While the controversy over the educational qualifications of Human Resources Development Minister Smriti Irani rages on, her teachers at Holy Child Auxilium School, New Delhi believe her consistent efforts and ability to think critically have helped her carve a niche for herself in Indian politics and showbiz industry, and prove her detractors wrong. Therefore, the debate over the need for a degree to shoulder new responsibilities isn't all that convincing.
For the uninitiated, a day after Smriti Irani took charge of the HRD Ministry, she found herself at the center of a controversy that stirred up over her educational qualification. At the time of filing her affidavit in 2004 and 2014, Irani had made two claims about her qualification. In 2004 while contesting against Congress leader Kapil Sibal from Chandni Chowk, it was stated that she had completed her BA in 1996 from DU's School of correspondence. And in her affidavit filed this year, she mentioned that she did Bachelor of Commerce Part 1 from the same school of open learning.
Unfazed by the strong reactions and criticism that has come her way, Smriti has requested everybody to judge her by her work. "I have been judged by my organisation with my capacity to deliver on assignments. I will humbly request all of you to judge me by my work," she said today. "Extraneous circumstances have been created to ensure that my attention is deviated from the body of work that I have been entrusted with. I would not like to add anything to the statement that I have made," she added.
When we spoke to her school teachers, they lauded Smriti for her positive attitude and consistent efforts determining her success as a politico and an actor. Read on to know about the reactions from her teachers...
Admire Smriti Irani for achieving so much without a godfather
"During the couple of years I taught her, Smriti Irani came across one of the most focused and determined students of her class. No matter what problems she faced, her work never suffered, it was always up to the mark. Frankly, I don't believe there is any logic in making degrees mandatory. A person can get a degree anytime in his/her life. Degrees don't change one's capability. We should admire Smriti for being so articulate, and for her capability to turn the tables. The fact that she became the party worker, without any credit to her degree, is enough to prove it is one's image and not the degree that matter. Her goals were always very clear. Even as a school student, she wanted to prove herself. She wasn't someone who had too many friends, but she would certainly spend time with teachers to chart out her career plan. That's also why I remember her so well. The fact that she never projected herself much, her decision to take up acting came as a surprise. Unlike other teenagers, she wasn't much bothered about her looks and appearance. Since she was the eldest in her family, she learned the need to shoulder her responsibilities well. It feels great to acknowledge that she remains the same - simple and determined - even now. Students of Holy Child Auxilium have learned from her that you can do it if you want. The fact that she has achieved so much without a degree, without being a fashionista, without the star power, and without a godfather in the industry, she ought to be admired. Appreciate her for being so down to earth.
- Ms Rose Jacob, HCA
Smriti showed her leadership qualities right from her school days
We all remember Smriti Irani as one of our good students. She was an important and responsible member of the school cabinet, held the position of school sports captain and excelled in it. As a member of the cabinet, she showed her leadership and organisational abilities right from her school days.
- Ms Neelu Kohli, HCA
Smriti, an all-rounder, stood out for a strong sense of discipline
Whether it was her academic performance or her involvement in extra-curricular activities, Smriti excelled in everything. If her detractors are taking digs at her for not being a graduate, don't you think the same should apply to other political leaders who have been in this field without degrees, too? From what I remember of Smriti, she was always well-behaved and stood out for her organistaional skills, effective productivity habits and a strong sense of discipline. She passed out of the school in 1993-94 and within five to six years she gained a strong foothold in the showbiz industry which speaks volumes of her seriousness towards her job.
- Ms Indra, HCA
As her teacher, I take pride in Smriti's achievements
If Smriti Irani has earned huge popularity and respect as a political leader, that's because she has worked on the ground level and been able to connect with the masses. Haven't there been several politicos who failed to perform despite holding a bachelor's degree? As her teacher, I take pride in Smriti's achievements.
- Ms Anita Sharma, HCA#### 
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