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Fostering Holistic Early Childhood Education: The Hi-Kalpaa Journey, Principles, and Future Innovations

CXOToday has engaged in an exclusive interview with Ms. Shalini Sharma, CEO & Founder, Hi-Kalpaa

 

  1. Can you tell us about the inspiration behind founding Hi-Kalpaa and your journey into early childhood education?

Hi Kalpaa was born from my passion for fostering holistic development in young children. I realized that early childhood is a critical period where foundational skills are built, and I wanted to create a space where children could grow in a nurturing, stimulating environment. My journey into this field started with a desire to combine my professional experiences with my personal belief in education as a tool for change, not just academically but emotionally and socially.

  1. What are the core principles and educational philosophy that guide Hi-Kalpaa’s approach to early learning?

Our core philosophy is centered on the belief that children learn best when they are active participants in their education. We emphasize experiential learning, where children are encouraged to explore, ask questions, and make discoveries. This is supported by our focus on fostering emotional intelligence, creativity, and critical thinking. Our approach is also deeply rooted in respect for each child’s unique abilities and learning pace.

  1. What role has technology played in shaping Hi-Kalpaa’s innovative post-pandemic digital learning methods?

The pandemic pushed us to rethink traditional learning models. Technology has allowed us to introduce flexible and interactive digital learning solutions that keep children engaged even outside the classroom. We’ve developed virtual learning environments that include storytelling sessions, interactive games, and hands-on activities that can be conducted at home. This blend of digital and physical learning ensures that our students continue to thrive, no matter the situation.

  1. Could you elaborate on the hands-on, story, and experiment-based learning approaches at Hi-Kalpaa and how they benefit early learners?

At Hi Kalpaa, we use story and experiment-based learning as a way to connect academic concepts with real-world experiences. Stories help children relate to various topics emotionally and socially, while experiments engage their curiosity and encourage problem-solving. This hands-on approach helps children retain information better because they are not passive recipients of knowledge—they are actively involved in the learning process, which nurtures creativity and critical thinking.

  1. As an entrepreneur, you’ve successfully ventured into multiple industries. How do your experiences in IT and telecom influence your work in early childhood education?

My experience in IT and telecom has taught me the importance of adaptability and innovation, qualities that are essential in early childhood education today. In these industries, the focus is always on finding efficient, scalable solutions, and I’ve applied that mindset to Hi Kalpaa by implementing systems that streamline operations, enhance learning through technology, and ensure that we can scale our services while maintaining quality.

  1. In your opinion, what are the biggest challenges in early childhood education today, and how is Hi-Kalpaa addressing these issues?

One of the biggest challenges today is providing a well-rounded education that caters to both the cognitive and emotional needs of young children. Another is the need for access to high-quality education laying emphasis on physical education. Hi Kalpaa addresses these challenges by creating, student-centered environment that prioritizes emotional well-being, Physical development alongside academics. There has to be ample of space really space given to children at this age that makes their body and mind to develop. We at Hi Kalpaa ensure that the children get enriching environment for their Holistic development.We are also working on expanding our reach  through partnerships/ Franchisees that will ensure that our international and innovative programs reaches PAN india.

  1. As a woman leader and entrepreneur, what advice would you give to aspiring female entrepreneurs, particularly in the education sector?

My advice to aspiring female entrepreneurs is to remain resilient and focused on your vision. The education sector, like many others, comes with its own set of challenges, but it’s also incredibly rewarding.

A research from World banks states that “Investing in Quality Early Childhood Education is Key to Building Human Capital”.

Surround yourself with a strong support system, be open to learning from your experiences, and never be afraid to take calculated risks. It’s also important to stay empathetic, especially in education, where the impact you make is both personal and profound.

  1. What future trends do you foresee in early childhood education, and how is Hi-Kalpaa preparing to lead in this evolving landscape?

I foresee a greater integration of technology and personalized learning paths in early education. The focus will likely shift even more towards developing emotional intelligence, adaptability, and lifelong learning skills, rather than just academic achievements. At Hi Kalpaa, we are preparing for this by continuously updating our curriculum, incorporating new technologies, and emphasizing experiential and inquiry-based learning. We aim to stay ahead by being flexible and responsive to the changing needs of our students and the world.