Signing Off 2025 With Deep Gratitude

Gratitude has been the quiet strength behind this long doctoral journey.

Signing Off 2025 With Deep Gratitude

Wishing you a New Year filled with clarity, growth, and quiet courage—one step, one choice, one transformation at a time. ✨

Gratitude has been the quiet strength behind this long doctoral journey.

I am sincerely grateful to Dr Richa Chilana for standing by me when it mattered most—offering encouragement and belief during challenging moments.

My deepest thanks to Aswani RS, Ph.D, whose patience, persistence, and unwavering faith guided me through every high and low. Your mentorship shaped both my research and my growth as a scholar.

I also thank Dr. Zac Fitz-Walter, whose serendipitous podcast introduced me to gamification long before my formal PhD began. Your pioneering work sparked my curiosity and helped define the direction of my research. Your able guidance has been extremely intrumental.

Heartfelt thanks to Dr. Amaresh Jha, Shambhu Sajith Ph.D and Dr. Shivam Joshi for their kind support, thoughtful suggestions, and collaborative spirit.

My appreciation extends to Dr. Atri Nautiyal for his steady leadership and support throughout this journey.

This journey also carried its share of late-night team meetings with gamification experts and scholars, seemingly endless rounds of rigorous literature reviews, and a constant inner push to complete this humongous work—even while navigating chaos and conflict.

I am thankful to UPES for a supportive academic environment, to my entire

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#SchoolforLife team for the early nudge and belief in my work, and to my students, whose engagement and feedback added depth and meaning to this research.

And, my deepest gratitude to my parents, my brother Saurabh Mishra, my sister Priya Mishra, and my son Shivang—my constant cheerleaders. Your belief and love were my greatest strength.

This thesis is not mine alone.

It carries the faith and support of many.

Signing off 2025 with deep gratitude

𝑫𝒓. 𝑮𝒂𝒖𝒓𝒂𝒗 𝑴𝒊𝒔𝒓𝒂🙏✨

A Leadership Reset: Reflections from IHERC 2025

Leadership is far less about authority and far more about responsibility, humility, and presence.

A Leadership Reset:
Reflections from IHERC 2025 

As I sat there, notebook open but mind fully present, a few leadership lessons stayed with me long after the sessions ended. I look forward to building on these insights as I continue my work in the higher education ecosystem—trying, in my own small ways, to lead with clarity, compassion, and purpose.

I returned from IHERC 2025 at the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi feeling grateful, inspired, and quietly reflective. Two days immersed in conversations on higher education, research, and leadership have a way of slowing you down—in a good way—and nudging you to re-examine what truly matters in the work we do.

One of the most special moments for me was what I can only describe as a fanboy moment. Listening to Prof. V. Ramgopal Rao and Mr. Kiran Karnik—two leaders I’ve admired since the very beginning of my professional journey—was both grounding and energizing. Their words didn’t feel aspirational in a distant sense; they felt deeply real, shaped by lived experience, failures, and hard-earned wisdom.

As I sat there, notebook open but mind fully present, a few leadership lessons stayed with me long after the sessions ended.

✓ I was reminded that leadership begins with communicating the vision clearly, not just to the top few, but all the way to the bottom of the organization. A vision that isn’t understood widely rarely moves people meaningfully.

✓ Another powerful reminder was about ownership—taking charge of failures without hesitation, and generously attributing success to the team. That quiet shift in mindset says more about a leader than any title ever could.

✓ What also struck me deeply was the emphasis on choosing battles wisely. Not every fight deserves energy. Knowing which challenges to confront and which ones to let go of is an underrated leadership skill, especially in complex academic and institutional ecosystems.

✓ Leadership, I realized again, is also about translation—turning vision into values, and values into everyday behaviours. Big ideas only matter when they show up in small, consistent actions.

✓ There was also a strong emphasis on leading by example. Not by instruction or authority, but through conduct. People observe far more than they listen.

✓ Another takeaway that resonated with me was the importance of emotional connection, alongside rational clarity. Teams don’t just need direction; they need to feel seen, heard, and valued. Logic may guide decisions, but emotion sustains commitment.

✓ Leaders, I was reminded, must provide direction and actively remove obstacles, creating space for others to do their best work. And perhaps most importantly—even when people disagree with you, listen. Disagreement, when met with openness, often carries the seed of growth.

As I reflect on these lessons, one thought stands out clearly: leadership is far less about authority and far more about responsibility, humility, and presence.

I look forward to building on these insights as I continue my work in the higher education ecosystem—trying, in my own small ways, to lead with clarity, compassion, and purpose.

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Gratitude, Growth, and the Gift of Teaching

#gratefulthankfulblessed2025

Gratitude, Growth, and the Gift of Teaching

Today, I am grateful. Today, I am grounded. And today, more than ever, I am committed to the beautiful calling of teaching.

Today, my heart feels heavier—in the most beautiful way.

Not with burden, but with gratitude.

Receiving the #TeacherOfTheYearAward2025 from UCOST (Uttarakhand State Council for Science and Technology), ONGC Limited, and SRADSTA (Society for Research & Development in Science, Technology and Agriculture) under the 6th Dehradun International Science and Technology Festival is a moment I will cherish for a lifetime. 

But this recognition is not just an award; it’s a quiet whisper from the universe reminding me why I chose this path… and why this path chose me.

Teaching has always been more than a profession. It is the one thing that has consistently lit up my soul. Long before degrees, awards, or titles, there was just one simple truth—I love teaching because I love watching my students grow.

This award carries within it the weight of a journey:

the struggles no one saw,

the late nights of planning and preparing,

the constant learning, unlearning, and relearning,

and the unwavering belief that education can change the course of one's life.

Every classroom I’ve walked into, every student I’ve interacted with, every challenge I’ve stumbled through—they have shaped me in ways no textbook ever could.

I often tell my students that they are capable of greatness, but the truth is… they are the ones who taught me greatness. Their resilience, their curiosity, their dreams—those are my driving force. My students are not just learners; they are my purpose.

To my mentors and colleagues—your belief in me has held me steady on days when I doubted myself.

To my parents—your support is the home my spirit always returns to.

To everyone who has been part of my journey—thank you for standing with me, cheering for me, and reminding me of the power of sincere work.

Achievements like this don’t happen in isolation. They are built through countless hands, countless hearts, and countless moments of kindness, guidance, and faith.

As I hold this recognition close, I feel not pride— but responsibility. A deeper responsibility to keep showing up with sincerity, courage, and hope.

To continue shaping minds, touching lives, and creating learning spaces where every learner feels seen, heard, and valued.

Today, I am grateful. Today, I am grounded.

And today, more than ever, I am committed to the beautiful calling of teaching.

#gratefulthankfulblessed2025

From Dream to Reality: My Journey to the United Nations

#FromDreamToUN 

From Dream to Reality: 
My Journey to the United Nations

Being at the UN was more than just a personal achievement—it was a reminder of why I started this journey. It was about contributing to a larger cause, lending my voice to important conversations, and learning from others who are equally committed to making the world better.

As I stood there—surrounded by flags, history, and voices shaping the future—I couldn’t help but think back to my graduation days. Back then, the idea of visiting the UN felt so far away. It was a dream I carried quietly, never knowing how or when it would happen. At that time, all I could do was work hard, stay committed to my values, and make a difference wherever I could.

Life, I have learned, has its own way of rewarding quiet perseverance. Opportunities rarely come from chasing recognition; they come from chasing excellence. Every small project, every volunteer hour, every late night spent working on something meaningful—these were the stepping stones that eventually led me to this global platform.

Being at the UN was more than just a personal achievement—it was a reminder of why I started this journey. It was about contributing to a larger cause, lending my voice to important conversations, and learning from others who are equally committed to making the world better.

I carry with me a quote that has guided me for years:

"Do not wait for extraordinary circumstances to do good; try to use ordinary situations." — Charles Richter

You don’t need a big stage to start making an impact. Your everyday actions—helping a friend, mentoring someone, starting a small community project—matter more than you think.

To every young dreamer reading this: keep showing up. Keep doing the work. Even when no one is watching, you are growing. The seeds you plant today may take years to grow, but when they bloom, they will take you places you never thought possible.

And who knows? One day, you might find yourself standing at the United Nations—not just as a visitor, but as a representative of your dreams, your work, and your country.

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6 Years of Impact

6 Years of Impact

Here’s to many more years of Project Utthan, uplifting hearts and creating lasting impact! 💙

Six years ago, in November 2018, we embarked on a journey of hope and change with Project Utthan. From its humble beginnings, this initiative has been supporting underserved communities, providing education, and implementing impactful initiatives to empower lives. 

We take immense pride in the fact that Project Utthan is not only Uttarakhand’s first self-funded social welfare initiative but also a UN-recognized one. 

It is a transformative force that has positively touched countless lives—both of underserved children and the passionate volunteers who have made this mission possible. 

As we reflect on these incredible six years, we also look forward to continuing this journey—spreading love, promoting growth, and making meaningful contributions to society. 

Here’s to many more years of Project Utthan, uplifting hearts and creating lasting impact! 💙

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Project GROW: Transformative Journey in Enhancing Language Proficiency of Support Staff

Project Grow marks a significant step towards fostering growth and development within our organization.

Project GROW: Transformative Journey in 
Enhancing Language Proficiency of Support Staff

In a remarkable collaboration between School for Life and UPES CSR, a transformative journey has begun to uplift the language proficiency of our invaluable support staff. This three-month pilot project on Communicative English Training, aptly named 'Project Grow,' marks a significant step towards fostering growth and development within our organization.

The inaugural event of 'Project Grow' was graced by the esteemed presence of our CEO, Dr. Sharad Mehra. On behalf of the entire Project Grow team, we extend our sincere gratitude to Dr. Mehra for his unwavering support and guidance throughout the inception of this initiative. His presence at the kick-off event reaffirms our commitment to this transformative journey.

On behalf of the entire Project Grow team, we extend our sincere gratitude to
Dr. Mehra for his unwavering support and guidance

The primary objective of 'Project Grow' is to empower our support staff by enhancing their language proficiency. We believe that improved communication skills will not only boost their confidence but also enable them to deliver more efficient and effective service experiences to our esteemed visitors.

Language proficiency is a crucial aspect of personal and professional growth. By investing in the development of our support staff's communication skills, we aim to create a more inclusive and dynamic work environment. As they gain proficiency in English communication, our support staff members will be better equipped to engage with visitors, understand their needs, and provide a seamless and enjoyable experience.

We acknowledge the invaluable support from everyone involved in 'Project Grow.' Your encouragement and backing are instrumental in driving positive change within our organization. This initiative is not just a training program; it is a collective effort to make a lasting difference in the lives of our support staff and the overall experience of those who interact with our organization.

As we embark on this transformative journey, we encourage everyone to persist in their commitment to excellence. The impact of 'Project Grow' goes beyond language proficiency; it is about empowering individuals, building confidence, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

In conclusion, we express our gratitude to all supporters and stakeholders. Together, let's persist, grow, and make a significant difference in the lives of our support staff and the quality of service we provide. Here's to a journey of empowerment, growth, and positive transformation!

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Magic in Every Moment

Let's continue to strive for excellence and make every moment count!

Magic in Every Moment

As I celebrate this milestone, I am reminded that the magic lies not just in the accolades but in the relentless pursuit of growth and the unwavering belief that every challenge is an opportunity for magnification. 

Reflecting on an incredible journey I embarked on a few years ago on this day – December 14, 2019 – as I completed the Global Leader for Innovation & Knowledge program offered by JAIMS (Japan - America Institute of Management Science). 

From Japan to the USA, Singapore to Thailand, I immersed myself in diverse cultures, learning, and growth. Living with colleagues from around the world, I had the privilege of being trained, coached, and mentored by industry stalwarts and renowned researchers. 

Today, as I look back, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the magical surprises that unfolded during my Convocation Ceremony:

(I) I became the 1st Indian to receive the 'Honorable Learner Award.' A testament to the dedication and passion that fueled every step of my learning journey. 
(II) My Capstone Project on Youth Skill Development made it to the Top Three Positions, affirming the power of commitment and innovation in shaping a brighter future. 

This journey has reinforced a timeless truth in my heart: 

"Whenever You Earn an Opportunity, Don't Worry Much about the Outcome; Just Put Your Heart and Soul into It, Magic is bound to Happen." 

As I celebrate this milestone, I am reminded that the magic lies not just in the accolades but in the relentless pursuit of growth and the unwavering belief that every challenge is an opportunity for magnification. 

To everyone who has been a part of my journey, thank you for being my pillars of strength and inspiration. Here's to embracing opportunities wholeheartedly, pursuing dreams passionately, and believing in the magic that unfolds when we give our all. 

Let's continue to strive for excellence and make every moment count!

 #GLIKAnniversary

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