Jhansi Rani, New St. Maria High School, Hyderabad, Telangana
Since India’s liberalization in 1992, more women have been encouraged to join the workforce. However, their worth often goes unrecognized, and their representation remains low. Despite this, many Indian women are now better educated than ever before, with higher enrollment and longer stays in schools and colleges. Yet, this increased education hasn’t led to more jobs for women, largely due to societal pressures such as early marriage and family responsibilities interrupting their careers.
Amongst these challenges, there are women like Jhansi Rani, who hails from the traditional Old city of Hyderabad. Despite facing financial difficulties from a young age and experiencing personal tragedies like the loss of her first child, Jhansi chose to pursue her dreams and work towards financial independence. Her journey proves that even when faced with challenges, women in India can still make a big difference in society. Despite facing obstacles, they show strength and determination, inspiring others with their positive contributions.
Life That Was Destined To Education
Jhansi always dreamed of becoming a doctor, but life had different plans for her. “Since childhood, I always dreamt of becoming a doctor, but God had a different plan for me,” she says. Coming from a family with seven sisters and one brother, she faced financial constraints that led her to attend a government school. Despite societal norms, her passion for learning persisted. “Despite challenges, I continued to pursue my dreams,” she reflects.
After the heartbreaking loss of her first child, Jhansi felt a deep desire to heal and make a difference for other children. In 1998, she took a bold step and started St. Maria High School with just eight students in three rooms.Â
“I wanted to create a place where children could learn, grow and thrive,” she explains. However, leading a school in the Old City of Hyderabad as a woman came with its own set of challenges. “It wasn’t easy, but I faced each obstacle head-on,” she recalls.
Despite facing competition and attempts to shut her down, Jhansi remained determined. “I refused to give up, no matter what,” she says. With strong determination, she conquered all obstacles in her path. Now, her school serves as proof of her strength and commitment to changing children’s lives for the better.
Affordable Education With No Compromise On Quality
Jhansi Rani concentrated on providing affordable education, unlike her counterparts who targeted upper-middle-class families with extravagant options. “St Maria School caters to a community where most students are first and second-generation learners,” she explains passionately. Despite starting with a minimal budget, the school offers affordable education that is balanced with holistic development. “We have innovative teaching methods and encourage extracurricular activities like martial arts, yoga, meditation, music, dance, abacus, and life skills training,” she adds.
“Activity-based and experiential learning is our focus,” she emphasizes. “For example, when teaching measurement concepts in math, teachers give practical demonstrations to ensure a solid understanding,” she explains further. Additionally, St Maria High School encourages parents to actively engage in their children’s education, helping them understand their important role in the process.
Dreams Nurtured Beyond Classrooms
Jhansi Rani’s vision goes beyond the classroom. Students from her school have taken on unconventional roles like radio jockeys in Hyderabad, while others have pursued careers in medicine, conducting health camps in their alma maters. With joy evident on her face, she shares, “Some of our students have even qualified for CAT exams, and the school has organized visits to renowned space centers like NASA and ISRO, turning dreams into reality for low-income background students and inspiring them to pursue seemingly impossible careers.”
Empowering Teachers: Supporting The Creators Of Tomorrow
Jhansi Rani recognizes the vital role teachers play in shaping the future. “If a doctor makes a mistake, a patient may die, but if a teacher makes a mistake, it could harm an entire generation,” she reflects. At St. Maria High School, teacher development is a top priority. Each of the 32 teachers undergoes multiple training sessions and capacity-building exercises to ensure they deliver quality education.
“We believe in investing in our teachers,” Jhansi emphasizes. “By providing ongoing training and support, we empower them to make a positive impact on our students’ lives.” This commitment to teacher empowerment is central to the school’s mission of nurturing future leaders and thinkers.
Testing Her Resilience: The Pandemic Challenge
The COVID-19 pandemic presented never-before-seen challenges for the school, testing its ability to adapt. “Many teachers struggled to adjust from physical to online teaching,” Jhansi recalls. “This led to a mass migration of teachers to their hometowns, causing a severe staff and resource shortage.”
Despite the difficulties, Jhansi persisted in conducting physical classes during the initial phase of the pandemic. “Some criticized my decision, but I prioritized my students’ education,” she explains. As the pandemic’s financial toll grew, Jhansi made a difficult decision. “I had to sell my property to provide support to those in need,” she says. Despite the challenges, she found solace in helping others and ensuring education continued during uncertain times.
Also Read: How one visionary women leader is making a difference in girls education
Varthana’s Support: A Lifesaver In Hard Times
During tough times, Jhansi Rani expresses sincere gratitude to Varthana Finance for their continuous support. “Varthana didn’t just provide financial help; they also offered academic support,” she explains. “Their Unlock Bridge content addressed learning gaps, and COVID Express loans eased our financial struggles, ensuring the school’s survival.”
To facilitate continued learning, part-time intern teachers were hired to deliver worksheets door-to-door. “Varthana stood by us when our school faced a crisis,” Jhansi emphasizes. “With their assistance and ongoing guidance, we’ve not only survived but also flourished, reaching new heights of excellence.”
Moving Ahead: Shaping Global Citizens
As a woman school leader, Jhansi Rani dreams of her students becoming global citizens, regardless of gender, and accessing opportunities worldwide. “I envision all my students breaking barriers and excelling in their careers,” she says. St. Maria High School aims to expand its reach by launching new branches across Hyderabad, to enroll over 2000 students by 2025.
Jhansi Rani’s difficult journey from her early years to adulthood serves as a source of hope for women everywhere. “Despite facing challenges, I’ve always risen above and made St. Maria High School shine through affordable education and innovative teaching methods,” she reflects. Her story is not just about empowering herself but also about empowering future generations through education.
For women who have lost hope, Jhansi Rani’s story is a reminder to never give up on their dreams and find happiness and purpose in life. “No matter the obstacles, we must continue to strive for greatness,” she encourages. Her journey inspires us all to keep pushing forward, no matter what obstacles we face.
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