WRITTEN BY : PRIYANSHU MOHANTY
Since its inception in 1991 with just 20 students, Mother’s Public School in Odisha has grown into a Senior Secondary School serving over 2,000 students, becoming a trailblazer in holistic and inclusive education. Under the leadership of Founder Mrs. Poly Pattnaik, Managing Director Mrs. Minati Sabat, and Director Mr. Sreejeet Patnaik, the institution has pioneered Odisha’s first day-boarding model and set a standard for blending tradition with modern education. Their collective vision, as articulated in their own words, reflects a commitment to nurturing compassionate, curious, and ethically grounded individuals who will shape a brighter future for Odisha and beyond.
A Foundation Built on Nurturing and Innovation
Mrs. Poly Pattnaik, the founder, recalls the inspiration behind Mother’s Public School: “When I started Mother’s Public School in 1991, my vision stemmed from a simple yet profound belief that every child deserves a nurturing, value-based environment where learning goes beyond textbooks. Having experienced the limitations of a rigid, rote-based system, I wanted to create a school that encouraged curiosity, compassion, and confidence.” She attributes her vision to her upbringing, stating, “The idea of blending tradition with modern education came naturally to me, as I was raised in an environment that deeply valued culture and tradition, yet was cosmopolitan-a close-knit colony where people from diverse states lived together like one big family.”
Mrs. Pattnaik pioneered Odisha’s first day-boarding model, which she describes as transformative: “It not only provided relief and a sense of security to working mothers but also gave students extended time for self-development, creative exploration, and guided mentorship beyond the traditional classroom framework.” Looking forward, she envisions a lasting legacy: “My dream is to see Mother’s Public School inspire a new generation of institutions that value emotional intelligence as much as academic excellence. I believe the future of education lies in personalization, inclusion, and global awareness-and we aim to be a model in that journey.”
Balancing Academic Excellence with Holistic Growth
On the school’s approach to holistic development, Mrs. Pattnaik emphasizes adaptability and character-building: “Our approach to holistic education has always been dynamic. In today’s world, academic success alone is not enough-students need adaptability, empathy, collaboration, and resilience.” She highlights the integration of modern skills, stating, “We’ve enhanced our curriculum with 21st-century skills. Digital literacy, communication, problem-solving, and mindfulness are now part of the school culture. We also place strong emphasis on leadership training, environmental consciousness, and community service, which help students grow as responsible citizens.” For the future, she adds, “We are investing further in personalized learning paths, socio-emotional wellness programs, and AI-integrated teaching tools. But what remains unchanged is our core belief-that education should empower students to find their purpose, pursue it with integrity, and contribute meaningfully to the world.”
A Commitment to Inclusive Education
Mrs. Minati Sabat, Managing Director, articulates the school’s inclusive vision: “At Mother’s Public School, our vision-‘To see all sects of society merge into one literate world’-reflects our unwavering commitment to creating an inclusive, equitable, and transformative educational environment.” She underscores partnerships with state and national organizations to support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, noting, “These partnerships enable us to incorporate global best practices into our pedagogy, promote social awareness, and inspire our students to become responsible global citizens committed to building a just, compassionate, and sustainable world.” Mrs. Sabat further emphasizes practical measures: “Through need-based scholarships, inclusive admissions, and community outreach programs, we aim to bridge cultural and socioeconomic divides. Our curriculum fosters global citizenship, diversity, and sustainability by embedding service-learning, value education, and student-led initiatives.”
Nurturing Ethical and Resilient Leaders
Mrs. Sabat also highlights the school’s focus on ethical leadership: “In an era defined by rapid change and uncertainty, academic achievement alone is no longer enough. At Mother’s Public School, our vision is to nurture resilient, ethically grounded individuals who can lead with integrity, empathy, and purpose.” She explains, “Our approach blends career-focused education with a deep emphasis on life skills, ethical reasoning, and character development. Through structured mentorship, interactive life skills workshops, and opportunities to engage with real-world challenges, we help students develop the adaptability and emotional resilience essential for thriving in the 21st century.” Establishing a model for Odisha, she adds, “What distinguishes Mother’s Public School is our unwavering commitment to holistic education… By embedding moral values into every aspect of our pedagogy, we empower students not just to pursue success—but to shape a future grounded in ethics, empathy, and meaningful leadership.”
Fostering Curiosity-Driven Learning
Director Mr. Sreejeet Patnaik draws inspiration from Einstein’s words: “At Mother’s Public School, we believe imagination is the spark that fuels innovation. As Einstein wisely said, ‘Imagination is more important than knowledge,’ and this belief shapes our educational ethos.” He envisions a curiosity-driven environment, stating, “We are committed to cultivating a learning environment where curiosity isn’t just welcomed-it’s celebrated. Our classrooms are designed to move beyond rote learning, encouraging students to question, explore, and think independently.” To achieve this, he notes, “Through experiential learning, interdisciplinary projects, and the thoughtful integration of technology, we are transforming our classrooms into dynamic, inquiry-driven spaces. By embedding open-ended problem-solving and curiosity-driven learning into our core curriculum, we’re equipping students with the mindset to think critically, act creatively, and adapt confidently to a changing world.”
Building a Collaborative, Value-Driven Community
Mr. Patnaik emphasizes education as a collaborative effort: “At Mother’s Public School, we envision education as a dynamic, lifelong partnership-one that extends beyond the classroom and flourishes through the active collaboration of students, teachers, and parents.” He outlines the school’s approach: “To strengthen these vital connections, we are working on a Community Engagement Framework focused on fostering open communication, mutual trust, and shared responsibility. Through regular triadic reflection sessions, interactive workshops that empower parents as learning partners, and teacher development programs centered on empathy, cultural sensitivity, and values-based education, we are building bridges of understanding and cooperation.” He adds, “We are also pioneering intergenerational and community-based initiatives that unite families, educators, and learners in meaningful projects-ranging from service learning to environmental stewardship.”
Mr. Patnaik aspires for the school to lead by example: “Mother’s Public School aspires to serve as a leader for holistic education, where academic achievement is balanced with emotional well-being and social consciousness. By documenting our journey, sharing best practices, and engaging with like-minded institutions, we aim to inspire a broader movement toward inclusive, value-driven education.”
A Legacy of Purpose and Transformation
As articulated by Mrs. Poly Pattnaik, Mrs. Minati Sabat, and Mr. Sreejeet Patnaik, Mother’s Public School stands as a testament to the power of visionary leadership. Their commitment to blending tradition with innovation, fostering inclusivity, nurturing ethical leaders, and igniting curiosity ensures that the institution not only educates but also empowers students to become compassionate, purpose-driven citizens. By pioneering holistic education in Odisha, Mother’s Public School continues to inspire a transformative movement in education, shaping a brighter, more equitable future for generations to come.
