Biography

With over four decades of rich experience in school education, Dr. Saroj Thapa is a distinguished educator, researcher, and mentor whose work spans teacher education, inclusive education, curriculum design, and leadership development. She holds a Ph.D. in Special Education from the University of Geneva and M.A. and M.Phil. degrees in History from Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi.

Dr. Thapa’s career has taken her across India, Bhutan, UAE, Switzerland, China, and the USA, offering her deep insights into diverse education systems and cultures. She has served in senior academic and leadership roles, including as faculty at Zayed University (UAE), Head of Teacher Development at The Royal Academy (Bhutan), and Head of Teacher Development at Learn Today (India Today Group).

Currently, at Pallavan Learning Systems, she leads the design and implementation of professional development programmes for teachers and school leaders. A passionate advocate for inclusive and holistic education, she mentors action research, designs contextual professional development content for leadership and teachers, and supports curriculum development aligned with wholistic development framework.

Dr. Thapa’s work is grounded in the belief that empowered educators are central to transforming education. Her initiatives include the Asia-Pacific Schools Initiative, School Leaders’ Retreats, and empowerment programmes for marginalised youth and inclusive schools.

A long-time disability rights advocate, she has worked with WHO, UNICEF, and grassroots NGOs, and served on the Rehabilitation Council of India. She continues to support families of children with disabilities and remains active in PRERANA, a pioneering civil society initiative she helped establish in Dubai.

Her research interests include school enrichment, faculty development, action research, and inclusive education. She brings both academic rigour and passion to her work—always learning and evolving.