Schools serve as the foundation for not only building a student’s academic knowledge but also cultivating the essential qualities needed for their future endeavors. It is, therefore, critical for students to develop a range of life skills and lessons that enrich their education and equip them to face real-world challenges. This highlights the necessity of having educational leaders who can inspire and instill leadership qualities in their students. While teamwork is the cornerstone of success, it thrives only under the guidance of an effective school leader—someone who leads from the front, unites the team, and keeps it motivated and focused on shared goals.
This is where individuals like Menakath Sripadam Sreesan make their mark. As the principal of Yajnavalkya Public School (CBSE), Mr. Sreesan has been a driving force behind the institution’s progress. Despite its location in the rural backdrop of Chitradurga, Karnataka, his vision has been to provide students with an education comparable to that offered in Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities. Through his dedication and leadership, he has successfully steered the institution through challenges, paving the way for meaningful change.
In recognition of his hard work and impactful contributions, we are proud to honor Mr. Menakath Sripadam Sreesan with the title of Educator of the Year 2024 at the Education Excellence Awards.
From the Scratch
Menakath Sripadam Sreesan has a remarkable journey rooted in resilience, adaptability, and dedication. Born in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, into a defense family, he was raised alongside his twin sister and younger brother. His upbringing in Kendriya Vidyalayas across various parts of India, from Jabalpur to Trichy, instilled in him a strong sense of discipline, adaptability, and a deep proficiency in Hindi, which shaped his educational foundation.
Mr. Sreesan holds a master’s degree in English Literature from Bharathiar University, Chennai, and a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed). Over the years, he has gained extensive experience in the field of education, transitioning from a teacher to vice principal and ultimately to principal. His leadership journey began unexpectedly when he was appointed vice principal at Paramita Group of Schools, Karimnagar, without prior administrative experience—a challenge he embraced wholeheartedly, learning and growing through interactions with teachers, students, and parents.
Yajnavalkya Public School in a Nutshell
Yajnavalkya Public School goes beyond academics to actively promote student participation in city-level competitions, including those held in Bangalore. These opportunities provide students with valuable exposure and the chance to excel on broader platforms.
Recognizing the vital role of extracurricular activities, the school has implemented a house system to foster healthy competition through weekly events in cultural, literary, and sports domains. The school’s assembly sessions, where students anchor and present thematic content, have been instrumental in developing their confidence, public speaking skills, and English language proficiency.
To enhance teaching quality, the school collaborates with CBSE’s capacity-building programs, publishers, and external trainers to conduct workshops on phonics, classroom management, and innovative teaching methodologies. This ensures that educators remain equipped with the skills to meet academic and developmental goals.
With a residential campus accommodating 300 students and faculty, the school provides a supportive environment that nurtures academic excellence and personal growth. Looking ahead, Mr. Sreesan and the school management envisions the institution becoming a model for rural education, fostering greater student confidence, parental engagement, and institutional success. Confident in his team’s and students’ potential, Mr. Sreesan foresees the school setting benchmarks for rural educational excellence within the next three years.
As the Principal
Menakath Sripadam Sreesan has been a driving force in bridging the gap between urban and rural educational standards in Chitradurga, Karnataka. Leading a school transitioning from state board affiliation to the CBSE curriculum, he has tackled unique challenges with unwavering commitment. Recognizing the strong influence of traditional practices and rituals in rural communities, he has worked to emphasize the long-term importance of education over cultural commitments, particularly during critical academic periods like examinations.
Mr. Sreesan has been instrumental in equipping teachers to meet CBSE requirements by introducing innovative teaching methodologies and conducting workshops on experiential learning and higher-order thinking skills. To address linguistic barriers, he ensured that both teachers and students received support in their regional language while adapting to the national curriculum, fostering a smooth transition.
Beyond his administrative responsibilities, Mr. Sreesan remains deeply committed to teaching. He actively conducts English and Social Studies classes for high school students and organizes in-house workshops to empower teachers with confidence and innovative strategies. However, he acknowledges the significant challenge of attracting and retaining skilled educators in a rural setting. The school’s distance from urban centers like Bangalore, coupled with the need for training materials to be translated into Kannada, adds complexity to professional development initiatives.
Amid these challenges, Mr. Sreesan takes pride in the school’s success in promoting girls’ education. With strong community support, the school has seen high participation and achievements among female students. By creating opportunities for them to compete in city and state-level events, the school has enabled its students to showcase their talents and thrive on larger platforms.
A Balanced Approach to Professional and Personal Life
Mr. Menakath Sripadam Sreesan, a dedicated residential faculty member at Yajnavalkya Public School, exemplifies commitment by devoting most of his time to the institution. As a full-time resident on campus, he remains immersed in his professional responsibilities, ensuring the smooth execution of school programs and activities.
Despite his demanding role, Mr. Sreesan finds solace in pursuing personal hobbies. In his leisure time, he enjoys reading books and articles on education and CBSE-related topics, allowing him to stay updated and reflective. A lover of instrumental and classical music, he often listens to these genres to find peace and rejuvenation. Gardening is another activity he enjoys, nurturing plants and finding joy in their growth.
Mr. Sreesan emphasizes the importance of maintaining a clear separation between his professional and personal life. On campus, he remains fully committed to his responsibilities, while his personal time is reserved for cherishing moments with family and friends. Despite the distance to his hometown, he makes it a priority to visit Kerala occasionally, particularly since his mother divides her time between Kerala and Bangalore. Whether visiting temples, exploring new destinations, or engaging in thoughtful conversations, he treasures these experiences as sources of renewal and connection.
