OUR STORIES

When Christel House India – Pune opens its doors in 2026, it will be led by someone whose journey at Christel House began in Bangalore under very different circumstances. Shiva Sagar arrived as a student at Christel House after losing both his parents and carrying grief and uncertainty with him. At his new school, he found not just an education, but the stability, guidance, and support he needed to rebuild his life. Today, as Principal of the new Pune school, Shiva will bring that same care and purpose to a new generation of students, ensuring every child has the support and encouragement they need to thrive. 

As a young boy, Shiva moved to Bangalore with his uncle.  The Christel House India social team visited his neighborhood during a community survey, leading him to enroll in the school and experience a new beginning. From his very first day at Christel House, Shiva remembers feeling safe, happy, and hopeful. “I still remember the bright classrooms, the delicious meals, the new books and stationery,” he smiles. “Christel House didn’t just educate me; it helped me rebuild my life. It gave me dignity, direction, and the courage to dream.” 

Driven by gratitude and purpose, Shiva excelled academically. Following Christel House, he attended university and graduated with a degree in computer science engineering. While many of his peers pursued corporate careers, he felt a deeper calling to give back to the school that had transformed his life. Initially returning as a volunteer, and later becoming a math and physics teacher, Shiva has inspired students just as his mentors once inspired him. “Every child has a story,” he says. “Some loud, others silent, but each one deserves to be heard.” 

Shiva’s compassion and leadership soon propelled him to Deputy Principal at Christel House India – Atal Nagar. Today, he proudly serves as Principal of Christel House India – Pune, preparing the school to welcome its first students in April 2026. For Shiva, innovation and technology are not replacements for teachers but tools that amplify learning and inclusion. Walking through the halls of the new school in Pune, he reflects on how far he has come. “I once needed hope,” Shiva says softly. “Now I get to give it. Every morning, when I stand before my students, I see my past, my present, and my purpose, all coming together in one beautiful circle.”