Rajeev Madhavan, Vice Principal of Sharjah Indian School Juwaiza, secures a PhD from Paris-based East Bridge University for analyzing India’s educational reforms from a Gulf perspective.
DUBAI: Rajeev Madhavan, a prominent Malayali educator and Vice Principal of Sharjah Indian School Juwaiza, has achieved a prestigious milestone by earning a doctorate degree from East Bridge University, Paris. His comprehensive research focuses on the opportunities and practical challenges of implementing India’s National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020) across Indian curriculum schools in the United Arab Emirates.
Dr. Madhavan completed his intensive doctoral research under the expert guidance of Dr. Tamogni Das. The study extensively surveyed and engaged principals and vice-principals across various Indian institutions in the UAE, framing the sweeping Indian educational reforms through the distinct analytical lens of Gulf-based education experts.
With over 30 years of dedicated service as a Physics teacher at the Sharjah Indian School—which operates under the aegis of the Indian Association Sharjah—Dr. Madhavan brings a wealth of practical expertise to his research. He also holds an MBA in Education Management and has previously authored several academic papers exploring the systemic synergy between Indian educational frameworks and the UAE’s evolving educational models.
Reflecting on his research journey, Dr. Madhavan noted that his firsthand experiences at his workplace drove the initiative. Recognizing that introducing NEP 2020 directives in an international workspace like the UAE poses unique operational issues, he felt an in-depth study was vital. He expressed his profound gratitude to the Sharjah Indian Association management committee and his school colleagues for providing unwavering support throughout his academic pursuit.
The institutional leadership widely celebrated the accomplishment. Nisar Thalangara, President of the Indian Association Sharjah, remarked that this milestone not only fulfills a long-held personal dream for Dr. Madhavan but also significantly elevates the academic standing of Sharjah Indian School. Principal Vijimon Ayyappan along with faculty members joined in expressing their congratulations.
The doctoral degree was formally conferred upon Dr. Madhavan by officials from East Bridge University during a special convocation ceremony held at the Dusit Thani Hotel in Dubai. Hailing from Anchal in the Kollam district of Kerala, Dr. Madhavan is supported by a family deeply rooted in education; his wife, Sandhya Rajeev, serves as a supervisor at the Sharjah Indian School, and the couple has two children, Hrithik and Sandra.
The Global Evolution of NEP 2020: India’s National Education Policy 2020 marks a major structural shift by introducing a holistic, multi-disciplinary model to replace legacy systems. For overseas Indian educational institutions, particularly in the GCC region, adopting these guidelines requires strategic balancing. Schools must align New Delhi’s academic targets with local compliance regulations mandated by UAE regulatory bodies, navigating unique infrastructural and operational terrains.
