Women have long been the driving force behind K-12 education in India. From nurturing young minds to shaping future leaders, the majority of educators who have guided us through our formative years have been women. As the education sector continues to thrive, it offers abundant opportunities for women to learn, grow, and contribute significantly to the nation’s progress.
In recognition of their invaluable contribution, it is only fitting to celebrate one of the most dedicated women in the K-12 education space. We at The Academic Insights are proud to honour Mrs. Suguna L, President of Suguna International School, for her remarkable leadership and unwavering commitment to education. Her journey exemplifies resilience, vision, and dedication — qualities that make her a true inspiration for aspiring women leaders.
Conferring the title of ‘Pragmatic Woman Leader in School Education 2024’ upon Mrs. Suguna is a well-deserved recognition of her impactful role in shaping young minds and driving positive change in the education landscape.
From the Scratch
Never having envisioned a career in education, especially coming from an industrial family background, Mrs. Suguna’s journey as an educationist began when she took on the responsibility of managing Suguna RIP V School, an institution founded by her father-in-law, Shri K. Venkatesalu Naidu.
Driven by her commitment to educational excellence, Mrs. Suguna played a pivotal role in launching Suguna PIP School. Recognizing the growing demand from parents for a CBSE institution in the heart of the city, she established Suguna International School in 2012.
Journey towards Suguna International School
As the President of Suguna International School, Mrs. Suguna L plays a pivotal role in steering the institution toward success. Her leadership is defined by setting a clear vision for delivering quality education, ensuring a positive learning environment, and providing the necessary infrastructure to support both students and teachers.
Mrs. Suguna is deeply committed to fostering a culture of teamwork and innovation within the school community. She actively ensures that students, teachers, and parents feel valued and supported, believing that collaboration is key to achieving educational excellence.
Central to her leadership philosophy is her dedication to attentive listening, openness to change, and trust in her capable team — qualities that have been instrumental in driving the school’s growth and success.
Navigating Challenges
During a brief interview, Mrs. Suguna L, President of Suguna International School, reflected on the key challenges she has faced in managing the institution and how she successfully navigated them.
Acknowledging the hurdles encountered, Mrs. Suguna remarked, “At Suguna International School, we have faced a few challenges, but we have always found ways to overcome them.” One notable challenge she highlighted was balancing academics with extracurricular activities. To address this, she emphasized the importance of proper planning, clear lesson structures, and regular teacher training — strategies that have helped the school maintain this delicate balance.
Mrs. Suguna also underscored the need for adaptability in an ever-evolving educational landscape. She explained that staying updated with modern trends can be demanding, but the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic became a turning point. “The pandemic pushed us to embrace digital tools extensively. As a result, we successfully incorporated modern teaching methods and continued to innovate to stay ahead,” she shared.
Inspiring Growth and Cherishing Meaningful Connections
For Mrs. Suguna, the most rewarding aspect of her role as an educational leader is witnessing students grow — not just academically, but also as confident, well-rounded individuals prepared to face the world. She finds immense fulfillment in seeing the school’s nurturing environment inspire creativity, innovation, and a genuine love for learning, with both teachers and students working collaboratively toward success.
Reflecting on a memorable experience that underscored the impact of education, Mrs. Suguna recalls a heartfelt encounter at Sentosa Dolphin Island. Amid the bustling crowd, a man approached her with joy and gratitude, introducing himself as an alumnus of Suguna International School. He expressed heartfelt thanks to the teachers, management, and the entire institution for shaping him into the person he had become and even extended a warm invitation to his home.
Moments like these, Mrs. Suguna believes, reaffirm her decision to dedicate herself to education. The appreciation from alumni, students, and staff, coupled with the unwavering support of her family and friends, continues to inspire and energize her unwavering commitment to shaping young minds and building a brighter future.
On a Personal Note
Mrs. Suguna L, firmly believes in the importance of maintaining a healthy balance between her professional responsibilities and personal well-being. To recharge and stay grounded, she engages in activities such as walking, practicing yoga, cooking, and exploring new places. Spending time outdoors not only helps her maintain physical and mental wellness but also provides her with the clarity needed to excel as a leader.
At school, Mrs. Suguna finds joy in watching live sports like volleyball, basketball, and hockey, which she believes fosters team spirit and camaraderie. She also values spiritual activities, which offer her a sense of inner peace and stability. Additionally, spending time with friends, where she can unwind and simply be herself, serves as a significant source of positive energy.
Travelling and reading are other passions that refresh and inspire her. For Mrs. Suguna, family time plays a vital role in relaxation and emotional grounding. She attributes much of her ability to balance work and life to careful planning, setting clear boundaries, and taking time for personal activities and reflection. By staying organized and delegating responsibilities, she effectively manages her professional commitments while ensuring she has time to relax and connect with loved ones.
Above all, Mrs. Suguna credits her husband, Mr. Lakshminarayanasamy, as a pillar of unwavering support in her professional journey — a source of strength and encouragement that she deeply cherishes.
