After completing her schooling from APJ, Faridabad, Dr. Sheetal Mann pursued B.Sc in Zoology at Gargi College, Delhi University and stood first in the college for securing highest aggregate marks. Thereafter, she completed M.Sc. in Biotechnology from Bangalore University. She took up Master's Degree in Education, as she found her passion in teaching. A State Level Badminton player in school, she was also the President of the Zoological Society in Gargi College. In her 11 years of career as a teacher and administrator, Dr. Mann has received several awards including, Honorary Doctorate Award (D. Litt) by University of South America, 32nd Dr. S. Radhakrishnan Memorial National Teacher and Media Network Award, Leadership and Excellence Award by Knowledge 360, Inspiring Educator Award from The Rockport Governing Council, Global Human Rights Protection Award from Indian Institute of Human Rights.

An Iconic Leader in Action

Perhaps, we would not have written about Dr. Sheetal Mann, if she had not taught a few students from her neighborhood whose parents could not afford private tuitions. Dr. Mann wanted to do research after completing her Masters in Biotechnology. "It was during this time that my soul advocated me to work in the field of education and thereafter, things took a different turn and I entered into the school teaching," recounts Dr. Mann. Soon, she realized her passion for teaching, largely due to the opportunity it gave her to interact with young learners. She cherished the two-way flow of knowledge in her classes. The love for teaching inspired her every day and motivated her to do more and learn more. -"Thus, it went on and with the passage of time, Modern Convent School granted me a promotion to an administrative post, first of Vice Principal and then Principal," says Dr. Mann.

"Leadership runs hand in hand with challenges, irrespective of the gender"
-Dr. Sheetal Mann

Located in Dwarka, arguably the largest residential area in Delhi, Modern Convent School is a 19-year-old Senior Secondary Co-educational school managed by the Modern Charitable Foundation. The school stands out in the excellent infrastructure and facilities it provides to its students against a minimal fee and the strong value system the management tries to instill in the students to nurture them into responsible citizens and global leaders. Dr. Mann claims, "It is the hard work and determination of the management and the staff that the school has been conferred with many awards and accolade time to time, along with quality academic excellence." Indeed, ever since Dr. Mann took over the responsibility of Principal, the Modern Convent School has reached to new heights in academic excellence as well as in co-curricular activities. However, she knows that her biggest achievement is yet to come.

"A teacher and a leader cannot afford to be monotonous. Whatever constructive and positive experiences I gain, I try my best to incorporate them in the school's vision and guiding philosophy," states Dr. Mann. The edifice of the Modern Convent School and its moral fabric is guided by 'Tamso Ma Jyotirgamaya' (from darkness unto light), and its motto - 'In Pursuit of Excellence.' Dr. Mann assures, "Our goal is to give students exposure in a variety of field be it academics, sports, art or cultural activities so that they can find their path to success. We want our students to possess both integrity and become an ideal citizen of the nation." Under the leadership of Dr. Mann, the Modern Convent School ensures that their students have a vision, possess integrity, values and sense of fairness, and importantly a thorough knowledge in their field and above all develop the potential required at the next level.

"In day to day working, we aim to strike a dynamic balance between the need for education as understood in its simplest form i.e., the curricular and the intellectual, physical, mental, aesthetic and moral development of its students laying special emphasis on value education, personality development and for social and environmental awareness," states Dr. Mann. While the Modern Convent School strives to enhance its reputation in the areas beyond the geographical boundaries of Dwarka, Dr. Mann says, "I would rather lead by example, then be a leader." Undoubtedly, the country needs many more leaders like Dr. Mann, who can walk the talk and inspire the institutions to work with purpose.

Her Favourites

Role model in life: My Mother

leader in Education: Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam

Hobby: Swimming

Gadget: iPhone X

Quote: "Tough times do not last, tough people do"