Siva Ramakrishna, Sri Venus School, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh
Foundation of the School – Beyond Academics
Founded 30 years ago, Sri Venus School, Guntur, saw a profound transformation in 2021 under the visionary leadership of Siva Ramakrishna and Kalpana Kanchibhotla. Reflecting on their journey, the couple shares, “When we took over, there were only 30 students and 5 teachers. It felt like starting from scratch, but we believed in the power of education to change lives.”
“We want to be sure that if the student does not achieve top grades, he or she leaves our school with good values and cultural roots,” Siva added. “It is all about individual development and educating students to look forward to long-term success rather than seeking short-term gains.”
Siva holds a Double MA and Hindi Pandit certification from Osmania University, while Kalpana has completed an M.Com, making them highly qualified educationists. Having previously worked in various schools, the couple has good practical experience and a passion for transforming education in their hometown of Guntur, Andhra Pradesh.
The couple envisioned a school that went beyond academics, focusing on overall growth and holistic development. From their previous work experiences, they noted that moral values and holistic development were often set aside in traditional schooling. This is what inspired them to establish a school that nurtures students academically, emotionally, and ethically.
Overcoming Challenges with Determination
Operating a school has never been smooth sailing. Managing multi-stakeholders, from students and parents to teachers and staff, is not an easy job. The couple has noticed a significant shift in parental expectations over the years.
“In the past, if a student made a mistake, parents would guide their child to learn from it. But today, when a child falters, parents often shift the blame to the teacher,” they share. This change has created new challenges for the school.
To tackle these difficulties, the leadership team places great importance on parental awareness programs. They regularly engage with parents, urging them to foster core values at home, ensuring these values are reflected in their children’s behaviour. The school emphasizes the importance of moving beyond the ‘prestige mindset’ and focusing on meaningful learning and character development.
Success Story of the School
In 2023, the school received crucial support from Varthana with a ₹7 lakh loan. This enabled the school to purchase 10 computers and other essential equipment, enhancing students’ access to technology and improving their overall learning experience.
The leadership expresses heartfelt gratitude to Varthana for helping them realize their dream of a more equipped and modern school environment. “It helped us achieve our mission of providing a well-rounded education.”
Today, the school has 270 students and 19 teachers, thanks to the unrelenting efforts of Siva and Kalpana, who have close to two decades of experience in the education sector. Both school leaders have a strong academic foundation. They aim to build future-ready students who can survive in a competitive world. This also includes preparing students with good character, leadership qualities, and social responsibility. Every year, they aspire to see at least three students make a difference in the nation or their families.
Conclusion
The couple is now committed to nurturing students to contribute to society. By 2030, they plan to increase student enrollment to 400 and fully utilize their building’s capacity. With the right blend of values, technology, and academic excellence, the school hopes to become an example of quality education in Guntur.
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