Nishtha Lakhani, a second year IBDP student and Jal House Captain of Garodia International Centre For Learning Mumbai (GICLM) thrives on the excitement of continuous learning. She is passionate about exploring new interests and embracing new experiences that challenge and inspire her. Finding immense joy in expressing herself through dance, she has dedicated over a decade to mastering Kathak. Table tennis, swimming, and creative writing, are her other non-scholastic pursuits. 

Particularly drawn to Business Management, she aspires to pursue a degree in this field, aiming for an impactful career in Management Consultancy. She believes her position in the student council serves as an invaluable platform for refining her leadership and interpersonal skills, connect with peers and strategise effectively – critical skills for building a successful career in her preferred field.

EducationWorld talks to Nishtha Lakhani in its next story of the Students’ Corner series which puts the spotlight on student-leaders and their views. 

The Student Council representative is a coveted position. How do you carry out your responsibilities and studies together? Mention the challenges that come alongside this post.

Being a Student Council representative is a prestigious yet demanding role that requires balancing leadership responsibilities with academic commitments. My duties include organising school events, fostering participation, promoting inclusivity, and serving as a bridge between students and teachers to address concerns effectively. Simultaneously, I am committed to excelling in the rigorous IBDP, which comes with its own challenges of concurrent deadlines and high expectations.

To manage these demands, I rely on effective planning, creating detailed schedules, and prioritising tasks to ensure both responsibilities are met. However, unexpected changes and overlapping deadlines serve as roadbumps, requiring adaptability and quick thinking. Collaboration plays a pivotal role in overcoming these hurdles — I work closely with council members, delegate tasks, and seek guidance from teachers and peers, fostering a strong sense of teamwork. Ultimately, this has helped shape my ability to stay composed under pressure, embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, and communicate effectively. 

Working as a Student Council member has its own pros and cons. Friends have their umpteen demands on you. How do you maintain the same? How do you deal with your friends?

As a Student Council member, I often find myself in a uniquely rewarding position, where my friends rely on me for guidance, whether it’s academic assistance, navigating personal challenges, or voicing their concerns to the school administration. Although, meeting these expectations without compromising fairness or overextending myself often serves as a challenge, and needs to be met with a well-thought-out approach. 

I try to navigate this by prioritising clear communication, and maintaining the precarious balance between empathising with their perspectives and ensuring my decisions reflect the broader interests of the student body. At times when there is a direct clash of expectations or tough choices to be made, I resort to open dialogues, providing a transparent and honest rationale behind my decisions. I believe that true leadership lies in balancing personal connections with professional obligations. This approach has not only strengthened my friendships but also enhanced my ability to lead with empathy and integrity.

How much time do you spend on social media? How does it help you or distract you in life? (Whichever is applicable for you)

Social media is a double-edged sword — it serves as both a valuable tool for productivity and a potential source of distraction. I try to limit my screen time on platforms like Instagram, to 1-2 hours a day where I keep up with current trends and actively engage with content that aligns with my personal and academic interests. However, I try to be mindful of the distractions that social media can introduce. It’s very easy to give in to mindless scrolling and check updates frequently which consumes a lot of time, leaving me feeling guilty and unproductive. To counter this, I make a conscious effort to use tools like timers, focus modes, and scheduled breaks to regulate my usage. 

Have you understood the takeaways of National Education Policy 2020?

The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 has introduced significant reforms that I believe will transform the Indian education system. One of its most compelling aspects is the shift towards skill-based, multidisciplinary learning, which fosters holistic development rather than rote memorisation, aligning with the current IBDP curriculum I’m completing. The policy’s emphasis on flexibility — allowing students to choose subject combinations across streams — aligns with the demands of a dynamic world.

Moreover, initiatives like experiential learning, vocational training, and the integration of technology prepare students for real-world challenges. Like in the IB, writing research paper-like essays and experiments has helped me develop a holistic sense of the content I study. As a student leader, I appreciate how the NEP focuses on inclusivity and bridging learning gaps, ensuring every student has access to quality education. This vision inspires me to lead initiatives in our school that align with the NEP’s objectives, such as workshops that emphasize critical thinking and creativity.

Do you think this post of the Student Council member helps you develop your soft skills and makes you industry-ready? Or is this very much related to school activities only, and the industry is way different? Your views….

This position in the Student Council is one that bridges the gap between academic life and professional aspirations. Through this role, I have developed critical soft skills such as leadership, time management, and effective communication. While the challenges of the industry may be more complex, the foundational skills I am building now — like decision-making, conflict resolution, and strategic planning — are universally applicable, and may act as a strong foundation in the future. Besides, tackling numerous challenges in terms of managing both time and people effectively is a skill that I believe to be transferable to other avenues in life, including personal interests and the industry. Adapting to situations and resolving conflicts are also amongst the skills I have started to develop, which are stepping stones to success in the industry. Therefore, I view this role not merely as a school-based responsibility but as an invaluable opportunity to prepare for the future.

Also read:

Students Corner: Suhani Vats, Head Girl, Gurukul The School, Ghaziabad