Many students work hard and want to do well in their studies. Yet many also find it difficult to stay focused for long periods. Constant screen time, endless notifications, and busy daily routines can leave them feeling mentally tired. Over time, this can also reduce their interest in learning.

For Dr. Suniti Vadalkar, this became a concern after years of teaching students from different backgrounds. As one of the first faculty members at FLAME University, she spent more than 21 years working closely with young people. While many students were talented and eager to learn, she noticed that they often struggled to stay focused, think freely, and enjoy the learning process.

Instead of accepting this as a normal part of student life, she decided to look for practical ways to help.

The Problem Dr. Vadalkar Saw Again and Again

During her years in the classroom, Dr. Vadalkar realised that success in education is about much more than exam scores. She saw students who had access to good education and plenty of opportunities, yet many still felt distracted, mentally drained, or less curious than before.

These experiences led her to think about how teachers could help students build habits that support better focus, stronger creativity, and a happier approach to learning and address the current unseen pandemic of distractions among students.

Her search for answers slowly grew into a classroom initiative that later became WOW – Wonders of Wellness.

How Forty WOW Buddies Helped Shape the Book

The book took two years to complete, but its ideas came directly from classroom discussions.

Rather than writing everything on her own, Dr. Vadalkar shared activities and ideas with different student groups and listened carefully to their feedback. The activities that students found meaningful became part of the final book. Around 40 WOW buddies, 29 students, and 11 faculty, from FLAME University helped shape the WOW initiative through this process. 

This helped create a book based on real student experiences and everyday classroom learning.

The Idea Behind the ‘Monkey Mind’

Drawing from her background in design, calligraphy, and visual arts, Dr. Vadalkar developed simple creative activities that encourage students to slow down, pay attention, and think with greater clarity. So that the initiative is not seen as a ‘hobby’ session, she introduced 30 interdisciplinary jigsaws. These puzzle pieces are in colourful envelopes. Each student picks one and she shares the insights. At the end of the session, all students co-create the jigsaw puzzle. She also provides them with reflection booklets to reflect on their learnings.

She describes WOW as a “remote for the monkey mind.” The idea is to help people notice when their minds become restless and gently bring their attention back to the present. Through regular practice, these activities aim to support focus, creativity, productivity, and happiness, because of the instant gratification the activities provide.

For Dr. Vadalkar, learning should never feel like a race. She believes students learn best when they are curious, creative, and able to enjoy the process.

How Her Creative Background Shapes Her Teaching

Before joining academia, Dr. Vadalkar was the founder and creative director of a Pune based advertising agency called Cats’ Creatives. During this time, the agency rendered services to organizations such as HDFC Bank, CanFin Homes, Godrej GE, and Live-In Jeans. Her work across print, television, radio, and exhibitions strengthened her creative thinking and communication skills.

She later brought those experiences into the classroom, teaching graphic design, typography, visual arts, and foundation design. Alongside teaching, she has published research in leading international journals and written three books.

Expanding the Reach of WOW

Dr. Vadalkar continues to expand the WOW initiative so that more learners can benefit from it. The programme is expected to become available on the national SWAYAM platform, making its activities accessible to learners across India and beyond.

She is also working on her next book, ACADEMENTIA – The Other Side of A, B, C, which focuses on educators. Through her teaching, writing, research, and creative work, Dr. Suniti Vadalkar continues to encourage students and teachers to build better focus, keep their curiosity alive, and bring more joy back into learning.