Soulful स्कूल | Session 2 | Dr Chhalamayi Reddy - Sri Aurobindo International School, Hyderabad

Born into a family of educationists, Dr. Chhalamayi Reddy has an innate passion for innovation in education. Exploring and enriching the practices of learning and actively engaging academicians, teachers and children in the process of self discovery are the two major areas along which her work revolves.

Education She was a student of Sri Aurobindo International Center of Education, Puducherry until 1977. She graduated from Central University of Hyderabad in English Literature (1982) followed by MA by Thesis degree from Ohio University, USA in 1984. She received her PhD (1991) from the Department of English, Pondicherry University, on Sri Aurobindo’s critique of poetry. She also qualified in MA Philosophy.

Profession Dr. Chhalamayi Reddy has been the Principal of Sri Aurobindo International School, Hyderabad since 1991 which runs under the aegis of Institute of Human Study of which she is one of the Trust members. With the vision of imparting Integral Education as envisaged by Sri Aurobindo and the Mother, the school has evolved into one of the sought after institutions of learning since more than five decades. Apart from the focus on holistic development, the school’s methodology is child centric and provides for joyous learning. Another of her cherished interest is Indian Culture and she makes continuous efforts to educate students in it. She continues to contribute efficiently to the success story of the school with her inspirational leadership.

Projects

It is through her vision that the Institute has established a residential project, New Creation-a Free Progress School at Jangaon. As Director, she has proficiently developed a unique curriculum that ensures varied learning experiences leading to holistic development and self discovery. Along with it she administers Aditi Gurukul, a school sponsored by Matridarshan Trust, which provides free education to the less privileged since last twenty years. She continually advocates the vision and practice of Integral Education in all the three schools and is engaged in an ongoing process of orienting and training teachers in it. She has conducted workshops in the areas of Value Education, National Integration camps, Integral Education and Innovative Learning Practices in various places.

Her concern for environmental issues has made her the Convener for Environmental Committee of ICSE/ISC Schools,(GHMC). She has been efficiently organizing annual events since ten years which includes Green Rallies, Workshops on Recycling, Waste Management, Eco Hobbies, etc. Dr Chhalamayi Reddy has a keen interest in Inclusive Education and she has established small units called Ojas and Tejas in the Sri Aurobindo International school for children with learning challenges. The objective is to provide a platform for these children to become self sufficient in their daily activities. This special wing trains these children to appear for the NIOS exams.

As a Trustee of the Matridarshan Trust (Non-Governmental Organization), Dr Chhalamayi Reddy plans activities and programs for rural development which include Youth camps, Medical camps, Farmer Education and Women empowerment programs. Articles Published. Her editorials include a series of articles on Integral Education apart from her many paper presentations on educational platforms. Fondly addressed as Chhala Didi, she always believes in being a lifelong learner and encourages her team to be the same.