Page 28 - DAIS - DAISPORA ISSUE 05

Tell us about your passion for classical dance.
You’ve been at DAIS since 2004. What has kept you here
for 21 years? I began learning classical music and dance in childhood, encouraged by my
mother—something rare for boys at the time. My home was near a temple where
The chance to grow professionally in a nurturing environment. I love teaching
top artists performed, and I’d sit for hours watching them. That love for the arts
values and culture alongside language. DAIS has always given me opportunities
has stayed with me. Arts bring discipline, grace, and joy—values I bring into my
beyond the classroom—from CAS to cultural initiatives—which keeps me
classroom. I often use stories from epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata in
energized. The school encourages professional exploration.
class—it makes language learning come alive.

From Science to Hindi—can you tell us more about this What was it like teaching your own son at school?

unconventional journey? Challenging but special. Parthiv’s journey as a national-level athlete required

I grew up in Kerala, but my mother was raised in Pune, which gave me early discipline and balance. I had to carefully separate the roles of teacher and father,
exposure to Hindi. Despite completing a Science degree in Math, Stats, and especially during COVID when I taught him. I’m proud of both my
Physics (thanks to my joint family insisting on it!), my heart was always in the arts. I children—Parthiv is heading to UIUC for finance, and my daughter Parvati is

pursued a Master’s in Hindi, ranked at the university level, and later moved to Delhi pursuing clinical psychology in the UK. FUNNIEST CHALK OR
to immerse myself in the language. Teaching followed naturally. The real growth WHAT’S NEXT MEMORY? WHITEBOARD?
came when I joined DAIS in 2004, and since then, it’s been home.
More music, more dance, Chased a student on a Delhi Whiteboard.
more learning. trip—caught on camera! Always.

You’ve seen generations of students come and go. How

have they changed over the years? It’s not just

Students today are incredibly confident and aware. By Grade 8 or 9, many already
have clear goals. The rise of technology and platforms like Toddle have about grades; it’s What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learned from your
transformed how we teach and interact. But with all this advancement comes students?

pressure. Students try to do it all—sports, academics, social media—and I often about developing That it’s okay not to have all the answers. My students have taught me to be
remind them to pause, reflect, and be guided by values, not just achievement. humble, to listen, to learn from them. Whether it’s creating Google Forms or

compassion, teaching me emojis—I learn every day.

You’ve held many roles at DAIS. Which have been most
meaningful to you? responsibility & What advice do you have for young parents today?

Being part of DAIS has allowed me to grow constantly. I’ve taught IGCSE Hindi, Don’t over-schedule your children. Find one or two things they truly enjoy—be it
TOK, Big History, and now coordinate Language Acquisition for MYP. But it’s my art, sport, or academics—and support them over the long term. Let them build
nine years as CAS Coordinator that stand out. Helping students discover identity. depth, not just breadth. And most importantly, be present.
themselves through creativity, activity, and service has been deeply rewarding. It’s

not just about grades; it’s about developing compassion, responsibility, and - Mr. Sreeraman
identity.
Sanjana Shah Narang

Class of 2010