In talks with Vidya Bharati alumni and Purv Chatra Parishad, Meerut member, Dr Shalini Gupta

Dr. Shalini Gupta, is an alumna of Lala Sohan Lal Saraswati Shishu Mandir Junior High School Chandausi, Uttar Pradesh.  Presently she is working as an Associate Professor at Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology, Meerut and also associated with Vidya Bharati Purv Chatra Parishad.  Recently she gave an interview detailing what made her stay connected with Vidya Bharati in spite of her busy schedule. A short extract of her interview has been given below.

Interviewer : Dr. Shalini, please tell us something about your educational and professional journey.

Dr. Gupta : I was a student of Lala Sohan Lal Saraswati Shishu Mandir Junior High School Chandausi. After my higher studies, I did my PhD in Genetics and  Plant Breeding with specialisation in Biotechnology from G. B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology.

The subject of  biotechnology has always been close to my heart.  I feel that through this subject we can reduce the dependence on chemical fertilizers  for agriculture , leading to more nutrient rich, safe produce.

Since 2003, I have been working as Associate Professor at Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology, Meerut.
 

Interviewer :  Can you share a few words about school experiences?

Dr. Gupta :  I have nothing but good memories of my school. It was the lessons along with academics that has helped me to become a confident, connected and disciplined individual, with a positive outlook towards life. At school I was taught important soft skills that have helped me a lot in my adult life. Our teachers had a very caring and motivating attitude towards all the students. 

When any of us missed school without prior notification, our 'acharyas' would personally visit our homes to enquire about the reason behind our absence. They tried to help and solve any difficult issues that the students were facing at any given point of time. Such deep concern created a very strong bond between the teachers, students and student’s families.

 

Interviewer :  How are you associated with Vidya Bharati?

Dr. Gupta :  Vidya Bharati has had a profound impact on my life and I thoroughly believe in its ideology.  Thus to stay connected , I associated myself with Vidya Bharati Purv Chatra Parishad of Meerut Pranta.  It helps to organise alumni meets, career counselling programs for Vidya Bharati students, tree plantation drives, yoga workshops and much more.
 

Interviewer : Would you like to share any message with the Vidya Bharati community?

Dr. Gupta : From an experience of 17 years as a teacher, I can safely state that developing  a close relationship between teachers and students is very necessary. A teacher’s role should not be restricted to only fulfilling the syllabus. It is the duty of the teacher to help his or her students towards achieving all round development, so that they can contribute towards the growth of the nation. Every child should be respected, as violence and strictness never wins hearts.

I would also like to see Vidya Bharati setting up more institutions of higher studies and professional education, which according to be will prove highly beneficial for our country’s youth.

Lastly I would like to urge all Vidya Bharati students to lead a well disciplined, hardworking  and honest lifestyle. Priority should be given to understand the subject and have knowledge so that you can transfer knowledge to others.

Vidya Bharati Purv Chatra Parishad thanks Dr Shalini Gupta for sharing her valulable thoughts with the community.
 

If you are a Vidya Bharati alumni, and would like to share your story and experiences, kindly email us at info@vidyabharatialumni.org and we will get in touch with you.