Award Winner Interview
Category: Dynamic School Awards
Dr. Ponturu Anil Kumar, Principal of Pragnya Global School, described receiving the EducationNewsNetwork Award at the South India Educators’ Summit & Dynamic School Awards 2026 as both a motivating and humbling experience. Receiving the recognition for the second time, he said the achievement had strengthened his sense of responsibility to update his own skills and help students develop theirs. He also highlighted the summit’s panel discussions as a valuable source of ideas that he plans to implement at his school.
Drawing on more than two decades of experience in education, Dr. Anil Kumar urged school leaders and teachers to place empathy at the heart of their work.
“Nowadays, empathy is missing in the leaders. I would like all the leaders, my fellow leaders or teachers, to bring back that empathy which education requires, and we have to see the students as our own children.”
His message underscores that effective educational leadership extends beyond academic outcomes. By treating students with understanding, care, and respect, educators can create a more supportive environment that nurtures both learning and personal development.
Dr. Ponturu Anil Kumar calls for empathy as an essential quality in effective educational leadership.
Empathy helps leaders understand the needs of teachers, students, and parents while building trust and stronger relationships.
School leaders can listen actively, communicate openly, understand different perspectives, and respond thoughtfully to challenges.
It helps create a supportive school environment where teachers feel valued, and students feel understood and encouraged.
Schools can promote open communication, collaboration, mutual respect, and student-centred decision-making.
