How the L.E.A.P. Series Inspires Students Beyond the Classroom

Why the L.E.A.P. Series Makes ODMPS Stand Out Among Schools in Bhubaneswar

by in blog, CBSE School, LEAP Series July 21, 2026

Every parent in Bhubaneswar wants the same thing for their child — an education that goes beyond marks and memorisation. Textbooks can teach concepts, but they rarely teach conviction. They rarely show a child what it actually looks like to build a career in the Air Force, lead a boardroom, run a scientific lab, or walk onto a film set. That kind of learning comes from real people, sharing real journeys. 

This belief comes alive through our L.E.A.P. Series (Learn–Engage–Aspire–Prosper), an initiative that makes ODM Public School (ODMPS) distinct from other schools in Bhubaneswar. The series extends learning beyond the curriculum and into the real world. Recently, our ODMians got the opportunity to interact with professionals who have built extraordinary careers in defence, finance, science, healthcare, and entertainment. Here’s what the LEAP Series is all about, and why it has become a defining part of ODM’s learning experience.

Why Today’s Education Needs Learning Beyond Textbooks

Academic knowledge forms the backbone of education, but it is only one part of a student’s overall development. Today’s learners need opportunities to understand how to apply their understanding and knowledge in real-world situations, how successful professionals overcome challenges, and how innovation, leadership, and steadiness shape meaningful careers.

The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 also encourages experiential learning, multidisciplinary exposure, and competency-based education. Students benefit immensely when they interact with people who have achieved excellence in different domains because these interactions make learning relevant, practical, and inspiring.

Such experiences help students connect classroom concepts with real life while encouraging them to think independently, ask better questions, and explore possibilities beyond conventional career paths.

What is the L.E.A.P. Series?

The L.E.A.P. Series (Learn–Engage–Aspire–Prosper) is an interactive knowledge-sharing platform created by the ODM Education Group to enable students to engage with distinguished personalities from diverse professional backgrounds.

More than a guest lecture series, LEAP is designed as a meaningful exchange of ideas and experiences. Every session introduces students to inspiring journeys, practical insights, and valuable life lessons that cannot always be found in textbooks.

Whether the speaker is a scientist, defence officer, entrepreneur, healthcare professional, artist, or industry leader, each interaction encourages students to broaden their horizons and envision new possibilities for their future.

The Vision Behind the L.E.A.P. Series

At ODM Public School, we believe education should prepare students not just to excel in studies but to thrive in life. The vision of the L.E.A.P. Series is to:

  • Connect students with accomplished professionals.
  • Inspire purpose-driven learning.
  • Encourage curiosity and lifelong learning.
  • Develop leadership qualities and confidence.
  • Assist students in making informed academic and career choices.
  • Build aspirations through authentic success stories.

By creating these opportunities, we aim to nurture individuals who are knowledgeable, adaptable, and ready to contribute meaningfully to society.

How the L.E.A.P. Series Connects Classroom Learning with the Real World?

One of the greatest strengths of the L.E.A.P. Series is its ability to transform theoretical knowledge into practical understanding.

Students often study concepts related to science, leadership, economics, healthcare, communication, and innovation in classrooms. Through LEAP, they discover how these concepts are applied in professional life.

Listening to accomplished professionals explain their journeys enables students to appreciate the value of perseverance, ethical decision-making, teamwork, creativity, and continuous learning.

These interactions also encourage students to ask thoughtful questions, understand industry expectations, and develop a broader perspective about the opportunities that lie ahead.

This seamless connection between academic learning and real-world experience is what makes the initiative truly impactful.

Inside the 2026 Edition of the L.E.A.P. Series 

This year’s edition of the L.E.A.P. Series once again brought together an inspiring panel of achievers whose journeys reflected excellence, dedication, and purpose.

Our students had the privilege of interacting with:

  • Air Cmde N. K. Parhi (Retd.), who shared invaluable lessons from his distinguished career in the Indian Air Force, inspiring students with stories of leadership, discipline, patriotism, and resilience.

  • Mr Bisworanjan Sutar, who introduced students to the dynamic world of finance, leadership, and strategic thinking while emphasising the importance of lifelong learning.

  • Dr Pallishree Prusti, who demonstrated how scientific innovation and research have the power to transform lives and address real-world challenges.

  • Dr S. Lata, who highlighted the values of compassion, excellence, and commitment that define the healthcare profession.

  • Mr Avisekh Rath, who presented students with an honest glimpse into the entertainment industry, sharing how passion, determination, and consistency shape a successful acting career.

Every session encouraged students to think beyond career labels and understand the mindset, values, and determination that drive long-term success.

“The L.E.A.P. Series made learning feel real. I realised that every successful person faces challenges, but it’s their determination that helps them move forward. It encouraged me to stay focused on my goals and keep improving every day.” 

– Ayushi Malik, Std VIII

Skills Students Develop Through the L.E.A.P. Series

The impact of LEAP extends far beyond inspiration. Every interaction contributes to the holistic development of our students by helping them strengthen essential life skills, including:

  • Critical thinking and analytical ability
  • Effective communication
  • Leadership and decision-making
  • Confidence in asking questions and expressing ideas
  • Career awareness and goal setting
  • Adaptability and resilience
  • Creativity and innovation
  • Ethical values and social responsibility

These competencies complement classroom learning and prepare students for higher education, professional success, and responsible citizenship.

FAQs

  1. What is the L.E.A.P. Series at ODM Public School?

The L.E.A.P. Series (Learn–Engage–Aspire–Prosper) is an interactive learning initiative at ODM Public School, Bhubaneswar, where students engage with accomplished professionals from diverse fields. These sessions provide real-world insights, career guidance, and life lessons that complement classroom learning.

  1. How does the L.E.A.P. Series benefit students?

The L.E.A.P. Series helps students develop critical thinking, communication, leadership, confidence, and career awareness. By learning directly from experts, students gain practical perspectives that prepare them for academic success and future careers.

  1. Why is experiential learning important in today’s education?

Experiential learning enables students to apply classroom knowledge to real-life situations. It encourages innovation, collaboration, decision-making, and problem-solving, making learning more meaningful and engaging.

  1. How does the L.E.A.P. Series make ODM Public School different from other schools in Bhubaneswar?

The L.E.A.P. Series offers students regular opportunities to interact with eminent personalities from fields such as science, technology, defence, healthcare, finance, entrepreneurship, and the arts. This exposure enhances holistic development and reflects ODM Public School’s commitment to preparing future-ready learners.

  1. Who can participate in the L.E.A.P. Series?

The L.E.A.P. Series is designed for students of ODM Public School, Bhubaneswar. It provides them with valuable opportunities to learn from accomplished professionals across diverse fields.

At ODM Public School, Bhubaneswar, education is about empowering students with the knowledge, skills, values, and experiences they need to succeed in an ever-changing world. The L.E.A.P. Series reflects this philosophy by creating opportunities for our students to learn directly from individuals who have excelled in diverse fields and transformed their aspirations into achievements.

Every edition of LEAP reinforces our belief that a single conversation can spark curiosity, shape ambitions, and inspire lifelong learning. As we continue to bring remarkable personalities to interact with our students, we remain committed to providing an education that goes beyond textbooks and prepares every ODMian to learn, engage, aspire, and prosper.