Keeping the Child at the Centre: Dr. Manisha Sharma on Leadership, Learning and Digital Education

Keeping the Child at the Centre: Dr. Manisha Sharma on Leadership, Learning and Digital Education

For Dr. Manisha Sharma, Principal of Venkateshwar International School, Sector 10, Dwarka, New Delhi, recognition is not simply a moment of achievement. It is an encouragement to continue contributing to education with greater passion and purpose. Her school was recognised under the category of Exemplary Implementation of Digital Learning Tools at the North Educators’ Summit & Awards 2026, organised by EducationToday.

Recognition That Inspires Greater Purpose

Reflecting on receiving the award, Dr. Sharma described the experience as one that naturally brings a sense of joy and motivation. She shared that being awarded, appreciated and applauded makes an educator feel elated, while also creating a renewed desire to contribute more. For her, recognition is therefore not an endpoint. Instead, it provides fresh motivation to continue working towards meaningful change in education. The award has encouraged her to remain passionate about her role and look for further ways to contribute to the development of students and the wider school community.

An Achievement Shared by the VIS Community

Dr. Sharma is clear that the award cannot be viewed as an individual accomplishment. She attributes the recognition to the collective efforts of the entire Venkateshwar International School community.

Acknowledging the contribution of teachers, students and parents, she emphasised that nobody can accomplish such a journey alone. Every member of the school community has a role to play in creating an environment where new ideas, learning practices and educational initiatives can develop.

This collective approach also highlights the importance of collaboration in school education. Teachers contribute their expertise and commitment, students participate actively in the learning process, while parents provide valuable support. When these efforts come together, schools are better positioned to respond to the changing needs of learners.

Making Digital Learning Meaningful

The recognition for Exemplary Implementation of Digital Learning Tools places Venkateshwar International School within the continuing transformation of the education landscape. Digital tools have become an increasingly important part of contemporary classrooms, creating new possibilities for teaching, learning and engagement.

However, technology alone does not determine the quality of learning. Its value depends on how effectively it supports educational objectives and responds to the needs of students. The recognition received by the school provides an opportunity to consider digital learning not simply as the adoption of technology, but as part of a broader effort to create relevant and engaging learning experiences.

For Dr. Sharma, the purpose of every educational initiative ultimately comes back to one central consideration: the child.

A Child-Centred Approach to Education

Speaking about her experience at the North Educators’ Summit & Awards 2026, Dr. Sharma appreciated the way the event brought attention to educators working to make a difference in the field of education. She described the summit as well organised and valued its role in genuinely appreciating and applauding such efforts.

Her own message to fellow educators is strongly rooted in keeping children at the centre of every decision. She believes that whatever educators undertake should be guided by what is best for the child.

This perspective becomes particularly significant in a rapidly changing educational environment. Students today have access to multiple learning avenues beyond the traditional classroom, including the growing parallel coaching sector. As these options expand, schools face the challenge of motivating children and creating a genuine interest in learning.

Beyond Academics: Sustaining Curiosity

For Dr. Sharma, this challenge cannot be addressed only through academic strategies. The larger question is how schools can genuinely motivate children and sustain their interest in learning, not only academically but also in different areas of life.

She believes that children should be encouraged to explore what they want to do and develop an enthusiasm for learning. This requires schools to create an environment where students are not simply completing academic requirements, but are also discovering interests, developing confidence and enjoying the process of learning.

Her emphasis on enjoying school days is particularly significant. Childhood and schooling are formative years, and the experiences students have during this period can influence their attitudes towards learning. Creating positive and engaging school experiences can therefore be an important part of supporting their overall development.

Educators as Enablers of Meaningful Learning

Dr. Sharma’s reflections also underline the changing responsibilities of educators. As new technologies, learning platforms and external educational opportunities become part of students’ lives, schools must continually consider how they can remain relevant and engaging.

This does not mean moving away from academic learning. Rather, it involves creating a balance where academic development is accompanied by curiosity, participation and opportunities for students to discover their interests.

The recognition received by Venkateshwar International School for its implementation of digital learning tools can be viewed within this wider context. Technology can support learning, but its effectiveness ultimately depends on how it is used to serve educational goals and student needs.

Keeping the Child at the Heart of Every Decision

The North Educators’ Summit & Awards 2026, organised by EducationToday, provided a platform to recognise the work of educators and schools contributing to the evolving education landscape. For Dr. Manisha Sharma, the award is both a moment of appreciation and a source of renewed motivation.

Her message to fellow educators is simple but significant: every educational decision should keep the child in mind. In an era of changing learning patterns and growing academic pressures, schools have the responsibility to make learning meaningful, encourage genuine interest and help children enjoy their school years.

For Dr. Sharma, the future of education lies not only in adopting new tools or responding to emerging trends, but in understanding the learner behind them. When innovation, collaboration and technology are guided by the needs of children, education can become a more engaging and purposeful journey.

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