“When you educate a man, you educate an individual. When you educate a woman, you educate a nation.” – Dr. James Emmanuel Kwegyir-Aggrey
Education is a transformative force that empowers individuals and shapes societies. At its helm, women leaders in education have been driving this change with compassion, vision, and innovation. From reimagining classrooms to shaping policies, women have been instrumental in creating systems that foster learning, equity, and opportunity.
This Women’s Day, we celebrate the remarkable women who have led with purpose and left an indelible mark on the world of education. As an organisation proudly led by women, Ekya Schools is inspired by the vision, determination, and leadership of women who tirelessly work to shape the lives of millions of learners.
Among these inspiring leaders, we are proud to honor Dr. Sabitha Ramamurthy and Dr. Tristha Ramamurthy, who have not only transformed education in India but have also paved the way for future generations of leaders.
Let’s take a closer look at their contributions and celebrate other trailblazing women in education who continue to inspire us.
Dr. Sabitha Ramamurthy
President, CMR Jnanadhara Trust | Chancellor, CMR University
Dr. Sabitha Ramamurthy’s story is one of vision and determination. It began with a humble guava orchard kindergarten, where she planted the seeds of education that have grown into an expansive network of institutions under the CMR Group. From those modest beginnings, she has built an education ecosystem that spans pre-primary to higher education.
As the President of the CMR Jnanadhara Trust and Chancellor of CMR University, Dr. Sabitha’s leadership is defined by her focus on quality, inclusivity, and holistic learning. Her ability to build institutions that foster creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration has empowered thousands of students to achieve their dreams.
Her journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and purpose, proving that education is not just about imparting knowledge—it’s about creating opportunities, shaping lives, and building a better world.
Dr. Rukmini Banerji
CEO, Pratham Education Foundation
Dr. Rukmini Banerji has dedicated her career to transforming primary education in India. Under her leadership as CEO of Pratham, one of the country’s largest education NGOs, she has introduced impactful initiatives such as the Annual Status of Education Report (ASER), which has become a critical tool for assessing learning outcomes across the nation.
Her innovative “Teaching at the Right Level” approach focuses on ensuring children achieve foundational literacy and numeracy. By tailoring education to meet the needs of individual learners, Dr. Banerji has positively impacted the lives of millions of children in underserved communities, proving that education can be a great equaliser when approached with empathy and insight.
Dr. Tristha Ramamurthy
Founder, Ekya Schools | Vice President, CMR Group of Institutions
Dr. Tristha Ramamurthy is a visionary who challenges traditional norms in education. As the Founder of Ekya Schools, she has redefined K-12 education by introducing experiential, inquiry-based learning that focuses on nurturing creativity, critical thinking, and empathy. Her classrooms are dynamic spaces where students are encouraged to question, explore, and grow into confident, resilient individuals.
Her leadership at Ekya Schools ensures that education is future-focused, equipping students with the skills to navigate an ever-changing world. Beyond academics, she emphasises the importance of emotional intelligence and collaboration, creating well-rounded, socially conscious learners.
Dr. Tristha’s impact extends to higher education through her role as Vice President of the CMR Group of Institutions, where she inspires innovation and excellence. Her forward-thinking approach to education is a beacon of hope for the next generation of learners.
Kiran Bir Sethi
Founder, The Riverside School and Design for Change
Kiran Bir Sethi is a pioneer in empowering children to believe in their ability to change the world. Through The Riverside School and the global initiative Design for Change, she has inspired students worldwide to identify challenges and take action to solve them.
Her philosophy of “I Can” has redefined education as a tool for social impact, encouraging children to think critically and act compassionately. Kiran’s work highlights the transformative power of student-led learning and reminds us that every child has the potential to lead and create change.
Shaheen Mistri
Founder, Teach For India
Shaheen Mistri’s mission to bridge the gap in educational equity has transformed the lives of countless children. Through Teach For India, she has created a movement of young leaders who work in underprivileged schools to deliver quality education and inspire change.
Her work goes beyond teaching—she has built a community committed to addressing one of India’s most pressing challenges. Shaheen’s leadership proves that when purpose meets action, education can truly transform lives.
Dr. Shukla Bose
Founder, Parikrma Humanity Foundation
Dr. Shukla Bose’s work with the Parikrma Humanity Foundation is a testament to the belief that education can break the cycle of poverty. Her schools provide a holistic learning experience, integrating academics with health, nutrition, and emotional support for children from underserved communities.
Through her leadership, thousands of children have been given the tools to dream big and achieve their goals. Dr. Bose’s vision of education as a tool for empowerment has reshaped the lives of countless families and communities.
Dr. Anju Seth
First Woman Director, IIM Calcutta
Dr. Anju Seth’s journey is a story of breaking barriers and redefining leadership. As the first woman director of IIM Calcutta, she brought a fresh perspective to one of India’s most prestigious business schools. Her tenure emphasised collaboration, global excellence, and inclusivity, paving the way for more women to lead in traditionally male-dominated fields.
Dr. Seth’s accomplishments are a powerful reminder of how determination and leadership can inspire future generations to challenge norms and pursue their ambitions fearlessly.
Anita Rampal
Former Dean, Faculty of Education, Delhi University
Anita Rampal has been a champion of equitable and inclusive education. Through her work with the National Curriculum Framework (NCF), she has transformed how schools approach learning, emphasising creativity, collaboration, and hands-on engagement.
Her advocacy for marginalized communities has ensured that education reaches every child, regardless of their background. Anita’s work is a shining example of how education can be a force for social justice and transformation.
Nandita Abraham
President, Pearl Academy
Nandita Abraham has reshaped creative education in India through her leadership at Pearl Academy. By bridging the gap between academia and industry, she has empowered students to excel in fields like design, fashion, and media.
Her focus on fostering creativity and individuality has inspired countless young women to pursue unconventional career paths and redefine success on their terms.
Manju Sharma
Educationalist and Founder, DPS Indore
Manju Sharma’s dedication to nurturing young learners has made DPS Indore a benchmark for excellence in education. Her approach combines academic rigor with creativity and values, ensuring that students grow into well-rounded individuals who are prepared to lead and succeed.
Her work highlights the importance of strong leadership in creating institutions that inspire and empower students to reach their full potential.
Celebrating Women Leaders in Education
This Women’s Day, we celebrate the extraordinary women who have transformed education into a force of hope and change. Their journeys, marked by courage and compassion, remind us that education is the heartbeat of progress—a bridge to dreams, a tool for empowerment, and a promise of a brighter tomorrow.
These leaders inspire us to see every child as a universe of potential, waiting to shine. They teach us that true leadership is about lighting the way for others, about building a world where every voice is valued, and every dream is nurtured.
Let their stories ignite our hearts and guide us toward a future where every woman and child can rise, thrive, and lead. Together, we can create a world where education is not just a privilege but a right, and where every step forward is a step toward equality and hope.
Happy Women’s Day!