–Anjana Subramanyam, ISC coordinator (Academics and Admissions), Gitanjali Schools, Hyderabad

Abraham Lincoln had rightly said: “The best way to predict your future, is to create it.” Well then, is creating all that simple? Can any one of us become an entrepreneur?

Creation is the power of thought that is strongly reinforced by positive actions, helping us manifest our dreams into reality.

At Gitanjali schools, we not only believe in shaping young minds to become successful global citizens but also provide them with the necessary exposure and opportunities to develop entrepreneurial skills.

To begin with, our ‘Development of Design Thinking Skills’ incorporated in the curriculum engages students in finding solutions to real-life problems. The five steps – Empathize, Define, Ideate, Prototype and Test – guide students to structure their thoughts and work out possible outcomes. Through Project-based learning across subjects, students develop complex competencies such as critical thinking, communication, collaboration and problem solving. The Phenomena-based teaching methodology helps students understand issues and ’Think out of the box’.

The school’s ‘Entrepreneurial Club’ has member participants from class VII onwards. Here, students pitch ideas which are debated and discussed with their peers and mentored by our very own teachers. During the IDEA (Inter Disciplinary Enrichment Activity) Week, the students come up with innovative plans and discuss the feasibility and sustainability of their ideas. The school’s TED Club, Like Hacks- Jugaad Cub and App Smart Clubs work as Incubation and Knowledge hubs with discussions and simulated activities. ‘Business Conclaves’ and inter-school competitions are also held to motivate students. Our students have gained recognition at the national level with home-grown ideas at school.

We have partnerships with premier business institutes who conduct workshops for students. Stock market simulation games and hypothetical trading games give students an idea about share market dynamics and competitive advantage of nations. All these activities develop financial acumen, team-work, decision-making, time management among other essential skills required to transform into successful entrepreneurs.

Gitanjali School has been a pioneer in providing internships to class XI-XII students in media companies, legal and CA firms, pharmaceutical companies, hospitality industry etc. The pandemic has not disrupted the momentum, and students have switched to online internships including social internships in reputed organisations.

Our director Dr. Gita Karan, a first-generation entrepreneur herself, is a role model for one and all in the school. Under her visionary leadership, the Gitanjali schools’ progressive management believes in the philosophy of dispensing knowledge with integrity. Students are exposed to an environment that not only teaches them to think creatively but also develops them into responsible and sensitive human beings.

And that is the need of the hour: To develop entrepreneurs who not only create jobs and contribute to the growth of the economy but are also compassionate and have a sense of social responsibility.

As there is nothing more beautiful than someone who goes out of their way to make life beautiful for others.