Most Rev. Dr. Chinnabathini Bhagyaiah, Bishop of Guntur and Chairman of STEM School, oversees more than 60 schools under the Diocese of Guntur Society. These institutions primarily serve rural communities, offering both English and Telugu medium instruction. Under his leadership, STEM School has become a beacon of premium, skill-integrated, and happiness-centered learning. Inspired by St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus, he champions an education that nurtures the whole child—spiritually, intellectually, and socially—for a just and joyful world
How did your early life shape your outlook on education?
I was born in Motakonduru village in Nalgonda District and completed my schooling in Warangal. God’s providence led me to serve in Germany and England, where I was exposed to global educational practices. While working as Director of the Kolping Youth Centre, I realized how crucial early childhood education is. In Europe, I witnessed the transformative power of personalized learning and skill-based education. These experiences shaped my belief that education must be tailored to each child—not forced into a single mold. This conviction inspired me to support institutions under the patronage of St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus.
What inspired you to start a school, and how did the idea first come to about?
STEM School was originally founded by Bishop Gali Bali on June 2, 2016, with a vision to serve future generations. When I was appointed Bishop of Guntur shortly thereafter, I felt an inner calling to nurture this new initiative as an instrument of transformation. Inspired by St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus, our diocesan patron who believed in doing small things with great love, I saw this school as a sacred seed planted in faith.
Drawing from my international exposure, I envisioned a school that not only delivers academic excellence but also shapes compassionate leaders. Thus, STEM School was reimagined with a strong foundation in values, skill-based learning, space science integration, AI readiness, and the Happiness Curriculum—offering international standards at affordable fees. Our goal was to uplift middle-class children through premium education grounded in Gospel values and holistic development.
What have been the key influences on you?
My spiritual formation, international experiences, and pastoral ministry among youth have all deeply shaped me. My time with the Kolping Society instilled in me a vision of education as empowerment. Pope John Paul II’s call for the Church to be a light in modern society resonated strongly with me. As a bishop, I came to understand that nurturing minds is just as essential as guiding souls.
The Diocese of Guntur Society’s mission to serve marginalized and middle-class families with quality education has become my guiding compass. I view education not merely as an administrative responsibility but as an apostolate—rooted in Christ’s call to “Let the little children come to me.” This fusion of faith, service, and innovation has guided my journey as an educational leader.
My ministry is grounded in three Gospel-inspired values: humility, compassion, and excellence. Inspired by St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus, I believe that true greatness lies in simplicity, love, and attention to small things. At STEM School, this translates into a culture of joyful learning, integrity, and emotional well-being.
What initiatives have you taken to ensure holistic development of students?
We implemented a three-fold strategy: academic enrichment, emotional intelligence, and spiritual grounding. We introduced skill-based modules, AI clubs, robotics, and space science learning to spark intellectual curiosity. Simultaneously, our Happiness Curriculum fosters mental wellness, empathy, and joyful learning—equipping students to face real-life challenges.
Faith formation remains integral. Inspired by St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus, we promote service, prayer, and gratitude. Sports, the arts, leadership programs, and community engagement are embedded into daily school life. We were among the early schools in Andhra Pradesh to introduce AI literacy, space science modules, and skill-based learning alongside ICSE standards.
What are your long-term goals?
In the coming decade, my dream is for STEM School to become a model for value-based, future-ready education. We envision establishing a Center for Teacher Excellence to train educators in faith-rooted, skill-oriented methods. We aim to further integrate AI, sustainability practices, and international collaborations—while preserving our strong Catholic identity.
STEM is not just about academic excellence; it is about fostering joy, belonging, and purpose. As St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus said, “I will spend my heaven doing good on earth.” Through STEM School, I pray we do just that.
