The power of knowledge is infinite. The force of education prepares everyone to face insurmountable adversities and yet emerge triumphant. This is the story of a domestic violence-surviving champion who is now inspiring innumerable students to tackle all the challenges of their lives head-on and achieve the growth, success, and accolades they deserve.
This is the amazing saga of Dr Zeba Khan, an ever-glowing starlet and sunshine of hope, proving to everyone that with determination and education, anyone can triumph over obstacles and achieve their dreams.
A ‘Pillars of the Nation Award, 2023, GOI’ winning Educator and Educational Consultant, Dr Zeba is an Educational Consultant at Dr APJ Abdul Kalam International Foundation, Director at The Learner’s Hub, and the Corporate Head at Royal Holidays.
A Glorious Champion
Dr Zeba received the National Award from Mr Ram Niwas Goel, Hon’ble speaker of Delhi Vidhan Sabha, at the same venue last year. “It was the proudest moment of my professional and personal life,” she says.
Dr Zeba’s other awards include,
- Women of Substance Network & Award, 2022 – Certificate of Achievement,
- Dr APJ Abdul Kalam National Award by Samata Sahitya Academy, 2022,
- Certificate of Appreciation from 365 Days Women’s Stories, 2022,
- International Tejaswani Sangam Award, 2022 by Women Dedication Magazine, 2022,
- All Indian Women Achievers Award (AIWAA), 2022, as an ‘Outstanding Professional Woman,’
- Indo International Achievers Award (IIAA), 2022,
- International Brilliance Award, 2022, and
- India’s Top 50 Women Icon, 2022 by Global Triumph Foundation.
Dr Zeba achieved this pinnacle of success by overcoming the most challenging circumstances of all – a long period of domestic violence and marital abuse at the hands of her husband and in-laws.
An Indomitable Spirit
Her journey was not easy at all. Dr Zeba has experienced many ups and downs in her life. She was brought up like a princess, but her life after marriage was far from easy, as she faced significant domestic violence. Married into a large family with about 15 members, she found it extremely challenging to manage without any household help and had to handle all the housework herself. Her husband was unsupportive, and despite her desire to start working to earn some income, he refused to grant her permission. Additionally, she was not allowed to visit her parents, leaving her feeling trapped in a miserable situation.
After six years of marriage, Dr Zeba gave birth to her first child and hoped that her life would improve, but unfortunately, nothing changed. She continued to endure frequent domestic violence, both physical and mental. One year later, during her second pregnancy, she sustained a spinal injury due to the abuse she suffered. This left her bedridden, and she gave birth to her second daughter while still in that condition. For the next two to three years, she remained on bed rest, yet she managed to care for her daughters despite her debilitating spine condition.
When her daughters were two and three years old, Dr Zeba realized that she needed to find a way to earn money to support their needs. She secured a job at a small school, earning only 750 rupees per month, and despite her spinal issues, she began her journey as an educator. Over time, she changed schools two or three times to increase her earnings. It was during this period that she realized the joy and fulfilment of working with children of varying mental and emotional capacities. This experience became her motivation to pursue a career in education, which she found to be both rewarding and meaningful.
Learning is A Journey Forever
When asked about the guiding philosophy responsible for her emergence as one of India’s best educators, Dr Zeba says in gratitude, “Thank you for your kind words.” Her guiding philosophy as an educator is built upon key principles that emphasize the holistic development of her students. Central to her approach is the belief that each student should be educated according to their interests. She is dedicated to creating an environment where students feel valued and empowered to take charge of their learning. “Education should be a journey that students actively participate in, not something they passively receive,” Dr Zeba asserts.
In her classroom, Dr Zeba fosters curiosity and creativity, helping students understand the significance of education as part of their lifelong journey. She believes that encouraging students to think critically and explore their interests is essential to their development. “I have always aimed to nurture an inquisitive mindset in my students because curiosity drives lifelong learning,” she shares.
Collaboration has also been a key aspect of Dr Zeba’s teaching methodology. She encourages not only partnerships among students but also active involvement with parents, ensuring a well-rounded support system. Moreover, she places a strong focus on students’ emotional and mental well-being, striving to provide a safe and supportive space where students can express themselves freely.
“My goal is not only to educate but also to inspire and empower students to become the best versions of themselves,” Dr Zeba explains. Her efforts have been rewarded, as many of her former students now work in foreign countries and maintain regular contact with her. Reflecting on this, she says, “What can be more important for a teacher than the child remembering you even after growing up? That, for me, is the greatest achievement.”
The Educational Technovator
When asked how she remains adaptable and ahead of industry trends, providing innovative solutions to her clients, Dr Zeba emphasizes the importance of continuous learning in her professional journey. She regularly attends workshops, webinars, and conferences to stay informed about the latest technologies and developments in education. This commitment to learning has allowed her to remain up-to-date with the evolving educational landscape.
She also remains actively engaged in the education sector through social media and professional organizations, where she exchanges ideas and insights with peers. Dr Zeba continuously analyzes data to understand the changing needs of educators and learners, enabling her to adapt her strategies accordingly.
Exploring technological advancements, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and augmented/virtual reality (AR/VR), is a key focus for Dr Zeba. She believes these innovations can enhance learning experiences and operational efficiency. Additionally, she actively seeks feedback from clients to understand their challenges and expectations.
By focusing on these strategies, Dr Zeba is able to proactively address the shifting demands of education and provide innovative, effective solutions that meet her clients’ needs.
A Teaching Legend
Also, often recognized as an empowering force behind her achievements, her approach to leadership centres on empowerment and collaboration. She believes that a strong leader creates an environment where team members feel valued and motivated to give their best. Open communication and transparency are key principles in her leadership style, and she encourages her team to share ideas and provide feedback freely.
Dr Zeba emphasizes the importance of delegating responsibilities and allowing individuals to take ownership of their projects. This approach, she believes, builds confidence and encourages personal growth. She is also committed to nurturing talent within her team and celebrating both big and small achievements to inspire continued effort.
By fostering a culture of respect, support, and collaboration, Dr Zeba aims to build high-performing teams that are not only successful but also engaged and fulfilled in their work.
Creating a Meaningful Foundation
The essence of education lies in bringing innovation and advancements to the niche. In balancing learner expectations with the learning experience, Dr Zeba emphasizes the importance of understanding the learners’ goals and expectations. She believes that this insight is crucial in tailoring educational experiences to meet their needs. “Knowing what the learners want to achieve is the foundation for creating a meaningful and effective learning journey,” she states.
Setting clear objectives is another key element in her approach. She insists that it is essential to define learning outcomes that align with what the program can realistically deliver. By doing so, Dr Zeba ensures that learners’ expectations are met in a structured way. “Clear objectives not only guide the learning process but also help manage expectations, ensuring the experience is both realistic and impactful,” she explains.
She also integrates diverse teaching methods and technologies into her programs, offering adaptive learning pathways that allow learners the flexibility to explore topics at their own pace. She regularly assesses and refines the learning experience based on feedback and outcomes to ensure its relevance and effectiveness.
By focusing on these aspects, Dr Zeba aims to create an educational experience that not only meets learners’ expectations but also fosters growth and innovation.
Cultivating Green Awareness
Sustainability and environmental responsibility are crucial lessons of modern education. Thus, according to Dr Zeba, integrating sustainability and environmental responsibility into education involves several key approaches. She incorporates sustainability topics across subjects, highlighting real-world issues such as climate change, resource management, and biodiversity. “It’s crucial for learners to understand their impact on the environment, as this knowledge fosters a deeper sense of responsibility,” she explains.
A strong advocate of hands-on learning, Dr Zeba emphasizes projects such as community service initiatives. These activities encourage students to apply their knowledge in practical contexts, reinforcing their understanding of sustainability. She also promotes interdisciplinary connections between fields like science, economics, and social studies to help students grasp the multifaceted nature of sustainability challenges. “Sustainability isn’t confined to one subject; it’s a complex issue that spans various disciplines. By linking them, students can appreciate the broader implications of environmental problems,” she says.
She also encourages her students to analyze and discuss environmental issues, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills. This, she believes, is essential for developing innovative solutions. Furthermore, she collaborates with local organizations on sustainability initiatives, connecting learners with the community and emphasizing the importance of active engagement.
By embedding these principles into her teaching, Dr Zeba aims to cultivate environmentally conscious individuals who are equipped to contribute to a sustainable future.
Fostering A Comprehensive Digital Learning Platform
Dr Zeba has achieved remarkable success. She highlights a transformative initiative that demonstrates her commitment to excellence and innovation in the education sector: the implementation of a comprehensive digital learning platform in a diverse school district. By analyzing student performance and learning styles, customized learning paths were developed to better suit individual needs. “The goal is to make learning more engaging and effective, particularly for those students who have faced challenges in the past,” she explains.
The platform incorporated gamification elements, which increased student motivation and participation. Additionally, teacher training and development sessions were conducted to ensure educators could effectively use the platform and integrate personalized strategies into their teaching methods. Early results showed a significant improvement in student performance, especially among those who had previously struggled.
This initiative reflects Dr Zeba’s dedication to student-centred learning and her focus on leveraging technology to provide innovative education solutions.
Incorporating Advanced Dynamism
In education, technology plays a pivotal role in enhancing efficiency. When asked how she leverages technology to optimize her services and stay ahead in a digital age, Dr Zeba elaborates on her process through several key strategies.
- A learning management system (LMS) allows for streamlined course delivery, tracking student progress, and facilitating communication between teachers and students.
- Utilizing data analytics tools helps assess students’ performance and identify areas for improvement.
- Combining online and in-person instructions stimulates flexibility and accommodates diverse learning styles.
- Providing educators with online training in the latest educational technologies ensures that they can incorporate these technologies into their teaching practices.
- Utilizing a platform for collaboration and communication enhances teamwork among students and educators, promoting a more interactive learning environment.
- Implementing digital feedback tools allows for quicker assessment and communication, helping students to understand their progress and areas of improvement.
Conquering Crisis
As a leader in India’s educational sector, Dr Zeba faced a significant challenge during the pandemic: the abrupt shift to online learning, particularly in rural areas where students lacked access to technology and stable internet. Many students did not even have smartphones, which further widened the educational gap.
To address this issue, she spearheaded an initiative that involved partnerships with NGOs and tech companies. Together, they set up a distribution system for devices and created offline learning resources to reach students without internet access. This approach not only ensured the continuity of education but also fostered community engagement and support.
The initiative successfully bridged the gap for many students, highlighting the importance of adaptability and collaboration in overcoming challenges in the education sector.
The COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped education globally. Dr Zeba explains that navigating the challenges of that time required a multifaceted approach to ensure educational continuity. She quickly assessed the needs of students and educators, identifying gaps in resources and access. To address these challenges, she transitioned to a hybrid learning model that combined online classes with offline resources for students without reliable internet. This effort also included distributing study materials and setting up community learning hubs.
Additionally, she conducted training sessions for teachers on digital tools and online pedagogy, equipping them to effectively engage students in a virtual environment. “Regular communication with parents and students was crucial,” she emphasizes, “as it helped us gather feedback and make necessary adjustments along the way.” She believes these strategies will offer long-term benefits to the evolving educational landscape.
Delivering an Immersive Learning Experience
Dr Zeba acknowledges that today’s learning goes beyond the physical realm, touching on aspects like augmented reality, immersive learning, and virtual learner experience. She integrated several key strategies into her educational offerings to enhance learning outcomes. One of the primary initiatives was establishing partnerships with tech companies to develop AR and VR content. This immersive technology allows students to engage with complex concepts interactively, making classroom learning more dynamic and effective.
Additionally, she emphasized the importance of training educators to incorporate these technologies effectively into their teaching process. She also explored blended learning models that combine traditional methods with digital tools, ensuring that all students, regardless of their physical location, have access to a diverse learning experience.
“By embracing these approaches, we aim to create a more engaging and inclusive educational environment that prepares students for the demands of the future,” she explains.
A Catalyst for Transformative Change
Dr Zeba’s vision for the future is to be a catalyst for transformative change in India’s educational landscape. She is committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable system that leverages technology and innovative teaching methods to reach every student. Her approach focuses on three key areas of development.
First, she emphasizes the importance of integrating technology to make education more engaging and personalized. “By developing online platforms that provide interactive resources, we can reach students from diverse backgrounds and ensure a more inclusive learning experience,” she explains.
Second, she highlights the need for professional development programs that equip teachers with contemporary skills and resources. “An educator holds the power to be a true change-maker,” she says. By fostering a community of lifelong learners among teachers, she aims to inspire educators to inspire their students.
Lastly, she underscores the vital role of community engagement, believing that involving parents, local organizations, and communities in the educational process is crucial for success. She hopes to take initiatives that increase collaboration, ensuring that education becomes a shared responsibility.
Through these strategies, Dr Zeba aims to drive systemic change, enhance educational access and quality, and ultimately empower the next generation to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
An Ever-Inspiring Personal Anecdote
She says with a deep reflection, “I want to share my personal life. As a domestic violence victim, my life journey has not been easy. From a simple housewife, I became a successful educator and educational consultant of Rajasthan. Additionally, I’ve worked in several other fields.”
“I lived with my -husband and in-laws for 24 years after marriage, enduring physical and mental torture. Despite numerous ups and downs, I finally left that place four years ago with the support of my daughters and parents. They have been my biggest supporters and pillars of strength.”
Dr Zeba moved to Jaipur, her parents’ home, and started working there. Finding a good opportunity was challenging due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, she never gave up. She took on various projects in different fields, determined to work hard and succeed.
Her dedication led to twelve consecutive awards, including two national awards. “These awards are a source of pride for my parents. With a heavy heart, I must share that my father passed away on August 14th, 2024, leaving behind my mother, daughters, and me. I dedicate all my awards to my loving and supportive father.”
“I have reached this stage of success solely because of the unwavering support of my parents and daughters. If my father had not provided me with a good education and instilled courage in me, I might not have achieved so much.”
“Dad, you will always remain in my heart and mind. Your presence will always be with me. I love you, Dad.”
“Finally, I would like to thank my parents and children for supporting me at every step and helping me achieve success,” concludes Dr Zeba with immense humbleness, gratitude, pride, and self-esteem.
