A stalwart in shaping institutions of purpose, Ms Devyani Jaipuria stands at the confluence of compassion, innovation and leadership. As Chairperson of Dharav High School and Pro-Vice Chairperson of DPS International Gurugram and DPS 45, she is redefining the future of education with a forward-thinking approach rooted in core values. As Director at RJ Corp Healthcare and Cocoon Hospital, she balances technological innovation with empathetic care. In this compelling interview with Editor Farvi Wadhwa, she reflects on her journey, philosophies and the cross-sector impact of her work.

You’ve carved your own path in education, what inspired you to build institutes like DPS International and Dharav High School?

The inspiration stemmed from my mother’s transformative work at DPS Sector 45, which deeply shaped my perspective on education as a powerful agent of change. This vision continues to guide the mission of DPS International and Dharav High School—institutions founded on the principles of relevance, academic excellence, and strong core values. In the same spirit, initiatives like Pravah reflect our enduring commitment to community empowerment and the holistic development of society.

How do you ensure that your schools go beyond textbooks to instill lifelong learning in students?

Lifelong learning begins with empowering students to take ownership of their educational journey. By leveraging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, we personalize learning to match each student’s pace and potential, making it more engaging and relevant. We actively encourage students to participate in collaborative projects that extend beyond classroom theory. These group experiences allow them to explore innovative ideas, apply their knowledge in real-world contexts, and develop essential life skills such as critical thinking, adaptability, and teamwork. In doing so, students not only deepen their conceptual understanding but also build the confidence and flexibility needed to tackle challenges beyond the classroom.

What impact have you seen from the Modern Montessori International chain in shaping early childhood education in India?

Over the years, the Modern Montessori International (MMI) chain has made a meaningful difference in how we approach early childhood education in India. Its focus on the Montessori philosophy—encouraging independence, hands-on learning, and respect for every child—has brought a much-needed shift in how we nurture young minds during their most formative years.

What stands out to me is how MMI has successfully blended global best practices with India’s unique cultural context. By creating engaging, child-friendly environments that support emotional and experiential learning, MMI has helped children build a strong foundation—not just academically, but socially and emotionally as well.

I’ve also seen how MMI’s approach supports both educators and parents, helping them better understand and support each child’s individual growth. It’s heartening to see children growing into confident, curious, and empathetic individuals—a true reflection of the lasting impact of quality early education.

Philanthropy is a core part of your mission—can you share a moment where education truly transformed a young life?

One of the strongest success stories of how education transformed a young life is from Shiksha Kendra, our flagship program dedicated to delivering quality education to under resourced children. Consider Shalu Kumari Chobey, who graduated in 2016 and is now working at Deloitte, or Simranjeet Kaur, who is presently pursuing a fully sponsored Nursing degree in the U.S. while guiding students in her breaks. These success stories highlight the transformative impact of Shiksha Kendra and its commitment to empowering students to reach their full potential.

As Director of Cocoon Hospital, how do you balance innovation with empathy in healthcare delivery?

Balancing innovation with empathy in healthcare means using new technologies to strengthen—not replace—the human connection at the heart of care. Long before modern medicine, healers treated people not just with remedies but with deep compassion, and that spirit still holds true today. At Cocoon Hospital, we embrace technology to streamline processes and improve efficiency, but never at the cost of personal, patient-focused care. Our aim is to support healthcare professionals in delivering care that is thoughtful, responsive, and rooted in empathy. By truly listening to our patients and understanding their needs and concerns, we’re able to offer care that feels more personal—and ultimately, more effective.

What unique challenges and rewards come with running both educational and healthcare institutions?

An educational institute is very different from a healthcare institute. Both have unique ways of working and require different expertise. It’s an apple to oranges comparison. But I learned early on that when you surround yourself with the right leaders and teams, you combine their synergies to succeed in discrete industries. The challenge of managing companies in different industries requires selecting the right leadership team and the ability to shift from one paradigm to another easily. Some of the world’s greatest leaders do this with ease. I’ve learned a few lessons from them. 

The rewards come in the form of an expansive worldview, fresh challenges, and the ability to surprise yourself more often than most people can. Personally, I don’t think one industry is more rewarding than the other.  I feel immense pride when I learn about a former student who’s reached the pinnacle of success in his or her field. Similarly, it’s incredibly enriching to know that we’ve helped so many families enjoy the joys of parenthood.   

How has your father, Ravi Jaipuria, shaped your values and vision despite choosing a different professional route?

Even though I chose a different professional path, my father, Ravi Jaipuria, has had a deep influence on my values and how I approach my work. Growing up, I saw firsthand the kind of focus, determination, and humility he brought to everything he did. He never compromised on integrity, and that’s something that’s stayed with me.

What’s always inspired me is his long-term vision—he never rushed, but always moved with purpose. That mindset has helped shape how I think about education and the kind of impact I want to create. While our industries are different, the values he’s lived by—commitment, resilience, and staying true to your purpose—are the foundation of everything I do.

RJ Corp has a strong presence in healthcare too—are there synergies or learnings you’ve carried into your work at Cocoon Hospital?

Yes. The synergies and insights gained from RJ Corp’s diverse businesses have played a significant role in Cocoon Hospital’s success. Healthcare is one of the most critical and complex sectors, and no one begins with a completely clean slate. The lessons we’ve learned at RJ Corp helped fine-tune our business model, enabling us to serve patients more effectively and responsibly. 

These learnings have spanned everything—from operational processes and procurement practices to research approaches and methodologies that drive breakthrough care. I’m also proud to say that this has not been a one-way exchange—RJ Corp has, in turn, gained valuable insights from Cocoon Hospital as well.