The Heartbeat of Learning: Ritika Anand’s Story

Ritika Anand’s journey as an educator is one of passion, resilience, and a deep belief that education must shape both the head and the heart. From her early days at St. Mark’s, walking in as a young teacher with nervous excitement, to becoming a nationally recognised school leader, her story is filled with lessons that inspire.

The Beginning of a Journey

I still remember walking into St. Mark’s as a young woman, a little unsure but full of hope. My physics teacher had already shown me the magic of turning a difficult concept into something simple and joyful and I secretly dreamed of doing the same. But the person who truly shaped me was our Founder Principal, Ms. Anjali Aggarwal. Her discipline, ethics, warmth, love for literature, poetry and theatre made me realise that teaching is not just about lessons in the classroom; it’s about shaping lives. But the person who truly defined my journey was our founder principal, Ms. Anjali Aggarwal. Watching her lead was a master class in discipline, warmth, and ethics. She showed me that being an educator is not about the authority of a title, but about the lives you touch.

The Core of Education

I’ve always believed that real education must touch both the mind and the heart. A child may learn formulas and theories, but without empathy and compassion, that learning is incomplete. This belief grew stronger over time, watching students spend time at old-age homes, play chess with children from the blind association, or organise relief material during natural disasters. These moments teach them kindness and resilience in a way textbooks never can. Emotional intelligence, I feel, is as important as academic intelligence today.

That philosophy has stayed with me ... When they collect relief material during a flood or sit down to teach underprivileged children after school, they learn that kindness is an action, not a concept. These moments don’t just complement academics- they complete them. I often tell my teachers and parents that IQ may take a child places, but it is EQ that keeps them grounded and humane.

A Mélange of Interests

It may sound like an unusual mix, but for me, they came together quite naturally. Physics and Mathematics are usually dreaded by students, so I always thought how I can bring about a change in that mind-set. I love the challenge of explaining complex ideas in a way that excites young minds. At the same time, theatre has been a passion because of its power to tell stories and bring people together.

Over time, I realised that theatre and storytelling could actually become teaching tools. Theatre is about empathy, creativity, and expression. Together, they form a powerful pedagogical tool. I’ve used storytelling and dramatization in classrooms to turn dry concepts into lived experiences. I’ve even written a research paper on theatre as pedagogy because I believe that when children feel a lesson, when they laugh, act, or role-play, they remember it for life.

The National Award

Receiving the National Award was both humbling and unforgettable. I never chased recognition; I simply focused on giving my best to students every day. But that moment when I received the award from Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Draupadi Murmu, it reminded me of the larger responsibility I carry. There’s a story I love, of a farmer who shared his best seeds with his neighbours. When asked why, he said, “If their crops fail, mine will too.” That has stayed with me. For me, the award is not just personal. As an awardee, I got an opportunity to interact with Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi. He congratulated me on my school projects on language diversity of India which validated my journey as an educator.

Technology should serve pedagogy, not overshadow it. AI can help personalise learning, automate repetitive tasks, and free up time. But it is only in the smile, the encouragement, the attentive listening of a teacher that true learning happens. My hope for the next generation of teachers is that they remain fearless explorers of technology but never lose the human touch.

Audio-Visual Media & its Impact

Audio-visual media has the power to make learning come alive. A well-chosen film clip or digital storyboard can spark emotions and creativity in a way a traditional lesson sometimes cannot. I’ve seen children laugh, reflect, even tear up when exposed to the right material and those emotions lead to deeper understanding. For children with special needs, AV tools can be especially powerful, giving them alternate ways to access and process learning.

The pandemic showed us just how essential these tools are, and they’ve become part of our DNA now. When we screen these films and discuss them together, students learn not only subject knowledge but also teamwork, storytelling, and critical thinking. They become creators, not just consumers, of media. In a world where children are surrounded by screens, I want them to use those screens to express, innovate, and inspire.

Performing Arts & Theatre

I see them not just as tools but as platforms for expression. Imagine children making short films linked to their subjects and then screening them at a school festival. They learn scriptwriting, teamwork, and technical skills, but more importantly, they learn to express ideas creatively. These festivals can also spark wonderful peer-to-peer learning when students watch and discuss each other’s work.

In the future, I’d love to see schools regularly hosting such events, where students are both the creators and the critics. Recognition has come along the way, and while ... spark should go unnoticed. Of course, this is only possible when teachers feel empowered to nurture that uniqueness. That’s why I insist so much on capacity-building. Regular training sessions, workshops on inclusive practices, mental health support, and most importantly, freedom to experiment. A teacher who feels trusted and supported will, in turn, create a safe, dynamic space for their students.

Every Student is Special

For me, it means no child should ever feel invisible. Every student has a spark, sometimes it’s obvious, and sometimes it’s hidden and needs to be uncovered. My job as a leader is to ensure teachers have the tools, training, and encouragement to reach each child in their own way. That’s why I insist a lot on capacity-building and well-being. When teachers feel supported, they are better able to support every learner, no matter how unique their journey is. I started a special program of Theatre for Special Children, which impacted their physical and attitudinal barriers positively.

I want educators to stay loyal; loyal to their students, to their subject, to school, and to their own values. There will always be distractions, noise, even criticism. But if they stay true to why they chose this profession, if they protect their integrity and keep learning, they will not just teach- they will transform lives. And in the process, will transform themselves too.A message to Young EducatorsI hope you become fearless explorers. Technology will keep changing. AI today, something else tomorrow but what matters is how creatively and meaningfully you will use it. I’d love to see teachers who are comfortable using new tools, but who never lose sight of the emotional connections that students truly need. A caring teacher with a creative approach will always be more impactful than the smartest gadget.There will always be challenges, noise, and even negativity around. But if you keep your integrity intact and remember why you chose this profession, you’ll find deep joy in it. Teaching is not just a job, it’s a journey that shapes not only your students, but you as well. The quiet pride of a child explaining a storyboard they created. The warmth of one student helping another without being asked. These are the moments that stay with me. These are the reasons I walk into school every morning with gratitude, hope, and the belief that the best of education lies not just in the head, but in the heart.

Countless Memories

At the end of the day, my journey is filled with countless small, ordinary moments that matter more than any award or milestone. The shy student who finally raises her hand in class. The laughter that bursts out when a science experiment goes unexpectedly wrong. The quiet pride of a child explaining a storyboard they created. The warmth of one student helping another without being asked. These are the moments that stay with me. These are the reasons I walk into school every morning with gratitude, hope, and the belief that the best of education lies not just in the head, but in the heart.