Mrs. Mary Malcolm Mandi, Head, Department of Mathematics at ISC, Bishop Cotton Boys School, Bangalore, was recently honored with the prestigious Indian Icon Award 2024. This recognition as the Dynamic Educator of the Year celebrates her exceptional contributions to the teaching fraternity.

Born, raised, and settled in Bangalore, she  has accumulated over 32 years of rich experience in education. Her academic journey began in Odisha, where she completed her primary and secondary schooling. She holds a Master of Science degree in Mathematics from Berhampur University, Odisha, and a Bachelor of Education from IGNOU, New Delhi.

Throughout her professional career, she  has served as an educator in various esteemed institutions. She began her teaching journey at Public School in Koraput, Odisha, and later worked at St. Thomas Public School and is now with Bishop Cotton Boys School in Bangalore. Her deep involvement with the ICSE Board Exams as an Examiner paved the way for her to become a Team Leader, Coordinator, and Supervising Examiner for the ICSE Board in New Delhi.

Her career is marked by her leadership roles, including positions as Academic Coordinator and Head of the Department of Mathematics in multiple institutions. Her dedication to education and her ability to inspire students and colleagues alike have earned her widespread recognition and numerous accolades. In 2012, she was honored with the International Women’s Day Award from Garden City University for her outstanding contributions to education. In 2020, she received the IRSD Preeminent Education Award, organized in association with Western Sydney University, Manchester, UK, and the Global Academic Excellence Award from the EMG SSM Trust in Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu, India.

She  attributes her success to her unwavering faith, believing that humility precedes honor and that every good and perfect gift comes from her Lord. She acknowledges the prayerful blessings of her late parents, Mrs. Daisy Malcolm and Mr. Malcolm James, for her achievements. She extends her gratitude to her husband, Mr. Soumya Mandi, and her sister, Mrs. Sheela Rosalyn, for their continued love and support in all her endeavors.

Her dedication to education is further evidenced by her ongoing roles and responsibilities. She continues to teach Mathematics to senior students at Bishop Cotton Boys School, where she has been shaping young minds since 2009. Her involvement with the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examination (CISCE), New Delhi, as a Supervising Examiner and an Examiner for ISC-12 and ICSE-10 Board Exams, showcases her commitment to maintaining high standards in education.

In addition to her professional achievements, she  has been an active participant in various academic and educational initiatives. Her fluency in English and familiarity with Tamil, Oriya, and Hindi enable her to connect with a diverse student body. She is also a member of the Association of Christian Teachers (ACT) in Bangalore, contributing to the community beyond her school.

The accolades and awards she  has received over the years, including the Indian Icon Award 2024, reflect her significant impact on the education sector. Her journey from being a student in Odisha to a celebrated educator in Bangalore is a testament to her dedication, perseverance, and passion for teaching. Her belief in the importance of humility and faith, coupled with her gratitude towards her family, underscores her character and commitment to making a difference in the lives of her students and the educational community.

In summary, her career is a shining example of excellence in education. Her recognition as the Dynamic Educator of the Year is a well-deserved accolade, celebrating her contributions, leadership, and unwavering commitment to fostering a love for learning in her students.

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