Towards Excellence
Associate Academic Director's Message | GD Goenka
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Dr. Shilpa Surya

Associate Academic Director

Ph. D. (Education), M.Sc. (Physics), B.Sc., B.Ed.(Maths & Science), CTET
G. D. Goenka International School, Surat
Experience : 14 Years
Achievements.
  1. Excellence in Academic Leadership Award - CED India in 2026.
  2. Best overall Coordinator Award Certificate 2025-26 by Science Olympiad foundation(SOF).
  3. Fellowship on Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) from Tata Institute of Social Sciences(TISS), Mumbai.
  4. Google Certified Educator Level 1 & Level 2.
  5. Goenkan Award for Outstanding Contribution to School Growth of the year 2025-26.
  6. Goenkan Award for Maximum Awardee of the year 2025-26.
  7. Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Global Icon Award for Outstanding Contributions as an Excellent Educationist 2026.
  8. Change Maker Award by CED Foundation 2026.
  9. Goenkan Award for Best Coordinator of The Year 2022-23 & 2025-26.
  10. Reformer of The Year Award by National School Awards - 2025.
  11. Emerging Education Leader by Indian School Awards - 2025.
  12. National Teacher Awards - 2025 by CED India.
  13. Teaching Excellence Award - 2024 by CED India.
  14. Education Leadership Award 2024 by Indian Icon Award.
  15. Leadership Award 2024 by National School Awards.
  16. Leadership & Student Development Award 2024 by Rabindra Ratna Puraskar.
  17. Remarkable Contribution in Teaching Award - 2024 by National School Awards.
  18. Award for Contribution to Student Development - 2022 by Education Excellence Awards.
ASSOCIATE ACADEMIC DIRECTOR MESSAGE

Beyond the Classroom: Nurturing Learners for Life

Education is not merely about completing a syllabus, preparing for examinations, or achieving high scores. True education is about nurturing confident, compassionate, curious and responsible individuals who are prepared to face the world with knowledge, values and resilience.

At GD Goenka International School, we believe that every child is a unique learner, and education must provide opportunities for every child to discover, explore and grow. Our academic journey therefore extends far beyond textbooks and classrooms. We strive to create learning experiences that encourage students to question, think critically, collaborate, communicate and apply their learning to real-life situations.

The rapidly changing world demands more than academic knowledge. Creativity, problem- solving, emotional intelligence, adaptability and communication are equally important. Our endeavour is to create a learning environment where students are encouraged to participate in projects, competitions, sports, performing arts, clubs, community initiatives and a wide range of co-curricular activities. These experiences help children discover their strengths, overcome challenges and develop the confidence to express themselves.

Participation is, in fact, one of the most powerful forms of learning. When a child steps onto a stage, takes part in a competition, works with a team, presents an idea, creates something new or contributes to a social initiative, the child is learning lessons that no textbook can completely teach.

As educators, our responsibility is also to ensure that learning remains joyful and age- appropriate. Childhood should not become a race for marks. It should be a meaningful phase of exploration, imagination, friendship, discovery and personal growth. Academic rigour is important, but it must go hand in hand with curiosity and well-being.

Our vision is to build a culture where every child learns with purpose, participates with confidence and grows with values. We want our students to leave school not only with academic achievements, but also with the courage to dream, the wisdom to make responsible choices and the compassion to contribute positively to society.

The future belongs to learners who can adapt, innovate and remain grounded in their values. Together, as educators, parents and a school community, let us empower our children not simply to succeed in examinations, but to succeed in life.

Because education is not preparation for life; education itself is the journey of becoming the best version of oneself.

Warm Regards,
Associate Academic Director