“Give back what you get from society”: regional officer of CBSE’s Doon office, Ranbir Singh
Radhika Nagrath
We must give back to the society what we gain, says the old age adage and many Samaritans in the society are using their knowledge for the welfare of humanity without expecting returns. An educationist from Dehradun Dr Ranbir Singh who has been heading the regional office of CBSE, Dehradun since 2016 has embarked on a journey of educating.
A chance meeting during a state- level conference on the subject of basic literacy, numeracy and public participation in the field of education at Delhi Public School Ranipur in 2023 led me to explore more the CBSE Dehradun director. The conference witnessed participation of principals and city coordinators of more than 300 schools from the plains of Uttarakhand and several districts of Uttar Pradesh.
Some excerpts from the interview:
Q How can one transform the surroundings?
A The only way is Shiksha. By educating alone, we can bring positive changes in the people around us and thus help the nation progress. Quality education and infusion of sanskars are immensely important.
Q Tell me something about your own studies
A I was born in a tiny village Koruva of Jaunsar Bawar. I studied in a village school. Despite numerous challenges, I got through the entrance exams and served at various positions in State Bank of India, Central Ayurvedic Organisation Jhansi and Central Paduka Pareekshan Sansthan in Agra. In 2002, I got an appointment at the regional office of CBSE which started an important chapter of my life. Through this assignment, I ventured on to bring positive changes in the education system.
Q Your major contribution in the field of education…
A I had joined the newly formed regional office of CBSE in Dehradun in 2016 and was sent on transfer promotion to Bengaluru in 2021. From 2021 onwards, I worked as regional director in Bengaluru and in October 2022, I was sent to the head office CBSE again. I established communication between schools in Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh, sorting out their problems. My focus was on the development and progress of schooling in Devbhumi, including implementation of NEP 2020 FLN, understanding of NCF FS 2022, also NCF 2023
Q How you are now educating masses?
A In 2020, I formed a social organisation Sri Jairam Singh Memorial education and women empowerment Samiti. The organisation helps in empowering rural women through various projects. Besides, we have started libraries for the students in government schools. While working for the uplif of people from the Jaunsar Bawar tribes and other communities, I feel the purpose of my life is being fulfilled.
My concern has been to prevent substance abuse and consumption of alcohol among the youths. As the education system is becoming increasingly commercial, these ills are not being fought against as should be.
Q How many schools have you so far touched with your programmes?
A In Dehradun region, nearly 1500 schools are affiliated to the Central Board of Secondary Education. Besides, there are schools in eight districts of Uttar Pradesh. I try my best to raise the level of education in these schools while infusing moral values in the students so that they become good citizens of the country. I give utmost importance to the students’ feedback and suggestions and this helps this school’s progress. Use of English language in classrooms and hostels is encouraged.
Q Please tell us about your idea of opening of ideal schools in the region
A Under Atal Adarsh Vidyalaya scheme, 185 government schools located across Uttarakhand which were dying with poor education facilities and standards have been linked to the CBSE system. Gradually, they are rising to the standard of quality education. I stress on punctuality and regular attendance of the students as well as the teachers.
