HEADS OF THE DEPARTMENTS
Mrs VANITHA WALTER
HEADMISTRESS (PRIMARY)
Mrs Vanitha walters (BA, B Ed History and English) hails from Bangalore. Teaching is her passion. Nurturing students to the highest standard is her goal. She has been in the field of teaching in India and the UAE for the past 21 years.
An organized professional with proven teaching, guidance, and counselling, Ms Vanitha possesses the ability in teaching effectively and improve test scores. She is associated with Bhavans for the past 6 years. Apart from teaching, she was the ‘My Identity Program’ Coordinator and achieved outstanding results during ADEC inspection for the same. She initiated in encouraging students to make magazines about UAE and was successful in making 100 magazines for Zayed’s 100th year. She oversaw ‘Year of Giving’, ‘Year of Zayed’ and ‘Year of Tolerance’. She is a dedicated, resourceful, spontaneous innovator and goal-driven professional educator with a solid commitment to the social and academic growth and development of every child. She has successfully completed the Pedagogy Examination, conducted by MOE Abu Dhabi (UAE). She has attended many workshops and forums conducted by ADEC and various reputed schools in the UAE. She also represented PIES as its ambassador for cultural exchange with a reputed school in Bangalore (INDIA). She has an exceptional ability to establish cooperative, professional relationships with parents, staff, and administration. She is married to Mr Walter Francis and gifted with a son.
Head of the Department – English (Senior Secondary)
Ms. Margaret Clarence – MA (Eng.) B Ed.
Margaret has a Post Graduate degree in English along with a Bachelor’s degree in Education. She believes that the dynamic nature of today’s educational atmosphere necessitates a progressive open mind. A desire to learn as you grow is an additional qualification.An avid reader of all genres, literature and otherwise, she claims her first love is in the field of sports where she represented her school in basketball and athletics at the district level.She started her career in an established ICSE residential school St Helens, Kurseong, in the northern limits of West Bengal, India. Thereafter it was a varied experience in CBSE and Undergraduate courses in Kerala and the Middle East that sharpened and broadened her teaching acumen. A facilitator for more than fourteen years she feels she has only just begun.
“Teaching is an act of faith in the promise of the future”
Head of the Department – English (Primary)
Ms.Geetha Chandran
There’s No Recipe To Be A Great Teacher – That’s What Is Unique About One!
Geetha Chandran has been actively associated with the teaching of English for the past 13 years. Completing her graduation from one of the well-known colleges in Chennai, she went on to pursue her post-graduation degree in English Literature and later on, in Psychology.
Geetha was recognised and honored by the British Council in January 2014, for supporting the integration of international learning in the curriculum. She joined Team Bhavans Abu Dhabi in 2014 and continues to be a part of the Department of English.
Whenever she gets time, she never fails to chase her passion in crocheting and ensures to find time to write her mind.
Subject Coordinator – English (Middle Wing)
Mr. Saji Joseph – MA (Eng.), B.Ed.
A teacher by choice, not by chance
With a master’s in English Language and Literature, complemented by a bachelor’s degree in education, Saji Joseph is a passionate teacher who gives predominant consideration to the holistic development of students. With invaluable experience of around 12 years, he has been instrumental in transforming the lives of many children entrusted to his care. The effectiveness of his communication is substantiated by his pointed logic and exemplary lucidity.
Being a fervent admirer of language, he commits his stimulating and constructive thoughts to paper in the form of poems and quotes under the pen name David Benjamin. Beyond the realm of education, Saji is blessed with a sonorous voice, he is adept at singing and his fingers effortlessly compose a magical symphony on the piano.
Head of the Department – Science(Secondary)
Ms.Bindu Raghunath
Head of the Department – Hindi (Secondary)
Mr.Ravi Shukla – M.A, B.Ed
Avid reader, a playwright and a brilliant ad- lib is the budding Teacher Mr Ravi Shukla. Born and brought up in Nagpur, Ravi pursued his school and higher education from the same city, second capital of Maharashtra. Mr Ravi Shukla has a Post Graduate degree in Hindi with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education. Having blessed with an inborn trait of creativity, Ravi reflected it in the form of self-composed poems, thought provoking stories and intense plays. He won acclaim with his vivacious participation in debate and elocution competitions, gradually touching the horizons of National levels.
His noteworthy performances not only bagged him recognition but also awards above 500 at National, State and Local level. He also has been honoured with prestigious National level awards , ‘ Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar and Jyotiba Phule.
‘ Kudedan me Bachapan ’ and ‘Role No 18’ two volumes , Ravi’s brainchild has been published.
He is a teacher not only with profession but also passion and determination. He has over 10 years’ experience as a teacher. He worked with prestigious schools like Saraswat Central Public School, Saoner, Nagpur, Delhi Public School, Nashik, Ecole Globale International Girls School, Dehradun, Kasiga School, Dehradun.
Under his guidance students not only achieved academic excellence also students achieved on various levels Best Anchor, Best Actor, Best Speaker, Best Creative Writer and many more.
He is a humble and kind gentleman who owes great respect to the national language and aspires to develop competent citizens.
He always believes that
“शिक्षा समाज निर्माण का सशक्त साधन है।“
Awards:
- Awarded By Governor of Maharashtra as a best speaker.
- Awarded by Home Minister of Maharashtra as a best speaker.
- Best Drama Writer and Direction, in All India Children’s Festival, 2014 and 2016 Raurkela, Odisha
- Participated in All India Youth Festival 2009, as a Delegate Organized by Gov of India
Head of the Department – Hindi (Primary)
Ms. Indu – M.A, B.Ed
Ms. Indu is an attentive, energetic and self-driven individual, trained in teaching Hindi. She is an alumnus of three prestigious universities – B.A (Hindi) from the University of Delhi, B.Ed. from Indraprashtha University, New Delhi and M.A. (Hindi) from Jamia Millia Islami University, New Delhi. Out of interest, she also complete Having 8 years of experience in teaching Hindi in reputed CBSE School in India, Indu worked in St. Lawrence Convent, New Delhi, prior to joining Bhavans Abu Dhabi in 2016. As coordinator (Hindi Wing), Ms. Indu has rich experience in actively managing the cultural activities and helped training students for the Zonal level competitions in Hindi essay, play, debate, poem recitation and extempore speech.
Awards & Accolades
• Awarded by the former President of India Dr. K.R. Narayanan in 1996, for participating in Delhi State Scouts & Guides.
• Participated in Republic Day Parade in 1996, Delhi.
• Awarded by the Sports Authority of India for the participation in World Population Day Race in 1999, Delhi.
Teaching is a very noble profession that shapes the character, caliber, and future of an individual. If the people remember me as a good teacher, that will be the biggest honor for me. (A. P. J. Abdul Kalam)
Head of the Department – Maths (Secondary)
M.PADMAJA MENON – M.Sc .B.Ed
Padmaja started her career as a teacher in Chennai since 1980. She worked at Bhavans Kochi Kendra for eight years and has contributed her services for fourteen years in a reputed CBSE school in Chennai. During her tenure she has held many responsible positions such as Examination In Charge and Senior Secondary In Charge, to name a few. She was appointed by CBSE as Centre Superintendent for the AISCE examination held in Chennai during the academic year 2014-15. She has also attended Evaluation Camps for 14 years as an examiner for Grade XII.
Apart from her post-graduation in Mathematics, Padmaja also holds a Diploma in teaching Children with Learning Disability and a Diploma in Educational Leadership Program conducted by Kuruvila Jacob Foundation, Chennai.
An ardent lover of books, Padmaja believes in consistent hard work and loves to be in the midst of children.
Head of the Department – Maths (Primary)
Sruthi.V.Nair
M.Tech, B.Ed(Mathematics)
Mrs. Sruthi V Nair, is a highly motivated, enthusiastic and dedicated Mathematics teacher who wants all children to be successful learners. She is committed to creating a classroom atmosphere that is stimulating and encouraging to students. A self-directed, action-oriented professional with over 6 years’ experience in education and community services. An art enthusiast with a passion for classical Indian dance forms, she inspires her students to focus on the performing arts along with the academics, and helps nurture the ardor within each to succeed.
Head of the Department (Arabic )
SAJITHASHAMEER
M.A Arabic
Ms.Sajitha is a passionate teacher who has her Post Graduation in Arabic. She stands apart due to her unique way of building and maintaining a rapport equally with students and colleagues. She joined the Bhavans family in February 2012.
Head of the Department (Humanities)
Jojo Martin C.M
(MA Economics, B.Ed in Social Science)
Jojo Martin is a Post Graduate in History with more than 16 years of teaching experience. Jojo believes that deep knowledge in Social Science makes a student a complete human being.According to Jojo, Social Science helps the students to inherit matured thinking and unflinching loyalty to the established values and principles. Social Science brightens and strengthens the mind to resolve issues, which enables them to face the world which is undergoing unprecedented level of revolutionary changes. He affirms that the duty of Social Science is to make the students understand the past, observe and analyze the present and prepare for the future.
“History is not a burden on the memory but an illumination of the soul.”
LORD ACTON
Head of the Department (Social Science Primary & UAE History)
Bindu Benny
M.A (History), M.A (Eng. Litt.), B.Ed
Ms. Bindu Benny has to her credit two Post Graduation Degrees (History & English).She completed B.Ed in History(topper) from St. Christopher College, Chennai. Her work on ‘The Importance of Archives’ was adjudged the best paper in the seminar conducted by the Tamilnadu Archives. She has 15+ years of experience in teaching History at various schools in India and in Kuwait. Before joining PIES she was working as an H.M in J.R.K Higher Secondary School, Chennai. She has been a part of the Bhavan’s family since 2014.
She is a dedicated, resourceful and goal -driven professional educator with a solid commitment to the social and academic growth and development of everychild.
“A Commitment out of Compassion achieves success”- that’s her work formula
Head of the Department – Islamic Studies
Mr. Abdul Vadood Andikuniyil – M.A, B.Ed
The prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “The best among you is the one who learns the Qur’an and teaches it’
Abdul Vadood is a Postgraduate in History (specialization in Islamic civilization and B.A Arabic & Islamic History (Double main) with B.Ed. in Social Science. He passed SET examination for Higher Secondary teachers conducted by Kerala Higher Secondary Board. He has more than 18 years of teaching experience in the U.A.E and 10 years of teaching experience in India. He worked in Al-Ain Juniors School and Oasis School in Al-Ain. He joined PIES in 2017 and introduced innovative methods of imbibing Islamic teachings and values among students. He strongly believes that teaching is a noble and divine profession through which a person can earn here and hereafter. According to him, a teacher should be a role model for students in values and morals in their life.
Head of the Department – Physical Education
Mr. Haneesh Karthikeyan
Mr. Haneesh Karthikeyan is a highly enthusiastic and diligent Physical Education teacher with a passion for sports. He has an impressive background in athletics and a strong commitment to promoting health and safety. His qualifications include a Master’s degree in Physical Education and certification in IOSH (Health & Safety).
From a young age, Haneesh demonstrated his sporting prowess, completing a challenging cross-country event of 15km and securing a commendable 16th position when he was in Class 8. He continued his sporting journey at Calicut University, where his team achieved the 3rd position in the intercollegiate cross-country competition. Throughout his university years, he represented his institution in various sports, including football, cricket, athletics, handball, and kho-kho.
Haneesh began his teaching career in Kendriya Vidyalaya in 2000 and later joined Bharathiya Vidya Bhavan, Kochi Kendra in 2003. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in training the Bhavanites for the CBSE Nationals in badminton, leading to their consistent success over three consecutive years. He also organized the National Integration Camp 2009 in Kochi Kendra, demonstrating his exceptional organizational skills.
In 2010, Haneesh was part of the founding team of Bhavans Abu Dhabi, where he served as the Head of the Physical Education Department until 2019. Under his leadership, students from Bhavans Abu Dhabi participated in the CBSE National Athletics Meet every year since 2014. Additionally, he has achieved recognition as a Class One National Football referee and a State Badminton referee.
Haneesh’s passion for sports extends beyond teaching and refereeing. He has showcased his abilities in long-distance running, completing a full marathon of 42.195 km in Dubai, where he earned a well-deserved medal. His dedication and skills as an excellent coach have positively influenced the lives of many students.
With a remarkable ability to organize large-scale events and a compassionate approach towards others, Mr. Haneesh Karthikeyan is an invaluable asset to any educational institution.
Head of the Department (Fine Arts)
Ms. Janarajani Malalagama
(Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts)
Janarajani is a leading Bharatanatyam teacher, dancer and choreographer, acclaimed for her ability to turn a traditional grammar into subtle, deeply internalized, personal dance poetry.Janarajani had an early training in Bharatanatyam and Carnatic music, which started at the age of six, under legendary Gurus from Kalakshetra, Chennai. It is a tradition that deepened her awareness of the fact that text and music are as inseparably linked as “the word and its meaning”. Her approach to sahitya – or the lyrical content of each composition, is marked by the impulse to tune silence and blank spaces into stanzas. This ability to relate to poetry as a complex compound of music and meaning also inspires her.
Janarajani holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts from Bharathidasan University, Trichirapalli, India. With over twelve years of experience as a teacher, she joined PIES as one of the founder teachers.
Janarajani believes dance provides spiritual education to progress as a good human. She also believes that there is no religion higher than TRUTH and there is no nobler profession than being a true TEACHER.
Head of the Department (Computer Science)
Ms. Anisha Biju
BCA; Business Professional Programmer
Anisha joined the Bhavan’s family in September 2010, after a 9-year work experience in the Gulf. With an experience spanning around 17 years in the field of Information and Technology, it was not difficult for her to take the department under her purview. Maintaining patience at a consistent level, Anisha takes care of computer classes (Senior Secondary) apart from diligently delivering her duties to keep her team in good humour.
Department of Special Education
Geeta S. Pillai
MA, MPhil, B.Ed (Spl .Ed),DSE (MR)
One of the pioneers of Inclusive Education in Kerala, she is a Special Educator and teacher trainee in the field of Special and Gifted Education topics in the school. Apart from identifying learning disability and gifted ability in early childhood, her areas of specialty include:
* Professional collaboration with parents
* Young children’s social and emotional needs
* Children’s behavioural difficulties
Geeta is credited with forming the U-LaBS (Unit- Learning and Behaviour Support) in Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Kochi Kendra, Kerala and coordinating the seven schools there since 1997. For the past sixteen years she has been assessing children to diagnose learning problems, guiding teachers in inclusive setting and parents to modulate teaching strategies for their children. She has conducted workshops for teachers, parents and professionals in Instructional Strategies for Students with Disability, particularly in learning, emotional disturbance and attention disorders. While in Kerala, she was the coordinator of the National Institute of Open Schooling System of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Schools, Kochi Kendra.
Currently, Geeta coordinates the Special Education Department in Private International English School, Abu Dhabi and International English School, Kuwait and guides teachers and parents in differentiating instruction for students with learning disabilities in inclusive classrooms.