A Life Dedicated to Learning, Teaching & Giving Back

Usha Kiran is an educator, mentor, academic coordinator, writer and social contributor whose life has been deeply connected with education. Her journey has been shaped by continuous learning, hard work and a firm belief that education can transform lives.

For her, teaching has never been limited to textbooks and classrooms. It is about understanding students, supporting those who need help and creating opportunities for every child to learn, grow and move forward.

My Journey as an Educator

She began by teaching needy students as a form of charity, sitting with them one at a time, learning to listen as much as to teach.

Very early in her journey, she realised that a child’s academic difficulties are often connected to circumstances beyond studies — including financial difficulties, family situations, fear or a lack of basic necessities. This understanding has remained central to her approach to teaching.

Over the years, she worked as a social worker and in government institutions and eventually served within the Delhi Government’s education system. She introduced activity-based approaches to teaching, particularly in mathematics, using games, puzzles and real-life examples to make learning more engaging.

She also served as a Mentor for nearly eight years, working with teachers and principals to strengthen classroom practices. As an Academic Coordinator, she contributed to academic improvement, student development and teacher coordination.

Her educational contribution has extended through associations and programmes connected with SCERT, NCERT, CBSE and DIET, including seminars, workshops, training programmes and educational initiatives.

Teaching & Training

Teaching With Purpose

Her approach to education focuses on making learning meaningful, practical and accessible.

Her work has included:

Classroom teaching

Activity-based learning

Teacher mentoring

Teacher training

Workshops and seminars

Educational programmes

Training sessions

Academic coordination

Professional development

Through games, puzzles, activities and real-life examples, she has worked to make classroom learning more engaging, particularly in mathematics.

Mentoring Educators

During nearly eight years as a Mentor, she worked alongside teachers and principals, supporting academic improvement and helping strengthen classroom practices.

Her experience has reinforced her belief that improving education also means empowering the teachers who make learning possible.

Educational Initiatives

Education Beyond the Classroom

One of the most meaningful parts of Usha Kiran’s journey has been her work with children from underprivileged and marginalised backgrounds.

She recognised that a child cannot always focus on education when basic needs remain unmet. Whenever possible, she helped students with:

• School fees

• Books

• Uniforms

• Sweaters

• Ration and other basic necessities

She also spoke with parents who were considering taking their daughters out of school and encouraged them to continue their education.

Environmental Awareness

Her educational initiatives have also encouraged students to understand their responsibilities towards the environment and society.

She has been involved in activities such as:

• Cleanliness drives

• Composting

• Environmental awareness

• Developing responsible everyday habits

For her, education is not simply about marks. It is about developing responsible, compassionate and socially conscious individuals.

A Commitment to Service

Her belief in giving back to society has been influenced by Dr. B. R. Ambedkar’s call to “pay back to society” and by the example of Savitribai Phule, whose life and contribution to women’s education continue to inspire her.

Beyond the Classroom

Educator • Writer • Cultural Contributor

Education has taken Usha Kiran beyond the traditional classroom.

Through cultural and educational exchange programmes, she has travelled to more than 35 countries, gaining exposure to different educational systems and cultures. She also participated in an Educational Exposure Programme in Singapore organised by the Directorate of Education, Delhi.

Her academic journey includes B.A. (Hons.), M.A., B.Ed. and M.Ed., and she is currently pursuing her Ph.D. from the University of Delhi. She is also an Acharya in Astrology from Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Kasturba Gandhi Marg.

Alongside education, writing has remained an important part of her life. Her poetry and articles have appeared in publications including Hindi Dhara, Samrasta Sandesh and Window to the Future. Her collection of ghazals, Ankahe Ehsaas (Unspoken Feelings), represents another dimension of her creative journey.

My Philosophy of Education

“Learning is a lifelong journey.”

Usha Kiran believes that a teacher’s influence can extend far beyond the classroom.

For her, education means:

Learning continuously.

Teaching with empathy.

Supporting those who need help.

Encouraging every child to grow.

And giving back to society.

She believes that even an ordinary day in a classroom can have a lasting impact on a child’s life. Her own journey reflects this belief — she continues to learn, teach, write and contribute.

“I am still learning. I will be a student, in some form, until my last day.”

Awards & Recognition

Her contribution to education, literature and social welfare has received recognition through numerous awards and certificates.

Educational Recognition

• State Teachers’ Award – 2022 for outstanding contribution in education

• Municipal Award – Best Teacher Award

• CBSE Letter of Appreciation – 2020

• Directorate of Education, Government of Delhi – Certificate of Appreciation

• SCERT, NCERT – Certificate of Appreciation for educational research and training during lockdown

• DIET, Nanakpura, Moti Bagh – Certificate of Appreciation

• Certificate of Gratitude for Educational Innovation during Lockdown – 2020

• Directorate of Education Certificate for 100% Result – 2019–20

• Certificate of Appreciation for work as a Mentor in School – 2019

She has also received several literary, cultural and social welfare recognitions, reflecting the breadth of her contribution beyond education.

A Message for the Next Generation

Usha Kiran’s journey carries a simple message: never allow circumstances to decide the size of your dreams.

She encourages young women to study, work, speak with confidence and enter spaces that may not always have been open to them. She also believes that teachers have the power to quietly change the direction of a child’s life.

Her journey continues to be guided by the belief that education is not merely a profession — it is a responsibility, a service and a lifelong journey of learning.

“Study. Work. Speak. And when you are inside those rooms, remember to leave the door open behind you for the next girl.”