In the present era of hyper-connectivity, children are growing up in an environment surrounded by screens, educational pressure, and structured routines. However, academic scores are suppressing emotional intelligence, curriculum deadlines are overshadowing creativity, and the joy of learning is getting lost in a competitive environment. As parents and educators, there is one critical question that is there on their minds is “Are we preparing them for life, or just for exams?”
It is because they struggle with the impact of academic pressure and digital overload on developing brains. To resolve this issue and break the conventional, moulded curriculum structure, A. K. Smartshala is developing a different education pattern and offering the joy of learning to young minds.
The organisation merges innovation with compassion to support the mind, heart, and spirit. It is established to be more than a preschool where imagination is valued, uniqueness is honoured, and learning is driven by curiosity and play. At its heart is a mission to reimagine what 21st-century quality education is supposed to look like: not rigid, not robotic—but alive, inclusive, and profoundly human.
The institution started in ‘2000’ with the opening of ‘A.K. Children Academy at Sahibabad. Further, in 2005, the group established A.K. Children Evening School to offer free education for underprivileged children. The A.K. Children Play School for pre-nursery to K.G. classes were opened in 2008. Later, in 2012, a CBSE-recognized branch in Raj Nagar, providing classes up to XII, was added. As a response to the pandemic, A.K. Smartshala—a cutting-edge online preschool—was introduced in 2020, with its first offline preschool in 2022, combining contemporary infrastructure with smart learning aids.
Where Learning Begins with Wonder
Anubha Gupta, Founder, of A.K. Smartshala, shares, “Let’s close the books and open the minds of children. This single thought has defined my journey in early childhood education that began 18 years ago when I stepped into A.K. Children Group of Schools, an institution founded by my parents. What started as a responsibility soon transformed into a calling. As a naturally creative person, I was drawn into this field where imagination, expression, and pure human emotion form the fabric of everyday learning.”
From the outset, Anubha embraced the belief that children are not merely students; they are among our most insightful teachers. Their honesty, spontaneity, and emotional authenticity consistently offer powerful lessons in resilience, simplicity, and joy. Under her leadership, the school has become a space where imagination, expression, and emotional intelligence are central to the learning experience.
At the core of her philosophy is a commitment to honouring the individuality of every child. She sees each young learner as a unique narrative waiting to unfold—full of potential, curiosity, and promise. As an educator, she considers it her responsibility to recognize, nurture, and celebrate that individuality, creating environments where children are empowered to grow not just academically, but emotionally and creatively as well.
Education with Purpose
At the heart of A.K. Smartshala’s vision are the core values of commitment, dedication, and an unwavering child-centric approach. These are not just ideals on paper—they are the guiding force behind every decision, innovation, and interaction within the institution. Whether it’s curriculum design, teacher training, or event planning, the central question remains: “What’s best for the child?”
The driving force behind A.K. Smartshala’s belief that true leadership in education is not about holding authority but about empowering others. In this context, leadership is defined by the ability to cultivate new leaders, foster meaningful collaboration, and nurture a culture of positivity and inclusion. In such an environment, every voice—from mentors and parents to children themselves—is heard, valued, and respected. This inclusive philosophy strengthens community engagement and aligns all stakeholders with the school’s collective vision.
Sustainable impact, however, requires more than good intentions. Supporting children’s development requires ongoing assistance, professional growth, and a deep understanding of their psychological and emotional needs. A.K. Smartshala prioritizes research-based strategies and play-oriented, brain-aware learning models. Their programs are specifically designed to promote holistic child development, covering academic, emotional, social, and creative growth.
Approach to Modern Teaching
Anubha believes that professional development in education must evolve with time. It firmly holds that staying current with the latest trends and technologies is non-negotiable. From speaking pens to AI-based robotic presentations, A. K. Smartshala has embraced tools that make learning more interactive and meaningful. This digital evolution is not about replacing traditional methods but enhancing them. Recognising that today’s learners are growing up in a world of smart devices, A. K. Smartshala insists that teaching methods must keep pace with their reality.
Milestones of Merit
A.K. Smartshala’s unwavering dedication to innovation and excellence in early childhood education has garnered significant recognition in recent years. In 2023, the preschool was honoured with the prestigious ‘Most Innovative Preschool in Ghaziabad’ award at the Golden Glory Awards held in Mumbai, a testament to its commitment to pioneering educational practices.
The institution has also received the ‘Skyrocketing Principal Award’ from the LNS Club, marking a personal achievement that reflects the leadership’s drive to push boundaries and elevate standards. Additionally, A.K. Smartshala is among the few preschools in the region to have earned ISO certification, highlighting its ongoing commitment to maintaining global standards of quality, safety, and operational excellence.
The Multifaceted Role of a Modern Educator
Throughout her journey as an educational leader, Anubha has been guided by a simple, yet powerful principle be flexible, stay creative, and embrace feedback. She points out, “Growth only happens when we step outside our comfort zones. Listening to diverse perspectives, staying open to new ideas, and learning from our mistakes are what make us stronger, more compassionate leaders.”
The road has not always been smooth. One of the key challenges A. K. Smartshala continues to navigate is the lack of accessible professional resources. From sourcing dependable graphic designers to understanding SEO strategies and managing multiple social media platforms, the demands placed on today’s educators have evolved dramatically. The modern school leader must now be a teacher, marketer, storyteller, influencer, and entrepreneur, all at once. As Anubha observes, we live in a time when digital visibility strongly influences credibility, and adapting to this reality is no longer optional—it’s essential for growth and relevance.
Balancing Innovation, Insight, and Inner Growth
Beyond the professional sphere, personal growth has played a key role in Anubha’s leadership journey. She draws strength and clarity through meditation, self-help literature and holds a deep interest in human behaviour and emotional intelligence. She genuinely enjoys connecting with people—listening to their stories, learning from their experiences, and understanding their challenges. These interactions continually reinforce her core belief that education is, above all, an act of empathy.
Shaping Emotionally Intelligent Learners
While discussing future-plans, Anubha mentions, “Looking ahead, my dream is to create a world of early childhood education where children are not judged by their handwriting, marks, or speed—but by their creativity, kindness, curiosity, and resilience.” She further adds that every child possesses unique qualities, and as educators, it’s our responsibility to look beyond traditional measures to recognise and nurture those talents.
Imagine an education system that cherishes the child who constructs entire city with blocks, sings with passion, asks bold questions, or gently consoles a friend in need. These are the traits that lay the foundation for emotionally aware and capable adults. It’s time to move our focus—from competition to compassion, from rote learning to creativity, from fear to freedom.
Building a Future of Creativity and Compassion in Early Education
Anubha’s futuristic vision is expansive: she aims to help reshape the narrative around early education, making it more inclusive, expressive, and empowering. Whether through developing innovative curriculum kits, mentoring future educators, or collaborating on a global scale, she is determined to broaden the reach of joyful learning.
Reflecting on her 18-year journey—marked by learning, laughter, experimentation, and growth, Anubha feels a deep sense of gratitude. Every child who has walked through the doors of A.K. Smartshala, every parent who has placed their trust in the school, and every teacher who has embraced its mission has contributed to the vibrant tapestry of the institution. She remains strongly committed to a path where outdated textbooks are closed and infinite minds are opened—one story, one smile, and one school at a time.
