Namasthe to all the wonderful womenfolk and the readers. Along with my wishes for the Women’s Day, I take the privilege of presenting my humble tribute to the most influential woman who inspires and also moulds me as a teacher:  DR. SMT. GIRIJA SESHADRI – an exemplar  for HUMANITIARIAN LEADERSHIP.

Starting her career as the first Principal of Jaigopal Garodia Hindu Vidyalaya, West Mambalam, Chennai, she has contributed to the growth of 17 Hindu Vidyalayas around Tamil Nadu through the past four decades. Thousands of students hailing from middle and lower income groups receive a quality, holistic-cum-value-based education with all modern amenities because of her initiative.

In addition to being an acclaimed educationist, her humanitarian services are numerous. Right from the beginning, her contribution for the society and the nation has been huge. She has organized funds for the Tsunami-relief (2004), Flood-relief (2015), Bharat-ki-Veer Scheme (2019 Pulwama Attack), to name a few. During the initial days of the pandemic itself, she organized for the collection of funds through, the management, staff, teachers and higher secondary students and contributed INR 10 Lakhs towards the Prime Minister’s Relief fund and 5 Lakhs towards the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund. Apart from that, food supplies were also contributed to the families of the lower income group like auto drivers, vendors etc., during the Independence Day.

Her vision always remains unmatched. When schools were either adopting online-classes or video lessons, she organized for both in such a way that, the video sessions helped in learning and could be recalled at any time, while the online classes gave a platform for students to interact with their teachers. With her charisma, she makes everyone around to take-in her optimism and work towards one common goal of creating empowered citizens of the future. She serves as an inspiration to every one of her teachers and students to do more, not just for their good but for the best of the society and nation.

She stands testimonial for the statement: “Women are the architects of the Society”. On this International Women’s day, let this write up inspire many young educationists to take-up her path and lead the world towards a better future.

Mrs. V. Bala Meenakshi

PGT- English

Jaigopal Garodia Hindu Vidyalaya Matric. Hr. Sec. School, Chennai, Tamil Nadu