Dr. Shayama Chona

She is attached to one of the leading educational societies of the country. A long arduous stint of more than four decades coupled with her advancing age, has not dampened her spirits or left her exhausted. On the contrary she is bubbling with energy and eager to do more in her second favourite area (after education) of social work. During her long and eventful career there have been awards and accolades galore. In 1999 she was awarded the Padmashree for her distinguished services in the field of education. The credit of establishment of Tamana, a specialty school for the mentally challenged children in the capital New Delhi goes to her.

It was indeed an uphill task for us to seek an interview with her for our portal. Owing to the paucity of time, and her fatigue was (for once) clearly showing, the interview had to be terminated abruptly.

Excerpts from the interview:

Describe to us your background, early life ?

I hail from Jaipur, Rajasthan My father was a Rai Saheb, and in the civil services. So all of my siblings and I had a grand upbringing. I finished my schooling from Maharani Gayatri Devi Girl's College and went on to do my post graduation in English literature from Maharani's college Jaipur. I also completed my B Ed from the same institution. I joined the Indian education services way back in 1964, as a lecturer in Rajasthan University. Then, since it was a craze during those days, I married an army officer. My husband is a retired general. I am a mother of two children. Through all these years, I have taught in various colleges under the umbrella of of the UGC. I have been with the Delhi Public School Society since 1975.

Why did you chose education as a profession?

That is because I love being with children

Please trace your career graph for us. After Rajasthan I taught in St Paul's College, Bangalore for two years. For the next two years I taught at MCM Girls College, Chandigarh for two years. This was followed by a stint at Darang College Assam. My next destination was Garrison College, Dehu Road, Pune. This was up to the year 1974. From1974 till 1978 I was attached to Esparanzo School, New Mexico, USA and British Council attachment, King's College School, London. I first joined the DPS society as a headmistress in some of its branches. As you see, I am currently the principal, DPS ,R.K.Puram.

How did you manage to juggle between home life and profession?

It was indeed very difficult doing so. But I managed to forge ahead by the dint of hard work and determination. In everything I received a lot of support from the almighty God.

How did it feel receiving the prestigious award of Padmashree?

I felt very nice indeed. Frankly, I would have felt bad if I had not got the award. However, I personally feel my life's work does not begin or end with the receipt of the Padmashree.

What do you feel is your greatest achievement so far?

It is difficult to say so. I do not think I am such a successful person.

What are your views about the ongoing controversy about history texts?

I know nothing about it.

Your views about the present system of education. What ails it?

Everything is wrong with our system of education. There is no practical component to it. The content is very bad. The teaching methodology is bad. The evaluation system is worse.

What changes do you suggest?

There should be a change in the curriculum. The curriculum should be more related to a particular child's age and development and it should also be relevant to his /her life's experiences.

One last question, any regrets in life?

I feel I have been working too hard. I do not have much time for myself, for maintaining my health. I am desperately short of time, which I would like to devote to social work and doing nice things for others.

Read More Interviews...

(As told to Ruchira Ghosh)