Women leaders in educational institutions have increasingly become the catalysts for fostering collaboration, advancing professional development, and embedding inclusivity into academic ecosystems. Their innate empathy and focus on social equity allow them to address gender-based challenges while enhancing student outcomes and work environments for educators alike. In fields such as STEM—traditionally male-dominated in India—this transformation is particularly vital. The emergence of strong women leaders like Prof. C. J. Sreelatha has marked a pivotal shift in this narrative.
Serving as a Professor in the Department of Physics at Kakatiya University, Warangal, Prof. Sreelatha exemplifies this evolving leadership. With a commitment that extends beyond academics, she dedicates herself to shaping students into value-driven, responsible individuals, equipped not just with scientific knowledge but with character and communication skills that serve them throughout life. Her career reflects a blend of scholarly excellence and deep human values, making her a beacon for aspiring scientists, especially young women in STEM.
In recognition of her inspiring journey and impactful contributions to both education and student empowerment, Prof. C. J. Sreelatha is being rightfully honoured among the Pragmatic Women Leaders in Education 2025.
A Journey Driven by Purpose
Hailing from the serene town of Kattoor in Alappuzha District, Kerala, Prof. C. J. Sreelatha began her educational journey with strong foundational values. Her academic dedication led her to pursue a Pre-degree at St. Michael’s College, Cherthala, followed by a B.Sc. in Physics from St. Joseph’s College, graduating with first-class honors in 1985. She then went on to complete her M.Sc. in Physics from the University Centre, Kariavattom, Kerala, in 1987, under the valuable mentorship of Prof. G. Aruldas, a noted expert in Spectroscopy.
Prof. Sreelatha’s early life was also shaped by her father, who served the Singareni Collieries Company for 36 years in Mandamarri, Mancherial District (then in Andhra Pradesh, now Telangana). In 1988, she expanded her skill set by pursuing a Postgraduate Diploma in Computer Applications (PGDCA) at Singareni Women’s College, Kothagudem—a program designed for daughters of SCCL employees. It was during this time that she met her future husband, Mr. G. Krishna Kumar, a B.E. Mechanical graduate and founder of Megabyte Computer Academy, Khammam.
After completing the program, she briefly worked as a programmer at Singareni Women’s College but stepped away from her role following her marriage and relocation to Warangal in 1991. With the support and encouragement of her husband, she resumed her academic journey by enrolling in a Ph.D. in Physics at Kakatiya University in 1992 under the guidance of Prof. Ch. Satyanarayana. She successfully earned her doctorate in 1997.
Towards Kakatiya University and beyond
Prof. C. J. Sreelatha’s enduring association with Kakatiya University began humbly, through part-time and contract-based teaching roles that spanned nearly a decade. In 2005, she was appointed Assistant Professor of Physics and posted to the University PG College, Godavarikhani, where she later assumed the role of Principal in 2008.
Amid professional progress, life presented profound personal challenges. In 2006, she lost her husband to a sudden heart attack, at a time when her two sons were still in school. Displaying remarkable courage and determination, Prof. Sreelatha, with the support of her mother-in-law, successfully raised both her sons into accomplished professionals. She attributes her journey to the guiding principles of the three D’s: Discipline, Devotion, and Determination.
As Principal at University PG College, she initiated academic and infrastructure development, organizing several seminars and conferences, and collaborated with Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) to enhance the institution’s facilities. In 2009, she transferred to the University Arts and Science College (UASC), Subedari, Warangal, and subsequently moved to the Kakatiya University campus, leveraging state-led faculty opportunities initiated under the leadership of Dr. Y. S. Rajasekhar Reddy.
During her tenure at UASC, she served as In-charge of the Department of Physics, where she organized professional development programs for degree lecturers and co-edited a practical manual for undergraduate teachers. In 2013, Prof. Sreelatha joined the Department of Physics at the main Kakatiya University campus. Despite initial limitations in research infrastructure, her passion for scientific inquiry endured. After receiving recognition as a Ph.D. supervisor in 2015, she actively resumed research, successfully guiding five Ph.D. candidates, with one currently pursuing doctoral work under her supervision. And most recently in 2025, she was appointed Director, Directorate of Admissions, under the visionary leadership of Hon. Vice-Chancellor Prof. K. Prathap Reddy.
On a Personal Note
Though her roots trace back to Kerala, Prof. C. J. Sreelatha fondly considers Telangana her true home. Beyond academia, she finds joy in cooking diverse cuisines, traveling, listening to music, and watching movies. Deeply connected to local culture, she actively celebrates traditional festivals such as Komuravelli Bonalu and Bathukamma with her family.
Prof. Sreelatha is also a passionate advocate for environmental sustainability. Inspired by the foundational efforts of senior faculty like Prof. Dinkar Sirdeshmukh, she has contributed significantly to enhancing the Department of Physics’ ambience at Kakatiya University. Her initiatives include organizing tree plantations, creating shaded seating areas, and encouraging students to actively participate in maintaining the department’s greenery—fostering not just a beautiful space, but a calm and inspiring academic environment.
