Poornima B: Building Identity, One Classroom at a Time

“You are the creator of your world

In a sweet silence of South Coorg, where language, customs, and expectations once felt unfamiliar, Poornima B has built a life defined by resolve and purpose.  Serving as the Headmistress of Roots Educational Trust®,with thirteen years of experience across every level of schooling from kindergarten to college Poornima’s story truly holds what can happen when true will replaces dilemma and vision outlasts resistance.

Personal Insight: When Struggle Becomes the Teacher

Poornima often says that her role models were not people, but situations. Life placed her far from her Bengaluru roots, in a rural environment where she faced social isolation, lack of local language familiarity, and minimal emotional or professional support. For a young woman pursuing her Master’s degree and B.Ed., these conditions could have easily become reasons to step back. Instead, they became her training ground.

She began her career as a play-home teacher at Roots Educational Trust. At the time, there was no promise of growth only long days, limited resources, and the need to constantly prove her worth. “Where there is a will, there is a way,” became more than a phrase for her; it became a daily practice.

Step by step, she moved forward teaching primary classes, then high school students, later working as a college lecturer, and eventually being entrusted with the responsibility of leading the same institution as Headmistress. Each role added a new layer of understanding, discipline, and confidence.

Challenges That Tested Her Resolve

As she grew up living alone in a new community, navigating a different language and managing emotional support of an unsupported married life tested her patience. Moving without a family support and surrounded by unfamiliar faces, she had to start everything from start.

Over the time, it was difficult to build  trust in a close-knit rural community, it required lots of patience and understanding, slowly becoming one among them, not by force, but through sincerity and service. The same community that once felt distant began to see her as their own.

Achievements Rooted in Persistence

As we move forwards turning pages down, Awards and recognition didn’t matter much ,What matters more is walking through the school corridors and knowing that systems function smoothly, students feel guided, and teachers feel supported.

One of  Poornima’s most prominent achievements is one that speaks volumes without embellishment: she joined Roots Educational Trust as a kindergarten teacher and rose to become its Headmistress. This progression did not come easily. It was earned despite workplace hurdles, family conflicts, and moments of rejection.

Her dedication has been formally recognized as well. She has received the Best Performer Award twice consecutively from Roots Educational Trust, acknowledging her consistent leadership and academic administration. More recently, she was honoured with the GWIA – Top 10 Women Leaders in Education, a recognition that reflects her impact beyond her institution.

Values That rebuilds Her Leadership

She believes education must shape character before achievement. Discipline, fairness, and moral responsibility form the backbone of her approach. “You are right,” she advises young women, “but don’t do wrong to others.” This balance between confidence and conscience defines her leadership style.

Her guiding belief“Where there is a will, there is a way “Poornima’s leadership philosophy is simple where intent matters the most.

Impact and Vision: Education for a Developed India

Currently, Poornima oversees the complete administration of Roots Educational Trust, ensuring that academic quality, discipline, and values move together. Her focus is not limited to exam results; it is directed toward shaping students into responsible citizens who can contribute meaningfully to the nation.

She believes that today’s students must become tomorrow’s pillars of a developed country. For her, education is nation-building in its quietest yet most enduring form.

Words to Carry Forward

As we move towards the last, what Poornima truly believes is a deeply held belief in self-made identity and service to the nation.

Her simple yet powerful words to readers are
“You are the creator of your world