Ms. Naina Dhillon’s journey into educational leadership was not paved with traditional aspirations. She was originally trained to be a pilot, but fate had a different plan. Called in as a substitute teacher at a primary school, Ms Dhillon found herself unexpectedly immersed in the world of education—a moment that shifted her career trajectory and awakened a deeper purpose. Raised in a residential school environment, the culture of mentorship, discipline, and holistic development was second nature to her. This early experience laid a solid foundation for a vocation that would impact countless young lives.
Her foray into education wasn’t a detour but rather a revelation. From her first experience in the classroom, Ms. Dhillon felt a profound sense of satisfaction and belonging. The spark led her to fully embrace teaching, not merely as a job but as a calling. Over time, she grew through roles of increasing responsibility, including that of a House Mistress for both girls and boys, each transition providing a rich tapestry of experiences that helped shape her understanding of young minds and their developmental needs.
Much of her inspiration stems from influential education leaders. She speaks highly of Dr. S.R. Das, former Headmaster of The Lawrence School, Sanawar, whose visionary leadership deeply impacted her as a student. Equally influential was her father, Dr H.S. Dhillon—himself a respected educationist and former Headmaster at the same institution—whose integrity, humility, and strength of character she continues to emulate. Through their examples, Ms. Dhillon found both her benchmark and her compass in educational leadership.
Leadership Rooted in Vision and Values
At the helm of a premier girls’ boarding school, Ms. Naina Dhillon’s leadership style is best described as transformational and inclusive. It’s a philosophy that stems from empathy, guided by vision, and upheld by unwavering integrity. Rather than simply managing an institution, she builds a community—one in which students, teachers, and parents are all equal stakeholders.
Ms. Dhillon believes in leading by example. Her leadership creates a school culture where compassion, resilience, and excellence are not just encouraged—they are lived. Whether it’s mentoring staff or guiding students through personal and academic challenges, her approach is deeply human-centric. Every initiative, academic or co-curricular, is structured around the holistic development of the student. She ensures that her school is not just a place of learning, but also a sanctuary for emotional growth, moral reasoning, and independent thought.
She actively promotes collaborative decision-making, continuous professional development, and transparent communication. By keeping an open-door policy, she fosters an environment of trust and mutual respect. This inclusive approach has played a pivotal role in building a thriving school ecosystem—one that thrives on shared values and collective progress. In her leadership, empathy meets excellence, creating a culture where everyone is motivated to rise to their highest potential.
Navigating Change with Foresight
Ms. Dhillon understands that remaining relevant in today’s educational landscape requires more than tradition; it demands adaptability and foresight. Her strategic, student-centred approach ensures that her school is always a step ahead. This means embracing modern pedagogical frameworks while preserving the timeless values that define quality education.
Curriculum innovation is central to her strategy. She integrates 21st-century skills—critical thinking, creativity, digital literacy, and collaboration—into daily learning. Her faculty undergoes regular training to remain updated with the latest in pedagogy and educational technology. Digital tools are used not as replacements, but as enhancers of learning, ensuring a balanced and meaningful tech integration.
Equally important to her vision is holistic development. Ms. Dhillon ensures that the school addresses the needs of the modern world through updated co-curricular and wellness programs, touching on mental health, sustainability, financial literacy, and global citizenship. Stakeholder engagement—from parents to alumni to education experts—ensures that the institution is never stagnant but always evolving. Her reflective practice and innovation-driven leadership ensure her school not only keeps up with the times but sets new benchmarks in educational excellence.
Values That Anchor Every Decision
Every decision Ms Dhillon makes is underpinned by a strong set of guiding principles. At the heart of her leadership lies student-centeredness—the unwavering belief that the student’s best interest must guide every action. This principle manifests in every policy, from classroom pedagogy to disciplinary practices to wellness programs.
She upholds integrity and transparency, knowing that trust is the cornerstone of any successful educational community. Her commitment to empathy allows her to see beyond the surface, understanding the unique needs of each student and staff member. Excellence, for her, is always paired with equity. Every student, regardless of their background, deserves the opportunity to thrive.
Furthermore, Ms. Dhillon fosters a culture of collaboration and shared leadership. She empowers her team, encouraging contributions from all levels and ensuring every voice is heard. This sense of ownership among staff leads to stronger, more sustainable institutional practices. Lastly, she embraces adaptability—not as a trend but as a necessity. By evolving with purpose and maintaining clarity, she ensures the school remains a beacon of growth and resilience.
Milestones That Reflect Collective Success
While awards and recognitions have adorned Ms. Dhillon’s journey, she sees them as reflections of collective effort rather than personal triumphs. Under her leadership, Vidya Devi Jindal School (VDJS) has consistently been recognised for excellence:
- Best School in Haryana for Excellence in STEM Education (North India’s School Merit Awards 2024)
- Girls’ Boarding School of the Year – 2024 (ScooNews)
- Ranked No. 1 in Hisar and Haryana, and No. 3 in India (Education Today)
- Certificate of Excellence by ScooNews
- Education World Award 2024-25 – Ranked No. 1 Girls Boarding School in Haryana and No. 6 in India
- Certificate of Appreciation for Outstanding Performance & Academic Administration by Beginup Research, Bengaluru
These accolades are deeply meaningful, but Ms Dhillon finds greater joy in the intangible milestones—the student who discovers her voice, the teacher who goes the extra mile, and the parent who finds peace in knowing their child is growing in capable hands. For her, these are the true indicators of a school’s success.
Inspiring a Culture of Growth
Excellence and innovation are not just goals for Ms. Dhillon—they are cultural pillars. She fosters an environment where personal growth is prioritised over perfection. This culture of excellence emphasises effort, risk-taking, and resilience. It encourages students and staff alike to explore, question, and create.
Students at her school benefit from dynamic learning opportunities: innovation labs, research projects, student-led initiatives, and community outreach programs. These platforms cultivate leadership, confidence, and critical thinking. Innovation is embedded in the curriculum, blending traditional values with contemporary methodologies.
For the staff, she creates a nurturing professional environment. Teachers are encouraged to innovate in their classrooms, share best practices, and pursue continual learning. From peer-learning circles to external training, professional development is a consistent priority. Through open communication and shared vision, Ms. Dhillon builds a strong sense of belonging, where each member of the school community feels valued and driven to excel.
Challenges as Catalysts for Growth
Every career is marked by challenges, and for Ms. Dhillon, they have served as catalysts for transformation. One defining moment was leading the school through the COVID-19 pandemic. Transitioning to digital learning while maintaining academic and emotional stability required swift action, empathy, and innovative problem-solving. The experience reaffirmed her belief in calm, data-informed leadership under pressure.
Another persistent challenge has been the balance between academic achievement and holistic development. Ms. Dhillon has worked diligently to ensure her institution doesn’t become results-obsessed but remains committed to nurturing well-rounded individuals. This has further cemented her inclusive leadership style—one that values emotional intelligence as much as academic rigor.
She’s also faced the complexities of staff motivation and retention in a competitive educational space. Here, she turned to empathetic listening and transparent communication. By understanding the aspirations of her team and creating pathways for their growth, she strengthened her school’s internal culture. Each challenge, she believes, refines her purpose and reinforces the essence of true leadership—empowerment over control.
A Message to Aspiring Educators
To those entering the field of education, Ms. Dhillon offers heartfelt advice: embrace the role as both a privilege and a responsibility. In her words, teaching is not about control—it’s about enabling, inspiring, and empowering. Aspiring educators must be prepared to adapt, listen, and grow alongside their students.
She urges emerging leaders to ground themselves in values, to cultivate curiosity, and to approach every day with empathy. Leadership in education, she emphasises, is not confined to titles but demonstrated in every act of kindness, every effort to innovate, and every decision that puts students first. Her journey is a testament to what is possible when purpose, passion, and perseverance come together in the service of shaping lives.
In a world that constantly evolves, Ms. Naina Dhillon remains a steady, visionary force—empowering young women, uplifting educators, and leading by example. Her story is not just about educational leadership; it’s about the power of intention, resilience, and transformation.
