In an exclusive interaction with Republic News India | Edu, Mansi Mehta, Founder of Grace and Growth and a seasoned Soft Skills Trainer & Coach, underscores the urgent need to balance academic excellence with confident self-expression. She highlights how personality development, public speaking, grooming, and mindfulness are no longer optional add-ons but essential life skills that shape both campus success and long-term professional growth. From introducing structured soft skills training as early as Grade 4 to embedding confidence-building and emotional intelligence into daily learning environments, Mehta advocates for a holistic education model where knowledge meets poise, presence, and purpose.
1. Many students excel academically but struggle with self-expression. How can educational institutions bridge the gap between knowledge acquisition and confident communication?
Ans. Students who do not participate in extra-curricular activities or are not part of any student clubs find it difficult to express themselves. The bridge can be created by encouraging all students to participate in as many activities as possible. Here they learn how to express themselves , learn many aspects of people management. Confidence building and public speaking should be part of the curriculum.
2. Do you believe personality development should be introduced at the school level? At what age should structured soft skills training ideally begin?
Ans. Absolutely. The inclusion of soft skills , personality and self development are life skills which act as a foundation to our responses in every stage of our personal and professional life. Their introduction should start by 4th grade itself as during these formative years it is easy to teach these skills with the help of activities, puzzles, outdoor games. Participation in these activities will create a strong and positive platform.
3. Campus placements are becoming increasingly competitive. What role do grooming, body language, and first impressions play in a student’s success during interviews?
Ans. During campus interviews all candidates have similar qualifications with different marks, a skilled interviewer looks at the non verbal communication, the poise, the walk, handshake
In most interviews decisions of short list and rejection takes place on the basis of how the candidate walks in the room, the grooming, confident handshake, eye contact and posture.
Honestly these skills are your Ticket to success.
4. How can teachers themselves be trained to model and mentor students in areas like etiquette, emotional intelligence, and leadership?
Ans. Train the Trainer programmes on Personality and Self development by trained facilitators should be conducted on a regular basis for the teaching faculty.
Teachers need to lead by example. If they in class show the right attitude, body language and leadership skills the students will follow. Learning is a treasure that will follow its owner and everyone he meets, everywhere.
5. With increasing stress and performance pressure among students, how can mindfulness and confidence-building practices be embedded into everyday learning environments?
Ans. By practicing Yoga only sometimes does not give you the desired results, it has to be done on a regular basis only then the body and mind are aligned for a wholesome life, the same is the case with Mindfulness, it is a practiced skill and has to be done on a regular basis as part of your learning in your student life. There are many tools in mindfulness that help you stay focused and present under pressure. They help you respond and not react to situations. Learning these tools and practising them helps you to navigate a pressure or a challenging situation with grace and alacrity. Educational institutions should make these life skills a compulsory subject so that the students can navigate the options of leading a successful life with being present in whatever they do.
