"The MIND is not a vessel to be filled,
but a fire to be KINDLED."
– Plutarch
Dedication
This biography of Dr. Geethanjali Sunil is dedicated to her beloved parents, Late Mr. Ramachandran and Mrs. Radha, whose unwavering support, values, and sacrifices laid the foundation for her success. Their guidance, resilience, and encouragement shaped her journey, instilling in her the importance of education, perseverance, and integrity.
She also dedicates this to Mr. Radha Krishna, a visionary principal and mentor, who played a pivotal role in shaping her career as an educator. His influence, wisdom, and leadership inspired her to pursue excellence in teaching and school administration, leaving a lasting impact on her professional path.
PHASE 1 : The Roots of Life
"Perseverance. There are no shortcuts in life. Success comes step by step." -Dr. Geethanjali Sunil
Dr. Geethanjali Sunil was born on May 28, 1968, in the bustling city of Bombay (now Mumbai), India. She was the youngest of five siblings, growing up in a warm and loving family. Her father, Mr. Ramachandran, was a businessman known for his hard work and dedication, while her mother, Mrs. Radha, was the strong pillar of the household, ensuring the well-being and upbringing of their children.
i. A Childhood in Bombay
Dr. Geethanjali Sunil spent her early years in Bombay, a city known for its vibrant culture, opportunities, and diverse population. Being the youngest in the family, she was deeply loved and cherished by her parents and elder siblings. Her childhood was filled with fond memories of growing up in a dynamic metropolitan city, where she first experienced the world of education and learning.
She began her formal schooling in Bombay, attending classes up to the fourth standard. The initial years of her education were shaped by the energetic environment of the city, where she developed a keen interest in academics and a disciplined approach toward learning.
However, life took a sudden turn when her father, Mr. Ramachandran, encountered difficulties in his business. The challenges he faced led the family to make a crucial decision—to leave Bombay and return to their native place in Kerala. This move marked a significant turning point in Dr. Geethanjali Sunil’s life, bringing about a shift in her surroundings, lifestyle, and educational journey.
ii. A New Beginning in Kerala
After relocating to Kerala, Dr. Geethanjali Sunil had to adjust to a completely new environment, different from the fast-paced life of Bombay. Despite the transition, she embraced the change with resilience and determination. She resumed her education by enrolling in a convent school, where she continued her studies from the fifth standard to the tenth standard.
The convent school provided a structured and disciplined environment, which played a crucial role in shaping her academic foundation and personal values. During these years, Dr. Geethanjali Sunil developed a strong sense of responsibility, discipline, and perseverance—qualities that would later contribute to her success in higher education and professional life.
After successfully completing her 10th standard, Dr. Geethanjali Sunil pursued her 12th standard at another prestigious college in Kerala. These formative years were instrumental in shaping her aspirations, providing her with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to aim higher in life.
Being the youngest in the family, she always received immense support and encouragement from her parents, Mr. Ramachandran and Mrs. Radha, as well as her elder siblings. Their guidance and belief in her potential inspired her to strive for excellence in education and personal growth.
PHASE 2 : Academic Life
"I always wanted to learn—after my MA and B.Ed., I couldn’t study further due to a busy life, but still, in 2010, I did a course in counselling." -- Dr. Geethanjali Sunil
Education has always been an important part of Dr. Geethanjali Sunil’s life. From a young age, she was eager to learn and excel in her studies. She was a hardworking student who believed that knowledge could open doors to endless possibilities.
Dr. Geethanjali Sunil completed her school education under the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), New Delhi, passing the All-India Secondary School Examination (A.I.S.S.E.). During her school years, she developed a deep interest in language and literature. She loved reading books, exploring different ideas, and expressing her thoughts through writing. This passion for English literature stayed with her and influenced her future studies.After completing school, she decided to pursue her love for literature and enrolled at the University of Calicut, Kerala, where she earned her Master of Arts (M.A.) in English Literature in 1990. Studying English literature was a fascinating experience for her. She enjoyed analysing poems, novels, and plays, understanding the deeper meanings behind words, and learning about different cultures and ideas through literature.
To turn her passion for literature into a meaningful career, Dr. Geethanjali Sunil pursued a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) in English Literature at Annamalai University, Tamil Nadu, in 1992. This course helped her develop teaching skills and understand the best ways to educate students. She learned how to make lessons engaging, how to manage a classroom, and how to inspire young minds to appreciate language and literature just as she did.
As she progressed in her career, Dr. Geethanjali Sunil realized that education was not just about teaching subjects but also about guiding and supporting students in their personal and academic journeys. This realization led her to pursue an International Diploma in Guidance and Counselling from NCERT, New Delhi, in 2010. Through this program, she gained the skills needed to help students make important life choices, deal with challenges, and build confidence in themselves. Her dedication to improving schools and making a difference in students’ lives inspired her to take another step forward in her academic journey. In 2017, she completed a Post Graduate Diploma in School Leadership and Management (PGDSLM) from IGNOU. This course helped her understand how to lead and manage schools effectively, create better learning environments, and support both students and teachers.
For Dr. Geethanjali Sunil, learning has never stopped. She believes that education is a journey, not a destination. From literature to teaching, from counselling to leadership, she has always embraced new opportunities to grow and make a positive impact in the field of education.Her academic journey is a story of dedication, passion, and a strong belief in the power of knowledge. Every course she completed and every skill she learned helped shape her into the educator and leader she is today.
Phase 3 : Professional Journey
“I want to be remembered not just as a principal, but as someone who changed lives.” --- Dr. Geethanjali Sunil
From the moment Dr. Geethanjali Sunil stepped into a classroom as a teacher, she knew that education would be her lifelong passion. She always believed that teaching was not just about books and exams but about shaping young minds, inspiring confidence, and guiding students toward a bright future. Her journey as an educator took her across different cities and countries, helping her grow from a simple English teacher to a respected principal.
i. Stepping Into the World of Teaching
Dr. Geethanjali Sunil’s teaching journey began right after she completed her Master’s in English Literature in 1990. The very next day after finishing her studies, she was offered a job. It was an exciting moment for her—she was stepping into the real world, doing what she loved the most.
Her first teaching job was at Sree Narayana Vidya Mandir in Kerala (1990–1992). Here, she taught English to students, and for the first time, she understood the joy of watching young minds learn and grow. However, she soon realized that to be a professional teacher, she needed a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) degree. At that time, most schools required a B.Ed. for teachers to be considered qualified. Determined to continue her career in teaching, she enrolled in a B.Ed. program while continuing to work.
After completing her B.Ed. in English Literature in 1992, she moved to New Delhi, where she joined Manav Sthali School as an English teacher. This school was a well-known and reputed institution in Delhi, and it was a proud moment for her to be a part of it. Teaching in a new city brought new challenges, but she embraced them with confidence. Her experience at Manav Sthali helped her refine her skills and gain a deeper understanding of different teaching methods.
ii. Moving Abroad – A New Chapter
After getting married, life brought another change. Her husband received an opportunity to work abroad, and she decided to move with him. But her passion for teaching never faded. Before leaving India, she worked at Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan, Kerala (1994–1997), continuing to shape young minds with her love for English literature.
In the late 1990s, she moved to Sharjah, UAE, where she got a teaching position at Sharjah Indian School. This school became a significant part of her life, as she spent nearly two decades (1997–2016) working there. During these years, she grew both professionally and personally. She started as a Post Graduate Teacher (PGT) in English and later took on the role of Chief House Mistress.
Teaching in a foreign country gave her valuable exposure to different cultures and education systems. She learned how to handle students from diverse backgrounds and how to make learning more engaging for them. As Chief House Mistress, she also took on leadership responsibilities, mentoring students, managing academic activities, and ensuring discipline within the school. These years abroad helped her build confidence in handling administrative roles, something that would later help her as she moved into leadership positions.