Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.
Dedication
"Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much." — Helen Keller
This biography is lovingly dedicated to the Indian community in Saudi Arabia, whose unwavering support, resilience, and unity have been a constant source of inspiration. Your dedication to uplifting one another and fostering a spirit of togetherness has created a vibrant community that exemplifies the true meaning of service and belonging.
It is your kindness, strength, and collective efforts that have made every achievement in my life more meaningful. Through every initiative, act of service, and shared experience, you have shown the power of community and the beauty of standing together.
Secondly, I dedicate this work to my beloved family — my wife, Sreedevi SS, whose unwavering love and support have been my foundation, and my precious children, who fill my life with joy and purpose. Your belief in me has been my greatest motivation.
To my parents, Santha Kumaran and Subashini, who instilled in me the values of compassion, dedication, and resilience — your lessons have guided me through every chapter of my journey. Alongside them, Devayani S. and Vasudev S. have been pillars of support and inspiration, enriching my path with their unwavering encouragement and wisdom.
May this biography serve as a reflection of the enduring strength of community, the boundless love of family, and the profound impact of a life dedicated to the service of others.
PHASE 1: Roots of Resilience
“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” — Mahatma Gandhi
I was born on May 2, 1971, in the serene village of Puthiyathura, nestled in Trivandrum, Kerala. The rhythmic sounds of the Arabian Sea and the fragrance of salt-laden air were ever present, offering a calming embrace that shaped my earliest memories. The coconut palms swayed gently in the breeze, and the narrow pathways lined with vibrant hibiscus flowers led to clusters of simple homes. Life in Puthiyathura was unhurried, intimately connected to nature’s rhythms, and deeply rooted in communal values.
My father, Santha Kumaran, and my mother, Subashini, were the pillars of our family. They came from a humble background, firmly grounded in the traditions of farming. Through the sweat of their labour, they nurtured not only the soil but also the principles of integrity, resilience, and compassion. My parents believed that the true measure of success was not in material possessions but in the strength of character and service to others. It was from them that I learned the enduring value of hard work and selflessness.
Our days began before the sun fully rose, marked by the chirping of birds and the distant chants from the village temple. While my father tended to the fields, ensuring that the crops flourished under the generous Kerala sun, my mother balanced the responsibilities of managing our household. Despite the scarcity of resources, she created a nurturing environment filled with warmth and unwavering support.
Education was a treasure in our family. Although my parents had limited formal schooling, they recognized the transformative power of knowledge. Every evening, under the dim light of a kerosene lamp, they encouraged me to read, write, and dream beyond the confines of our small village. My father would often recount stories of resilience and determination, while my mother shared wisdom through folk tales passed down through generations. Their words painted vivid pictures of courage and perseverance, inspiring me to believe in the boundless possibilities that education could offer.
The community of Puthiyathura played an equally vital role in shaping my worldview. Neighbours were more than acquaintances; they were extended family. During harvest seasons, villagers gathered to lend a helping hand, sharing laughter, meals, and stories. Festivals brought vibrant colours and melodious traditional songs, reminding us of the joy found in togetherness. It was in these moments that I understood the strength of unity and the significance of serving others.
However, life was not without its challenges. Monsoon rains often flooded the fields, threatening the very livelihood that sustained us. Financial hardships loomed large, yet my parents faced every adversity with courage and dignity.
PHASE 2: The Pursuit of Knowledge
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” — Nelson Mandela
My academic journey began with a deep fascination for the natural world. From a young age, I was captivated by the delicate balance of nature, the complexity of living organisms, and the interconnectedness of all life forms. This curiosity led me to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Zoology, with Chemistry and Botany as complementary subjects. Each lecture and laboratory experiment unveiled the intricate mechanisms that sustain life, from the cellular level to the vast ecosystems of our planet. Observing animal behavior, dissecting specimens, and studying the physiology of various species further fueled my passion for the biological sciences.
The study of Zoology instilled in me a sense of discipline and precision. I vividly recall the hours spent in the laboratory, meticulously examining slides under the microscope and documenting every detail. Understanding the physiological
functions of living organisms was both challenging and immensely rewarding. Chemistry, with its emphasis on molecular interactions and reactions, provided a deeper understanding of the chemical processes that govern life. Botany, in turn, introduced me to the silent yet resilient world of plants—where each leaf, flower, and root told a story of adaptation and survival.
Yet, my thirst for knowledge extended beyond the natural sciences. I was drawn to understanding the intricate fabric of human society—the forces that shape cultures and the collective behavior of communities. This curiosity led me to pursue a Master’s degree in Sociology. Through this discipline, my worldview expanded, and my understanding of human behavior deepened. Concepts such as social interaction, cultural norms, and systemic inequalities became lenses through which I explored the human experience.
Sociology taught me to view the world through diverse perspectives. It was a subject that nurtured empathy and challenged my assumptions. I learned to analyze social structures and the historical forces that shaped them. Thought-provoking discussions on gender, class, race, and social change ignited a passion for advocacy and a deep commitment to building inclusive communities. These lessons have remained invaluable throughout my life, helping me connect with people from all walks of life with empathy, insight, and respect.
PHASE 3: A Calling to Teach
“Teaching is the one profession that creates all other professions."
My journey as an educator began in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia—a place where my passion found its true calling. Armed with academic knowledge and a deep desire to make a meaningful impact, I stepped into the classroom as a science teacher. That first day remains etched in my memory: the eager faces of my students, the quiet anticipation in the air, and the weight of the responsibility I carried. It was a humbling realization that I had the opportunity to ignite a lifelong love for learning in young minds.
Teaching, to me, was never just a profession—it was a calling. Each lesson became a chance to unveil the wonders of science, cultivating curiosity and a sense of discovery. Whether exploring the principles of physics, the intricacies of chemical reactions, or the marvels of biology, I approached every subject with enthusiasm and commitment. The joy of seeing a student’s eyes light up in comprehension reaffirmed my belief in the transformative power of education.
During my two years in Riyadh, I taught a diverse group of learners, each bringing their unique strengths and challenges to the classroom. Navigating cultural differences and language barriers taught me invaluable lessons in patience, empathy, and adaptability. I came to understand that teaching was not only about delivering content but also about shaping critical thinkers, encouraging collaboration, and empowering students to see the world through a lens of inquiry and confidence.
Following this enriching experience, I moved to Jeddah and found my professional home at Jeddah International School. This marked the beginning of a long and fulfilling chapter in my career. For the past 23 years, I have served both as a teacher and as the Science Subject Head. In this dual role, I have had the privilege of nurturing not just students but also fellow educators, fostering a culture of shared growth and academic excellence.
As a teacher, my mission has always been to inspire a lifelong passion for learning. I firmly believe that true education transcends memorization—it lies in cultivating curiosity, encouraging exploration, and developing critical thinking. Science, with its endless possibilities for discovery, offers a gateway to understanding the world. Through hands-on experiments, open discussions, and analytical thinking, I have endeavored to make science not only accessible but truly engaging for my students.