The Global Classroom: Bridging East and West in Educational Leadership
Introduction
Welcome to *Illuminating Education: Research, Awareness, and Meditation in the Classroom*, a podcast brought to you by Bharatversity in collaboration with Osho Fragrance. I’m your host, Dhwani Shah, and today we have a truly exceptional guest.
Our guest is a woman whose life is a beautiful tapestry of spiritual depth and professional achievement. Born Renu Lama and known as Ma Prem Shakti, she embodies the very essence of our show’s mission. Her journey spans continents and disciplines, from earning a B.Sc. and an M.A. in Buddhism to pioneering computer science education in Nepal and India. She has served as a school principal, a managing director of multiple businesses, and even completed an international work exchange in Canada, dedicating her time to helping others.
Ma Prem Shakti’s vast experience and travel have given her a unique perspective on the power of combining Eastern and Western philosophies. She believes that life is to be lived and enjoyed through self-discovery – a path she walks with gratitude to her Guru, Sw Shailedra Saraswati and Ma Amrit Priya. Today, she joins us to share her incredible insights on the topic: *The Global Classroom: Bridging East and West in Educational Leadership*. It’s an honor to have her with us. Welcome, Ma Prem Shakti.
Topic Covered:
- Your background is a fascinating blend of disciplines, from computer science to Buddhism. How have you integrated these seemingly different fields – Western technology and Eastern philosophy – into your educational leadership to create a holistic learning environment?
- Having worked in both Nepal and India, and also internationally in Canada, how did you observe the differences in educational approaches between the East and the West? What are some key strengths from each that you believe could be successfully bridged in a “global classroom”?
- The introduction mentions your belief in living life through self-discovery. How can educators and leaders foster an environment that encourages students to embark on their own paths of self-discovery while still meeting traditional academic goals?
- As a managing director and school principal, you’ve held significant leadership roles. What specific lessons from your spiritual journey and your devotion to your Guru have you applied to your professional leadership style?
- The podcast is titled “Illuminating Education: Research, Awareness, and Meditation in the Classroom.” How can a practice like meditation, which is often associated with Eastern traditions, be practically and effectively incorporated into a Western-style classroom to improve student awareness and learning?
