Firm, determined, talented and organised, Meeta Rai is a living example for many students and teachers. The vibrant lady feels that she is blessed with her in-born talent of leadership and that helps her head one of NCR's leading educational institutions.
I feel nothing is impossible if you believe in whatever you do and have faith in God. I look forward to a new and enriching experience every day and in the process enjoy every single moment of my working time, learning something new from each experience which makes me stronger and a sensitive human being," says Meeta, principal of DPS, Indirapuram.
Life has been fun
Youngest amongst eight siblings, Meeta has always been a pampered child. Born and brought up in Kanpur, she grew up with strong sense of moral values. Meeta started teaching in primary school by her own choice as she loved the profession. She did most of her higher education through distant studies. An MA in English literature and an M Ed from Annamalai University of Madras, she got married to a businessman in Delhi and is now mother of two beautiful daughters.
Strong inclination towards music and art
Meeta's father was a choirmaster for a church and that inculcated a spirit of singing on her. "I sang as a solo singer for Christ Church choir," says Meeta. She is a member of Delhi Christian Chorus and participates in two public performances annually. She has keen interest in creative writing, poetry and theatre. She has written, produced and directed several children's plays for Doordarshan.
Dynamic by nature
Meeta Rai has been a dynamic school administrator for the last 18 years. She is also a motivational speaker and excels in dance and drama. She has been the education counsellor for a chat show in TV and is currently coordinating a live talk show on Doordarshan called 'Meri baat' dealing with social issues for
adolescents and runs an academic helpline for senior secondary students.
Laurels all the way
Meeta has been felicitated with 'Indira Gandhi Priyadarshani award' twice. First one was in 1997 for 'Innovation in Education' by the Priyadarshani Institute for Computer Aided Knowledge Society in New Delhi followed by 'Outstanding services, achievements and contributions in the field of Education’ in November 2007 by All India National Unity Conference, New Delhi.
She has also been honoured with Best Citizen of India award in 2005 by International Publishing House and Best principle award by the Lions Club International, New Delhi
for invaluable contribution and outstanding service loyalty and devotion to education. On September 5, 2008 she was awarded the 'National Award for teachers-2007' by President Pratibha Patil for public recognition of valuable services to the community by the Human Resource Development of School Education and Literacy.
Her success mantra
"My message for all will be, set systems and follow them yourself and then expect others to follow it. Trust yourself, be a leader and set examples for others," concludes Meeta.
—Meghna Jain