A principal at a leading residential school is entrusted with far more than academic oversight, they are the cornerstone of the school community, shaping not only educational outcomes but also the social, emotional, and ethical development of every student. Their stewardship ensures the wellbeing of both students and staff round the clock, nurturing a vibrant atmosphere where learning and personal development go hand in hand.
In this demanding and transformative role, Ms. Sreedevi G. Mahapatra, Principal of Bhaktivedanta Gurukula and International School, stands out as an exemplary leader. Her dedication to integrating rigorous academics with spiritual and character education sets a benchmark not just for BGIS, but for residential schooling across India. Her inclusion among the 10 Most Prominent Residential School Principals 2025 is a testament to her unwavering commitment, innovative approach, and far-reaching impact in shaping the next generation.
Nurtured by Nature, Wisdom, and Family
Hailing from Odisha’s Koraput district, widely admired for its natural beauty and often referred to as the “Switzerland of the East”, Ms. Sreedevi G. Mahapatra traces her early years to a modest, service-driven family background. One of her earliest and most formative experiences came at the age of four, when her father, an Indian Railways Executive was posted in Jagadalpur, Bastar district, Madhya Pradesh. There, she attended a missionary school that, while unconventional in its structure, offered a learning environment infused with creative co-curricular activities. With a single Sister imparting lessons in English, Hindi, and Mathematics, these formative years became a period of deep transformation for her.
The family’s next move took her to Visakhapatnam, where she joined Pollock Nursery School. This transition exposed her to the contrasts of urban living, under the tutelage of Australian educators, a marked departure from the simplicity of her rural classroom experience. School breaks saw her spending time at her grandparents’ home, where her grandfather’s extensive library became a sanctuary. Immersed in a spectrum of literature, from contemporary magazines like Reader’s Digest and Life to spiritual classics such as the Bhagavad Gita, Ramayana, Bhagavatam, the Bible, and the Qur’an, she developed a lasting appreciation for books and imbibed values during reflective walks and heartfelt discussions with her grandfather. Her journey then brought her to Kolkata, where she finished her schooling, before returning to Odisha to pursue higher education.
Rooted in Diversity
Ms. Sreedevi G. Mahapatra’s dedication to education emerged early, shaped by frequent relocations during her formative years, enabling her to master six regional languages, and a profound appreciation for India’s linguistic and cultural diversity. Among the many formative influences, her earliest mentor – Sister Martha, her teacher in Madhya Pradesh, stands out for her warmth and patience.
Throughout her academic journey, be it during the B.Ed., M.Ed., or the several certificate courses, encouragement from inspiring educators fuelled her ambitions. A rich 
literary atmosphere at home also played a pivotal role; her grandmother’s passion for reading and storytelling, coupled with her grandfather’s thought-provoking anecdotes during their morning walks, instilled a lifelong love for literature and a nuanced understanding of human connection. This unique blend of curiosity and empathy made a teaching career a natural progression for Ms. Mahapatra.
Her journey as an educator began in 1990, following her teacher training, when she joined Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, a network of residential schools established by the Ministry of Education for talented students from rural backgrounds. During this time, assignments in remote areas, such as Malkangiri in Odisha, required creativity and resilience as resources were scarce and many students had minimal exposure to English. Thus, she improvised with old newspapers, magazines, and even empty jam bottles as teaching aids, particularly when introducing literature.
Progressing from post graduate teacher to Vice Principal, she succeeded in the departmental examinations to take on the role of Principal. Her service across Haryana, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh provided her with an expansive view of educational practices and traditions. Initiatives such as organizing language exchanges and food festivals under Navodaya’s migration policy for national integration further enriched her cultural fluency.
Values in Action
Ms. Sreedevi G. Mahapatra’s leadership at Bhaktivedanta Gurukula and International School is firmly guided by a set of core values deeply rooted in the institution’s founding vision and her own educational philosophy. She embraces a path where education is transformative, aimed at liberating the mind, fostering strong character, and nurturing fearlessness.
A landmark achievement during her tenure occurred in 2025 when an autistic student earned an impressive 80% in board exams. Though Ms. Mahapatra received the Best Teacher Award from the Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti in 2007, she considers her greatest reward the continuous journey of nurturing young children into confident, value-driven young adults.
Charting a Vision
Looking ahead, Ms. Sreedevi G. Mahapatra envisions a transformative decade for Bhaktivedanta Gurukula and International School. “Having recently celebrated fifty years, BGIS is poised for even greater achievements,” she reflects. The campus, spanning sixty acres, will soon welcome Bhaktivedanta University, an institution centered on the Indian Knowledge System and described by her as “a first of its kind.”
Over the next five to ten years, Ms. Mahapatra identifies several strategic priorities: “Our focus will revolve around knowledge creation, mental wellness, rural empowerment, entrepreneurship, and environmental sustainability.” She emphasizes that these ambitions are firmly rooted in the school’s philosophical foundation: “We will continue to draw inspiration from the timeless teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, Bhagavatam, Ramayana, and Mahabharata, ensuring that spiritual connectedness remains at the heart of our mission.”
Passion, Perseverance, and Purpose
Ms. Sreedevi G. Mahapatra brings a rich tapestry of global experiences to her role, shaped by her travels across continents, from East Asia to the Mediterranean, from the Americas to Oceania. With a flair for languages and an appreciation for drama and educational cinema, she is continually drawn to new forms of expression and learning. Personal relationships are at the heart of her everyday interactions, every conversation and connection adding another dimension to her understanding of humanity.
With over three decades of experience, Ms. Mahapatra seamlessly integrated her personal life with her career, fostering strong bonds within the Navodaya & BGIS community. Her remarkable resilience was evident in her journey from teacher to principal and her fight against cancer, both fortified by the unwavering support of her parents, husband, and son. This profound experience underscored the power of collective care and compassion, and she credits her recovery to the kindness of colleagues, students, parents, and extended school families. Reflecting on her remarkable career, Ms. Mahapatra sees her work not merely as a profession, but as a calling, enriched by the shared joy of achievement and a lasting sense of gratitude.
