‘Atishi an ideal student who loved to read’

NEW DELHI: From her early days advising former deputy CM Manish Sisodia on educational reforms to her imminent leadership of the capital, Atishi's journey is a compelling story of progress, rooted in her formative experiences.

Born to DU professors Vijay Singh and Tripta Wahi on June 8, 1981, Atishi's educational journey began at Springdales School on Pusa Road, where people recall her as a "bright and diligent student". Her academic path continued with a degree from DU's St Stephen's College.

"She is an intelligent human being with great values that I have seen since the beginning. Last she came to meet me when I was the principal of Springdales and she had won a book award for reading. She was a bright student in school and through the years, I have seen that she is taking forward the ideas and values she inculcated during her schooling years. Her commitment to nurturing Delhi's children is commendable, and I hope she continues to lead with the same sensitivity and inclusiveness," said Ameeta Mulla Wattal, former principal of Springdales School, Pusa Road.

In 2001, Atishi completed her bachelor's degree in history at St Stephen's College, where both professors and peers remember her for her optimism. A college batchmate said, "All I remember her she always had a book with her."

"Atishi was an ideal student, good in all respects, whether it was her extensive reading, theoretical grounding or behaviour towards teachers and peers. I can vividly recall her positive attitude and enthusiasm that made a difference to the community life of the college, something we value greatly at St Stephen's," said Dr Aditya Pratap Deo, associate professor in history who started teaching at St Stephen's in 1995.

After earning a Chevening scholarship and completing her master's in history at Oxford University in 2003, she continued her academic pursuits as a Rhodes Scholar at Magdalen College, Oxford, in 2005.

"I worked with her for three years. She was my mentor. Throughout those years, I observed her focus was always on performing at her best with the resources available, never fixating on where it might lead her," said a team member who worked closely with her till this year.

In the education sector, Atishi seamlessly continued the work begun by Sisodia, advancing his ideas and efforts with great competence. "Atishi has been instrumental in revolutionising the educational landscape. Under her guidance, Delhi has witnessed a surge in enrolment rates, improved academic outcomes with national, international exposure to teachers, professional trainings, expansion, innovative curriculum and the development of quality infrastructure," said Sunita, principal, RSGSKV Bawana.