Educate, Empower, Elevate – Pooja Agarwal’s Mantra for Change
If you have watched the movie ‘Taare Zameen Pe, you must remember Aamir Khan, the perfectionist who played the role of a teacher with personal touch and compassion. Meeting Pooja Agarwal felt just like that—more than her designation, it was her warmth, dedication, and relentless spirit that stood out. When we at High on Persona Magazine interacted with this woman of gumption, we couldn’t help but feel inspired by her vision and passion. In the heart of Rajasthan, where societal norms and infrastructural challenges often hinder education, ace Pooja Agarwal is reshaping the landscape and emerging as a beacon of hope for the youth. A multifaceted achiever—educationist, philanthropist, national-level hockey player, holistic lifestyle coach, and artist—Pooja has dedicated her life to revolutionizing rural education and elevating young minds from remote areas to new heights. Her journey is not just about imparting knowledge; it is about transforming lives, breaking stereotypes, and ensuring that every child—be it a girl or a boy, irrespective of their socio-economic background—gets the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. For Pooja, education extends far beyond the four walls of a classroom. She travels tirelessly to the most remote corners, personally engaging with students who have limited access to quality education. With an unwavering commitment, she nurtures these young minds, not only with academic knowledge but also with life skills, discipline, and self-confidence.
The success of her students stands as a testament to her impact. Many of them have pursued careers in medicine, engineering, chartered accountancy, and government services. From doctors and engineers to customs officials, railway officers, teachers, and defense personnel serving in the Indian Navy, CRPF, BSF, and the Indian Army—her students are now carving a path of success, all thanks to her guidance and relentless support.Through initiatives like Riya Foundation, which focuses on educating underprivileged children, especially girls, and Kreeda Fitness Centre, which empowers women by integrating fitness with childcare, she is turning her vision into reality. Her relentless efforts ensure that education is not seen as a privilege but as a fundamental right, paving the way for a brighter, more equitable future.
Born into a traditional Marwari Baniya family in Jaipur, Pooja defied societal expectations to carve a path of her own. Inspired by her mother’s journey as a teacher and encouraged by her late father, Daud Dayal Derewala, she stepped into the field of education with a mission to uplift children in Bassi, a rural area in Rajasthan. Witnessing gender biases, infrastructural shortcomings, and conventional mindsets, she pursued her path with resilience and an unshakable belief in the power of education.Her vision extends beyond primary education. She dreams of establishing a state-of-the-art skill development college and a personality grooming and wellness center. Her goal is to equip students with the necessary skills and confidence to excel in their careers and lives. By aligning her mission with India’s Skill Development Program, she aims to bridge the gap between rural education and global opportunities, ensuring that students from Bassi and surrounding areas can aspire to study in top institutions in India and abroad. In a world where access to quality education is often dictated by socio-economic status, Pooja Agarwal stands as an inspiring force—a woman whose vision, determination, and philanthropy are transforming lives. Through her selfless service, she is not just educating students—she is empowering a generation to dream bigger, strive harder, and break free from the limitations imposed by their circumstances.
And now, in an exclusive feature, High on Persona Magazine brings you a candid conversation with the woman herself, Pooja Agarwal—her journey, her vision, and the incredible impact she continues to create.
Answer: My mother has been my greatest inspiration in my journey to becoming an educationist. Before marriage, she taught at a prestigious English-medium school in Jaipur and continued to do so even after marriage. Growing up, I noticed a striking difference in her mindset compared to other women in our society. Curious to understand why, I realized that the key factor was education. Education, especially the role of a teacher, fosters openness, broadens perspectives, and empowers individuals to embrace life with confidence and wisdom. Witnessing this in my mother deeply moved me, instilling in me a profound belief in the transformative power of learning.
Answer: My experience as a hockey player has played a significant role in shaping my journey as an educator. Sports instill invaluable qualities such as discipline, teamwork, resilience, and leadership—traits that are equally essential in the field of education. The challenges I faced on the field taught me patience, perseverance, and the ability to adapt—skills that now help me guide and mentor students effectively. Moreover, my background in hockey allows me to emphasize the importance of physical fitness, teamwork, and a competitive spirit, helping students develop not just academically but also as well-rounded individuals ready to take on life’s challenges.
Answer: Leading a school in the remote area of Bassi, Jaipur, Rajasthan, comes with its own set of challenges. Some of the most significant ones include:
Low Literacy Awareness: Many parents prioritize daily wages over their children’s education, resulting in irregular attendance and high dropout rates, particularly among girls. Encouraging families to see the long-term value of education remains an ongoing effort.
Language Barrier: While English education is promoted, students often struggle due to minimal exposure to the language at home. Bridging this gap requires innovative teaching strategies and additional support.
Teacher Shortages: Recruiting and retaining qualified teachers in remote areas is a challenge, leading to an increased workload for the existing staff and impacting the overall learning environment.
Traditional Mindsets: Deep-rooted cultural beliefs often limit girls’ access to education and career opportunities. Changing societal perceptions and advocating for equal learning opportunities requires persistent awareness efforts.
Limited Extracurricular Exposure: Unlike urban schools, rural institutions often lack access to sports facilities, cultural activities, and career guidance programs, which are essential for students’ holistic development.
Despite these challenges, my goal remains to create an inclusive and progressive learning environment where every child gets the opportunity to thrive.
HOP: How do you address gender equality in education, especially in remote areas where disparities are more prominent?
Answer: As an educator, I am deeply committed to fostering gender equality by ensuring that both girls and boys receive the same opportunities, encouragement, and respect in the learning environment. To achieve this, I have implemented several key initiatives in my school:
Uniform Equality: One of the first and most impactful steps was introducing a common school uniform for both boys and girls—pants and T-shirts. This move, though initially unconventional in a remote area, helped break traditional gender norms and promote a sense of equality among students.
Inclusive Learning Opportunities: I actively encourage both girls and boys to participate in all subjects, including STEM fields, sports, and extracurricular activities, ensuring there are no gender-based restrictions on learning or personal growth.
Role Models and Inspiration: To challenge societal limitations, I introduce students to inspiring male and female figures from various fields, motivating them to pursue their ambitions fearlessly.
Leadership and Responsibility: Both boys and girls are given equal opportunities to take on leadership roles in student councils, project teams, and class responsibilities, helping them develop confidence and decision-making skills.
Zero-Tolerance for Discrimination: A strict anti-discrimination policy is enforced to ensure that every student feels equally valued, respected, and empowered, fostering an inclusive school culture.
By implementing these measures, I strive to create an environment where gender does not determine a child’s potential, ensuring that every student, regardless of gender, has the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed
Answer: Throughout my journey as an educator in a rural area, I have encountered several challenges that required resilience, adaptability, and perseverance to overcome.
The first and most significant challenge was navigating a deeply patriarchal society where leadership positions in schools and workplaces were traditionally held by men. As a woman, establishing my authority and effectively communicating with male staff and parents was initially difficult. However, I took a patient and adaptive approach—immersing myself in the community, understanding their social norms, and gradually building trust. Over time, my dedication and commitment earned their respect, allowing me to break barriers and gain acceptance.
Another major obstacle was the lack of infrastructure in the region. Poor road conditions made it difficult for school buses to reach remote villages, while limited access to essential supplies, water, and electricity further hindered school operations. Despite these setbacks, I remained steadfast in my mission to provide quality education. Through persistent efforts, collaboration with local authorities, and community involvement, we gradually found solutions to these challenges, ensuring a more stable and supportive learning environment for students.
These experiences have strengthened my belief that change is possible, even in the most challenging circumstances, with determination, community engagement, and an unwavering commitment to progress.
HOP: What is your vision for education in remote areas, and how do you plan to bring meaningful change?
Answer: My vision for education in remote areas is to bridge the gap between traditional learning and modern skill development, aligning it with the Skill India Program initiated by Prime Minister Modi. Currently, the region lacks proper centers and facilities that truly fulfill the objectives of Skill India. Offering basic courses in stitching, embroidery, or computers is not enough to empower students for the future. I aspire to establish a well-equipped skill development college, where both boys and girls can receive comprehensive training across various industries, preparing them for real-world careers. Additionally, I plan to set up a Personality Grooming, Beauty, and Wellness Center to enhance students’ confidence, ensuring they become well-rounded individuals capable of competing in today’s fast-evolving world.Beyond skill development, my goal is to see students from this region not just move beyond Bassi to Jaipur but also secure admissions in top universities across India and globally, contributing meaningfully to society and driving progress on a larger scale. My ultimate aim is to empower them with education that transforms their lives and creates opportunities beyond geographical limitations. My vision includes setting up a skill development and personality grooming institute where students from rural backgrounds can gain industry – relevant skills. And in this sequence, I have also been working with Cleopatra Beauty & Wellness for the past five years. And in order to fulfill my dream, I am trying to work from the ground level, under which work is being done for underprivileged girls through the Riya Foundation. They are being provided education, and under its skill India program, they are being given employment opportunities.
Answer: The concept of Kreeda emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic, a time when health and well-being took center stage in our lives. It became evident that many women, especially mothers, struggle to prioritize their own health due to their overwhelming responsibilities. Their daily routines revolve around managing their homes, ensuring their children’s education, and running errands, leaving them with little to no time for self-care.
This realization led to the birth of Kreeda—a fitness center designed to bridge the gap between childcare and self-care. Instead of merely waiting while their children attend classes, mothers can utilize this time for their own fitness. This concept became the foundation of Kreeda Fitness Centre, creating a family-friendly space where women can balance their responsibilities while prioritizing their health.
A unique feature of Kreeda is its “Speed of Fitness” approach, ensuring that individuals get the most out of their limited time. While mothers engage in workouts or yoga, their children can participate in basketball, painting, dance, and other recreational activities. This creates a holistic environment that nurtures both physical and mental well-being.
Additionally, yoga plays a vital role at Kreeda, catering to both working women and homemakers. It helps enhance concentration, reduce stress, and boost energy levels, contributing to overall wellness.
By addressing the lack of accessible fitness options for women with family responsibilities, Kreeda fosters a supportive and inclusive space, ensuring that both mothers and children can grow, thrive, and stay healthy together
Beyond these professional accomplishments, hundreds of my students have secured government jobs in various sectors, including the railways, teaching, college lecturing, customs, the Indian Navy, CRPF, BSF, and the Indian Army, where they serve in esteemed positions. Seeing them thrive and contribute to society is the most fulfilling reward of my journey in education.