The commitment and dedication of Dr. Padhiyar

Dr. Padhiyar addressing the audience
during the Karyakram.

Often the people that work the hardest are the ones that are not always recognized. This person, doesn't do what he does for recognition, but for the development and betterment of these kids. Dr. Padhiyar is the director (headmaster/principal) of Shree Vijapura Vidhya Sankul. I had spoken to Dr. Padhiyar before I left to come but I did not meet him until my first day there. He was in the middle of his teachers class when we came in; he was speaking on bringing the level of students motivation up and how to work with students who weren't as advanced or motivated to learn. Immediately, two points he made during that class struck me and stayed with me, "If a student loves a subject or is really good at it but doesn't like his or her teacher, they will often not do well in that class. The teacher has that much influence on the student and their success. That also doesn't mean that every student will love or not get along with every teacher, but it is our job to make such the student doesn't lose their motivation and that we give them the tools to succeed" and "Not everyone can see, sometimes we as teachers have to teach in a way where we are describing colors to the blind who have never seen, let alone know what colors are, or what they mean. We have to find ways, different ways to explain to them and show them, and make it happen". Dr. Padhiyar has a way with words and an innate ability to explain things in such a way were you understand them and are compelled by them.


Over the time I was there, I came to know Dr. Padhiyar better; if I remember correctly, he has 17 degrees (majors and minor etc.) all together, a doctorate in psychology, over 13 years as a professor at a teacher preparatory school, and the list goes on. He is one of the most dedicated and passionate persons I have ever met. On an average he sleeps about 4 hours at night so that he can be doing things for the school the rest of the time. He knows each child personally and even personally evaluated all 500 students. He is strict when need be, respected by all, and loved by the kids. When they need to take medicine, they go to him, when they miss home, they go to him, when they need to have their ankle wrapped, they go to him, when they have a problem, they go to him. If they come to him sick, he will ask questions tenderly, try to find a solution, and then have the child come in the next day to tell him how they feel even if they are fine, so that he knows that they are doing okay. He has their trust and confidence and rightfully so; he makes rounds on campus and of the hostels until 1:30 am before he leaves. He walks the hostel at least 3 times after bedtime to make sure everything feels cared for and safe. He is there before they wake-up, which now is before 5 am for the older kids, who are preparing for boards, and is there for the morning and night reading time. His office door is always open with a constant flow of students and teachers alike. He understands the difficult role of being a head at a boarding school and the fine line of being caring while strict and he does everything with the best interest of the students in mind. Dr. Padhiyar often takes money out of his own pocket to make sure the kids have what they need and to make sure the students and teachers are taken care of. He every once in a while treats all the teachers to a special meal (a true treat at a boarding school) or a gift on holidays on his own to show his appreciation.

Dr. Padhiyar teaching during the coaching for teachers on
the first day.

He also works to help improve the education the teachers are receiving. You might say how is that possible, but the teachers' coaching class I've mentioned a few times earlier is one of the ways. Every day, even with his busy schedule, when the kids are retired to their hostels for a break from 2 pm to 3pm after lunch, Dr. Padhiyar holds coaching for the teachers. While I don't think this is mandatory, it is unspoken that if you are not doing anything for a class or kids, each available teacher is there. During coaching, he opens with a passage, a story, or a some sort of thought provoking message which they then discuss. From then on, each teacher one by one stands up and asks a question, any question. On one of the particular days I was present, some of the questions were about something the teacher had read and wanted more clarification on, something they didn't understand the meaning of, another had their own story and perceived meaning and it was then discussed, another asked why kids walked onto the pitch with players during the world cup, another asked and discussed student problems. He had an answer and response for everything, from sportsmanship, motivation, to other philosophical responses, and even some humor mixed in. I even got to sit in and ask a question or two; one of my questions was on self-discipline, and how do we teach kids self-discipline when it is not something we can truly teach. He responds every time in English, and that way the teachers broaden their vocabulary and understanding; it goes to show that he cares not only of the development of his students but of the teachers too. It was a treat to watch him speak and to learn from him, even if it was only for a short two weeks.

When we sat down together to discuss what I would teach, we went over characteristics, values, qualities, important parameters, and many different psychological topics. There is an abundance of wisdom in everything he says and does. During that time and over those two weeks I learned so much from him and probably more than I have in my three years in college. It was such an invaluable experience to watch him understand and apply psychology, it was both inspiring and motivating. I know I went to Sidsar to teach, coach, and help however I could, but I have left having learnt so much from the students and teachers, and especially from him.

There is so much more I could write and so many things I have not even scratched the surface of about what he does. He has made such a difference since he came to the school 9 months ago and you can see and feel it when you are there. Under his leadership and with the support of the teachers and their hard work, they have created a special, indescribable atmosphere and environment at the Sankul for these kids. I am so thankful to him and the school for allowing me to come there and be a part of it all.

- Aekta

Dr. Padhiyar and I before I left on the last day.