Madhuparna Andrews: A Journey of Leadership, Inclusion, and Inspiration

“The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character—that is the goal of true education.”
– Martin Luther King Jr.

Madhuparna Andrews, Principal of P. B. Academic School, Kolkata, is widely recognized as a visionary educationist and reformer. With over two decades of service in school education, inclusion, and community outreach, she has established herself as a leader who believes education must empower every child, regardless of ability or background. Her journey reflects not only personal resilience and scholarship but also an unwavering commitment to transforming education into a vehicle for social good.

Armed with a Master’s degree in History and Education, she built her career on a strong academic foundation. Over the years, she expanded her expertise with distinctions in Counselling and Guidance, Educational Management, and Human Resource Development. Her global outlook was shaped by international certifications in Autism Awareness and ASD Training, equipping her to address diverse learning needs. Currently pursuing a PhD in Special Education at OP Jindal Global University, her research focuses on preparing teachers for inclusive practices under India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

Her contributions extend beyond administration into academic research. Two of her papers—“Parental Challenges in Homeschooling Special Needs Children under NEP 2020” and “Inclusion Without Preparation: A Crisis of Self-Efficacy in Classrooms”—are set for publication in reputed Scopus-indexed journals. These works highlight pressing issues in special education, advancing critical discourse in the field.

Her leadership took a transformative turn in 2022 when she established the Inclusive Education Department at her school. The initiative created tailored support for children with ASD, ADHD, SLD, ID, and other neurodiverse conditions. Through Individualised Education Plans (IEPs), occupational therapy, and enrichment programs in art, music, sports, and vocational training, she ensured that inclusion became a lived reality rather than an abstract policy. Beyond the classroom, she launched parent counselling sessions, peer-support initiatives such as the “Buddy Up” program, and community awareness events like World Autism Day. Partnerships with organizations including Special Olympics Bharat further reinforced her vision. In her own words, “True inclusion begins not in policy, but in the hearts of educators committed to seeing potential in every child.”

Her belief that schools must extend their role into society is evident in her community-focused initiatives. Under her guidance, the school adopted the motto #schoolthatcares and actively engaged students in year-round social responsibility. From No Plastic Drives in association with Garbage Free India to sapling plantations, food distribution programs like Annapurna ki Rasoi, and visits to old-age homes, her leadership cultivated empathy and civic-mindedness. At the same time, she ensured students received holistic development through NCC programs, Scouts and Guides training, scientific projects, and inter-school cultural fests.

Her expertise has also earned her a place as a respected speaker and thought leader. She has delivered lectures at national conferences on diverse themes such as artificial intelligence in inclusive classrooms, the role of parents in caregiving, and sustainable teaching models for special education. Her keynote address at Kalyani University’s National Conference on women caregivers and skill-building for children with special needs was particularly well-received. She also contributes actively as a member of the Advisory Committee of Special Olympics Bharat, West Bengal, and the Lion’s Club Sanchetna, working on issues of women’s hygiene and health awareness.

Her efforts have been recognized with more than fifteen national honors over the past seven years. Among them are the Swami Vivekananda National Award for Excellence in Education (2024), Principal of the Year (2024), Times of India Edu Shine Award (2023), Best Inclusive School Award (2021 & 2022), and the Tumi Ananya recognition (2023) for exceptional work in inclusivity. Most recently, she was presented with the Transformation Leadership Award (2025) and the Bongo Nari Samman (2025).

From her classroom teachings to her visionary leadership and from policy-level advocacy to hands-on outreach, she embodies the role of an educator in its truest sense. Her journey is not only one of personal achievement but also of societal transformation, inspiring educators and communities alike. As Nelson Mandela once said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” For her, that conviction is not just a belief but a lifelong mission.

***************************