Dr. Vijay Datta, Principal, Modern School, Barakhamba Road, New Delhi
As Artificial Intelligence reshapes our world, the human touch remains irreplaceable. Emotional intelligence, the silent force behind meaningful connections, is the foundation of a harmonious society—molding hearts, bridging divides, and fostering the power to understand and be understood.
Daniel Goleman’s Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ explores why individuals with high IQs sometimes struggle, while those with modest IQs thrive. Factors such as self-awareness, self-discipline, and empathy contribute to a different kind of intelligence—one that is not fixed at birth. Though largely shaped by childhood experiences, emotional intelligence can be nurtured and strengthened in adulthood, with immediate benefits to health, relationships, and work. For this reason, emotional intelligence must be an integral part of school curricula, equipping students with essential life skills for personal and social growth.
As a Principal and an educator deeply invested in holistic education, I firmly believe that thoughtfully designed environments can cultivate this vital trait. Peter Salovey and John Mayer define emotional intelligence as “the ability to perceive, understand, and manage emotions.” It nurtures empathy, enabling individuals to connect genuinely with others’ feelings. It also strengthens communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, creating well-rounded individuals.
With nearly 40 years in education, particularly in a boarding school setting, I have seen firsthand how empathy fosters emotional growth. As a Dean, maintaining discipline was essential, but balancing it with emotional intelligence was equally critical. Structure and empathy intertwine like threads in a finely woven tapestry.
At Modern Barakhamba, initiatives like Sportability—a program for individuals with special needs—have provided students with profound lessons in resilience and empathy. Interacting with para-athletes has shown them that emotional intelligence is not just innate but can be developed through experience. Watching these athletes overcome challenges has instilled a deeper understanding of perseverance. We have witnessed, firsthand, the power of emotional intelligence and have embedded it into our educational philosophy.
Socrates’ timeless advice—“Know thyself”—lies at the heart of emotional intelligence. Adolescence is a phase of radical transformation—physical, intellectual, and emotional. Teenagers strive for independence but often face confusion, peer pressure, and emotional instability. Negative reinforcement from family or peers can lead to frustration, anger, or poor decision-making. Schools must bridge this gap by fostering self-awareness, emotional stability, and positive values.
The language used with students plays a pivotal role in creating warmth and understanding. As Jim Morrison aptly said, “Words dissemble, words be quick, words resemble walking sticks; plant them, they will grow.” How we communicate shapes a child’s response. For instance, replacing “You should have been more responsible” with “I understand it was difficult; let’s find a way forward” shifts criticism into encouragement. A caring approach—“I noticed you weren’t in school, is everything okay?”—builds trust and shows genuine concern.
Literature also plays a crucial role in fostering emotional intelligence. Stories expose students to diverse perspectives, helping them connect with emotions beyond their own. The Miracle Worker by William Gibson highlights perseverance through Helen Keller’s journey. Starfish by Lisa Fipps addresses body shaming and self-acceptance, prompting reflection on compassion. New Kid by Jerry Craft explores identity and belonging, encouraging empathy for those feeling out of place. Through carefully chosen literature, students gain emotional awareness, sensitivity, and the ability to respond with kindness in real life.
In a world dominated by technology, empathy, understanding, and connection remain our anchors. Like a gentle breeze stirring the leaves, these traits flow through our classrooms, shaping young minds into not just learners, but compassionate members of society.
