Prema Kotian

My journey

From humble beginnings come great things, and I believe my journey has been the same. I started as a teacher in the Primary Section of Purushottam High School in 1985, spent 8 years in the Secondary Section, and have now completed 25 years as Principal. My goal has always been to help our students reach their full potential by giving them the best support at school, and I am glad to say that I have seen many students bloom like flowers.

My inspiration

My inspiration throughout my career has been my father, Lion Principal K.B. Kotian, the founder of Purushottam High School. He started this school from scratch and, through sheer hard work, grew the institution from just 100 students to 4,800 students over more than 50 years. Besides being an excellent motivator, he was a great administrator and teacher. He was the backbone of this institution and played a great part in everything I have achieved today. I have learnt a great deal from him.

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What we want for our students

My goal is to inspire our students to become lifelong learners, effective communicators and innovative global citizens who have a positive impact on the world. Our mission is to provide quality education that encourages every student to realise their potential to the fullest. That is why our school offers facilities such as Abacus, UCMAS, an English Lab, a Computer Lab, a Mini Science Centre and a Science Lab.

I have dedicated 13 years of my life to Kathak. Dance taught me the value of discipline and art, and it has been a wonderful way to build social skills. I want my students to develop the same. That is why we offer co-curricular activities such as Karate, Folk Dance, Music, Skill Development Courses, Chess and Basketball. Our school takes part in academic, non-academic and inter-school competitions, and encourages every student’s all-round development. These competitions give our students a stage to showcase their talents and build self-confidence.

Growing through networks

I believe networking is essential for growth. Since 2009, I have been the Main Convener of H-Ward, which comprises 110 schools. I have been a member of the Flying Squad for the SSC and HSC Examination Board, and I am an active member of the BIRD (BrihanMumbai Inter-school Republic Day) Committee, which helps sow the seeds of patriotism, peace and harmony among students. These roles have helped me learn and grow professionally through interactions with like-minded people.

Health first

We make sure we do our best for our students’ health as well, because we want them to understand the importance of good health from a young age. Our school holds regular medical camps for eye and dental check-ups. Dental health is one of the most neglected aspects of health, and treatment can be very expensive. In 2018, we opened our dental clinic, “Tooth Angels”, to give our students the best treatment and care early in life, at an affordable cost.

Women are the future

In recent years, we have witnessed marvellous achievements by women in the arts, science and sports. I believe women can play a great role in pushing boundaries in the workplace by breaking the glass ceiling, and at home, in planting the values of gender equality and respect. Strength, energy and, in particular, the female instinct are what push us into the future.

Being a woman in this world can be difficult, but I have found strength through the challenges in my life. I hope my achievements show present and future generations of women that they can achieve their dreams through any kind of hardship. I believe every challenge is an opportunity.

Education is not a preparation for life; education is life itself.

It is an investment that pays the best dividend. I truly believe that together we can make a difference, and I will continue working towards my dream with the support of my staff, my family and our well-wishers.

Prema KotianDirector