Principal of SAGE International School, Danish Kunj in Bhopal, Bhawna Shrivastava emphasises a "Student First" philosophy, fostering holistic development for approximately 2,500 students of her school. Her leadership focuses on nurturing compassionate, well-rounded individuals by imparting strong values and through innovative teaching methods. Shrivastava believes in the vital partnership between parents, teachers, and the school management for student success and advocates creating a safe environment for children to thrive.

Bhawna Shrivastava serves as the Principal of SAGE International School, Danish Kunj, Bhopal, where she leads the institution with dedication, care, and compassion. Under her nurturing guidance, approximately 2,500 students are currently enrolled at this branch of the school, benefiting from an enriching educational experience. The school operates two branches, one at Ayodhya Nagar and the other at Danish Kunj, both in Bhopal, with a combined student strength of nearly 5,000.

Over the past five years, the institution has made remarkable strides in the field of school education, contributing significantly to the academic and holistic development of its students. Bhawna Shrivastava's leadership has been instrumental in fostering a positive learning environment where students are encouraged to grow both intellectually and personally.

Shrivastava shares that the core philosophy of the CMD of SAGE International School revolves around the motto "Student First." This guiding principle forms the foundation of their efforts, as they strive to prioritise students in every aspect of education. Their goal is to nurture the 360-degree development of each student by ensuring they receive love, care, and individual attention.

She believes that when students are cared for in this manner, they grow into compassionate, well-rounded individuals. Her vision is clear: to make children happy, as a happy child is more likely to become a good student. According to her, a good student naturally evolves into a successful person—someone who not only excels academically but also contributes meaningfully to society. Bhawna emphasises that a successful student transforms into a successful citizen, capable of making a positive impact far beyond the school environment. Through this nurturing approach, the school aspires to shape future leaders who will uplift the community and society at large.

The mission and vision of SAGE International School focus on instilling strong values in students, as these are essential for shaping them into well-rounded individuals—something Bhawna Shrivastava believes is crucial for society today. The school prioritises fostering values and nurturing the spiritual growth of its students, considering this integral to their educational approach. According to her, education is truly effective when values are instilled alongside academic learning.

Shrivastava highlights that creating a positive and supportive environment is key to delivering top-tier academics. She shares the dream of their honourable CMD, Eng. Sanjeev Agarwal, which is to mould each student into a "perfect" individual. In this context, she clarifies that perfection does not simply mean excelling in academics, but rather ensuring the overall development of the child. If a student is smart, adaptable, and capable of facing life’s challenges, they will undoubtedly achieve great things. The school is dedicated to preparing students to be not only academically proficient but also resilient, confident, and ready to thrive in the world.

Discussing the National Education Policy (NEP), Bhawna Shrivastava highlights its transformative approach to teaching, emphasising that education must extend beyond traditional classroom learning. According to her, the policy encourages schools to teach students through varied and innovative methods, including real-world experiences outside the classroom. The NEP promotes exploration, skill development, and art-integrated learning, all of which are central to fostering the holistic growth of students. To align with this vision, SAGE International School has introduced several new activities designed to enrich students' learning experiences.

Principal Bhawna stresses the importance of preparing students from the early stages for their future careers. Recognizing the critical role that classes from eighth to twelfth play in shaping a student’s future, the school has implemented many diverse programs for students of these classes. Recently, they held a successful sports event, organised career fairs, and introduced skill-based teaching, aimed at providing students with hands-on experiences and a broader understanding of various career paths. The focus is on developing key competencies such as writing, reading, listening, and speaking skills, as these are crucial for effective communication. Principal Bhawna  believes that when students are well-versed in these skills, they will be better equipped to express their ideas and pursue their aspirations with confidence.

SAGE International School is committed to fostering the overall development of its students by providing a wide range of facilities and resources. The SAGE group extends its vision beyond the school, encompassing SAGE University Bhopal, SAGE University Indore, Sagar Group of Institutions, and Apollo Sage Hospital.

The core dream of the SAGE group is to serve society effectively. By prioritising service to the community, they aim to support both students and the wider society. Bhawna Shrivastava emphasises this commitment, urging all community members to think about the future of students and to create an environment that allows them to thrive and grow. The SAGE group firmly believes in the importance of nurturing young minds and ensuring that they have the opportunities required to realise their potential.

SAGE International School actively promotes sports activities and seeks various partnerships to provide students with valuable exposure to the outside world. Collaborations with organisations such as Helen O’Grady for drama, Aryabhatta Research Institute for space science, and Khelo Chess India for international chess are just a few examples of their commitment to enhancing student experiences and opportunities.

Additionally, the institution has introduced Baniche, a counselling program designed to analyse and support students in grades 9 through 12. This initiative focuses on understanding students' aspirations and future goals, helping them align their educational journey with their vision for the future.

Looking ahead, SAGE International School plans to introduce the Homy Lab, which will specialise in space science, robotics, and AR/VR technology. This innovative lab will be the first of its kind in Bhopal, further enriching the educational landscape for students at SAGE International School and equipping them with the skills needed for the future.

Reflecting on her inspiration to enter the teaching profession, Bhawna Shrivastava shares that her teacher, Jyotsana Ma'am, played a pivotal role in shaping her career path. As a young student, Bhawna admired her teacher’s unique approach to teaching, which ignited her own passion for education. She decided early on that she wanted to follow in her footsteps and become a teacher. This aspiration was also a dream shared by her parents, who encouraged her to pursue a career in education.

However, Shrivastava set her sights on not just teaching, but leading—determined to make a significant difference in the lives of students. She believes that as a leader, she has the ability to enact meaningful changes, make critical decisions, and take steps that benefit the students in the long term. Her vision as an educational leader is to empower and uplift her students, ensuring that they grow into capable, confident individuals ready to take on the world.

Bhawna Shrivastava expresses her gratitude to the SAGE Group for entrusting her with the responsibility and ownership of her role. She acknowledges the support of the honourable CMD, Eng. Sanjeev Agarwal, and ED Ma'am, who have always believed in the importance of having a strong leader to guide both students and the teaching team. According to Shrivastava, effective leadership is built on love and care—when a leader fosters this environment, they can give their best and help students reach their full potential.

Principal Bhawna takes pride in her 25-year journey in education, remarking how she has successfully transformed her profession into her passion. Her deep love for teaching drives her to remain dedicated round the clock, always ready to work for the benefit of her students. This passion fuels her commitment to ensuring that every student under her guidance grows and thrives academically, emotionally, and personally.

Bhawna Shrivastava completed her schooling in Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh, and after her marriage, she moved to Bhopal. She went on to earn an MSc in Mathematics and a B.Ed., which laid the foundation for her teaching career. For 14 years, she taught in a school, where she gained invaluable experience that continues to shape her approach as an educator. Shrivastava believes that teaching is a two-way process, where not only do teachers impart knowledge, but they also learn a great deal from their students. The daily interactions in the classroom—the small stories, the attachments, and the love that students share with their teachers—serve as her constant source of inspiration.

She reflects on how these moments of connection and belonging with her students motivate her to strive for their betterment. Shrivastava believes that the care and dedication she gives to her students are returned in ways that reinforce her love for teaching. To her, teaching is the most fulfilling thing she does in life, and she considers children to be the greatest gift from nature and God, deserving the utmost care, attention, and nurturing.

When it comes to role models, Principal Bhawna Shrivastava considers her parents to be her greatest influences. Her father, in particular, taught her the importance of humility and care, emphasising that when you approach life with kindness and compassion, you receive the same in return. Bhawna Shrivastava also deeply admires her family—her husband and son—who have been unwavering in their support of her career and passion for education.

In addition to her family, Shrivastava looks up to her former principal, under whom she taught for 14 years. This mentor instilled in her the values, techniques, and insights that have greatly shaped her teaching philosophy and leadership style. She strongly believes that the journey of learning and achieving success must go hand in hand. She sees continuous learning as key to personal and professional growth, and her role models have deeply influenced her commitment to both.

The quote "The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams" is a significant source of motivation for Principal Bhawna Shrivastava. She explains that if one can dream with open eyes and truly believe in those dreams, they have the power to turn them into reality. For her, dreaming is the first step towards achieving success, and this belief has guided her throughout her journey.

Regarding challenges, Bhawna Shrivastava feels fortunate to have encountered relatively few obstacles in her career. She began as a pre-primary teacher and, over time, was promoted to various positions, ultimately reaching her current role as principal. She sees these advancements as valuable opportunities rather than hurdles. Despite her accomplishments, she remains humble and driven, recognizing that there are still many more opportunities ahead, waiting for her to seize them and continue her growth.

Bhawna Shrivastava considers her greatest achievement to be the love and affection she receives from her students. Every time she enters a classroom, the warmth and connection her students show reaffirm her belief that she is making a meaningful impact. For her, the love of the students is the truest measure of a teacher's success.

Beyond this, Shrivastava values the care and trust extended to her by the school management and the unwavering support from her seniors. These aspects, combined with the affection from her students, represent the true achievements of her career, motivating her to continue her journey in education with passion and dedication.

Bhawna Shrivastava shares an important message for all parents: children are incredibly precious and deserve to be nurtured with love and affection. She emphasises that while parents may have their own dreams for their children, it is essential to allow kids to pursue their own aspirations and make their dreams come true.

At SAGE International School, Shrivastava assures parents that the institution is dedicated to providing a holistic, 360-degree development experience for students. Parents can send their children with complete confidence, knowing that their safety and security are top priorities here. The school is committed to ensuring a safe environment, offering excellent facilities and the best teaching staff available.

Shrivastava firmly believes that a strong partnership among parents, the school, and teachers is crucial for the child’s success. The school's motto revolves around caring for students with love and affection, reinforcing the idea that when everyone collaborates, the best outcomes for children can be achieved.

For senior students, Principal Bhawna offers valuable advice: enjoy your life, but always keep your future in mind. She emphasises the importance of taking small steps now that will pave the way for future success. These incremental efforts are essential for becoming a successful individual, and she highlights that a successful person grounded in strong values is a true leader in society.

In her closing message to all citizens of India , Bhawna Shrivastava underscores the profound trust that children place in adults and the responsibility that comes with it. Acknowledging the current societal challenges regarding children’s safety, she urges everyone to take the lead in ensuring a secure environment for young ones. She humbly calls upon all members of society to allow children to live freely and happily, reinforcing the collective duty to protect and nurture the next generation.