Roy Robinson, Headmaster, Bishop Cotton School, Shimla

Where would you place education on your national list of priorities?
Right on top. An informed and educated citizenry is the most valuable of all national assets. 

How best to upgrade government schools?
To marry them with private schools in some way or the other.

Thinker/philosopher you admire most.
Jean Jacques Rousseau who said, “When we die we clutch in our hands only that which we gave away in our lifetime.”

Your favourite Nobel laureate.
Mother Teresa

Your leadership style.
To lead by action and example, rather than words. 

Your favourite book on leadership.
Essential Lessons for School Leaders by Joseph Murphy.

For or against the RTE Act mandating 25 percent reservation for underprivileged children in private schools?
I tend to look at the positive side of things. What better way to free underprivileged children from the shackles of ignorance and subsequent poverty than to provide them with high quality education?

Also read: Why the RTE act should be scrapped

Should education outlay be doubled by cutting defence expenditure?
If it can be done without compromising the country’s security. 

How satisfied are you with the growth and development of Bishop Cotton School?
A headmaster’s life is such that one is always on the lookout for ways and means to improve academic and extra-curricular education standards. I believe I have promises to keep, and miles to go before I sleep.  

Pessimistic or optimistic about Indian education?   
I have always been an optimist. So why should I think differently about Indian education? I believe where there is will, there will be ways.