Leadership is not always about giving instructions; sometimes, it’s about creating space for others to grow. We had the privilege of interacting with our beloved Head of the Department of English, who shared her thoughts on leadership, creativity, and life beyond the classroom. Through her journey, she highlighted the importance of nurturing creativity in students and empowering them to think critically. Her approach to leadership is rooted in empathy, collaboration, and inspiring others to find their own voices. Her insights remind us that great leadership often lies in guiding others to discover their potential and embrace new challenges.
1. How do you encourage creativity and innovation within your department?
“I strongly believe that creativity flourishes where there is freedom. I give my faculty members the liberty to express their ideas and take decisions. Their suggestions are always valued, and I encourage them to explore and implement their innovative thoughts.”
2. How do you unwind after a busy day?
“As soon as I step out of the College, I step into the beautiful role of a mother and a homemaker — roles that I cherish deeply. Cooking is therapeutic for me, and whenever I feel stressed, I prepare biryani for my family — it instantly lifts my mood!”
3. What advice would you give to young women aspiring to take up leadership roles?
“Young women should not get confused between concepts like feminism, individuality, and discipline. These are not opposing ideas but complementary ones. They must realize the inner power they possess by default. It’s absolutely okay to cry and let go of pain during tough times — it doesn’t make one weak. My father, husband, profession, and appearance are the added flavours in my life — but not the essence of it. Feminism, for me, is about raising your voice when something is unjust, not just for yourself but for anyone facing discrimination.”
4. Are there any books or life lessons that have shaped your leadership style?
“Charles Dickens’ David Copperfield is the first novel I remember reading. Dickens is my all-time favourite author, and Great Expectations holds a special place in my heart. I am also deeply influenced by Joseph Murphy’s ‘The Power of Your Subconscious Mind,’ and I even conducted a workshop for my faculty based on it. Currently, I am reading ‘Focus on What Matters’ by Darius Foroux and no matter how busy my day is, I make sure to read at least two lines before I sleep. As for movies, Little Women is my favourite, and I love Pride and Prejudice too. I am not much into romantic books — I prefer reading books that focus on self-healing and personal growth.”
Her words reflect not just the wisdom of a leader but the warmth of a mentor and the strength of a woman who balances multiple roles with grace. Her approach to leadership — rooted in freedom, empathy, and self-discipline — serves as an inspiration to all of us. As students, we are fortunate to learn not just from her professional expertise but also from her life values. Truly, her journey reminds us that leadership is not just about leading others — it is about leading oneself with clarity, compassion, and courage.
