On the occasion of International Women’s Day, we bring you some of the most notable and distinguished women eduleaders from the education industry to share their incredible journey, insights, and experiences. Here are the excerpts from the interview
Sushma Boppana
Academic Director
Sri Chaitanya Educational Institution, India
Founder Director, Infinity Learn
On holistic education
After completing my education abroad and working with US firms, I decided to use my energies in the education domain. My passion for education comes from my parents and the impact that it had on their trajectory and subsequently my life. Luckily, coming from a family of educationists, the transition was easier. The goal was to bring in better reforms and practices into preparing for competitive exams.
I joined Sri Chaitanya as the Chief Academic Planner in the year 2007 and have been involved in multiple roles since then. I want to shift the focus from ‘academics alone’ to holistic development of children, enrich them with multifaceted learning experiences that foster creativity, and give them the opportunities to apply their knowledge. I enjoy being with children, guiding parents, and inspiring faculty to cater to the needs of this generation.
My belief in Cognitive and Social-Emotional Learning propelled me to apply the methodology to every academic facet of Sri Chaitanya Group of Institutions and want to bring in an innovative and contemporary approach to education. I want to create sustainable and high quality education for millions of learners across India. My journey so far has been very positive and rewarding.
On girl child education
Schools play an important role in shaping a girl child’s personality and quality education has a transformative effect on young minds. Given the developmental benefits of education for girls, their families and communities, and the wider society, it is extremely critical to create educational opportunities for them, so they can pursue their dreams. Schools are vital in imparting 21st century skills which will lay the foundation for a decent livelihood and equitable relationships in adulthood. Moreover, education will also increase girls’ confidence levels, agency, and capacity to pursue their aspirations.
On women empowerment
I believe education is a great social leveller. Girls need to be prepped to become a vital part of the community and the society at large. An educated and empowered women have unlimited potential to become the catalysts for social changes in modern India. But for this to happen, we need to create nurturing and supportive spaces for girl children. We had this dream of educational equality for women more than three decades ago. It started with the establishment of our first institution in 1986, which was an all-girls college and that is when it all started.
