It is not every day that a school principal waits for you happily in the principal’s room. But when we met DPS Principal, Seema Bhatnagar, she greeted us with warm greetings, chocolates and a hot coffee!

DPS, Jaipur is joining hands with Jaipur Women Blog and Sheroes (career destination for women) to promote a beautiful cause. In the campaign ‘Business Lullabies’, the school’s toddlers will take a presentation with the employees of an MNC in its boardroom speaking in favor of moms returning to work after their maternity leave. The mission is to break stereotypes attached to the Mommy’s coming-back.

Even school’s principal Seema has a sabbatical-success-story. She has been handling the school quite well and the staff is gaga over her management style. We personally decided to explore it:

JWB – What made you look for a job?

Seema – I was a happy housewife with 2 kids until one day the thought of boredom struck my head. I took a decision to work before taking anyone’s consent because I believe it is you who is responsible for your life’s actions and no one else.

So I began with a computer course with NIIT back in 1980s, after which I grabbed a descent job at the Apple company. I had worked there for 3 years.

JWB – Talking about the family, did they support you once they learnt about your decision?

Seema – A little revolt was sure but I was adamant. I later joined few Delhi schools while continuing with my courses. The kids were already grown up by then and understood the importance of my new journey.

JWB – In what ways have you become stronger?

Seema – In every way. I don’t remember saying no to any task assigned to me. So much so that when I was transferred to a naxal area in Orissa, I took that challenge head on.

I went to the area and stayed there for 2 years. I think I was the only female principal to do something like this so far.

JWB – Didn’t people raise eyebrows?

Seema – I don’t care. I never cared. When I began my career I was told that I was not capable of certain things. I believed otherwise and wanted to prove myself right.

I know the way male principals work, and I am well aware of my way of working which is quite different from theirs. If someone had ever raised any question on my capability, has already been proved wrong!

JWB – It’s been long that you’re working in Jaipur. How is it?

Seema – Do you know I am from Jaipur? (laughs)

My father worked here and my ancestral home is in the Pink city. I love staying among these talented women who are very strongly rooted to their values, are creative and have tremendous emotional capability to change with time.

JWB – By the way, what made you change your job from corporate to teaching?

JWB – What an amazing guidance for mothers on sabbatical!

Seema – My daughter did the same after her pregnancy and today she is absolutely happy without any regrets.

JWB – Lastly, tell us why do you and DPS want to support the campaign initiated by Jaipur Women Blog and Sheroes?

 

Photographer – Shashank K Tyagi