Srinivasa Reddy Gangula, Akshara School of Excellence, Hyderabad, Telangana
Srinivasa Reddy’s journey as a school leader began with a spark ignited during his early academic years. Always a topper and a curious learner, his math professor played a major role in inspiring him in his studies and other aspects of life. He says, “My professor was the one who motivated me to pursue Electronics Engineering and carve my journey towards success.” After completing his Electronics Engineering degree and being actively involved in projects during college, he shares, “I eventually realized I wanted to be an educator and inspire others like my teacher did. I took on the role of an Assistant Professor immediately after graduation.” His passion for teaching and a desire to make a lasting impact on students’ lives fueled his ambition to open his own school.
From Assistant Professor to School Leader
Balancing his role as an Assistant Professor while pursuing his M.Tech, Srinivasa also worked tirelessly to establish a school with a mission to provide quality education at an affordable price in Kandukur village, Ranga Reddy district, Hyderabad. He says, “At the age of 23, with a small budget but a big vision, I established Akshara School of Excellence in 2014.” He adds, “The initial response was encouraging, with 150 students and 14 staff members. Our unique feature of extended school hours offered assurance and safety to the parents of students from agricultural backgrounds, quickly earning community support.” This support, along with extra study time for students whose parents worked late, led to a doubling of admissions in the following years.
Innovations in Education and Community Engagement
Srinivasa introduced innovative strategies to promote positive behaviour and academic excellence within the school community. He shares, “Recognition and rewards became a key part of our school culture. Students received accolades like Gold, Silver, and Bronze based on their achievements and behaviour.” He continues, “We have a collaborative decision-making process that involves teachers and students, allowing a diverse range of ideas to shape the school’s policies.”
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Transforming Education with Varthana
Realizing the importance of technology in education, Akshara School of Excellence teamed up with Varthana to set up a computer lab. Srinivasa says, “Thanks to this initiative, we were able to provide equal access to technology, with 15 computers and all the necessary equipment for our pre-primary students.” Varthana’s support also helped us integrate technology into our curriculum. He highlights, “This made our school the first in the entire locality to introduce a computer lab.”
The pandemic brought financial and educational challenges that tested our resilience. With Varthana’s support, Srinivasa managed the financial strain, ensuring teachers continued to receive their salaries on time. To overcome educational disruptions, the school adopted a unique approach by bringing education to students’ doorsteps. He says, “Teachers were assigned to individual villages, forming small groups of students to continue their education in community halls or makeshift shelters. Varthana’s assistance with Unlock Worksheets and Unlock Books helped bridge the educational gap during this challenging period.”
Looking Towards the Future
Planning to expand the school for extracurricular activities, Srinivasa expresses, “I aim to add a sports ground and construct a dedicated school block to ensure holistic development for our students.” The recent acquisition of additional space for sports activities shows the school’s commitment to physical activities and personality growth. He mentions,”The inclusion of science fairs and a strong academic focus has set the stage for further achievements and recognition. I’m hopeful for future accolades in the realm of sports.”
Reflecting on his role as a school leader, Srinivasa emphasizes, “My journey is about visionary education in rural areas, matching urban standards affordably.” His dedication to quality education at reasonable rates, alongside innovative strategies during challenges, highlights the transformative power of individual commitment.
Under Srinivasa’s leadership, Akshara School continues to evolve, embodying hope and resilience in rural education. The groundwork for a brighter future is nurtured by Srinivas’s unwavering dedication and the supportive partnership with Varthana.
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