From Roots to Wings: The Mother-Daughter Force Revolutionizing Learning
Dynamic Mother & Daughter Duo of SSVM Group of Institutions, Chennai
Dr Manimekalai Mohan, the visionary Founder and Managing Trustee of SSVM Group of Institutions, brings over 27 years of educational leadership. With a postgraduate degree in Psychology and Rehabilitation Science, she spearheads SSVM's growth from a modest play school to fifteen world-class campuses. Committed to quality education and women's empowerment, her impact extends globally. Dr Manimekalai Mohan is also a Member of the General Council of NCERT, an autonomous body under the Ministry of Education, Government of India. Furthermore, she serves as the Co-Founder of Ruh Continuum Schools.
Ms Srisha Mohandoss, Director of Education at SSVM Institutions, holds a B.Com. in Entrepreneurship from the University of British Columbia and a Master’s in Education from the University of Sydney. She excels in music, sports, and entrepreneurship, embodying multifaceted leadership. is a passionate educationist, an influential Rifle shooter, and a devoted Singer. She is a National Gold medalist in 10 Meter Rifle Shooting and she has also performed in more than 6 mega music albums. She is the pioneer for bringing Planet Protector Academy (PPA) - a Canadian-based Environmental awareness initiative in the SSVM group of Schools. She co-founded Ruh Early Years and champions environmental awareness initiatives. She is working productively towards creating a conscious sustainable environment and making every child’s home and surrounding a better place to live in.
Q. What is the one quality that makes your pair dynamic?
Our dynamic synergy defines our partnership. We align seamlessly due to our shared vision and implicit trust in each other's capabilities. This synergy enables us to combine the wisdom gained from my extensive experience in educational leadership with my daughter's fresh perspectives and innovative ideas. Together, we create a harmonious balance, leveraging the strengths of both worlds—tradition and innovation. Our collaborative approach fosters positive change and growth within our institutions, ensuring that we remain adaptable and responsive to challenges. It's this dynamic interplay between our personalities and expertise that drives us toward our common goal of excellence in education, making our partnership truly impactful and inspiring.
Q. You both have different personalities. How do you balance one another or rather compliment each other?
Our partnership thrives on the complementarity of our personalities. My wisdom and experience serve as a stabilizing force, offering strategic direction and insight. In contrast, Srisha's dynamism and innovation inject energy and fresh perspectives into our endeavors. This balance allows us to tackle challenges from multiple angles, maximizing our chances of success and creating a nurturing environment for growth and development. By leveraging our respective strengths, we create a holistic approach to leadership, ensuring that our institutions flourish. Our ability to complement each other's strengths fosters resilience and adaptability, enabling us to navigate complex situations with confidence and creativity. Together, we form a formidable team, united in our commitment to excellence in education.
Q. When it comes to decision-making, who takes a call in tough situations?
In challenging circumstances, decision-making is a joint endeavor between my daughter and me. While my experience typically guides our direction, I deeply value Srisha's insights and intuition, which significantly inform our decisions. Our process is founded on transparent communication and mutual respect, ensuring that we consider diverse perspectives and make informed choices that serve the best interests of our institutions in the long term. By embracing collaboration and drawing upon each other's strengths, we navigate complexities with confidence and unity. This inclusive approach not only strengthens our partnership but also fosters a sense of shared ownership and accountability, ultimately driving positive outcomes for our institutions.