Ratna D Reddy, Founder-director, CHIREC School

Ratna D Reddy, Founder-director, CHIREC School, Hyderabad

Where would you place education on your national list of priorities?
Top priority.

How best to upgrade government schools?
Through hand-holding by private schools and/or corporates.

Thinker/philosopher you admire the most.
I admire more than one person.

Your favourite Nobel laureate.
Mother Teresa, whose determination to carry out her mission against all odds is ever inspiring.

Your leadership style.
Leading by example, delegation, utilising the strengths of individuals while overlooking their weaknesses, and guiding them to give their best.

Your favourite book on leadership.
I don’t wish to single out a particular book. There are many.

For or against the RTE Act mandating 25 percent reservation for underprivileged children in private schools?
I am in agreement with the principle that every child has a right to education. However, I disagree with the process of its implemen-tation through reservations of a restrictive nature. Instead, it should be the social responsibility of private schools.

Should education outlay be doubled by cutting defence expenditure?
If the current allocated fund is optimally utilised, there won’t be any need to do this.

How satisfied are you with the growth and development of CHIREC?
Very satisfied. Over the past 25 years, CHIREC has become a benchmark institution in co-ed day schooling.

Pessimistic or optimistic about the future of Indian education?
Optimistic. Indian education up to the undergraduate and graduate levels can be revamped to global standards.