Mr. Suraj Prakash stepped into the world of education as a lecturer in Physics in 1966. His dynamism and adventurous spirit propelled him to take on a new challenge when he joined Modern school Barakhamba Road as PGT Physics in 1970. Under the able guidance of Mr. M. N. Kapoor, Mr. Suraj Prakash experienced new avenues of growth. He worked on a number of programs of teaching Science through experiments and innovative activities. The highlight of this period in his life was the showcasing of the students’ talent in the National Science Exhibition inaugurated by the then Prime Minister Mrs. Indira Gandhi which won him a lot of accolades.
The year 1973 was a turning point in his life when his empathetic instincts and sensitivity towards the under privileged sections of the society motivated him to join the Navyug School, Sarojini Nagar. Along with the eminent educationist and Gandhian Mr. J. N. Dar, he undertook the challenging task of igniting the minds of gifted children making them realise their potential leading towards bright futures.
He undertook several projects in collaboration with the NCERT and was selected for teaching Physics on television and radio. He delivered more than a hundred lessons. Appreciating his commitment, he was invited by the CBSE to be a part of the Physics Curriculum Committee in 1976-77. Here he was given the task to prepare a Science Lab Manual for Secondary level students.
He joined CRPF Public School, Rohini as Principal in 1988. Blending the practical with the humane, he was able to create an environment of holistic growth not only for the teachers but also for the students. In his 23 years of service as the Principal, he kindled the spirit of enquiry and innovation in his students readying them to effectively deal with the fast changing world outside. Realising the importance of physical fitness and alertness, the school grew by leaps and bounds in the field of sports. He led by example and never had to use any harsh measures to realise the vision he had for the school. A rare combination of the qualities of the head and the heart, humility, commitment and understanding made him a father figure universally respected by his staff and students.
He was an eminent panellist with the UPSC, NCERT and the CBSE. In NCERT, he was a member of the Committee of the Central Institute for Educational Technology, Measurement and Evaluation in Education, Preparation of School Textbooks and the Development of Science Curriculum. Being an eclectic personality, he headed several programs in the CBSE. He was on the curriculum Committee to prepare the Science and Physics syllabus for classes 10 and 12, the Committee for setting the Criterion and Parameters for a Good School, the Sports Committee, the Finance Committee and was a special invitee at the governing body of the CBSE.
Right from its inception in 1973, he played a pivotal role in the NPSC, attending all Annual Conferences and organising various programs and events. In 1995, he joined as an Executive Committee member and held several prestigious positions, As Secretary from 1998 to 2000, he organised the Silver Jubilee Conference on Value Education. In the year 2000 he was appointed as the Vice Chairman, NPSC, where he was instrumental in introducing the landmark TWINNING PROGRAMME which focused on ICT based Teacher development. In recognition of his selfless service, he was appointed as the Chairman, NPSC in 2002.
For his meritorious services in the field of education, innovation and creativity, he received the Dr. Radhakrishnan Award in the year 2000. He was deservingly declared the Outstanding Principal by the Department of Education, Delhi University in the year 2000. He was the proud recipient of the Delhi State Teacher’s Award in 2000 conferred by Mrs. Shiela Dixit, the then Chief Minister of Delhi. His journey in the pursuit of excellence in education culminated in the National Award for Outstanding Teachers which he received from the President of India, Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam. Another milestone in this journey was the Global Human Rights Protection Award from the Indian Institute of Human Rights in 2006.
He is committed to the cause of education as the visiting faculty at several prestigious schools and universities across the globe. He is a member of the Commonwealth Association of Science, Technology and Mathematics Educators, Scientist by Mail for the Boston Science Museum, visiting faculty with the Department of Policy and Leadership at the University of Texas, Arlington, USA. He is currently the Director, BBPS Training Center, Secretary/ Manager, Bal Bharati Public School Rohini and Noida and Advisor, Child Education Society.
A true teacher at heart, he is a philosopher and guide for children of all ages. His child centric approach and the use of technology make him a teacher par excellence, in sync with the changing times. In spite of his hectic schedule, his best moments are the ones spent with pupils in the classroom and his constant endeavour is to identify the needs and maximise the latent potential of the child in the current technological era.