As education continues to evolve in response to rapid technological advancement and shifting societal expectations, schools are increasingly challenged to maintain a balance between innovation and foundational values. Subash Chandra Bhandari, Principal of Valley View School, represents an educational leadership approach that embraces both progress and purpose.

With a clear focus on quality education, skill development, and meaningful use of technology, Valley View School is striving to nurture students who are not only academically competent but also creative, responsible, and future-ready. In this insightful conversation with College Readers, Bhandari shares his perspectives on parenting, the role of technology, and how schools can foster creativity and reading culture in today’s digital age.

You mentioned that your school focuses not only on quantitative growth but also on qualitative development. Could you elaborate on this approach?

Yes, absolutely. Education today cannot be measured only by numbers—such as enrollment, results, or expansion. What truly matters is the quality of learning and the development of each student.

At Valley View School, we are committed to moving forward not just in terms of numbers but in terms of meaningful impact. We continuously ask ourselves: How can we improve the quality of education? How can we make learning more relevant, more engaging, and more effective for our students?

This means focusing on:

• Conceptual understanding rather than rote learning 
• Skill development alongside academic knowledge 
• Real-life application of classroom learning 

Our goal is to prepare students who are capable, confident, and adaptable in the real world.

What responsibilities do parents have in supporting their children’s education today?

Parents play an extremely important role—perhaps even more important than ever before.

Every parent has big dreams for their child, and that is natural. However, in today’s busy lifestyle, many parents struggle to give adequate time to their children. This is where the challenge lies.

Parents must understand that simply being physically present is not enough. They need to actively engage with their children—understand their emotions, guide their learning, and create a supportive home environment.

Another important issue is technology. Many parents want to keep their children away from mobile phones and gadgets, often using force. However, this approach does not work effectively.

Instead of restricting technology completely, parents should:

• Guide children on how to use technology properly 
• Help them choose meaningful and educational content 
• Monitor usage without creating fear or resistance 

Schools can support parents by providing guidance and awareness, but parents themselves must be proactive.

Excessive screen time is affecting students’ creativity and reading habits. How is Valley View School addressing this issue?

This is indeed one of the biggest concerns in modern education. When children spend too much time passively consuming content, their creativity and reading habits tend to decline.

To address this, we focus on subject-centered and activity-based learning.

For example, we have introduced robotics classes as part of our curriculum. Students engage in hands-on learning through our STEM lab, where they build, experiment, and solve problems.

Currently, around 150 students participate in robotics after school. What is important is that this learning does not stop in school—students go home and continue exploring what they learned.

In this way, technology becomes a tool for learning rather than distraction.

We also encourage parents to provide limited but meaningful access to devices—so that students can revise, practice, and research.

How do you promote reading culture among students?

Reading culture cannot develop automatically—it needs to be guided and structured.

Teachers play a key role in this process. Instead of simply telling students to read, we give them specific assignments and tasks. For example:

• Reading a topic before class 
• Researching content online 
• Preparing small presentations 

When students are given purposeful tasks, they begin to see reading as a meaningful activity.

At the same time, we recognize that students are naturally drawn to digital platforms. Instead of opposing this, we integrate it into learning by designing assignments that require students to use technology constructively.

For instance, instead of playing games aimlessly, students can:

• Research topics 
• Watch educational content 
• Explore new ideas 

This transforms technology into a tool for growth.

How do you balance digital learning with skill development?

Balance is the key.

We do not reject technology, nor do we allow it to dominate. Instead, we ensure that students engage in a variety of activities that develop multiple skills.

Our approach includes:

• Practical learning through labs 
• Creative activities 
• Collaborative tasks 
• Guided use of digital tools 

By doing so, students develop:

• Critical thinking 
• Problem-solving skills 
• Creativity  
• Digital literacy 

What advice would you give to parents when choosing a school for their children?

Choosing the right school is one of the most important decisions parents make.

Today, especially during admission season, parents must be very careful and informed.

Parents should consider:

• The school’s educational philosophy 
• The quality of teachers and staff 
• The learning environment 
• The balance between technology and values 

It is also important to evaluate whether the school genuinely focuses on student development or is simply driven by marketing.

Parents should ask themselves:

• Does this school provide value-based education? 
• Does it focus on skill development? 
• Does it nurture creativity and discipline? 

Only after understanding these aspects should they make a decision.

What is your final message to parents and the community?

My message to parents is to be aware, responsible, and thoughtful.

Education is not just about sending children to school—it is about guiding them throughout their journey.

Parents must:

• Spend quality time with their children 
• Be role models in behavior and discipline 
• Support learning at home 

At the same time, schools must also remain committed to providing meaningful education—not just academic results, but life skills, values, and confidence.

When parents and schools work together, we can truly create a better future for our children.