Education Stalwarts 2021|Dr. Tristha Ramamurthy, Founder and Managing Director of Ekya Schools | Leaders in Education

Dr. Tristha Ramamurthy, Founder and Managing Director of Ekya Schools, one of the top Leaders in Education is with EducationToday sharing her experience.

Dr. Tristha Ramamurthy founded Ekya Schools to bring pedagogically sound, research-based learning experiences to India. Here are excerpts from an interview with her as she talks about her journey:

I completed my schooling at The International School, Bangalore, followed by a Bachelor’s in Business Management from the Singapore Management University. Post my master’s degree from Stanford University, I earned a Doctorate of Education from King’s College London. Studying in different countries provided me the opportunity to experience education systems around the world. 

In 1991, at a small family guava orchard, my mother started a school with five students, and today, the CMR Jnanadhara Trust, dedicated in the name of my grandfather caters to the learning needs of over 20,000 students from the age of 2.5 years to postdoctoral scholars. On the other hand, my father served in the Indian Police Service for thirty-three years and is now a Member of Parliament at the Rajya Sabha. I grew up watching my parents lead large-scale social change within the education and political sectors. Today, I hold the unique position that brings together my ability, intention and opportunity to create an impact in this world.

In the July of 2005, I remember stepping into a large tent with about 500 teenagers assembled to close a 10-day summer youth empowerment camp. Dr. Sudharshan Reddy, Magsaysay awardee, had assembled students from his school built for the Soliga tribes in the Biligiri Rangana Hills. As I watched my father, one of the leaders in education address these students, I remember feeling uncomfortable sitting on a chair, while 500 of my peers were sitting on the floor. The students however ended the day by aspiring to change the nation. I was moved by their confidence and spirit. I realized that if students from remote villages of India could hope and dream to make a difference and change the trajectory of our nation, with all the opportunity and luxury I was awarded, I had to dedicate myself to make an impact. This continues to remain a pivotal point in my life motivating me and grounding me in the pursuit of my vision to create Ekya. 

My journey in education over the past 12 years has been one of tremendous learning and growth. In August 2008, I started working at the CMR Group of Institutions, soon after completing my Masters. Working with school leaders twice my age, I had to work continuously on consensus building with all the stakeholders; gaining their professional trust without enforcing my convictions on them. I also had to gain the trust of a large parent body while implementing radical educational reforms. I continue to have personal conversations with parents to understand their concerns and build trust. These challenges early in my career taught me the value of grit, empathy, and the steadfast pursuit of passion. 

In 2010, I founded Ekya Schools to bring pedagogically sound learning experiences to India. Launching a new brand, without leveraging our association with legacy brands such as CMR or National Public Schools was considered to be a risky move by everyone. Today, however, I look back and admire that 25-year old’s courage and naivety! Currently, Ekya Schools has 8000 students, and there are plans to open additional schools. With the help of an outstanding team, Ekya Schools is now a sustainable and replicable school system that can be scaled to serve tens of thousands of students. The expertise built includes an exceptional and unique in-house curriculum, documented procedures and processes for school operations, a replicable culture focused on innovation and excellence, and a reliable, professional development roadmap. 

Since March 2020, my role has expanded to actively work with the CMR University team and its 4000 strong student body. The university is my latest project, and I consider it to be an absolute privilege because I am not sure how many 35-year olds have the opportunity to build a world-class university anywhere in the world. I intend to use my learning and failings from Ekya to create a university that nurtures students who will one day make a difference in the world. 

Being a woman, leading an organization, and staying strong in the face of failure has been challenging and sometimes seems an impossible task. But challenges make us who we are. I was the first woman in my conservative extended family to attend college overseas. I was the youngest in my cohort at Stanford and the youngest in most conferences where I presented my research during my undergraduate. I continued to work full-time while I pursued a part-time doctorate from King’s College. Time management became even more important. I believe I am building my muscle for future challenging experiences and for roles that need an immeasurable amount of strength and integrity. 

When I started my journey as an educator, the education system only focused on rote learning and textbook culture, and I knew I had to change that. By rewriting the curriculum, getting parent alignment, and building awareness about focusing on enjoying and valuing learning rather than results, I was able to initiate change. The lack of technology integration was another challenge that I was able to overcome by introducing platforms, training teachers, and by adding simple and easy to implement solutions. There is a need for deeper understanding of learning and skill development, measuring the immeasurable. I foresee a long journey ahead, continuous improvement and development before we become influencers. 

My parents have been my inspiration and the pillars of support in my journey. I always have something new to learn from them, from their ability to solve problems, the way they continue to help people and make an impact in everything they choose to do. 

My belief that we can change lives through education has molded me into the person I am today. It is a privilege and honour to work for the cause of students and their aspirations.

My deepest aspiration is to leave a positive mark on the lives of people. Through Ekya and now CMR University, I wish to institute change and transformation. 

To the upcoming professionals in the field of education, my message would be – No profession is as exciting, as satisfying, and as impactful as one that involves working with learners, young and old.

Dr. Tristha has been the recipient of the Women Achievers Award in 2017 instituted by Flo which is a ladies’ wing of the Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), the Shrama Saadhana Shining Star Award by ISBR business school for achieving success through professional excellence, and the Stanford Study Award.

About Ekya Schools:

Ekya Schools is a community of learners, thinkers, doers, and change makers. Ekya stands for a sense of togetherness, collaboration, and unity. Ekya is a community where everyone forges ahead with purpose. The word Ekya is derived from the Sanskrit sounds of unity and individuality. It embodies the spirit of collaboration and togetherness while allowing space for the individual to grow.

Drawing on the legacy of the CMR Group of Institutions and the innovative, immersive methods of school systems around the world, our schools were instituted with one aim– to teach children not just what to learn, but how to learn. Here, knowing how to learn is a skill in itself, and the key to creating lifelong learners with the means to adapt and thrive in a constantly changing world.

Do check out experiences shared by our top 50 leaders in education.

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