Former ISM principal hailed for motivation, leadership skills

Muscat: Tributes have poured from alumni and education officials for former Indian School Muscat Principal Yash Pall Bharadwaj, who passed away late last week.

Bharadwaj, who was ISM principal from July 1992 to March 1998, was the third man in the post, succeeding the long-serving Leo Lobo. His passing was announced on Wednesday, 25 August.
Aishwariya Hegde, a former ISM student, said, “I remember him as a remarkable person and a wonderful educator.”

Another alumnus, Ramanuj Venkatesh said the lessons taught by the ex-principal about 20 years ago are of importance even today, particularly during the uncertain times of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I took him to be a very good person. He encouraged all of us to share with others, and that spirit is still there in my mind,” he recalled. “I speak about sharing because I remember him giving a long speech about doing the right thing. He reminded us that due to tough circumstances, there might be students who were unable to bring lunch to school on a particular day, or were unable to complete their homework.

“That one aspect of sharing was very much inculcated by Mr Bharadwaj,” he added. “To him, school was also not about getting only good grades and marks, but also the eagerness to enjoy what you are doing, which is why he put a lot of emphasis on sports. He knew the importance of improving one’s physical abilities, not just their mental strength, and of socialising and interacting with others.”

Tributes also came from Mukund Manohar, who completed his education at ISM and went on to work in Oman for many years. He said Bharadwaj’s leadership and positive attitude played a huge role in moulding the school into what it is today.

“His incredible passion for the students made him a principal who was loved and appreciated by everyone,” he said. “He would stand at the main gate on most mornings and welcome all the students to school. YP Bharadwaj was an impactful principal and leader to ISM and his remarkable contributions to this institution will always be remembered.”

Tribute has also come from Kapil Venkatachalam, the current president of the Indian School Muscat Alumni Association (ISMA). “It is shocking to hear the news of the passing away of our beloved principal, Mr. Bharadwaj,” he recalled. ”He was an amazing human being, an amazing teacher, amazing mentor and one of the most friendly principals we have had.  It is hard to find words to describe the sorrow.”
In a statement, the Board of Directors of Indian Schools in Oman also mourned his passing.

“The fraternity of Indian schools in Oman is grieved by the sad demise of YP Bharadwaj, a brilliant educator and a noble administrator,” said the board. “His holistic and child-first approach to education and his charismatic leadership as the principal of Indian School Muscat has left indelible imprints in the educational milieu of our schools. Our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. May his blessed soul rest in peace.”