Meet The Faculty
Ms Anuradha Handa Founder Principal
Education Evangelist • Visionary School Leader • Mentor of Minds
When GD Goenka Public School, Sector 48, Gurugram opened in 2013, it marked not merely the beginning of a new institution but a transformative educational movement led by its Founder Principal, Ms Anuradha Handa. A distinguished educator with over three decades of experience, she is known for championing child-centric, evidence-driven, and future-ready schooling.
A Postgraduate in Physics from Delhi University, Ms Handa began her career at Modern School, Vasant Vihar, where she served for 16 years and headed the Physics Department. Her leadership journey continued at Amity International School, Noida and later Gurugram, and at Apeejay School, Saket—experiences that strengthened her commitment to academic excellence and holistic development.
In 2012, she took on the responsibility of establishing GD Goenka Public School, Sector 48 with a clear purpose: to create a school that nurtures life, not merely livelihoods. She laid future-ready foundations that have since become benchmarks for progressive education in India. Under her leadership, the school moved away from conventional pedagogy-centred models and adopted a learner-centred philosophy where the child—not the textbook—defines the direction of growth. Every academic, co-scholastic, and experiential design reflects her belief that education must shape the human being before the professional.
Her vision led to several pioneering programmes. The Centre of Excellence Programme (COEP), conceptualised by her, is a two-week summer initiative nurturing interdisciplinary thinking and essential life competencies. Reviewed by Curtin University, Australia and praised by Jamia Millia Islamia, COEP is recognised globally for promoting holistic development beyond cognitive attainment.
FHer flagship I Discover Me (IDM) programme reflects her belief that passion must become profession. The Integrated Creative Learning Programme (ICL) blends science, mathematics, dance, music, and theatre, dissolving disciplinary silos to nurture whole-brain thinkers. Introduced in 2015, it set a precedent for art- integrated learning well before CBSE’s 2018 mandate.
With her focus on transparency and growth, the school underwent a rigorous Adhyayan audit and earned the National Gold Award, placing it among India’s most future-ready institutions. It was also selected by FICCI ARISE as one of Delhi NCR’s top schools for best practices and hosted a delegation of Australian school leaders who described it as “spellbinding” and exemplary in values-driven, student-led learning.
Ms Handa has been honoured as Leader of the Year across the GD Goenka Group’s 150+ schools. A certified IC3 Career Counsellor, a respected CBSE Resource Person, and an Education Evangelist featured in a Forbes India spotlight series, she continues to shape educational thought nationally. Under her leadership, the school has been ranked No. 1 among leader schools of Gurgaon by the Times School Survey.
At the core of her work lies a commitment to nurturing happy, grounded, empathetic, curious, and future-ready individuals—children who think scientifically, act responsibly, and thrive in an unpredictable world. Through her pioneering systems and deeply human approach, she has built a school where innovation meets integrity and learners truly Thrive. For Life.
Headmistress - Foundational
Ms Harmeet Kaur is an experienced educational professional with extensive involvement in both academic and administrative capacities across various schools. Currently, she as the Headmistress at GD Goenka Public School, she leads the foundational education wing with a focus on comprehensive student development. Previously, she served in leadership positions at DPSG Palam Vihar, NSG Primary school, Manesar and Army Preschool in Bangalore.
Throughout her career, Ms Harmeet has focused on enhancing educational programs, such as the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP), and has played a pivotal role in the consultation and authorization process of the same. Her efforts are complemented by her strength in institutional governance, instructional leadership, managing stakeholders, and coaching and mentoring.
Her approach to education emphasizes creating a safe, purposeful, and stimulating environment rooted in mutual respect. She has been responsible for establishing key school policies, planning and approving budgets, and overseeing the comprehensive administration of educational programs. Her administrative acumen extends to organizing school events, coordinating with local communities, and leading professional development initiatives. Her professional development is further evidenced by her participation in numerous workshops and seminars focused on educational strategies, leadership, and technology.
Outside her professional pursuits, Ms. Kaur is supported by her husband, a distinguished retired army officer and two children, both pursuing their higher education. Ms. Kaur's dedication to education and commitment to holistic development embody the belief that every child deserves the opportunity to thrive and succeed.
Headmistress Preparatory & Middle
Ms Shalini Tandon, Preparatory & Middle, GD Goenka Public School, Gurgaon, is a creative and passionate educator who carries twenty eight years of experience in the field of education. She has been a part of GDGPS 48 family since 2015.She believes in being a life-long learner and contributing towards the greater cause of education. Her love for children is evident from the work that she has done over the years. Right from being a dedicated and zealous English Language teacher, Academic Coordinator, Wing Incharge, she is also a qualified Art Appreciator, Calligrapher and Textile Designer. She is a trained ‘Design Think Educator’ and has been fortunate to receive her two year training from Design Think experts from Rotterdam University. She has also worked as a teacher-counsellor and led several projects, including SIAT,on inclusive approach to teaching and learning. She has taken training from NIPCID, ICTRC, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital and Vimhans for the same. She has been a part of core teams of IQF, Joy of Giving projects, Rotary Interact Clubs and has been actively contributing and leading Social Outreach programmes.
She has been part of core teams for designing thematic curriculum, writing and Co-authoring text books, editor-in- chief for school magazines, leading prefectorial board, ELPP, creating scholastic resources for different age groups of students, CAL packages and conducting workshops for students and teachers. Her passion for writing and theatre made her an active member in theatre workshops and annual day planning. Her strong value system, dedication towards her work and path breaking approach to teaching and learning was recognized and she was honoured with several awards including GTA Award by British Council, TGELF Award for Education at Pan Asia Level, ISA Coordinator award, Green Campus facilitator award, PTA award for dedicated services and outstanding work as an educator.
HeadmistressSecondary & Senior Secondary
Ms Shikha Sharmais a committed and enthusiastic educator epitomizing excellence and innovation in education. In her various leadership roles, she has expertly managed CBSE enrollments, administration, teacher training, assessments, recruitment, and examinations, ensuring the highest standards of academic and operational effectiveness. She has consistently showcased her proficiency in curriculum development, conducting impactful workshops, and mentoring educators to reach their full potential. Her adept management of school operations has resulted in the successful implementation of transformative improvements that have significantly enhanced the learning environment. Ms Shikha's extensive experience includes coordinating English departments, crafting engaging educational content, and organizing vibrant cultural activities that enrich the school community. Additionally, she is well-versed in providing career guidance and mentorship, empowering students to navigate their academic and professional journeys with confidence and clarity.
She consistently strives to deliver outstanding results, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement. Her steadfast commitment to educational advancement inspires both students and staff alike. As a progressive and student-centric educator, she is committed to integrating futuristic teaching learning methodologies for promoting holistic development. She passionately fosters a future where every individual excels academically and embraces their full potential.
Education & Welfare Advisor
Ms. Srishti Bajaj, Education & Welfare Advisor, GD Goenka Public School, Gurgaon, firmly believes that Education is the source of inspiration that enables our learners to become fully and truly human, to fulfill a constructive mission in life with composure and confidence. Children are not possessions; they are the possessors and the shared treasure of all humanity. Education based on respecting children and enabling them to become happy will be the driving force for the social change.
Ms. Bajaj is a Post Graduate in English with a Professional Degree in Education and is an accomplished educationist, an enterprising facilitator and an adept team leader.
She was The Headmistress, Junior School of GD Goenka Public School, Rohini, New Delhi. With a visionary outlook and aspiring demeanor she has carved a niche for herself in all the roles assigned to her. She has worked as a Pre-Primary teacher with The Springdales School, Dhaula Kuan and later with GD Goenka Public School, Vasant Kunj.
The formula ‘Learn, Reflect, Empower, Lead’ is the guiding light of her life. With thirty two years of rich experience as a proficient facilitator, her professional interests centre around the incorporation of powerful dynamics in learning practices in classrooms and beyond. Her extensive contributions to promote a deeper connect between the learners and teachers and her abiding belief in sustaining democracy in classrooms and schools reflects in all her endeavors.