Ms. Charu Maini, Principal of DAV Public School, Uppal's Southend, Sector-49, Gurugram, is a progressive leader who seamlessly integrates Vedic values with global educational innovations. With over 30 years of experience in education, she is also a proud recipient of the prestigious National Teachers' Award 2024, presented to her by the President of India, Dr. Draupadi Murmu, in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the educational landscape.
A relentless educator driven by dedication and innovation, her journey is marked by a deep commitment to student-centered learning. With extensive experience teaching Senior Secondary classes under the CBSE curriculum and over a decade in school management, she has fostered a nurturing, dynamic learning environment where both students and educators collaborate as co-constructors of knowledge.
With a wealth of experience in managing high-stakes responsibilities across prestigious committees, Ms. Maini has consistently earned trust and recognition. Notable roles include serving as City Coordinator for NTA in Gurugram, as well as fulfilling key responsibilities for CBSE, such as Chief Nodal Supervisor, Centre Superintendent, and Inspection Committee Member. She is also the Cluster Head for DAV National Sports. She has shown exemplary leadership as Chairperson of the Gurgaon Progressive Schools Council (GPSC) since 2023 and is a member of the Haryana Progressive Schools Conference (HPSC), She has held an Office Bearer position with the National Progressive Schools Council (NPSC).
An alumna of Hindu College, Delhi University, with a postgraduate degree in Chemistry, and a B.Ed. from the esteemed Central Institute of Education, her academic background reflects a strong foundation in both subject expertise and pedagogy. Over the years, Ms. Maini has made significant contributions to national educational initiatives, including PM eVidya, Diksha, MOOCs, and the development of over 24 books with NCERT and CBSE.
Her outstanding efforts have been recognized through several prestigious accolades, including the Principal Par Excellence Award by IIHM, the APJ Abdul Kalam Education Excellence Award by the Indian Solidarity Council, and the Future 50 Leaders Shaping Success Award by Fortune India Magazine and Univariety.
Under her visionary guidance, the school has flourished through innovative programs like Vidya-Srijan, a toy-making initiative that fosters creativity, and SMERT (Student Medical Emergency Response Team), preparing students for real-life challenges. Initiatives like Raizes, promoting student entrepreneurship, Education Through Monuments, and various sustainability projects connect students to their cultural roots while preparing them for the global stage.
As a true environmentalist and a trained NCC cadet, she approaches challenges head-on. She has spearheaded impactful community projects, including plogging runs, e-waste collection drives, and tree plantation campaigns, one of which earned a Guinness World Record. Her commitment to community welfare further extends through the Partnership Between Schools program, bridging the gap between rural and urban schools by fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange. An active participant in panel discussions and development programs, she is dedicated to empowering the education community and advancing student and teacher growth through ongoing learning and international collaboration.
Rooted in the principles of holistic education, as outlined in the Panchakosha framework of NEP 2020, she emphasises nurturing students' emotional, intellectual, social, and spiritual growth. She is passionate about empowering them to become lifelong learners, critical thinkers, and problem solvers who can navigate the complexities of the VUCA (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, Ambiguous) world with resilience and adaptability.
Ms. Charu Maini’s extraordinary journey as an educator and leader continues to inspire her students, fellow educators, and the broader community. Through her tireless efforts, she is shaping a brighter, more inclusive, and innovative future for all.