For six years, Kriti Singh Khati served as the respected principal of Arya Private School, a well-regarded institution in the city. In May 2025, she made a decision that surprised many: she chose to leave her established role to lead a new educational initiative in Lumbini. This move raised a natural question: Why would a successful principal trade a position of prestige for a project just beginning to take root? For Kriti, the answer was a matter of calling.

"Children in the city have abundant educational resources, while students in Lumbini are unable to access the learning opportunities they deserve. I hope to become a resource for these students from disadvantaged families." —Kriti Singh Khati

A Commitment to Humanistic Values

Kriti's journey into education began at seventeen, inspired by the selfless dedication of her own teachers. Their influence inspired her to become a guiding light for her students, focusing not on pressure but on patient communication and understanding. By respecting each child's unique qualities, she created a classroom atmosphere where students felt free to explore their interests and pursue their dreams, with her as a steadfast supporter.

Her path took a pivotal turn in August 2024 when she first encountered Jing Si Aphorisms (short practical teachings from Master Cheng Yen). She recognized a profound alignment with her own values and saw the potential of an education that nurtures both intellect and character. "Jing Si Aphorisms teaching is like a vehicle, with the teacher as the driver and students as passengers," she reflected. "The teacher guides students from one shore to another, from darkness to light, from idleness to diligence."

Kriti saw this approach as similar to the traditional Gurukul system of India, which emphasizes deep teacher-student interaction and practical life lessons. She promptly invited Tzu Chi education volunteers to her school to introduce this humanistic curriculum. The results were transformative.

Students who had once been quick to anger learned to pause and reflect before reacting. Their attitudes matured, and their respect for teachers grew. One Muslim student began affectionately calling Kriti "Ami," meaning mother. "She told me, 'Principal, you are our mother, the mother of the school. We truly love you, so we call you Ami,'" Kriti shared with a warm smile. "This taught me that a teacher's role cannot be confined to a nine-to-five schedule. It requires emotional investment to truly touch a student's heart."

From Witness to Participant

Kriti's commitment extended far beyond the school walls. She participated in community events, including the groundbreaking ceremony for a new Tzu Chi school and the year-end blessings ceremony. A visit to Laxmipur village, not far from the city of Bhairahawa, left a deep impression on her. She was moved to see so many children not attending school, their parents often not encouraging education.

"Education is the only solution to all problems."
—Kriti Singh Khati

Kriti believes that even for farming, learning proper techniques is essential for productivity. She hopes that parents will come to understand the value of education, enabling their children to break free from the hardships their families have faced for generations.

This conviction was further strengthened during a trip to Hualien, Taiwan, where she visited a Tzu Chi middle school. Witnessing the sustained, tireless efforts of the volunteers there moved her deeply and solidified her resolve to dedicate herself to the mission in Nepal.

Sowing Seeds for a Brighter Future

Now fully committed to her new role, Kriti Singh Khati is focused on building a strong educational foundation from the ground up. She envisions a school that is not just a place of learning but a warm and nurturing home for its students. Her goal is to cultivate an environment where children are recognized not only for their academic progress but for their kindness, politeness, and compassion.

"I hope that in the future, people in Nepal will recognize Tzu Chi as a pioneer in education," she said with confidence. "When our students walk down the street, they will be identifiable by their gentle speech, humble demeanor, and caring hearts."

With her extensive leadership experience and a profound sense of mission, Kriti is determined to be a "diligent farmer" in the fertile fields of her students' minds. By sowing seeds of love and knowledge, she believes that a new generation of compassionate and capable leaders will emerge, becoming pillars of strength for their nation and the world.

Written by Lay Sim Lee (李麗心)

Source: 科麗緹校長獻身教育 用愛翻轉尼泊爾