Learning, as we’ve come to know it, often feels like a set of rules—rules that trap creativity, curiosity, and exploration behind four sterile walls. The classroom, that supposed temple of knowledge, sometimes forgets to acknowledge the untold richness of experiences waiting outside its doors. It’s easy to fall into the trap of seeing education as a process of filling empty vessels with information, but true learning doesn’t come from simply checking boxes. It comes from daring to step outside the lines, to find lessons in the unexpected, and to allow children the freedom to wander, question, and transform the world around them.
This is where Kavita Kerawalla steps in—a pioneer who sees education not as a set of constraints, but as a playground for the mind, heart, and spirit. Through her leadership at VIBGYOR Group of Schools, she’s shattered the mould of traditional schooling.
For Kavita, Vice Chairperson of the VIBGYOR Group of Schools, the journey into education began with a deep-rooted passion for shaping young minds and creating spaces where every child feels empowered to learn and grow. Kavita has always seen education as more than just academics—it is a transformative force with the power to change lives, uplift communities, and reshape society. This conviction became the foundation of her career as an educator and her vision for building schools that go beyond textbooks.
Transcending Traditional Boundaries
Kavita’s inspiration led to the founding of the VIBGYOR Group of Schools in 2004, driven by the belief that education should nurture not only intellectual growth but also emotional, physical, and social development. From its inception, VIBGYOR has prioritized the holistic development of every child, seamlessly integrating academics with sports, performing arts, and life skills to foster well-rounded individuals.
Over the years, while the commitment to holistic development has remained central, Kavita has continued to evolve the vision of VIBGYOR to reflect the changing landscape of global education. The institution’s inclusive curriculum now actively promotes creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration—preparing students to become confident, responsible, and compassionate global citizens.
Led by a team of passionate academic experts under Kavita’s guidance, VIBGYOR has experienced remarkable growth. Today, it stands as a trailblazer in the Indian education sector, having shaped the learning journeys of over 50,000 students across 39 schools in 7 states. The legacy of academic excellence and student-centric innovation continues to define VIBGYOR’s identity—an institution built on the foundation of purpose, passion, and progress.
Planting the Seeds of Digital Brilliance
Kavita believes that embracing technology is essential in shaping the future of education. Under her leadership, VIBGYOR has maintained a progressive stance toward digital integration. Remarkably, the institution began its online learning journey in 2016—years ahead of many others. This early adoption allowed the group to seamlessly transition to a fully digital model when the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted traditional schooling.
Kavita ensured that the schools were not only equipped with smartboards and digital learning devices but also trained to use them as tools to enrich the educational experience. Classrooms across VIBGYOR are equipped with interactive whiteboards and online platforms that make learning more engaging, personalized, and accessible.
To prepare students for a tech-driven future, VIBGYOR introduced coding, robotics, and STEM-based programmes, integrated at age-appropriate stages. Kavita emphasizes a balanced approach, combining digital learning with physical activities, performing arts, and real-world experiences. Through initiatives such as coding clubs, digital storytelling, and robotics workshops—complemented by drama, sports, and field trips—students are encouraged to apply their knowledge in creative and practical ways. The approach is purposeful and well-calibrated, nurturing 21st-century skills while fostering holistic development.
The VIBGYOR Way of Experiential Learning
Kavita has always been an advocate for experiential learning as a means to equip students with real-world skills. At VIBGYOR, the curriculum is developed in-house and draws from best practices across national and international education systems. It is aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) and the National Curriculum Framework (NCF), while incorporating global trends and innovative strategies like gamification and hands-on learning.
A standout initiative is the VIBGYOR Model United Nations (VIBGYOR MUN)—a student-led platform that fosters confidence, public speaking, leadership, and global awareness. Kavita describes it as an impactful way for students to find their voice, work collaboratively, and tackle pressing international issues, developing skills like negotiation, diplomacy, and analytical thinking along the way.
Beyond the MUN, a variety of experiential learning opportunities—including student exchange programmes—reflect VIBGYOR’s emphasis on global exposure. For example, a recent educational tour to the United States offered select students a chance to visit Ivy League universities and explore future career paths. These initiatives aim to broaden perspectives and deepen learning, strengthening both student capabilities and parental trust in the school’s commitment to excellence.
Setting the Gold Standard
With 39 schools spread across seven states, maintaining consistent quality is a challenge VIBGYOR embraces with structure and diligence. Kavita has championed the establishment of a dedicated Quality Assurance and Training Department, which regularly audits academic practices and supports schools with timely interventions. This centralized system ensures that VIBGYOR’s high standards are upheld regardless of geography.
Teacher development is another cornerstone of the institution’s strategy. Recognizing that educators are instrumental in shaping learning outcomes, Kavita ensures that continuous professional development remains a priority. Regular training sessions, workshops, and performance assessments are part of an ongoing effort to keep teachers aligned with VIBGYOR’s educational goals.
A unique advantage of this standardization is the seamless student transfer experience across campuses. Because lesson plans and delivery schedules are uniformly structured, students can transition between schools in different cities without academic disruption. This operational harmony reflects Kavita’s vision of a unified system where every child, regardless of location, receives the same high-quality education.
Beyond the Books
Kavita Kerawalla, Vice Chairperson of the VIBGYOR Group of Schools, firmly believes that true education goes beyond academics. For her, balancing academics with sports and performing arts is not just a value but a vital educational strategy. At VIBGYOR, holistic development is deeply woven into the school’s philosophy—championed not just within classrooms but across the entire school community, including parents.
Time management is central to this balance. Kavita emphasizes that VIBGYOR follows a structured timetable where dedicated slots are allotted for academics, physical activity, and creative pursuits. This approach ensures that co-curriculars are treated not as optional add-ons but as essential components of the learning journey.
She also underscores the importance of fostering a growth mindset. Students are encouraged to explore their abilities beyond textbooks—whether on stage, in sports arenas, or through other creative avenues. These experiences build character, teaching valuable life lessons like discipline, teamwork, and resilience.
Equally crucial is collaboration between teachers, parents, and mentors. Kavita highlights that regular feedback, encouragement, and adaptive strategies help students flourish in all areas without feeling overwhelmed. This balanced approach, she explains, not only enhances academic performance but also cultivates well-rounded individuals prepared for life’s varied challenges.
Expanding Educational Horizons
In 2024, as the VIBGYOR Group of Schools marked two decades of educational excellence, it also stepped into a bold new phase of growth. Kavita Kerawalla proudly introduced VIBGYOR World Academy, with its first campuses launched in Nagpur and Bhopal. These premier institutions represent a significant leap forward, offering globally benchmarked learning through the prestigious Cambridge International (CIE) curriculum.
Kavita envisions VIBGYOR World Academy as more than just another school—it is a platform to cultivate globally competent learners. With a structured academic pathway and modern pedagogical techniques, the school aims to nurture creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills—core competencies for the 21st century.
The Cambridge curriculum, she notes, has had a transformative impact on the Indian education system. By emphasizing deep conceptual understanding over rote memorization, it has reduced exam-related stress and empowered students with real-world skills. The internationally recognized qualifications offered by the Cambridge pathway also provide Indian students with enhanced opportunities for higher education abroad.
Whether through Cambridge, ICSE, or CBSE, VIBGYOR’s mission remains constant: to provide a well-rounded, future-ready education that blends global perspective with local relevance. Kavita reaffirms that future expansion plans are focused on bringing this VIBGYOR edge to more states and cities across India—creating a national network of schools that uphold the highest standards in holistic education.