuing higher education in the UK, including globally respected qualifications, shorter course durations, and rich cultural exposure. University representatives shared expert insights on building a strong application, discussing key eligibility requirements such as the LSAT, ESAT, and TMUA, while also addressing whether SATs and APs are necessary for international candidates applying to UK universities. The representatives talked about predicted scores and acceptance rates to popular courses. Students were also guided on how to prepare effectively for university interviews and write a compelling personal essay— an essential component of a successful UK university application.

The session saw enthusiastic participation and sharp, thoughtful questions from the student community, reflecting their growing interest in international education and their eagerness to explore global academic opportunities.

Alumnus Armaan Dhanda in Shikshantar

Armaan Dhanda, who graduated from Shikshantar in 2021 and is currently pursuing a degree in Chemical Engineering at the National University of Singapore (NUS), recently returned to his alma mater to engage with the students of Classes XI and XII. During this insightful session, Armaan shared reflections on his academic journey, personal growth, and the decisions that shaped his path.

He began by reminiscing about his formative years at Shikshantar, “the only school [he] ever attended”, and how the school laid a strong foundation for his academic and personal development. He traced his journey from Shikshantar to NUS, one of Asia’s leading universities, and later to the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay, where he pursued a research opportunity.

A central message Armaan conveyed was that a degree does not necessarily equate to one’s passion. While formal education equips students with valuable skills and knowledge, he emphasized the importance of self-exploration in discovering what truly drives and inspires them. He encouraged students to look beyond conventional markers of success and to pursue ‘projects’ and ‘bring something to life’! Highlighting the significance of engaging in meaningful projects during high school, Armaan shared that such experiences not only develop practical skills but also bring ideas to life and provide a sense of accomplishment.

In a reassuring message to those considering alternative paths, Armaan spoke about the value of taking a gap year. He emphasized that even the most focused and driven students can benefit from taking time to pause, reflect, and recalibrate. He also underlined the importance of academic performance in the university application process, reminding students that grades are only one part of a much broader picture.

Through his candid reflections and thoughtful advice, Armaan Dhanda offered students not just guidance on academic and career planning, but also a reminder of the importance of authenticity, curiosity, and resilience in shaping a meaningful and fulfilling journey.

Visit to Indian School of Hospitality

Taking our pursuit of providing exposure to our High School students to create awareness among them regarding upcoming academic and career opportunities, Shikshantar University Admissions Team facilitated a visit to the Indian School of Hospitality (ISH), Gurugram.

The visit took place on Wednesday, 21st May 2025 and offered the students a hands-on introduction to the culinary and hospitality industries through interactive sessions with industry professionals and experiential learning activities. After a campus tour, one group of students got an opportunity to witness and try cooking in a professional kitchen with a chef and cooked five delectable varieties of pasta! The other group tried their hands on icing cute cupcakes with flavours ranging from coffee, blueberry, mango and caramel. The students participated as enthusiastically in these hands-on experiences as they did in the class on hospitality, in which they learnt the basics of cutlery, laying the table and napkin folds along with what the hospitality industry entails. In the end, the students were served delicious refreshments curated especially for them by the current students there.

The purpose of the visit was to help students explore potential career paths and make more informed academic and professional choices in the future. Going by the student engagement, their excitement and the positive feedback received, the visit to the Indian School of Hospitality was a resounding success. It provided valuable insight into the diverse opportunities within the culinary and hospitality sectors and inspired many students to consider these fields as serious career options.

Such initiatives align perfectly with Shikshantar’s commitment to holistic education by bridging classroom learning with real-world exposure. The University Admissions Team looks forward to organizing more such experiential learning opportunities that empower students to make confident, well-informed decisions about their future.

Design and Dreams 2025

As part of the Path Ahead series, Shikshantar School hosted the annual session Design and Dreams on Saturday, 3rd May 2025. Conceived by Sujasha Didi and organised by the University Admissions Team, the session aimed to familiarise students and parents with opportunities in the field of design. This year’s panel featured two alumni—Malvika Nair and Ananya Wadhwana—and two leading design professionals, Mohor Ray and Rajesh Dahiya, who engaged in a rich discussion with high school art students and their families.

Malvika spoke about her interest in storytelling and information design, emphasising a collaborative and productive approach to creative work. She stressed the importance of understanding the purpose behind design, grounding it in research, and owning one’s learning journey. Through the lens of documentation, feedback, and clarity of intent, she encouraged students to reflect on what they truly want to do and how to communicate complex ideas with impact—especially for young learners.

Ananya offered insights into navigating both interest and disinterest in one’s creative path. She asked important questions around what design requires—beyond aesthetics—inviting students to think deeply and go further in their explorations. Her experiences as a muralist, illustrator, and exhibiting artist highlighted the many forms that visual storytelling can take in professional practice today.

The session also introduced students to the learning ecosystem of design schools, where coursework is divided into short, intensive units that allow for diverse modes of expression. Students were encouraged to chart their own path in a system that is guided but self-motivated. The panellists underscored that design education values intent, documentation, and joy in learning—reinforcing the idea that meaningful design emerges from both thought and play.