Dr. Manimeghalai Mohan is the founder of SSVM Institutions, she is credited for her pioneering role in redefining holistic education in South India. Guided by a profound belief in values-driven learning, she has established a distinguished network of schools with a dynamic educational eco-system that cultivates intellectual rigour, emotional well-being, and future-ready leadership in every student-empowering them to lead with confidence, compassion, and purpose
What inspired you to start a school?
My parents firmly believed that learning gives a person dignity and independence. From a young age, I saw how good schooling could uplift lives—not just academically, but in terms of confidence and character. These experiences shaped the way I looked at education. Meaningful education must touch both the heart and the mind.
I used to see schools leaning too far in one direction—either overly focused on marks or experimenting without enough structure. I felt learning should be both joyful and meaningful. That is how SSVM began—modestly, but with a clear vision.
Tell us the key influences that helped you become a leader.
My parents were the first to influence my path. Later, a few remarkable teachers showed me how one person can completely change a student’s life. The biggest influence has been the students. Watching them struggle, grow, and succeed—those moments have pushed me to become better. Leadership in education is not about power, it is about responsibility—to serve, to uplift, and to walk beside each child through their journey.
What core values from your personal life have influenced the way you’ve built and run your school?
Integrity, empathy, and resilience—these are values that I have carried with me since childhood. Naturally, they became the foundation of how SSVM was shaped. I strongly believe that a school should reflect the values it wants to instill in its students. At SSVM, we try to lead by example. We practice discipline with care, encourage mutual respect, and keep our minds open to new ideas. I also value humility and continuous learning, and we try to build that into our culture.
What is the educational approach of your institution?
Our approach is very clear—it is student-first, values-based, and future-ready. We believe learning must spark curiosity. So, we follow inquiry-based learning where students are encouraged to ask, explore, and understand deeply. But it is not only about academics. We focus equally on life skills, emotional strength, and creativity. In today’s world, these are just as important. Our aim is to shape individuals who are not just knowledgeable, but also kind, adaptable, and aware of the world around them.
We want our students to grow as thinkers, as team players, and most importantly, as responsible citizens. Every part of our teaching and school culture is built around this balanced, thoughtful approach.
What makes your school different from others in the same region or category?
What sets SSVM apart is our holistic view of a child’s journey. While many schools focus mainly on academic results, we see education as preparation for life itself. We integrate strong academics with emotional wellness, leadership building, and global exposure. Our programs are thoughtfully designed to support children in all areas of growth. We do not simply copy what others are doing—we believe in leading with purpose and heart.
Whether it is our international collaborations or our student wellness initiatives, everything is planned with deep intention. At SSVM, our goal is to raise young people who are not only successful, but also balanced, kind, and ready to thrive in a changing world.
What were the biggest challenges you faced in the initial years of founding the school?
Building trust was the foremost. We had a strong vision, but we had to convince families that it was not only inspiring but also workable. Finding committed teachers who shared our ideals, gaining the confidence of parents, and working with limited resources—all of that took time and effort.
They forced us to listen better, to be flexible, and to lead with honesty. Every setback taught us something valuable. I truly believe that those early struggles shaped who we are today. They reminded us that real growth does not happen overnight—it comes from staying steady and believing in your purpose.
Apart from the initial days, the pandemic was truly one of the biggest tests of leadership. It was a period that demanded to be calm, have clarity, and a lot of empathy. Even today, many of the practices we adopted during that time continue to guide us.
How do you stay updated with the latest trends and developments in the education sector?
I make it a point to stay engaged with both national and global education platforms. I attend forums, read research papers, and keep in touch with fellow educators. Important insights come from inside the school itself. Listening to our teachers and students gives me a real picture of what is working and what needs to change. We also bring in experts from different fields to train our staff and expose them to new ideas. At SSVM, we adopt innovations only when they match our core values. Staying updated is not just about knowing the latest—it is about choosing what is right for our children.
How has your school grown?
SSVM started with just one campus, and today, we have grown into a group of schools offering different curricula—CBSE, Cambridge, IB, and even State Board—serving thousands of students across Tamil Nadu. Our alumni are now excelling in various fields, and many of them come back to guide or mentor the next generation. That sense of continuity, of creating a culture of lifelong learning and giving back—that is what I feel most proud of.
What initiatives have you taken to ensure holistic development of students?
Holistic development is at the heart of everything we do. While academics are important, we ensure equal focus on sports, arts, leadership, life skills, and emotional wellness. We have a dedicated student wellness team that works closely with children to support their mental and emotional well-being. Our global exchange programmes, student clubs, and project-based learning opportunities give children the space to explore their interests and talents. We believe every child should find their own rhythm and voice. The idea is not just to build achievers, but well-rounded, thoughtful individuals who are ready for whatever life brings.
How do you engage with parents and the community?
Education, for us, is a shared journey, not a one-way process. We involve parents in many ways—through workshops, feedback sessions, school events, and more. We even have parent-led sessions where they share their expertise and experiences with students. Our communication is always transparent, timely, and respectful. We also engage through social outreach, collaborations, and learning initiatives.
What are your goals for the next 10 years?
I see SSVM growing not just in size, but in influence. We aim to become a benchmark in education—not just for academics, but for innovation, wellness, and global citizenship. We plan to launch more schools, but each one with the same depth, care, and clarity of purpose. Another focus is continuous development of our teachers—because empowered educators build empowered learners.
What advice would you give to aspiring educators and entrepreneurs who want to start a school?
My advice would be—begin with purpose. You must truly care about children’s growth. Quality should never be compromised, and shortcuts will not take you far. Build a strong team that shares your values and stay closely involved in the journey. If your heart is in the right place, everything else—trust, support, and success—will follow in time.
