The beginning of a new academic year is always an exciting and inspiring moment. On May 14, 2025, Ekya Schools hosted a power-packed Orientation Day at the CMRIT Auditorium, bringing together the entire Ekya family to set the tone for the year ahead. The day was filled with meaningful reflections, engaging activities, and future-focused conversations designed to prepare the staff and school leaders for the academic journey of 2025-26.
Here’s a detailed look at how the day unfolded and the key moments that made it memorable.
Welcome and Opening Highlights
The day began with the Morning Assembly, a moment of unity and gratitude, setting the tone for the year ahead. This was followed by the Opening Address by Dr. Tristha Ramamurthy, Founder of Ekya Schools, where she emphasised the privilege and responsibility of being educators. Her words resonated deeply with the audience as she stated:
“Teaching work is one of the privileges. We are so lucky to be in this profession. It’s an honour and a privilege to work with children and to have the impact that we can have. There is a need for greater professionalism, passion, and purpose that we can bring to our classrooms.”
A highlight of the morning was the Launch of the 15 Years of Ekya Video, celebrating the school’s remarkable journey over the years and its commitment to excellence in teaching and learning.
Reflections on Purpose and Vision
A significant portion of the day focused on aligning the Ekya community with its core purpose: “Empowering young minds to make a difference in the world.”
During the session on Our Purpose and Vision, school leaders and teachers shared inspiring reflections on how their work contributes to this mission. It was a moment of introspection, as attendees considered how they could bring this purpose to life in their classrooms and daily interactions.
The interactive session, Meet Our Teams, added a fun and collaborative element to the day. Through a short pop quiz, participants learned about the various teams and verticals at Ekya, fostering camaraderie and mutual appreciation among colleagues.
“Teaching work is one of the privileges. We are so lucky to be in this profession. It’s an honour and a privilege to work with children and to have the impact that we can have. There is a need for greater professionalism, passion, and purpose that we can bring to our classrooms.”
A highlight of the morning was the Launch of the 15 Years of Ekya Video, celebrating the school’s remarkable journey over the years and its commitment to excellence in teaching and learning.
Reflections on Purpose and Vision
A significant portion of the day focused on aligning the Ekya community with its core purpose: “Empowering young minds to make a difference in the world.”
During the session on Our Purpose and Vision, school leaders and teachers shared inspiring reflections on how their work contributes to this mission. It was a moment of introspection, as attendees considered how they could bring this purpose to life in their classrooms and daily interactions.
The interactive session, Meet Our Teams, added a fun and collaborative element to the day. Through a short pop quiz, participants learned about the various teams and verticals at Ekya, fostering camaraderie and mutual appreciation among colleagues.
Stories, the Future, and Happy Schools
The session Going Beyond: Stories from the Classroom stood out as one of the most heartfelt and inspiring moments of the day. Teachers and school leaders shared powerful stories that highlighted the impact of their work. One teacher shared how introducing joy as a key element in her classroom transformed the learning experience for her students. Another teacher recounted the story of a quiet child who had never spoken in class but finally mustered the courage to say, “Good Morning, Ma’am,” making her day unforgettable. These stories reflected the immense care teachers bring to their classrooms and served as a compelling reminder of how every interaction with a child holds meaning and potential to influence lives.
The following session, What Does the Future Hold?, provided an opportunity for participants to reflect on the rapidly evolving landscape of education. Discussions revolved around the skills students will need to succeed in the future and how Ekya can continue to lead in preparing them for a world filled with challenges and opportunities.
The post-lunch session kicked off with an energiser activity, infusing the atmosphere with energy and enthusiasm. This was followed by the session Creating Happy Schools, where participants explored ways to build environments that prioritise joy, emotional well-being, and meaningful learning experiences.
Why I Teach Manifesto and Collective Impact
One of the most reflective and heartfelt activities of Orientation Day 2025 was the Why I Teach Manifesto session. This session invited teachers to articulate their personal reasons for pursuing the noble profession of teaching. It was an opportunity for educators to pause, reflect, and reconnect with their purpose.
As teachers shared their manifestos, a range of inspiring motivations came to light. Some spoke about their desire to inspire young minds and make a lasting impact. Others shared how teaching allows them to shape the future and nurture the potential of every child. One teacher beautifully expressed, “I teach because it keeps the child in me alive,” while another added, “I teach because I love being around children and learning from their unique perspectives.”
These manifestos served as a powerful reminder of the passion and dedication that drive educators. They reaffirmed the shared commitment of the Ekya community to create meaningful learning experiences for students and to make a difference in their lives.
The day concluded with a collaborative activity titled Our Collective Impact, where participants worked together to create a visual representation of their shared goals and contributions. This exercise symbolised the strength of teamwork and the collective effort needed to achieve Ekya’s vision.
A Grateful Closing
The event ended with a heartfelt Vote of Thanks by Ms. Ayesha Sirajuddin, Director of School Leadership, who expressed gratitude to all participants for their enthusiasm and dedication. She outlined the goals for the year and encouraged everyone to embrace the opportunities ahead. The day wrapped up with the National Anthem, leaving everyone united and inspired for the journey ahead.