Gaurav is an alumnus of UWC-USA, and believes that the UWC movement encompasses education as a force to unite people, as well as co-exist symbiotically. This passion & faith saw him being involved with the movement in India from its earliest days, even before MUWCI was operationalized. Be it the selection & interview process of the students, the guidance to prospective parents of student applicants or the planning for a UWC in India, Gaurav was either involved directly or on some committee. Once the idea of MUWCI became a reality, he was actively involved in the process of potential site selections as well as the selection of architects & layout plans. As the College was commissioned, Gaurav was invited to be one of the Founding Board of Governors of the College and was one of the longest serving. He has also served on the Selection Committee of the MUWCI board to recruit a new HOC. His commitment to the movement comes from understanding what it is to be at a special place called a UWC…!

Working at MUWCI since:

2020

Education:

Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Earlham College, Indiana, USA

The office I lead at MUWCI is called:

Advancement (Fundraising, Communications, Summer Programmes and Alumni Engagement)

Key Research / Expertise Area / Employment:

Field of Expertise: Ten years of experience in the philanthropy and non-profit management industries with domain expertise in impact evaluation, fundraising, and grant management services.

Previous Jobs: I started my career with the Abdul Lateef Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL), where I worked on policy research. Subsequently, I was employed at Dasra, India’s leading strategic philanthropic foundation. Most recently, I have been an independent practitioner supporting non-profits with their fundraising needs.

Countries I’ve called home:

India, USA, and China

The best part about working at MUWCI:

There’s always an exciting conversation just waiting to be had.

My favourite spot on campus:

I can’t think of a single spot. However, I take short walks from time to time, and I enjoy the exploration process.

My favourite MUWCI tradition (and why):

I’ve enjoyed UWC Day Celebrations that I’ve been a part of thus far. There’s a great mix of hands-on activities and reflection sessions to participate in throughout the day.

My Passion Project at MUWCI:

Recycling unused items and making incremental improvements to the Advancement Office space.

I’m secretly (or not so secretly) very good at:

Cooking Asian-inspired food; Board games including Scrabble and Taboo.

The most memorable job I’ve had:

I had a part-time job as an usher through my four years in college. I enjoyed watching all the fantastic events the college hosted and meeting incredible people along the way, including meeting Maya Angelou!

A perfect day for me will involve:

Exercise in the morning, freshly cooked food throughout the day, good music to unwind, and a book, preferably a crime thriller.

If I could time travel, I would go back to:

6th July 2008, All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club. The Wimbledon Championships

Working at MUWCI since:

2022

Have you been a part of the UWC movement in another capacity?

In spirit! Some of my most important relationships have been nourished by the UWC movement. I remember so many meaningful and enriching teaching and learning experiences in global higher education that have involved UWC graduates. I have felt instantly inspired by their complexity resilience, strong sense of agency, and life-long learner curiosity. The UWC core values have guided my work as a leader, teacher, mentor, and researcher, so it is a privilege to contribute to the movement and become a member of a learning community like MUWCI.

Education:

M.A. in North American Studies, Modern History, and Political Science (Free University Berlin); Doctor of Philosophy (Free University Berlin)

Key Research / Expertise Area / Employment:

Global curriculum development, grassroots globalization, higher education administration, educational leadership, future of work and education.

Countries I’ve called home:

Germany, the United States, Guatemala to varying degrees.

I’m secretly (or not so secretly) very good at:

Writing birthday cards, the art of guesting, and creating momentum for the creative solutions and innovative ideas of others.

The most memorable/miserable job I’ve had:

I had the privilege of having many memorable deep-learning experiences in my professional journey. The most formative involved working nightshifts in a shelter for the homeless in Berlin when I was a student, writing my first syllabus as a new faculty member at NYU, and coaching teams as part of the Gigatonne Challenge, a decentralized global climate strategy with equity at the heart. These roles and experiences have expanded my imagination, deepened my humility, and nourished my hopefulness that change is possible every day.

A perfect day for me would involve:

The smell and taste of good coffee in the morning; courageous conversations with students, colleagues, partners, and strangers about “how to change the world together” and taking action together; sitting under a tree and reading; time with dogs, horses, donkeys, and other animals; cooking dinner and sharing stories with friends; lots of laughter throughout!

If I could time travel, I would go back to:

The future

Working at MUWCI since:

2018

Education:

B. Sc, M. Sc, MBA

Key Research / Expertise Area / Employment:

Operations and Administration in the Indian Army

Countries I’ve called home:

Rwanda

The best part about working at MUWCI:

Its multicultural environment

My favourite spot on campus and in Pune/Paud:

My home on campus and in Pune

My favourite MUWCI tradition:

Attending Theater Season!

My passion project at MUWCI:

Sorting out land and workers union issues

I’m secretly (or not so secretly) very good at:

Leading from the front

The most memorable job I’ve had:

Being a part of the Indian Army

A perfect day for me will involve:

Lots of challenging work in office followed by a relaxing evening with family/friends

If I could time travel, I would go back to:

My time in the Indian Army

Working at MUWCI since:

2019

Education:

1. Bachelor of Chemical Technology (Specialization in Dyestuff and Intermediates), University of Chemical Technology, Mumbai (formerly known as UDCT)

2. Gandhi Fellowship, Kaivalya Education Foundation (two year full time residential rigorous service learning fellowship program)

Key Research / Expertise Area / Employment:

My field of expertise is Program Management and Strategy especially in development sector. My previous jobs involved handling large scale interventions and long term programs on school transformation, handling Public-Private-Partnership and setting up vocational training centers for youth. They also gave me an opportunity to work closely with leaders in Corporate offices and government officials through Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability arm.

The best part about working at MUWCI:

MUWCI gives us the opportunity to work with diverse set of stakeholders and understand the international and intercultural aspects. The location of the College campus and synergy with nature is another very strong aspect that creates a great working environment at MUWCI.

My favourite spot on campus and in Pune/Paud:

No doubt it is Internet Hill at MUWCI and in Pune, it is Chafa Cafe, Koregaon Park.

My favourite MUWCI tradition:

My favorite MUWCI tradition is College meeting and Chai-Chai sessions. It gives us a chance to step out the busy week and come together as one community to celebrate diversity and talk about things beyond MUWCI campus.

My passion project at MUWCI:

My passion project at MUWCI is to create forums through Akshara where students can effectively engage with local community and organizations. Also I would like to learn more about environmental sustainability and agriculture.

I’m secretly (or not so secretly) very good at:

I am not so secretly good at listening and cooking.

The most memorable job I’ve had:

The most memorable job I have had was to set up a vocational training center for girls at Pimpri Chichwad district of Maharashtra in collaboration with Government ITI. This was a Corporate Social Responsibility project by Tech Mahindra Foundation and this task gave a good insight into running large scale public private partnership projects. I worked with leaders at Tech Mahindra and also with dedicated and hardworking Commissioners and government officials.

A perfect day for me will involve:

Good food, productive conversations, checking off tasks on my to-do list and a peaceful dedicated time to read something interesting.

If I could time travel, I would go back to:

If I could time travel, I would want to go back to relive my “village immerse” days from Gandhi Fellowship. That was quite an exciting time that helped me unlearn a lot and create an unbiased image of rural India.

Working at MUWCI since:

2016

Education:

B.Com, Fellow Chartered Accountant

Key Research / Expertise Area / Employment:

Financial Planning & Control, Strategic Planning/ERP Implementation, Corporate Accounting/ Coordination, Costing & Budgeting

Countries I’ve called home:

India

The best part about working at MUWCI:

Work environment & culture

I’m secretly (or not so secretly) very good at:

Leadership beyond boundaries

My favourite spot on campus:

Pagoda

The most memorable job I’ve had:

My first job at Tata Share Registry where I developed payroll systems was very memorable

A perfect day for me would involve:

Tension free work!

Working at MUWCI since:

2011

Have you been a part of the UWC movement in another capacity?

I’m an alumna from Pearson College 2003

Education:

IB from UWC Pearson, BA in Spanish Language and Literature, BA in Comparative Studies, Master Degree in Education and DEA in Spanish Literature.

Key Research / Expertise Area / Employment:

17th century Theatre in Spain, I have published several papers and given three conferences about this topic before joining MUWCI.

Countries I’ve called home:

Canada, Spain, and India 

The best part about working at MUWCI:

The students. Even on the worst day you could find someone who is able to put a smile on your face. They are the most challenging and demanding people I ever met.

My favourite spot on campus:

Swimming pool during the sunset time.

Triveni Activities:

Right now, because of my other commitments, I am only involved in MUWCI frogs. Swimming has been an essential part of my life and teaching others how to swim is quite rewarding. Everyone should have the opportunity to feel free in the water.

MUWCI Passion Project:

To make the Academic curriculum more appealing and interesting to our students.

The most memorable job I’ve had:

I was a waiter for one night in a folkloric event back home. I was hire and fire in the same night!

I’m secretly (or not so secretly) very good at:

If I tell you then is not a secret anymore… but I am quite good at making Spanish omelettes!

A perfect day for me would involve:

Lots of coffee, some reading, swimming and conversations with old friends…. and also full attendance to class!

If I could time travel, I would go back to:

The 17th century, I would love to be an actor or a monk.

Working at MUWCI since:

2016

Education:

Bachelor of Commerce; Master in Economics; PGcert. in Management Accounting

Key Research / Expertise Area / Employment:

Accounting/Income Tax/Economics; Gandhi Memorial International School, Bali, Indonesia; Aditya Birla World Academy, Mumbai

Countries I’ve called home:

Indonesia

The best part about working at MUWCI:

Open environment and freedom to experiment, Encourage cooperation over competition

My favourite spot in Paud:

Tree House, Saiiba restaurant in Mulshi Valley

My favourite MUWCI tradition:

AQ lock down and capture the flag. It’s funny.

Triveni Activities:

Fire service: I love the the way our students feel responsible for the safety of our campus and the environment.

MUWCI Passion Project:

Meaningful outdoor education

I’m secretly (or not so secretly) very good at:

Cooking and watching Netflix

The most memorable job I’ve had:

None: All jobs have taught me and help me to grow to become a better version of me today compare to yesterday.

A perfect day for me would involve:

Hiking and grilled food

If I could time travel, I would go back to:

Bali, Indonesia

Working at MUWCI since:

2021

Education:

Bachelors and Masters in Clinical Psychology from the University of Pune Post Graduate Diploma in Clinical and Applied Hypnosis from the Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda

Key Research / Expertise Area / Previously employed in:

Mental Health and Wellbeing

Countries I’ve called home:

India

The best part about working at MUWCI:

Its people – a melting pot of cultures and stories as well as its location.

I’m secretly (or not so secretly) very good at:

Packing a backpack for a trip – you get to know what’s really ‘essential’ while packing.

The most memorable/miserable job I’ve had:

Memorable – helped run a homestay for a month at a Buddhist nunnery in Ladakh, India. Was responsible for everything from cooking and cleaning to showing the guests around and making them a hot cup of ginger, lemon and honey tea on request.

Miserable – Washing the dinner vessels of the guests at the same homestay with ice-cold water – could barely feel my fingers at the end!

A perfect day for me would involve:

Walking about, exploring a new place with my partner

If I could time travel, I would go back to:

2018 – took the year off from work to travel.

Working at MUWCI since:

2019

Education:

PhD

Key Research / Expertise Area / Employment:

Researcher in radioastronomy

Countries I’ve called home:

Spain, México, Portugal, Kenya

The best part about working at MUWCI:

Growing as a person

My favourite spot on campus:

Anywhere with views to the calles (e.g. the spot behind the cage)

My favourite MUWCI tradition:

Mud game (It is a wonderful new experience for most of people and a nice way to strenghten the community)

Triveni Activities:

Highschool science, robotics

MUWCI Passion Project:

Sharing

I’m secretly (or not so secretly) very good at:

Helping people in an emotional way

A perfect day for me would involve:

New experiences, acquiring new knowledges, and sharing love with others

If I could time travel, I would go back to:

0.5-1.5 million years BC (to meet other human species besides homo sapiens)

Working at MUWCI since:

August 2019

Education:

Msc. B.Ed

Key Research / Expertise Area / Employment:

Teaching of mathematics and science

Countries I’ve called home:

India

The best part about working at MUWCI:

Its diversity

My favourite spot on campus and in Pune/Paud:

On campus the cafeteria, and in Pune I like Dorabjee

Triveni Activities:

Table tennis and Enrich curriculum

I’m secretly (or not so secretly) very good at:

I like Dramatics

A perfect day for me would involve:

Me and binge watching…Netflix

If I could time travel, I would go back to:

My school days

Working at MUWCI since:

2019

Education:

Bachelors of Science in Microbiology, Chemistry and Zoology from St Josephs College Bangalore. Diplomas in Genetic Engineering from St Josephs College Bangalore in collaboration with Michigan State University, Diploma in Law from The National Law School of India, Diploma in Food Technology from St Josephs College Bangalore. Masters in Analytical Chemistry from the National Institute of Technology Karnataka.

Key Research / Expertise Area / Employment:

Research on The Electromagnetic deposition of Nickel Cadmium Alloy and its properties. Field of expertise Inorganic Chemistry and Metallurgy. Have held earlier teaching posts and was a corporate Environment and Renewable Energy Consultant.

Countries I’ve called home:

India

The best part about working at MUWCI:

Community enrichment and collaborative learning.

My favourite spot on campus:

My Home in Wada 3

My favourite MUWCI tradition:

Jazz Hands

Triveni Activities:

Night School because I love teaching and helping the underprivileged to further their educational skills. Basketball because I am an avid sportsman and basketball is one of my passions.

MUWCI Passion Project:

Skill Development related to Science

I’m secretly (or not so secretly) very good at:

Playing pool

The most memorable job I’ve had:

Most Memorable was teaching underprivileged kids in a small school in Manali, India. Most miserable was being a renewable energy consultant and crunching numbers.

A perfect day for me would involve:

Coffee, going to the gym, spending time with family, watching a nice movie, and learning something.

If I could time travel, I would go back to:

Early Independent India, 1950

Working at MUWCI since:

2021

Education:

Bachelor in English Honours, Master in Journalism, Master in Education (Pursuing).

Key Research / Expertise Area / Previously employed in:

Secondary school literature and language education in English and French. I previously worked as a journalist and content writer before starting teaching.

Countries I’ve called home:

India, France and Indonesia.

The best part about working at MUWCI:

Its people – a melting pot of cultures and stories as well as its location.

I’m secretly (or not so secretly) very good at:

Speaking five languages, dancing and making amazing rajma chawal.

The most memorable/miserable job I’ve had:

My most memorable job was teaching in two schools in a small province of France, called Aubenas. I remember walking down beautiful cobbled roads to reach the schools and the students there would be the most excited to see me and talk to me. The most miserable was at a start up for alcohol. I expected it to be a cool place to be and learn, but I instead ended up being a telephone executive.

A perfect day for me would involve:

A quiet, sunny winter Sunday morning in the mountains…with a cup of chai in the balcony, a dog (or two) lying by my side, soft old Bollywood music playing in the background and a book waiting to be read. A lazy, relaxed day ahead!

If I could time travel, I would go back to:

Teaching in France.

Working at MUWCI since:

2020

Education:

B.Sc (Chemistry, Botany & Zoology) and M.Sc (Biochemistry) from Karnatak University. Dharwad, India; B.Ed from Bharatiya Shiksha Parishad, Lucknow, India; Post Graduate Diploma in School Leadership and Management from Indira Gandhi Open University, India

Key Research / Expertise Area / Previously jobs:

Field of expertise- Biochemistry; Previous jobs include being a lecturer in a Pharmacy college, heading a school, teaching all grades from Kindergarten to grade 12 CBSE, Checkpoint, IGCSE and IBDP in a span of 18 years. I started my IB career in B D Somani International School, Mumbai, went on to teach in Malaysia and now in MUWCI.

Countries I’ve called home:

India & Malaysia

The best part about working at MUWCI:

Meeting and learning something new everyday from kind, empathetic and bright students and faculty.

My favourite MUWCI tradition:

Theatre season was a favourite! I am in awe of the talent and creativity at MUWCI.

My favourite spot on campus:

Watching the sunset just outside of Wada 3. Love the vegetable market at Paud.

Triveni activities I’m involved with:

Sadhana, Yoga, Volleyball and ARS

My passion project at MUWCI:

Would love to introduce apiculture at MUWCI and do some environment friendly activities with the students.

I’m secretly (or not so secretly) very good at:

Striking conversations with strangers!

The most memorable/miserable job I’ve had:

Teaching tiny tots in a kindergarten was the most memorable job I have had.

A perfect day for me would involve:

Starting the day with Yoga, then teach a couple of classes and head for an afternoon siesta after lunch. Enjoy time with friends over an evening walk and end the day with some Netflix.

If I could time travel, I would go back to:

My undergraduate days, they were the most carefree days of my life.

Working at MUWCI since:

2019

Education:

BS in Mathematics at University of Naples (Italy), Master Degree in Mathematics at University of Naples (Italy), PhD Research in Mathematics at University of Avignon (France)

Key Research / Expertise Area / Previously jobs:

IB, Research Methods in Mathematics, Scout Education Movement

Countries I’ve called home:

Italy, France, Chile and India

The best part about working at MUWCI:

Entering my class seeing people from different countries (far away on the map) sitting together and sharing ideas.

My favourite MUWCI tradition:

Students’ shows, homestays in the villages around the valley, advisor meetings and dinners: in all those moments people show the deepest part of their soul.

My favourite spot on campus:

Library lawn where you can see the valley next to the Art Center.

Triveni activities I’m involved with:

Outdoor Education Service (I am a proud Scout and trekking on mountains is one of my passions), Kriya where we engage, practice sport and work with young girls from villages around the College.

I’m secretly (or not so secretly) very good at:

Taking care of animals: all MUWCI people know my beautiful cats Tigre and Oscar!

A perfect day for me would involve:

Sleeping well and enough, eating healthy and Italian food, learning something new and loving, loving, loving!

If I could time travel, I would go back to:

Engage in rhetoric with ancient Greek philosophers or live through the Italian Renaissance.

Working at MUWCI since:

2020

Education:

BA in Theatre Education & Performance from Emerson College, Boston

Key Research / Expertise Area / Previously employed in:

I came to India in 2014 to teach at Woodstock School in Mussoorie. As a theatre artist and teacher, I am especially excited about Theatre of the Oppressed, improvisation, and musical theatre.

Countries I’ve called home:

USA & India

The best part about working at MUWCI:

Ask “What’s up?” to anyone on campus and you will not get a boring answer — you might hear about the art piece they’re creating, current events in their home country, a research project they’re working on.

My favourite MUWCI tradition:

Theatre Season audiences! Never have I ever seen such a supportive, engaged theatre community!

My favourite spot on campus:

Below the back gate is a big open spot with a great view of the valley – a beautiful spot to bring a book or a friend and catch the sunset!

Triveni activities I’m involved with:

Improv & Community Theatre — guess why!

My passion project at MUWCI:

I want to strengthen our presence beyond our campus through connections to other theatre groups, artists, schools, and community development projects.

I’m secretly (or not so secretly) very good at:

I make some very silly faces. Sometimes even on purpose.

The most memorable/miserable job I’ve had:

Hailing from Maine in the US, I had to serve my time in a lobster pound. Not a fun job for a vegetarian!

A perfect day for me would involve:

A good cup of coffee; some time outdoors; a sweaty, fun and productive rehearsal!

If I could time travel, I would go back to:

A time before plastic bags… how beautiful everything would look.

Working at MUWCI since:

2021

Education:

Bsc in Veterinary Medicine

Msc in Nutrition & Rural Development

Formal Teacher Training (in science subjects)

Key Research / Expertise Area / Previously employed in:

Taught English in China, 6th grade in Cambodia and middle and high school science (biology, chemistry, integrated science) in Belgium.

Countries I’ve called home:

The Netherlands, Belgium, China, Cambodia

I’m secretly (or not so secretly) very good at:

Playing the violin (different styles) on a good amateur level

The best part about working at MUWCI:

The beautiful mix of culture, languages & backgrounds

My favourite spot on campus and in Pune/Paud

Does the biodiversity reserve still count as “campus”? Just outside the gates, on the big rocks overlooking the valley, from where you can see the sunset

My favourite MUWCI tradition:

Definitely theatre season!

The most memorable/miserable job I’ve had:

Most memorable: teaching Cambodian orphans with HIV. They’re just normal people, shame some people tend to forget that!

Most miserable: cooking / selling hamburgers (as a vegetarian…)

A perfect day for me would involve:

Lots of love!

If I could time travel, I would go back to:

Why go back? Let’s move forward!

Working at MUWCI since:

2020

Education:

University of California: BA and Graduate Studies in Fine Art, Rhode Island College: MA in Education

Key Research / Expertise Area / Previously employed in:

Fine Art and Art History

Countries I’ve called home:

India, Japan, France, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, China, Vietnam, Azerbaijan

The best part about working at MUWCI:

Working with talented students and brilliant colleagues!

My favourite MUWCI tradition:

Theater Season (I LOVE theater.)

My favourite spot on campus:

Art Center

Triveni activities I’m involved with:

Aruni – I want to actively empower women in creative community endeavors.

My passion project at MUWCI:

The IBDP Art Exhibition.

I’m secretly (or not so secretly) very good at:

Any sport that involves catching or throwing a ball.

The most memorable job I’ve had:

Teaching printmaking at University of CA as a graduate student.

A perfect day for me would involve:

Traveling to a visually gorgeous spot to see an amazing art exhibit (like the Venice Biennale!)

If I could time travel, I would go back to:

Italy – and I plan to ASAP!

Working at MUWCI since:

2020

Education:

Diploma for Primary teacher in Spanish language and modern languages at the University of Santiago de Compostela, Spain. BA of Arts degree in Philology, Germanic section, English at the University of Santiago de Compostela, Spain. Currently enrolled to give exams for French.

Key Research / Expertise Area / Previously employed in:

Key research: collaboration, learning and creating different assessments, sources for language acquisition as a second language.
Field of Expertise: Curriculum writing for Spanish.
Previous jobs: I was working as Spanish corporate trainer, translator and interpreter for Infosys, Vodafone and conducting language workshops for large communities in an auditorium environment.

For the last ten years I worked as Spanish faculty (PYP, MYP and IGCSE), Indus International school in Hyderabad. Spanish faculty and subject head of the the department for DP and MYP , Indus International school Pune. Spanish faculty for PYP, MYP and DP Kohinoor American school, Khandala. Spanish Secondary teacher for MYP, Oberoi International school, Mumbai.

Have you been a part of the UWC Movement in any other capacity?

I have been involved in some of the activities as part of the MUWCI Core sessions when I presented last academic year for the students the rural development trust of Vicente Ferrer that empowers rural communities in India and supports them in their struggle to eradicate poverty, hunger, suffering and injustice.

Countries I’ve called home:

India, Spain, Scotland, Norway and Australia.

The best part about working at MUWCI:

The students and everyone from the MUWCI community, the pets and the nature.

My favourite MUWCI tradition:

I don’t have any favourite tradition in MUWCI because they are all outstanding.

Triveni activities I’m involved with:

In music and community engagement (letters for learning).

My passion project at MUWCI:

Vertical herb garden planning project.

I’m secretly (or not so secretly) very good at:

Being empathetic and caring about others. I have also learnt that we can be happy having less things and leading a simple life.

The most memorable job I’ve had:

The most memorable job was my first job in Scotland in 2002. I was washing dishes, working as a house keeper, waitress and also as receptionist in a haunted hotel. It was located in the Highlands and in the same hotel I met a person who is now one of my best friends. She was a chef at the hotel, and on our days off she used to take me around the Highlands with her dog and we used to practice tai chi on the top of the hill.

A perfect day for me would involve:

Looking at the greenery and the trees from my window in a rainy day with a cup of tea.

If I could time travel, I would go back to:

I would like to travel to the first century BC to see how life was back then.

Working at MUWCI since:

2016

Have you been a part of the UWC movement in another capacity?

Faculty at UWC Costa Rica 2011-15; Vietnam UWC Selection Committee 2015-present

Education:

BA History & French, University of Manchester; PGCE English, Canterbury Christ Church University; Dip Ed (International Education), University of Bath

Countries I’ve called home:

UK, France, Cambodia, Australia, Argentina, Poland, Costa Rica, Vietnam

The best part about working at MUWCI:

Every day is different; my commute is so short; my wonderful colleagues; the hilarious students.

My favourite spot on campus:

On campus: Wada 1 common room (vamos Wada 1!); Further afield: Mt Waghzai; In Pune: sitting in the MCA stadium watching cricket with friends

My favourite MUWCI tradition:

Theatre Season: two months of preparation where everyone pulls towards a common goal, followed by two weeks of spectating and discussing diverse performances.

Triveni Activities:

This year: Football not Soccer; MUWCI Highlanders (frisbee) because of my outstanding athletic ability

MUWCI Passion Project:

Removing litter from Mt Waghzai

I’m secretly (or not so secretly) very good at:

Toad Style Kung Fu

The most memorable/miserable job I’ve had:

Memorable/nostalgic: summer jobs on a farm when growing up. Miserable: washing dishes in two restaurants in Australia – long, lonely, boring, livened up by the chef screaming from time to time for more plates.

A perfect day for me would involve:

A long hike through mountains and past ancient ruins, no rain.

If I could time travel, I would go back to:

La Habana, Cuba, January 1959

Working at MUWCI since:

2019

Education:

Graduation from Jaipur in Political Science and International Relations (IR); Post Graduation from University of Pune (same subject); Diploma in International Relations from Ferguson College, University of Fredrica, Italy, IIHR, Delhi; Qualified professor of the subject.

Key Research / Expertise Area / Employment:

Paper presentation at different National Conferences; Key research in the field of International Relations; Lecturer at Law college and Universities of Delhi, Rajasthan and Pune in Political Science; more than 3 years of job experience at IBDP and IGCSE.

Countries I’ve called home:

India

The best part about working at MUWCI:

Adaptation of different cultures

My favourite spot on campus:

The whole campus is beautiful. I am in the lap of the nature!

Triveni Activities:

Global Affairs and MUN: Both are connected to my subject area.

MUWCI Passion Project:

Respecting all the perspectives whole heartedly…

I’m secretly (or not so secretly) very good at:

Discussing at length GloPo news!

The most memorable job I’ve had:

Memories are building up (in the process) after teaching GloPo to these young minds. I am enjoying every moment when I learn this subject along with the students. So I have only good memories from all my previous jobs.

A perfect day for me would involve:

”’Me Time” – Time to myself (yoga, meditation, family, people, and of course my subject).

If I could time travel, I would go back to:

In deep silence, meditation!!

Working at MUWCI since:

2011 (as family member), 2012 (officially as volunteer, 2013 as teacher)

Have you been a part of the UWC movement in another capacity?

August 2012 – June 2013, Volunteer in the CAS Program at Mahindra United World College of India.

Education:

BA: Spanish Language and Literature at University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain. BA: BA (hons) in Comparative Literature at University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain. MA: in Pedagogy at University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain. MA in Latin American Literature at University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain.

Currently: MA in Methodology and Learning of a Second Language: Spanish at Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia (UNED), Madrid, Spain (approx. December 2019).

Key Research / Expertise Area / Employment:

20th Century Latin American Literature. Second Language adquisition, specially learning methodologies, creating materials.

Countries I’ve called home:

Spain and India 😉 Special connections with Cuba, Mexico, and Ireland.

The best part about working at MUWCI:

The best part of working at MUWCI is that I have the chance to engage and work with highly motivated and passionate students not only in the classroom, but outside of the academic area, during triveni time, residential life… I feel that I learn with them, from them, along with them.

My favourite spot on campus and in Pune/Paud:

My favourite spot on campus is the bench down the gate (on the road). My favourite thing of Paud is buying vegetables in the market and my favourite part of Pune is Koreagon Park, where I have the chance to walk and enjoy urban life, and Baner, where I can eat crazily!

My favourite MUWCI tradition:

My two favourite MUWCI traditions are: Ganesh celebration. It is a gift interacting with local people and get to know their religion and believes. Secondly, Theater Season: the quality of the perfomances is astonishing.

Triveni Activities:

Sadhana Friends. Over the years, our friends at Sadhana have literaly become an essencial part of my experience here. Visiting them is not something I have to do because of my contract or because of the IB requirements, it is something I do because I enjoy interacting and talking to them, because I care about them.

MUWCI Passion Project:

My passion project is to continue having passions for running, collaborating, or starting new projects on campus.

I’m secretly (or not so secretly) very good at:

At MUWCI, I would say I am fundamentally good at caring about MUWCI, its daily routine and its future plans, its students and faculty, its local community, and I am good at getting organized.

The most memorable job I’ve had:

Selling ice-creams on summer in the coast of Spain for 10 hours a day: It wasn’t a miserable job, in fact I enjoyed and I earned a big amount of money for my next year at university. I met people who are now my friends and I learnt to be economically and professionally independent. The crazy part is that my wrists are still hurting from that time…

A perfect day for me would involve:

Engaging, fun, thoughtful classes in which my students share thoughts, collaborate with each other, enjoy, and learn and take the risk to go one step further. Visiting Sadhana Friends, or meeting a student who needs some extra support or an advisee who needs just a nice cup of coffe with a philosophical conversation about life, one hour meeting to plan the next steps ahead in the department, some time to go to the gym, swimming pool, or walk down to the gate and coming back, some time for my family or maybe a few minutes of peace in my courtyard observing the trees and the nature which surrounds us.

If I could time travel, I would go back to:

I always wanted to travel back to the ’60s joining a hippy community in a caravan… but nowadays I am also fascinated by the witches in the Middle Age. Learning from traditional medicine from the nature, having our own rituals and being persecuted by the Inquisition!

Working at MUWCI since:

2019

Have you been a part of the UWC movement in another capacity?

No, but I have wanted to join since I first learned of UWC 10 years ago when I lived in New Mexico!

Education:

University of Arkansas (USA) – BA – History; St. John’s College (USA) – MA – Eastern Classics; University of New Mexico (USA) – JD – Environmental and Natural Resources Law; EDHEC Business School (France) – MBA – Global Entrepreneurship

Key Research / Expertise Area / Employment:

Key educational research: environmental law, climate change and endangered species protective acts. Other research done in Indian philosophy and history.

Field of expertise: 20th century Middle East history, Modern US history, and History of Yoga.

Previous jobs: include lawyer for startups including CloudFactory and management consultant for research firm Gartner.

Countries I’ve called home:

USA, Australia, Indonesia, Germany, France, Italy and Nepal

The best part about working at MUWCI:

The students! I am constantly inspired by the courage of our students. From the classroom to late night chats as a Wada parent, being with MUWCI students is the highlight of my time here thus far.

My favourite spot on campus:

Wada 2

My favourite MUWCI tradition:

Global Affairs – It is a great time to come together and discuss difficult but pressing global issues. It allows us to come together as a community and engage in a meaningful dialogue on a range of topics.

Triveni Activities:

Green team – I am passionate about sustainability and all things environmental! I was the founder of Extinction Rebellion NSW when I lived in Sydney and led the movement for the City of Sydney to declare a climate emergency. I have been a vegan for years and aim for a zero impact lifestyle.

I am also the supervisor for martial arts! This is a new area for me but as part of being a lifelong learner, I have thrown myself into this new activity!

MUWCI Passion Project:

Greening the campus – The core values of sustainability and environmental awareness are at the heart of much of what we do at MUWCI but I would like to see them further integrated into our lives here.

I’m secretly (or not so secretly) very good at:

I’m secretly very good at playing backgammon.

The most miserable job I’ve had:

Most miserable job I had was a debt collector for Citibank at a call centre! I had to call people who were behind on payments and force them to pay. This was in 2008 during the height of the Global Financial Crisis (GFC) and Citibank was getting massive government bailouts. I worked with clients though to pay back loans at 0% interest as I had figured out a loop hole in the system!

A perfect day for me would involve:

Wake up not tired! Then do yoga and meditation. Then listen to Democracy Now! over tea before heading to teach history. Then meeting my partner Shiva for lunch in the caf. The day would by walking around our beautiful campus with her before checkin with our awesome Wada 2 kids.

If I could time travel, I would go back to:

Ancient Athens during Socrates’ lifetime

Working at MUWCI since:

2021

Education:

B.A. (English), M.A. (Linguistics), M. Phil (Linguistics)

Key Research / Expertise Area / Previously employed in:

Field of expertise: Linguistics, Literature and TOK, I have taught in Heritage Gurgaon and Pathways World School, Aravali

Countries I’ve called home:

India

I’m secretly (or not so secretly) very good at:

Daydreaming.

The most memorable/miserable job I’ve had:

I am terrific at everything. But then I might be daydreaming.

A perfect day for me would involve:

Leisure, tea and discussions over how miserable humankind is.

If I could time travel, I would go back to:

The 1970s, when bellbottom trousers were a rage in India.

Working at MUWCI since:

2006

Education:

SY BSc, Diploma in Education

Key Research / Expertise Area / Employment:

Teaching Kindergarten to Grade 8 since 1988

Countries I’ve called home:

India

The best part about working at MUWCI:

Meeting such interesting youngsters and adults from diverse backgrounds. And working in an amicable and comfortable environment.

My favourite MUWCI tradition:

Bald for a Cause — the title says it all.

Triveni Activities:

Paper Making & Library Service, both activities I find interesting.

MUWCI Passion Project:

Experience India Week — travel and bonding with the students.

I’m secretly (or not so secretly) very good at:

Making new friends — of all ages.

A perfect day for me would involve:

Being able to smile and say “hello” to as many people as possible.

If I could time travel, I would go back to:

SCHOOL!!!

Working at MUWCI since:

2019

Education:

I am a software engineer by qualification.

Key Research / Expertise Area / Previously jobs:

Working with refugees, Amnesty International, immigrants schools in Australia.

Countries I’ve called home:

Iran & Australia

The best part about working at MUWCI:

The students!

My favourite MUWCI tradition:

Regional Weeks, I feel like I traveled to that part of the world!

My favourite spot on campus:

The tree house.

Triveni activities I’m involved with:

Peer Tutoring. Since I was the founder and I also like to try different ways to facilitate students’ learning.

My passion project at MUWCI:

To grow our own vegetables and fruits.

The most memorable/miserable job I’ve had:

Working in IT was the most miserable job I’ve had.

A perfect day for me would involve:

Cooking, dancing, having my loved ones around, listening to nice music.

If I could time travel, I would go back to:

60s

Working at MUWCI since:

2021

Subjects I teach at MUWCI:

English B

Education:

B.A. English Literature, English as A Second Language Education at St. Olaf College

Key Research / Expertise Area / Employment:

20th Century Latin American Literature. Second Language adquisition, specially learning methodologies, creating materials.

Countries I’ve called home:

Vietnam, United States (Michigan, Virginia, Minnesota)

MUWCI Passion Project:

I’m secretly (or not so secretly) very good at:

RPG games, houseplants, cooking Vietnamese food, making middle schoolers laugh

The most miserable job I’ve had:

To fundraise for the State’s Speech and Debate competition, I went door-to-door selling paper pizza coupons in a small town in Virginia. You probably guessed it, nobody wanted paper coupons anymore, and I barely sold any after hours and hours of walking in different neighbourhoods. This was the first and the last time I ever tried to be a salesperson.

A perfect day for me would involve:

A new RPG game that I can get lost in, a cat on my lap, talking to my partner, cooking for the people in my life and sharing a meal together, drinking loose leaf tea, laughing at some clever memes, and weightlifting.

If I could time travel, I would go back to:

1960 – Hanoi, Vietnam

Working at MUWCI since:

2017

Education:

B.A. (Hindi, English, Political Science), D.A.V PG College Dehradun, H.N.B Garhwal University, India
B.A. Urdu (Language Arts), Roorki University, Roorki University India
M.A. Hindi (Language Arts), Municipal Post Graduate College Mussoorie, H.N.B Garhwal University, India
M.A. English (Language Arts), Municipal Post Graduate College Mussoorie, H.N.B Garhwal University, India
B. Ed. (Degree), Mussoorie Institute of Education Mussoorie, H.N.B Garhwal University, India
TEFL Diploma, International TEFL and TESOL Training, International TEFL and TESOL Training- ITTT, USA
International Teacher Training TESOL, International TEFL and TESOL Training, International TEFL and TESOL Training- ITTT, USA
Teacher Qualification UK Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training, British College of Business, UK
Special Educational Needs Advance Course, British College of Business, UK
M.Ed (Degree), University of People, USA

Key Research / Expertise Area / Employment:

Educational Research: Hindi & Urdu Grammar, and Premchand’s Literature

Previous Jobs: Hindi Faculty, Woodstock International School Mussoorie; Hindi Lecturer, Hindi-Urdu Language Centre; Hindi Faculty, Stonehill International School Bangalore

Field of Expertise: Hindi & Urdu Curriculum Writing

Countries I’ve called home:

India

The best part about working at MUWCI:

My students

My favourite spot on campus:

Wada 4

My favourite MUWCI tradition:

Advisor Meeting and Wada Meeting because its really special you won’t experience this anywhere else.

Triveni Activities:

MUWCI Media and Writer’s Lab, because taking pictures, writing and collecting memories are very dear to my heart.

I’m secretly (or not so secretly) very good at:

Photography, Writing, Urdu Poetry, Dancing

A perfect day for me would involve:

My students, masala chai, and a lot of laughter

If I could time travel, I would go back to:

My childhood