Prof. Dr. Zareena Sultana: A Trailblazer in Education and Advocacy

“The role of an educator is not just to teach but to transform lives. If you are ready to embrace this noble responsibility, the rewards are immeasurable” a quote by Prof. Dr. Zareena Sultana, who is a professor, first at IIS Jeddah and now in India. This transition was challenging for her, as she had to establish herself in a new educational ecosystem, but still, she overcame this through the values that guided her and established herself as a renowned teacher in India as well. Prof. Dr. Zareena Sultana’s journey encapsulates her profound influence on education, community development, and human rights advocacy, highlighting her significant milestones, challenges, and contributions.

Introduction:

Prof Dr. Zareena Sultana, began her journey as a primary school teacher at the International Indian School, Jeddah, focusing on building a strong foundation for young learners. She worked at IIS Jeddah for 19 years. She slowly becomes the Head of the Physical Education Department and Chair of the Discipline Committee, overseeing the well-being of over 5,000 students.

She returned to India in 2009, she transitioned into educational entrepreneurship by acquiring the franchises of Sunshine Preschool and Day Care to pioneer early childhood education. She is also a part of Bharathi Vidyalaya College of Education and Training which supports aspiring educators’ professional growth.

Challenges and Achievements:

Prof. Dr. Zareena Sultana’s illustrious career has been recognized with numerous prestigious accolades, highlighting her exceptional contributions to education and leadership. Among her many achievements, she was honored with the South India Women’s Achievers Award (2019) for her outstanding commitment to teaching excellence. In 2020 and 2021, she received the Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Excellence Award in Education on National Teacher’s Day, acknowledging her significant impact in the field of education. Further, her accomplishments gained global recognition in 2023 when she contributed as the Editor to the Official Guinness World Record for the thickest and longest book in the world.  

At the Growth Stories Summit and Awards by C Connects Magazine, held at T-Hub Hyderabad, she was celebrated for her Outstanding Contribution to Education and Student Development (2024), emphasizing her transformative influence on students and educators alike. Most recently, in 2024, she was recognized at Telangana’s Biggest Brand Awards for her pioneering work in education, solidifying her legacy as a leader and inspiration in the academic community.

These accolades reflect her tireless dedication to empowering minds and fostering innovation in education.Prof. Dr. Zareena Sultana has garnered recognition as a prominent leader in education and advocacy, earning her a place in the cover stories and inside features of prestigious magazines. Notable publications that have celebrated her achievements include:

• CIO TIMES
• TradeFloc
• C connects
• Business Talkz
• Business Tycoon
• Our inspiration – Success stories

These features underscore her trailblazing contributions to the fields of education, leadership, and human rights. Prof. Dr. Zareena’s story inspires readers by showcasing her visionary approach to transforming education and empowering individuals worldwide. Prof. Dr. Zareena Sultana’s inspiring journey has not only been featured in leading magazines but also gained widespread attention through TV channels, further amplifying her influence and impact. Her story has been aired on:

• Awaz The Voice
• Bharat TV

These broadcasts highlighted her exceptional contributions to education, leadership, and human rights advocacy. Through these platforms, Dr. Zareena has reached a broader audience, sharing her vision for a more inclusive and innovative educational system and inspiring countless individuals to pursue excellence and social change.

Her media presence, spanning print and television, reflects her growing recognition as a transformative leader and a source of inspiration for educators and changemakers across the globe.

Her ability to balance diverse responsibilities, her commitment to innovation, and her advocacy for inclusivity have established her as an influential figure, further solidifying her legacy as a thought leader and changemaker.

Through her impact on education, Prof. Dr. Zareena Sultana won many awards:

• Prestigious Diamond Fellowship from Eudoxia University, recognizing her global contributions.
• Multiple national awards, including Rashtra Prerna and South India Women Achievers Award.
• Published Works: Authored books and over 100 poems, contributing significantly to literature and academia.
• Mentorship: Guides researchers and young educators in addressing contemporary challenges.

Impact and Vision:

Prof. Dr. Zareena is the dean of Students’ Welfare at ISL Engineering College. She helps exemplify academic leadership and student development. She works to ensure accessible and equitable education for marginalized communities and differently-abled individuals. Dr. Zareena promotes EdTech, AI-powered platforms, and hybrid learning models to enhance teaching and learning. She focused on skill-based education, that helps foster employability skills through collaboration with industries and academia. Dr. Zareena focuses on holistic development to prioritize mental health, emotional intelligence, and extracurricular activities in education.

Prof. Dr. Zareena Sultana envisions transforming Indian education into an equitable, innovative, and globally competitive system. She emphasizes:

• Global Collaborations: Expanding international exchange programs to prepare students for a globalized world.
• Policy Advocacy: Ensuring effective implementation of the New Education Policy aligned with societal needs.
• Lifelong Learning: Promoting upskilling opportunities for professionals in evolving industries.

Conclusion:

Prof. Dr. Zareena Sultana empowers young women by advocating self-belief, resilience, empathy, and the pursuit of leadership roles. She underscores the importance of continuous learning, communication skills, and giving back to the community. This narrative celebrates Prof. Dr. Zareena Sultana’s transformative impact on education, leadership, and advocacy. Her journey inspires educators and students to aim for excellence and inclusivity in their pursuits.