Himani Asija : Nurturing Holistic Education With Visionary Leadership
Himani Asija
Principal
By combining traditional and modern teaching techniques in an exemplary and award winning manner, she has consistently inspired students and educators to push beyond their limits and explore new opportunities. The leader of this visionary change is Himani Asija, Principal of Ambience Public School, New Delhi. Himani's leadership style is characterized by dedication, inclusivity, and a keen focus on developing future-ready learners and global citizens.
A Mathematics teacher with over 27 years of experience, Himani previously served 19 years at Delhi Public School, Vasant Kunj, and as Vice Principal cum officiating Principal at DPS Karnal. She is the recipient of a National ICT Award by the Hon. President of India and a research scholar of Osaka Kyoiku University, Japan, as a Monbukagakushou Scholar, MoE, Japan.
Himani has also co-authored lessons in mathematics for the CBSE International curriculum and has represented India in international conferences, such as the World Wide Innovative Educators Forum in Cape Town and the Partners in Learning Institute in Washington.
In addition to academics, she prioritizes the emotional, social, and physical well-being of her students, combining 21st-century competencies and holistic growth to develop them into compassionate, confident, and socially responsible future leaders. We are delighted to engage in an exclusive interview with Himani, who takes us through her leadership style and vision.
What key approaches has your school implemented to support students' emotional,
social, and physical well-being?
At Ambience Public School, we prioritize the holistic development of every learner, focusing on their emotional, social, and physical well-being. Recognizing the impact of prolonged screen exposure post-COVID, the school has created avenues for positive engagement through interest-based clubs and co-curricular activities in sports, arts, and community service.
Mentor–Mentee programs and a proactive counselling cell strengthen student–teacher connections, ensuring emotional guidance and support. Physical fitness is promoted through structured morning fitness routines, after school sports training, and interschool tournaments.
Additionally, mindfulness sessions and life-skills workshops help students develop focus, empathy, and resilience. Our inclusive approach ensures students from diverse backgrounds, including those with special needs, participate fully in academics and activities, fostering confidence, compassion, and holistic growth.
How do you help students reach their full potential? What are the facilities provided?
Our school provides a wide range of facilities and creative spaces to help students explore their potential. We have fully equipped labs, including three computer labs, physics, chemistry, biology, math, and general science labs for younger grades, as well as an ATL and Art-Tech lab where students learn through making, breaking, and experimenting.
We regularly organize events like ATL Fest, Model United Nations, and Rangbahaar, engaging over a thousand students in cultural, scientific, and inclusive activities. Additionally, we have two state-of-the-art libraries, a home science lab, and integrated programs for both high-achieving students and those requiring additional support, ensuring a holistic learning experience for all.
How would you describe your leadership traits and values?
I would describe my leadership as democratic, inclusive, and collaborative. I value open discussions with my team, encouraging differing viewpoints to reach well . considered
At Ambience Public School, we prioritize the holistic development of every learner, focusing on their emotional, social, and physical well-being. Recognizing the impact of prolonged screen exposure post-COVID, the school has created avenues for positive engagement through interest-based clubs and co-curricular activities in sports, arts, and community service.
Mentor–Mentee programs and a proactive counselling cell strengthen student–teacher connections, ensuring emotional guidance and support. Physical fitness is promoted through structured morning fitness routines, after school sports training, and interschool tournaments.
Our primary role is to nurture confident, discip-lined, and value driven individuals
Additionally, mindfulness sessions and life-skills workshops help students develop focus, empathy, and resilience. Our inclusive approach ensures students from diverse backgrounds, including those with special needs, participate fully in academics and activities, fostering confidence, compassion, and holistic growth.
How do you help students reach their full potential? What are the facilities provided?
Our school provides a wide range of facilities and creative spaces to help students explore their potential. We have fully equipped labs, including three computer labs, physics, chemistry, biology, math, and general science labs for younger grades, as well as an ATL and Art-Tech lab where students learn through making, breaking, and experimenting.
We regularly organize events like ATL Fest, Model United Nations, and Rangbahaar, engaging over a thousand students in cultural, scientific, and inclusive activities. Additionally, we have two state-of-the-art libraries, a home science lab, and integrated programs for both high-achieving students and those requiring additional support, ensuring a holistic learning experience for all.
How would you describe your leadership traits and values?
I would describe my leadership as democratic, inclusive, and collaborative. I value open discussions with my team, encouraging differing viewpoints to reach well . considered
decisions by consensus. I prioritize listening, empathy, and mutual respect, ensuring everyone feels heard and valued.
I believe a true leader not only knows the way but also leads by example, guiding others with integrity, clarity, and purpose. By fostering trust, transparency, and shared responsibility, I aim to empower my team and create an environment where both students and educators can thrive.
What is your vision for the next five years?
In the next five years, I envision my school as one of the top global institutions where students excel not only academically but also as compassionate and responsible individuals. Our motto, 'Humanity First,' reflects our commitment to holistic development, rooted in empathy and values.
We believe true education unites the school, parents, and students on a shared platform, ensuring consistent guidance and growth. Through strong parent-teacher collaboration and continuous value-based learning, we aim to nurture a generation that combines knowledge with kindness, discipline, and social responsibility.
Could you share a piece of advice with the upcoming industry leaders?
As educators and school leaders, it’s time we shift our focus beyond just marks and academics. While academic performance is important, it should not be the sole measure of a child’s potential or future success. Our primary role is to nurture confident, disciplined, and value-driven individuals. When students develop strong moral grounding, self-belief, and respect for others, academic excellence naturally follows. Therefore, my message to fellow educators is clear: let us not chase the shadow of marks, but instead lead with values and discipline, allowing true success to follow in its own time.
Himani Asija, Principal, Ambience Public School
A visionary education leader with about three decades of academic experience, Himani has a passion for holistic development, transforming classrooms into spaces of innovation and empathy, and preparing students to be confident, curious, and future-ready learners.
•Hobbies: Sketching and drawing
•Favorite Cuisine: Indian
•Favorite Travel Destination:
Hills and Coasts
I believe a true leader not only knows the way but also leads by example, guiding others with integrity, clarity, and purpose. By fostering trust, transparency, and shared responsibility, I aim to empower my team and create an environment where both students and educators can thrive.
What is your vision for the next five years?
In the next five years, I envision my school as one of the top global institutions where students excel not only academically but also as compassionate and responsible individuals. Our motto, 'Humanity First,' reflects our commitment to holistic development, rooted in empathy and values.
We believe true education unites the school, parents, and students on a shared platform, ensuring consistent guidance and growth. Through strong parent-teacher collaboration and continuous value-based learning, we aim to nurture a generation that combines knowledge with kindness, discipline, and social responsibility.
Could you share a piece of advice with the upcoming industry leaders?
As educators and school leaders, it’s time we shift our focus beyond just marks and academics. While academic performance is important, it should not be the sole measure of a child’s potential or future success. Our primary role is to nurture confident, disciplined, and value-driven individuals. When students develop strong moral grounding, self-belief, and respect for others, academic excellence naturally follows. Therefore, my message to fellow educators is clear: let us not chase the shadow of marks, but instead lead with values and discipline, allowing true success to follow in its own time.
Himani Asija, Principal, Ambience Public School
A visionary education leader with about three decades of academic experience, Himani has a passion for holistic development, transforming classrooms into spaces of innovation and empathy, and preparing students to be confident, curious, and future-ready learners.
•Hobbies: Sketching and drawing
•Favorite Cuisine: Indian
•Favorite Travel Destination:
Hills and Coasts