Haran R P, Bangalore (2026)

25/03/2026

Gratitude Series | Post 5 – To the CAPS Team

My journey with CAPS - Centre for Academic and Professional Support began during my post graduation, when the centre was being restructured through the efforts of Ms Lynette Nazareth and Ms Divya Sharma. Even then, I could sense that something meaningful was being built, though I did not fully understand its scale or impact.

As a student, my involvement was limited to a specific wing that functioned almost like an independent unit. While I had good connections across teams, I did not have a complete understanding of the larger ecosystem. I also observed how CAPS functioned with clarity in some spaces, while in others, there was a genuine effort to establish its identity.

When I returned to CAPS a few years later as a trainer, I was struck by how much it had evolved. It still took me time to understand its depth and potential.

CAPS, by nature, is dynamic. It evolves based on student needs, which is its strength. At the same time, this fluidity can make it challenging for newcomers to grasp its structure. I realised that understanding CAPS required asking the right questions, and I am grateful that people were always open to sharing their experiences.

Those conversations became my learning ground.

Mr Vijith Varghese shared insights on managing teams despite demanding student schedules and adapting structures based on student needs. Mr RAM KUMAR introduced me to technical and psychometric advancements, and I appreciated how openly the student team shared their processes. Ms Pancinovia Neelu’s work on the Writing Centre reflected how initiatives within CAPS can grow into meaningful platforms.

Through these interactions, I began to see CAPS as a collaborative ecosystem. A space where ideas are tested, refined, and reimagined, and where students are contributors, not just participants.

What stood out most was the accessibility and support from the leadership. Ms Lynette Nazareth and Ms Divya Sharma were always approachable, whether it was for a doubt, discussion, or new idea. This openness built trust, encouraged experimentation, and gave me the confidence to contribute meaningfully.

CAPS is more than a support centre. It is a peer-led platform that simulates real-world work environments while allowing students to apply their knowledge during their academic journey. That balance is something I deeply admire.

On a lighter note, it is inspiring to see how Ms Lynette Nazareth and Ms Divya Sharma bring together rich experience with a mindset that is open to learning and adapting. That balance is rare and something I deeply respect.

Grateful to have been part of this journey and to have learnt from such a dynamic space.

13/03/2026

Gratitude Series | Post 4 – To Ms Anamika A

Some professional journeys become meaningful because of the people who walk alongside us. For me, one such person has been Anamika A.

From Day 01, she welcomed me with a warm smile and made the transition into my current role much smoother than I could have imagined. In fact, I first learnt about this opportunity through her, and our initial conversation about the role and expectations gave me the confidence to take that step.

From the interview process to adapting to a new environment and an unconventional role, she ensured that the journey felt supported and comfortable. As a colleague, I truly could not have asked for more.

What I value the most is the space she gave me to experiment. Many of the initiatives I suggested were welcomed with openness. She rarely said “no” to ideas. Instead, she allowed me to try, learn, and sometimes even understand why certain things did not work as expected. That freedom to explore, combined with her support when things did not go as planned, helped build both confidence and clarity in my role.

Working in a large institution comes with its own complexities. The rapport and trust Anamika had already built within the organisation made my entry into the team much easier. People were welcoming, open to conversation, and willing to guide me, which helped me quickly understand the institutional culture and processes.

I have also learnt immensely from her experience. Her clarity in maintaining boundaries, her respect for people, and her ability to build mutual understanding within the team made our collaboration smooth and effective. Even in challenging situations, she created an environment of trust where I always felt supported.

Despite having different working styles, she ensured that I had the space to work in my own way. Simple practices like maintaining shared documents, keeping communication transparent in common spaces, and ensuring accessibility to information created a strong sense of trust and coordination in our work.

One small incident captures this beautifully. On a day when Ma’am was on leave, an urgent meeting with administrators came up. I tried reaching her, but she was not in network range. When I checked our shared cloud space, I realised she had already prepared the relevant documents in advance. I simply printed them and walked into the meeting with confidence. It was a moment that made me appreciate how much trust and coordination can be built through thoughtful systems and mutual understanding.

These seemingly small actions made a big difference in the work we did together. Since our work involves constant interaction with students, it also helped that we always kept each other updated, which strengthened our collaboration and made it more consistent (and perhaps made it harder for students to play one of us against the other!).

For all the support, trust, learning, and partnership in work, I remain deeply grateful.

Thank you, Ms Anamika A.

21/10/2025

Gratitude Series | Post 3 – To My Students

Making Perfect Students - Is it the GOAL?

Many times, a teacher/counsellor might feel that students are stupid and lose their sanity while handling their demanding nature. My journey taught me a few important lessons, and I would like to share them here.

- Students need space to make mistakes. Mistakes often come from curiosity, not laziness.
- If we nurture and direct that curiosity instead of killing it, students flourish. So, never scold or shame them for trying. Effort deserves recognition.
- I celebrated not just the top scorers, but “star performers”, those who improved compared to their previous exam. Growth deserves applause.
- Empathy changes everything. The frustrations we feel about students, they feel about teachers, too. Many walks into class carrying burdens: a skipped breakfast, a crowded bus ride, family conflicts. These are heavy for a young mind. Instead of comparing our struggles with theirs, it helps to step into their shoes.

I learnt to pay extra attention to the students who disliked me the most. Winning their trust often turned into the strongest bonds. Once you touch their hearts, their commitment to learning follows naturally. Yes, it takes extra effort, but sometimes that small effort can change the course of a student’s life.

The reward? At my farewell, I witnessed something unforgettable. Students, including alumni, returned, shed tears, wrote letters, and filled the day with photographs and memories that made me feel like an important person. In that moment, I realised: the tenfold love I received was only a reflection of the minimal care and empathy I tried to show them.

So, does that mean students look forward to a perfect teacher/counsellor? Actually, they want someone who is open to understanding them and changing their approaches based on what the student wants.

To my students: thank you for teaching me that empathy, patience, and understanding others' perspectives.

14/10/2025

Gratitude Series | Post 2 – To My Principal

Among the many people I’m grateful to in my journey, my principal holds a very special place. He was one of the senior-most in the institution, while I was the junior-most. Yet, never once did he make me feel like "just a Junior".

Whenever I approached him with an idea, he would patiently listen, explain the challenges of implementation, and then encourage me if the idea had merit. I still remember once sharing how some colleagues doubted my ability to counsel students, saying, “How can someone without children understand problems of children?” His response stays with me even today: “Then every doctor must first break their bone before treating fractures.” That single statement shifted my perspective and gave me courage.

Though not from a psychology background, he was a true visionary. He would emphasise that a counselling room must always be a safe space, a place where students can simply talk and feel heard, not where they are pressured to visit only when there is something deeply emotional. He recognised my work early on, trusted me with greater responsibilities, and never once denied any initiative that aimed at student well-being.

I also admire his simplicity and approachable nature. Many students would often ask, “Why is he so simple?” And the answer was clear: he chose to keep his door open (literally), be warm, fun-loving, and approachable, because he believed leadership meant being accessible. That mindset inspired me to adopt the same approachability with students.

His support went far beyond routine responsibilities. From helping me connect with psychology lecturers of other colleges to enabling academic resources like books and lab materials, he ensured the process was smooth, if it benefited students. I’ve also witnessed his composure in complex student issues, whether visiting students’ houses, resolving sensitive matters, or even when legal interventions were required. Through it all, he stood firmly with us, teaching me how to process and handle difficult situations with balance.

For all of this, I remain deeply grateful. His trust, guidance, and vision not only shaped my work but also shaped me as a professional and as a person. Thank you, Mr Vinod Amrithraj M sir

07/10/2025

Gratitude Series | Post 1 – To My First Colleagues

This is about joining a workplace right after my master’s. Entering the teaching community as one of the youngest, I faced resistance. Many wondered if I was “too young” for both teaching and counselling. Some even questioned: “How can someone without children understand parents’ or kids' challenges?”

This went further. When students became comfortable with me, concerns arose: Am I being too friendly? Too lenient? And also, we should agree that students make use of the friendly staff to make excuses. When counsellors are paid similarly to teachers, there were thoughts on whether they have enough workload.

At first, these doubts made me feel frustrated. But I realised the issue was not with students, colleagues, or me. It was with transparency and communication. So, I made changes in the structure.
- Mandating at least 18 student sessions per week
- Organised monthly student engagement/awareness activities
- Kept authorities informed about important concerns
- Biannually asked colleagues what they expected from counselling services
- Partnered with teachers by saying: “This student is struggling due to various reasons. Can you guide them academically?”

This approach made colleagues feel included and students feel better supported. In two years, I earned a space in both groups that I am deeply grateful for.
The most touching part? When I resigned, many colleagues, teaching and non-teaching, surprised me with small souvenirs and heartfelt words. Looking back, I realised it was not the big things, but the small gestures that built trust: greeting them, checking in, asking “Have you eaten?”, or simply sharing a smile.

My takeaway for newcomers in the field: Challenges will come, but every challenge is an opportunity to prove yourself and grow. Be open, stay consistent, and remember in a busy world, everyone just wants to be heard.

30/09/2025

Graduation Reflections: Joy, Growth & The Responsibility of Bonding with Students

It’s been a while since the graduation ceremony took place, but the emotion from that day still lingers in my heart. Watching students hold back tears as they lit candles and symbolically carried the light of learning into the real world reminded me why we do what we do. The essence of meaningful education lies in when students don’t just leave with a certificate, but with a feeling of belonging, and a memory worth missing.

When students miss their classrooms, we know we did the right thing. If students walk away thinking “Thank God that’s over!” then we’ve failed not just as educators, but as an education system. But thankfully, my experience has been different. Across the past four batches I’ve had the privilege to teach, I’ve witnessed emotional goodbyes, heartfelt messages, and a classroom culture that was built on empathy, respect, and shared growth. These students didn’t just learn from me; I learnt from them. They helped me evolve, experiment, and understand how to connect more authentically. My teaching strategies and classroom approach shifted through these interactions.

This interestingly introduced incredible healing about walking into a classroom. For me, it’s been a space where, even on an overwhelming day, can be changed by a student’s smile, question, or thoughtful reflection. One of the most humbling lessons I’ve learned is "What may feel like a small gesture from our side often feels like a mountain moved from theirs" A simple word of encouragement, a moment of understanding, it all matters deeply to a student.
It taught me that the moment you begin to understand your students, they start understanding you too.

As much as I cherish emotional connections with students, I also feel it is important to acknowledge the fine line between bonding and boundary crossing. In recent years, I’ve observed situations where boundaries blur, and this connection is hated by a group of students.

Here are some common boundary concerns educators should reflect on:

Special rules for special students – Rules should apply to everyone equally. Consistency promotes fairness and prevents perceptions of favouritism.

Over-involvement in personal matters – It’s okay to listen, but it’s not okay to take action beyond institutional protocols.

Physical boundaries – Affection should never involve touch without mutual concern.

Personal gifts – Giving or receiving special gifts from specific students can appear exclusive and biased.

Meetings outside the institution – Avoid one-on-one meetings outside campus. Even well-intended gestures can send the wrong message.

We often talk about how student-teacher bonds shape lives, and they do. But bonds become beautiful only when held with care.

So, as we celebrate the relationships we form, let’s also honour the responsibility that comes with them. A teacher’s influence is lasting. Let it be ethical, inclusive, and empowering.

16/02/2025

Vartah 3.0

I had the incredible opportunity to participate in Vartah 3.0, a two-day National School Counsellors' Summit organized by GD Goenka University in collaboration with Fortis Healthcare. The event, held at GD Goenka University, Delhi NCR, brought together professionals and experts to discuss the pressing issue of the pressure of competitive exams and the alarming rise in student su***des. Experts shed light on the critical role of school counsellors in providing emotional and academic support to students navigating these challenges.

The summit featured insightful panel discussions and guest seminars by esteemed speakers, each offering valuable perspectives on mental health interventions in educational settings. They also emphasised how parents, schools and media are the main culprits behind the students' su***de. The discussion on how empathy with responsibility, effective coping mechanisms and non-judgemental space will support students was brought up smoothly without offending the stakeholders. I appreciate the efforts of the speakers in highlighting the best practices that reinforced the importance of early intervention, emotional well-being, and holistic student support in schools.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Prof Dr Kim Menezes, Vice Chancellor, Dr. Anjali Midha Sharan, Dean, School of Liberal Arts and GD Goenka University for their generosity in providing me with this opportunity to participate in this summit.

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09/02/2025

Exploring Qualitative Comparative Research: A Learning Experience

I had the opportunity a year ago to be a part in organising an international workshop lead by Dr Leemamol Mathew, Associate Professor at Christ University, Kengeri Campus Christ University, Bangalore. The workshop featured esteemed speakers, including Dr Erika Gubrium, Dr Alejandro Miranda-Nieto, Dr Gustavo Sugahara from OsloMet - Oslo Metropolitan University, and Dr Sony Pellissery from the National Law School of India University, Bangalore.

The focus of the workshop was Qualitative Comparative Research (QCR)—a topic that truly piqued my interest. Traditionally, comparison has been a term closely associated with quantitative research, but this workshop shed light on how comparative methodologies can also be effectively applied in qualitative studies. It was an insightful experience that broadened my perspective on research methodologies.

Grateful for the enriching discussions and the opportunity to learn from such distinguished experts!

Haran R P

25/03/2026

13/03/2026

21/10/2025

14/10/2025

07/10/2025

30/09/2025

16/02/2025

09/02/2025

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