Teaching is my life

Dr V Koteswaramma, who started Children`s Montessori School in 1955 and expanded the educational institutions to PG level with devoted service to the cause of education focusing on girl`s literacy has been honoured by Union Government by bestowing Padmasri award to her. At the age of 92 Dr V Koteswaramma, who still dedicates herself for the cause of education and works as Correspondent of the Montessori educational institutions expressed immense satisfaction on the achievements in her life, which she achieved.

Speaking to The Hans India in her residence on wheel chair, she committed herself to be in service of education till her last breath. “I was born on March 5, 1925 at Eedupugallu of Kankipadu mandal in Krishna district. I studied my high school at Bishop Azaraiah school which was called as Dornakal Diasession girls high school in Vijayawada. Later I completed my Intermediate at PR College in Kakinada, where I got free education. Later after pursuing degree at AC College, Guntur I completed Bed in Rajamundry.

I got married with Prof VV Krishna Rao and we shifted to Nellore. There I used to work in Kasturidevi high school as teacher for seven years and completed my MA privately and done PhD. When my husband was shifted to Vijayawada and joined in a college as Professor I have established Montessori Nursery for children to in the year 1955. The school began to attract children in large number and it was expanded to primary, secondary levels and later gradually to PG level.

The educational institutions have earned a name for academic excellence and healthy rapport between staff, students, parents and public and for effective curricular and co-curricular activities. My aim is to provide healthy education to the children where the student should learn studies by playing games and singing songs, which is the basic concept of Montessori educational system. It is a matter of great pride to say that a large number of former students of Montessori school have distinguished themselves as Doctors, Advocates, Professors, Scientists, Engineers, Business executives both at home and abroad.

It is not my ambition to achieve awards nor recognition. I was honored with President award as best teacher by VV Giri in the early 70s. It is very happy to hear that I am going to bestowed with Padma shri award for which I received communiqué from Centre on Wednesday. Despite my ill health and oldage problems, I never want to confine myself to bed nor house. I am a regular visitor to my Institutions and monitor the system even now. I wish that the standard of education which Montessori educational Institutions have providing all these years should continue forever. Till my last breath my will dedicate myself for the cause of best education to the society.”

By T Sudhakar