You have
worked as a teacher in Padma Seshadri. You are working
as a Principal in Pon Vidyashram. What changes have you
observed in the teaching methods of now and then?
Pon Vidyashram is a new school. But it has been backed
up by Padma Seshadri since it is guided by Mrs.YGP, who
heads the Padma Seshadri group of schools.  I
have observed that the methodologies have been changing
from when I started to pursue this career in 1969 to
when I am a Principal now.
The children are very open-minded and approach the
teacher first if they are facing problems. I have found
a remarkable increase in the communication skills of
the children. Previously there was just the ‘chalk
and talk’ method wherein the teachers used to
pen down everything on the chalkboard. But now I find
that the teachers are more interactive. They give more
of their effort into teaching and guide the children.
A lot of interaction takes place between them.
Even though a teacher teaches the same topic for thirty
years, new methods make the class interesting for the
new batch. Like sugar-coated medicines, these are remedy
to make the children get involved in the class activities
more vigorously. Even media helps.
What is the secret behind
your evergreen smile?
(Smiles) I owe this smile and happiness completely to
my family members. My family always kept me happy. My
wonderful husband was always there to guide me through
difficult circumstances. I could discuss anything with
him, even about school. He encouraged me and helped
me to continue as a teacher. I have 2 daughters and
a son. The eldest daughter is physically challenged
and unable to indulge in locomotion. Without my sister-in-law’s
contribution, I wouldn’t have been able to continue
my career. Problems occur for everyone. The main aim
is to deal with it and get rid of it successfully.
Who or what inspired you
to take upon this job omitting the usual 9-5 career
choices?
Seeing my interest in teaching and love for children,
my elder sister Nalini Krishna suggested that I join
as a teacher in Padma Seshadri school (PSBB), where
she was working. I had job offers from banks but I declined
them as I felt they were boring.
My sister suggested that I meet Mrs.YGP and talk to
her. My daughter was studying in UKG in PSBB. My son
was in Don Bosco. Moreover our house was close to the
school. So I was very comfortable. Mrs. YGP took efforts
and the way she groomed me helped me become a successful
teacher. My husband also started off as a teacher and
later moved on to publishing. He knew the value of a
teacher. So, I had to concentrate on only one thing
- children.
Highly talented children
and children with huge potential refuse to work nowadays.
What would be your advice to them?
Average classrooms do not infuse interesting challenges
in the children. They only cater to the needs of the
average and below average students. Due to this, some
above average students get disconnected with the classroom
activities.
The classroom must provide activities that make this
kind of ‘overconfident’ children think.
Some extra work must be given to the children which
is time, library or value-oriented. These activities
must make the children think and infuse in them the
want to keep studying.
Value education must be insisted upon. Have activities
that make them to look into the concerned lessons! Question-Framing
is necessary. Teachers must follow up the activities
given to achieve the required results.
Your favourite five?
Two favourite cinema artists
Sivaji Ganesan, Kamal Hasan
Two favourite Holiday destinations
New Zealand, Mizoram
Favourite Book
Gone With the Wind
Two favourite pastimes
Reading magazines, Socializing
Two favourite authors
Erle Stanley Gardener, Agatha Christie
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