Muralidhar Reddy, Global EM School, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh
In the remote village of Visakhapatnam, Muralidhar Reddy, a school leader with a humble background, had a strong dream: to create an educational center for his community. With a solid academic foundation, including a post-graduation in M.Com and IRPM, he started his journey as a Junior Lecturer in a Government Junior College from 2000 to 2008.
During this time, he says, “I always believed that education could transform lives, and I was determined to make a difference in my community in Gujjangivalasa.” From 2008 to 2015, he took on a leadership role, managing a project focused on competitive exams in his Mandal, overseeing 180 high schools and working with over 300 teachers. “The joy of seeing students excel in competitive exams was immense, but the separation of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh ended this project, creating a turning point in my journey,” he reflects. This shift set the stage for a new chapter in his life and for the entire community.
Stepping Into the Teaching Journey
With a deep commitment to the teaching profession, Muralidhar decided to turn his vision into reality in 2015 by founding Global EM School. “I knew that starting a school was a way to make a real difference,” he says. Beginning with a building on his own land, he started the school with 60 students from LKG to 3rd grade and a team of 5 teachers. His focus on growth and better teaching methods led to a steady increase in enrollment, with 100 to 150 new students joining each year. “Our dedication to providing quality education at an affordable price won the community’s trust, and we had over 400 students before the COVID-19 pandemic hit,” he shares.
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Learning Battles
The post-COVID era presented new challenges, particularly with learning loss. Muralidhar explains, “Despite these difficulties, our team of dedicated teachers developed bridge content to address gaps in foundational skills.” Gradually overcoming these challenges, 2021 was a pivotal year as the school successfully re enrolled 400 students. “By 2023, our enrollment numbers had risen to over 550, marking a remarkable recovery,” he notes.
Milestones and Moments of Glory
Muralidhar, with a heart full of joy, shares, “Seeing the first batch of students move on to junior college is an incredibly emotional moment for me.” He adds, “Parents often seek my advice, which highlights the strong bond and trust we have built within the community.” These experiences clearly show the significant impact the school has had on its students’ lives. The enduring connections and trust formed over time underscore the school’s success in not only educating but also deeply enriching the community.
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Partnering with Varthana
In his effort to improve the school’s infrastructure, the leader turned to Varthana for financial help. He says, “Working with Varthana allowed us to make important upgrades and add modern facilities that are essential for our students’ growth.” He adds, “I am truly grateful to Varthana for helping me get closer to achieving our educational goals.” This support has greatly enhanced the school’s resources, enabling it to provide better learning opportunities and continue its mission to support student development.
Looking Ahead: A Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Muralidhar confidently states, “The journey doesn’t end here; I am dedicated to continuing this path of positive change and nurturing each student’s potential.” He plans to establish a junior college to broaden access to affordable education while maintaining a high standard of quality. He adds, “Our goal is to adopt modern teaching methods, promote digital literacy, and provide tools that ensure 100% student learning outcomes.” As the school evolves, Muralidhar remains firmly committed to empowering his community through education, with a clear vision of fostering growth and success for every student.
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