Will to Lead

187 Ken & Bala Ken Bahl is the head of Sierra Circuits, a fast- growing Silicon Valley company that produces and assembles high technology Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs). He is a man who cherishes ideas and loves to convert ideas into reality. The company has been a pioneer in the semiconductor industry by creating the quick turn market. Bala Bahl is Sierra Circuit's VP of Operations and Co-Owner. Thanks to her management, Sierra boasts above 95 percent on-time delivery rates. With astonishing energy and commitment, Bala tackles customer service, product pricing, production, purchasing and accounting functions instantly. Sierra circuits has their manufacturing and assembly factory in the heart of silicon valley. They also have pre-egnineering and sales support ofces in Bangalore and Goa. Sierra Circuits has about 500 employees that they proudly call Sierra family. Ken and Bala are very passionate about education and have been involved in philanthropy for many years. They have supported various organizations to help set up schools, computer labs and various educational programs both in India and abroad. Ken and Bala both believe in living a balanced life and hence indulge in many recreational activities over the weekend. They both love singing and enjoy musical parties with their friends. Board games and traveling are their other passions in life.

188 Madhu Bahl - Autobiography Ankush Bahl is the Music Director Designate of the Omaha symphony. He is recognized today by orchestras and audiences alike for his impressive conducting technique, thoughtful interpretations, and engaging podium presence. He is happily married to Dr. Ritu Shrotriya. She is an Internal medicine specialist in Washington. She is afliated with Medstar Georgetown University Hospital. They have twin boys Niam and Dhilan age 7 who are very fond of art projects and Pokeman. They enjoy playing baseball and board games. Joycie Bahl is a proud homemaker and a devoted mother. She is married to Nilesh Parate, who is the General Manager at Sierra circuits. Nilesh is the head for web products and the companies IT projects. He holds an MBA from The Wharton School. They have a 16 year old son Ishaan and 10 year old daughter Riya. Ishaan is a senior in high school, he is very passionate about gaming technology, business development and theater. Riya is a middle schooler who loves playing piano and is very athletic as well. She is a soccer player and enjoys many board games. Amit Bahl is the Director of Sales and Marketing at Sierra circuits. He is a graduate from UCLA in engineering and marketing. He is known as \" The PCB GUY\" in the industry. He is passionate to teach his customers about new technologies and manufacturing capabilities of Sierra circuits. He is deeply involved in helping various new age startups with their prototype developments in self driving cars and ying taxis. Amit is married to Vrishtee Bahl, who is a proud homemaker and mother of their two daughters. Meenal who is 14 years old will be a sophomore in high school. She is a creative writer, who enjoys STEM and has been learning Kathak for past 9 years. Toshani is their younger daughter, age 9. She is very passionate about singing and has been learning Hindi classical music. She also enjoys riding horses and playing tennis.

Will to Lead 189 Ken & Family

190 Madhu Bahl - Autobiography

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192 Madhu Bahl - Autobiography Maestro Ankush Bahl & Family

Will to Lead 193 Joycie & Family

194 Madhu Bahl - Autobiography Amit & Family

195 Usha & O.P. Sehgal My elder sister-in-law Usha was born on 31st July, 1938 at Jalandhar. She did her schooling from Sain Dass High School for Girls and passed Intermediate from Hans Raj Mahila College, Jalandhar. She graduated from Government College for Women, Amritsar and did her MA Maths from Panjab University Chandigarh. She did her B.Ed. in 1963 from Govt. College of Education Chandigarh and later M.Ed. from Himachal Pradesh University. She was married to Shri O.P. Sehgal who was Assistant Engineer in PWD irrigation Punjab. She joined DelhiAdministration as PGT in 1964. Usha and O.P. Sehgal were on deputation to Government of Tanzania from 1974 to 1979. She retired as Principal from Priyadarshani Sarvodya Government SS School, Fatehpur Beri, New Delhi in 1998. Shri O.P. Sehgal retired as Director (SG) Central Water and Power Commission in 1993. Shri O.P. Sehgal did his B.Sc. Hons from Delhi University and his BE from Delhi College of Engineering. He joined as class-I Gazetted Officer in Central Water and Power Commission, New Delhi. He did his ME from Roorkee University, Roorkee in 1971.

196 Madhu Bahl - Autobiography Usha and O.P. Sehgal have one son Sundeep and one daughter Sungeeta. Sundeep did his B.Tech (Mining Machinery) from Indian School of Mines Dhanbad, where he stood First and was awarded Gold Medal. After doing his MBA from International Management Institute, New Delhi, he started his own business in Portfolio Management and Financial Consultancy. He is married to Sapna who is a Practicing Physiotherapist. They have two daughters Srishti (born 19.6.94) and Sidika (born 4.9.98). Sungeeta is married to Gyanendera Singh who is doing his own business. Sungeeta has done her Ph.D. in Mathematics from IIT Delhi. Presently she is working as Lecturer in a College at Gurgaon. They are blessed with a daughter Gauri (born 13.2.95). Sangeeta & Gauri

Will to Lead 197 Sundeep Sehgal & Family

198 Madhu Bahl - Autobiography Madhu & Avinash Madhu Khosla (born on 18th august 1950) did her B.A. from Sacred Heart Dalhousie and Master in English Literature from DAV College Jalandhar, has a Diploma in Interior Designing and has undertaken various assignments in Ludhiana. She has long been anActive Member of Inner Wheel Club of Ludhiana (Rotary) and has served the Club as President and Secretary and presently she is the Chairperson of Nirdosh – a School for Mentally Challenged (Special) Children run by the Club for the last 40 years. The school has attained new heights during her tenure and is cited as an example in National and International Circles. Madhu – My Sister-in-law – my name sake! – As I became a member of Bahl family – the rst thing that came to everybody's attention was that there could not be two Madhus in one family –so in order to avoid confusion – I was re-named - Aarti to match the initials of my husband's name Arun. That sorted out the confusion at the family level – but recently Madhu met somebody, who knew her before marriage as Madhu Bahl, said that they thought Madhu Bahl – Principal KBDAV-7 was her !! “Suits me ne” – considering the position that she commands in the educational circles. She has proved herself to be a real daughter of Principal Bahl following in his footsteps in the true sense. The family is so proud of her. Being the same age, we are also the best of friends and so are our children – Kanav, Bhanu, Vani and Vishal”, as she puts it.

Will to Lead 199 My sister-in-law Madhu is married to Avinash Khosla, Madhu and Avinash have one son Kanav Khosla and an Architect of repute in Northern India – working one daughter Bhanu Khosla. After completing his under the aegis of Avinash Khosla & Associates, Bachelors in Architecture and Masters in Urban Design hailing from an educationist family, son of Principal from Oxford, UK, Kanav joined his father's Practise at B.S. Khosla of S.D.P. School Ludhiana – born on 3rd Ludhiana and is handling many prestigious projects as April 1946, Avinash Khosla a Graduate of Chandigarh an Architect. His portfolio of works encompasses College of Architecture, has the rare distinction of different project like Residential Institutional and having handled projects for Private, Corporate & Ofce buildings. He specialises in Sports and Aviation Government Sectors all over the country for more the Buildings. He is married to Architect Shweta Khosla 50 years. He has also been awarded with a Gold Medal from Pune, who handles important verticals in the for his Exemplary Services for working in Tribal areas family rm. They have two daughters, Parnika is 10 of Chattisgarh and M.P. for the Development of years old and is a very good dancer and loves to sketch. Townships & Sports Infrastructure. His portfolio of Charming Tanvika, 5 years old is an art lover and a design ranges from Houses to Ofces and Industrial fashionista. Buildings, Townships, Stadiums, Development Projects andAirport Infrastructures. Bhanu (born on 4th February 1978) has done B.Sc. Home Science from PAU Ludhiana, Standing Second The Firm under his leadership has been awarded the in the University, and M.Sc. Clothing and Textiles “Architect of the Year Award” and “Best Concrete (with specialization in CAD) from Government Home Structure of the Year Award for its work done. He is a Science College, Chandigarh. She has been on the Fellow of Indian Institute of Architects (IIA) and a faculty of the Ludhiana Branch of NIFD (National member of Council of Architects (COA), New Delhi. Institute of Fashion Design). She has organized many He is a very senior member of the Rotary International Exhibitions of her Murals (calligraphy paintings), and is also a Paul Harris Fellow. He has the privilege of Wash Tempera paintings, Stained Glass Paintings; donating to the various causes initiated by Rotary – hand painted and printed designer wear, handmade donation of a Pace Maker in particular. wedding cards and greeting cards etc. Under the name of Bhanu's Design Studio. She is married to Nakul He is one of the founders of the DAV Public School, Saxena who is actively involved in Policy Making for Bhai Randhir Singh Nagar, Ludhiana, and is on its Technology Sector with the Indian Government and Local Managing Committee. He designed the entire dealing with the Start up Ecosystem, he appeared in building of the school and collected large funds for the many interviews and discussions on CNN. They have a Institution. He was of great help in procuring four acres daughter Meher 12, a budding Digital Artist and a son of land for the School. The new building of the school Anish 9, a budding Superhot ComicArtist. and the Auditorium has been designed and constructed under his direct supervision. He is also a member of the DAV Society, New Delhi.

200 Madhu Bahl - Autobiography Madhu-Avinash & Family

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202 Madhu Bahl - Autobiography Fit & Inspirational at 70! Madhu Bahl Regioal Director and Manager, DAV Schools An ace educationist, a sports enthusiast, someone who took Chandigarh at the international map in Roller Skating, a good Samaritan, a strong visionary and someone who curries an aura of discipline and grace along. Meet Madhu Bahl, who is tremendously elegant at 70 and has an undying zeal to educate students of all strata- privileged and lesser privileged. Her unique initiative Saral Ahsaas, in which she adopted 450 children of Bapu Dhaam Colony to educate them for free, won her laurels at the national level, including an award by President of India, the State Award, among several others. Her list of achievements is endless, and there are countless teachers and students whose careers she has shaped in all these decades. Here is a candid conVersation between this phenomenal, graceful lady with TLJ Editor-in-Chief Dr Neha Miglani.

What is your life philosophy? Will to Lead 203 Minneapolis. My daughter-in-law Amber Bahl runs her own My life is dedicated to education, and my only passion is to business in the US and is connected with school education. educate students. Not just those who are privileged but even My grandson, Arnav, is a gifted child and is way ahead of his those who are lesser privileged. 'Saral Ahsaas' has been very age. He already chants Maha Mrityunjaya Japa at a tender close to my heart. It was not easy to go to colony and age, and his parents have given him good Indian values. convince parents to send their children to us. Now, one cannot make out the difference between regular students and How do you unwind after a long day? them! I like to watch movies, of any kind, on Netix and other Your biggest challenge in life so far (Professional and platforms. That is my way of relaxing and unwinding! I also personal). listen to gazals, particularly Jagjit Singh's gazals. When I initiated the project to educate the lesser privilege Few things you want to improve in yourself. there were minor challenges. The personal hygiene of these children from slums was so low that teachers used to keep I think I get restless sometimes. I know that things will be handkerchief on their mouths when entered the class to teach taken care of, but sometimes I do get jittery. them. Gradually with discipline and by imbibing good values, these children became so smart, clean and condent. Your top qualities, from your perspective. Your biggest strength and support system. I am a perfectionist. Whatever I do, I do it 100%, with all my heart. I get involved and do things. I also like to create My family has been my biggest strength. My father-in-law, leaders and inculcate leadership quality in others. I am a Sh. BS Bahl, a leading educationist, was my Guru. He quick learner, and once I decide to do something, there is no passed away two years ago at the age of 103, and till his last looking back. Also, I love to dress up, and I am very fond of breath, he was working and used to come to school every accessorising my outts. I think it makes you feel condent day. My husband, DrArun Bahl, a noted author of Chemistry and smart! books, is my robust support system. I am tremendously proud of my children, who are also a source of pride and What is your take on the new National Education Policy? strength. My daughter, Vani Bahl, is a Gold Medalist from What are the most transformational points in NEP? Chandigarh College of Architecture and is currently in San Franciso. My son, Vishal Bahl, is a Chemical Engineer and Honestly, there is a lot of confusion about NEP. There are no did his MBA from Carnegie Mellon University; he is in clear instructions or guidelines from MHRD on several aspects. We have distributed copies of NEP to our entire staff, and we are thoroughly studying it. April 1 NEP is coming into force, but there is a dire need to organise workshops and have orientation for all teachers on its real worth and the implementation strategy. Do you feel there is a scope for improvement in curriculums in Indian schools? If yes, what kind of changes must be brought about? There are scores of capacity building workshops held in schools, but there is a lack of direction. The 'impact' is missing. Many topics were deducted from the biology curriculum, for instance, but the load will now come on students in Classes XI and XII. What is your message to other women on International Women's Day, especially to all those who look up to you? Think of collective good of the society. Do not discriminate between people. Contribute as much as possible to charitable activities, to social work. Women have a lot of inner strength; they must use it not just to nurture their own families but to also take care of the society at large.

204 Madhu Bahl - Autobiography A GLORIOUS CAREER OF AN INSPIRATIONAL WOMAN 2001 - CBSE National Teachers Award- She received the prestigious National CBSE Teachers Award, given by the then MHRD Minister Dr. Murli Manohar Joshi at India International Centre, New Delhi. 2003 - Teachers State Award- She received the Teachers State Award in public recognition for her valuable services to the community as a teacher of outstanding merit, award by then Education-cum- Home Secretary, UT Administration, Sh. R.S. Gujral. 2005 - National Teachers Award- In recognition of her valuable services to the community as a teacher of outstanding merit, she was honoured with the National Teachers Award in 2005 by the then President of India Sh. Abdul Kalam. 2006 - She received Mahatma Hansraj Gold Medal by the Governor of Kerala, Sh. RL Bhatia and Padmashree Sh. GP Chopra ji. The award consisted of a pure 22-carat gold medal. In the same year, she received the Tara Chand Saboo Award by the Governor of Punjab. 2007 - Punjab Rattan Award- She was conferred with 'Punjab Rattan Award' by All India Conference of Intellectuals, awarded by Governor of Haryana, Dr. A.R. Kidwai for her contribution in the eld of Roller Skating. 2007 - 5th Computer Literacy Excellence Awards (National & State) - She received this prestigious honour by the then Union Minister for Communication & Information Technology Sh. Thiru A. Raja. And Minister of State for Communication & Information Technology Sh. Jyotiraditya M. Scindia at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.