Priyamma: A Teacher Who Inspires Change Through Action
A Teacher Who Leads by Example
By PRAMILA KRISHNAN | DC
Chennai, Feb. 10
A teacher is a change-maker, proves 37-year-old Sripriya, a teacher in a government-aided school at Elephant Gate in Chennai. In her 18-year experience, she has produced several good students, from a business manager in Africa to a hotelier in Chennai.
She taught not just to score marks in exams but also to live a meaningful life. “Leading a life without hurting others is discipline,” she says. A follower of Swami Vivekananda, Sripriya always had a personal connection with her students.
Ms. Sripriya does not believe in giving instructions without taking initiative. She told her children twice that classrooms and toilets should be kept clean. When they failed to maintain cleanliness, she cleaned them herself to show the importance of responsibility.
“When I cleaned the classroom and toilets, my children felt the pain. Now, they keep their rooms immaculately clean,” she said with joy.
According to her, teachers should be good listeners first.
“Compared to adults, children suffer severe stress. Unless we help them to unload their problems, they will never be able to focus on their lessons,” she explains.
One of her students was a chain smoker. He did not receive any attention from his parents at home. Sripriya listened to him patiently and allowed him to share his worries. Today, he is a successful entrepreneur in Chennai.
Inspired by her, a group of students came under the banner of Gold Heart Foundation to extend her social initiatives. Presently, the organization supports 17 orphanages and eight shelter homes.
Her projects include:
- Celebrating Deepavali with children from juvenile homes
- Organizing Children’s Day for poor children
- Conducting blood donation camps
- Counseling depressed children
Her husband Hari and son Niranjan, a class 9 student, have joined her efforts in serving people.
Recently, she received a letter from an old student who studied under her 12 years ago from abroad, expressing gratitude.
Now, her foundation has been chosen by the Chennai Corporation to spread awareness among Chennaiites about dumping garbage in public places.
Ms. Sripriya can be contacted at 9884629206.
