Chennai: In a matter of pride for the city, educationist S Sharmila Banu was recently awarded the Bharat Ratna Mother Teresa Gold Medal Award 2019 instituted by the All India Achievers and Research Academy, New Delhi.
The director of IQ Genius Kids International Preschool and Kids Memory Academy, speaks to News Today.
Excerpts from the interview.
Q: How did this journey of yours begin?
A: I was a homemaker for nearly 12 years. I then began my career by taking tuition for seven months. Later, I took a franchise from IQMA (IQ Memory Academy) and started Kids Memory Academy, five years ago.
Q: Tell us about your academy and school.
A: I started off with just one student. Now, I have over 400 and nearly 25 teachers.
We handle the children with utmost care. There are no constraints regarding the subjects we handle. Be it robotics, abacus, mid-brain activation, chess and even music and dance, we have trainers who handle it all.
Q: What is your major area of focus?
A: Apart from regular classes, we also concentrate on mid-brain activation.
It is a special exercise that helps in improving concentration, memory power and attention skills. The highlight is that, the course can give good results for special children as well. I have about 50 students for this course.
Q: How do you feel about receiving the honour?
A: The Lions Club members nominated me for this award. I received a letter saying I was chosen for the Mother Teresa Gold Medal Award 2019. Only three teachers from all over India were selected and my being one of them felt good. I’m doing my job from my heart and I have no words to express my happiness.
Q: How do you handle the students?
A: Venturing into a child’s world is the key to get their attention. I care for the children of my academy more than I care for my own. When I train my teachers, my advice to them is to teach the children the way they will enjoy the subjects.
Q: Post receiving this award, what are your future plans?
A: As such we don’t have any specific plans for now, but the main aim is to focus on the overall growth and development of the little ones who come to us.
She can be contacted at 9944168207.
Article by: Sharmada V/ Suha Nisviya S A