Celebrating Stella Ma'am, more than a teacher

When Stella Mary joined Shishu Mandir in 2002, she came with five years of teaching experience and modest expectations. Twenty-three years later, she has become an indispensable pillar of our institution, transforming from a classroom teacher to our Extra-Curricular Coordinator, librarian, and mentor to hundreds of students.

Last month, Stella ma'am was honored with the prestigious Lady Bird Award by The Lions Club of Bangalore, adding to an already impressive list of accolades. She previously received the Best Teacher Award from the Governor of Karnataka for the High School category and the Ace Librarian Award in 2007 from the Hippocampus Reading Foundation, presented by renowned Kannada film actor Mr. Srinath.

Her impact at Shishu extends far beyond traditional teaching. Under her guidance, four students achieved perfect scores (100/100) in Class 10 Social Science exams over a decade. She led our participation in the First Lego League project from 2014 to 2018, with teams winning regional competitions and advancing to nationals twice. She was even selected as a jury member for the FLL national competition in Delhi in 2018.

As the in-charge of senior classical dance students, she has mentored 15 students through their Salangai Pooja and four students through their Arangetram after completing Grade 8 exams at Annamalai University. Most recently, 12 children completed Grade 1 and four children completed Grade 3 exams at Pondicherry University in 2025.

Stella ma'am has also served as Deputy Chief in

Karnataka SSLC Board exams for three years, preceded by a decade as an Assistant Evaluator. She coordinated the Pen Friends letter program with Marien School in Germany, connecting 85 students across continents, and has authored grammar books including "12 Tenses," "Active and Passive Voice," and "Subject-Verb Agreement."

With an MA and B.Ed, and training from institutions including Wipro's Teachers Training Foundation, British Council, and Monfort College, Stella ma'am embodies the spirit of continuous learning and dedicated service that defines Shishu Mandir.

We sat down with her to discuss her remarkable journey:

What drew you to teaching?

Teaching is not just a profession for me, but a calling that allows me to make a positive impact on young lives. Growing up, I was deeply inspired by Mother Teresa's selfless service and compassion. Her dedication to caring for the poor left an indelible mark on my heart.

My journey as a teacher began when my friend Hema's mother, Ms. Carolina, a government school headmistress, recognised my potential and recommended me for a teaching position. Her guidance and encouragement set me on this path.

In 1997, I was appointed at Rajeswari Matriculation School in Tamil Nadu. After a few years, I moved to Bangalore and worked at Amar Jyothi High School. However, it was - in my mind - a divine calling that led me to Shishu Mandir in 2002.

As a teacher at Shishu Mandir, I've been able to live out my dream of serving the poor. It's a privilege to be part of an institution that provides quality education to those who need it most. For me, teaching is not just about imparting knowledge, but about learning from our founder's demo classes, especially in English and Geography, inspiring young minds and making a difference in Shishu children's lives.

Coming to Shishu, what changed for you in how you see teaching and your role as a teacher?

Joining Shishu Mandir was a turning point in my teaching career. Unlike my previous workplaces, Shishu Mandir provided me with endless opportunities for growth and learning. I was exposed to various training programs, workshops, and resources that enhanced my teaching skills and knowledge.

I learned phonetics and effective classroom strategies through demo classes conducted by our Founder, Dr. Hella Mundhra, during her visits to Shishu. Additionally, I benefited from training in Hippocampus for library management. The Teachers Training Foundation's workshops and British Council projects broadened my understanding of innovative teaching methodologies. I also received valuable training on ADHD to support children with learning disabilities.

Furthermore, I was fortunate to have Mr. Pradeep as my facilitator for Continuous Professional Development training. His guidance helped me learn various methodologies and teaching strategies that I could implement in my classroom.

Shishu Mandir transformed my role as a teacher, enabling me to deliver more effective, engaging, and inclusive lessons. I became more confident, creative, and committed to making a positive impact on my students' lives.

How did you choose the projects that you've been involved in?

I've been fortunate to be part of several projects that have enriched my teaching experience. However, I didn't choose these projects myself. Instead, our Director, Mr. Anand, recognised my potential and encouraged me to take on new challenges.

Through his guidance, I had the opportunity to participate in various programs, including Wipro Applying Thought, Touch Stone, British Council-CiSELT, International School Award certificate coordination, Pen Friends coordination with Marien School in Germany, and the Hippocampus Reading Programme. These experiences not only broadened my skill set but also helped me grow as an educator.

Each project built upon the previous one, allowing me to gradually climb the ladder of learning and professional growth. I'm grateful for Mr. Anand's mentorship and trust in me, which has enabled me to make the most of these opportunities and become a better teacher.

What have been some of your most memorable projects?

The projects I've worked on throughout my career have not only been rewarding but also helped me discover my strengths as an educator. Receiving the Ace Librarian Award in 2007 was a testament to my dedication to creating a love for reading in my students.

My visit to Germany in 2012, alongside my colleague Ms. Meena, was another highlight. This trip exposed us to innovative approaches in education, broadening our perspectives and inspiring us to implement new ideas in our teaching practices.

Receiving the Best Teacher Award for the High School category from the late Governor of Karnataka was a humbling experience that reinforced my commitment to delivering high-quality education.

The First Lego League competition, which I coordinated from 2014 to 2018, was incredible. Our team's successes - winning twice at the regional level and participating in the national competition - were a testament to the power of teamwork and innovative thinking. Being invited as a judge and receiving the Best Robo Design Award in 2014 was the icing on the cake.

I've also had the privilege of guiding students who secured perfect scores in their Class 10 Social Science government exams and mentoring senior classical dance students. Fifteen students completed their Salangai Pooja, and four students performed their Arangetram. Two of these students even participated in an international dance festival in France. Most recently, 12 children attended Grade 1 and four children attended Grade 3 exams at Pondicherry University in 2025.

What makes these projects truly memorable is the opportunity they provided to make a positive impact on my students and bring recognition to Shishu Mandir, showcasing the incredible work being done here.

What kind of support and training helped you build your strengths as a teacher?

In the schools where I worked earlier, I didn't get enough opportunities for professional growth. At Shishu Mandir, learning became part and parcel of my daily life.

When the management asked whether I wanted to continue as a full-time librarian or dedicate myself to academic teaching, it took two days for me to realise that my passion lies in teaching, which is vast, rather than limiting myself to the library. Later, when I led the teachers toward the ISA project to get the International School Award, I identified my strength to coordinate a team systematically to achieve goals.

In one of my lessons, I planned to invite a hawker to our school so the children could interview her. This Learning Outside the Classroom (LOTC) activity, which I learned from TTF training, helped me enhance this skill in the ISA project.

I always remembered the things my teachers did when I was in school, both inspiring and uninspiring - and I made conscious choices about what kind of teacher I wanted to be. I think about the teachers who inspired me most, my role models, and I find ways to be more like them. I believe in giving lots of second chances, and I don't bear grudges with students; that shows my affection for them.

I remember the words of our late former President, Mr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam: "If you are a teacher in whatever capacity, you have a very special role to play because more than anybody else, it is you who are shaping the future generation." I believe in change, and I like to be a torch-bearer of that change. As the Bible says, "You are the light of the world." I wanted my career to be a light to the students with whom I'm involved. 

My journey with Shishu is a call from God. He has chosen me to serve economically disadvantaged children and first-generation learners. The methodology of teaching at Shishu is entirely different from other schools, and with the grace of the Almighty, I am happily continuing my career for 23 years.

Some of my students are now teachers at our school, working together to serve needy children. I feel abundantly blessed, and my family is filled with showers of blessings from God.

What do awards and acknowledgments mean to you?

Receiving awards and acknowledgments fills me with a sense of contentment and motivates me to continue giving my best to Shishu Mandir. Despite health challenges, these recognitions inspire me to push beyond my limits and strive for excellence. I'm deeply grateful to our Founder, Dr. Hella Mundhra, and Director, Mr. Anand, for believing in me and providing opportunities for growth.

These awards serve as a reminder that my efforts are valued and appreciated. They motivate me to walk extra miles, even at this stage of my life, and to continue making a positive impact on the lives of my students. I'm humbled by the recognition and thankful for the trust placed in me.

I've had the support of my loved ones, particularly my mother, who has been instrumental in managing household responsibilities, allowing me to dedicate time to the school.

My family has often joked that God brought me to Bangalore for the purpose of serving at Shishu, rather than for our married life. My daughters have playfully commented that I would have taken better care of them if they were Shishu children rather than my own. While it may seem that I prioritise Shishu over my family, I'm proud to say that my sincere service has brought abundant blessings to my family. Our relatives often testify to the positive impact of my work on our family's well-being.

I believe that my dedication to Shishu Mandir has not only shaped my life but also enriched my family's life. I'm grateful for the opportunity to serve and make a difference in the lives of others.

What does the future hold for you?

At 51, I'm hopeful that I'll be able to continue serving Shishu actively for another decade. However, I'm also mindful of my own limitations and the need to prioritise my well-being. If I feel that I'm no longer able to contribute effectively, I'd like to take a break before turning 60, knowing that I've given my best to the institution.

Ultimately, I trust that God will guide Shishu Mandir's future and ensure its continued success. I'm committed to serving with dedication and passion, while also being open to new opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.