Meet the New Teacher at Prakriya: Elena Akka

Elena akka is changing the way we see teaching with her unique approach, blending adventure, curiosity, and connection in the classroom.

Elena akka is a young teacher who stands just about to my shoulder, with eyes that are wide, curious, and full of determination, as if she could take on the entire world. If she can handle our class, though, that might be very well possible. Her voice, soft and gentle, has a way of calming even the busiest air around her, though there’s always a hint of uncertainty and curiosity in her tone. She joined Prakriya at the beginning of this academic year, Not knowing the hurricane of energy and liveliness that was coming her way. 

Born in Kerala but raised in Kuwait, she did most of her schooling there. She describes Kuwait as “a calm place, that was home to me.” 

Growing up in a desert area, she often found herself missing the greenery, she shared. Elena akka has always been more introverted, not one to share much unless she truly felt the need.

“I’ve never been much of a social person, unlike my elder brother,” she says. “But I still had friends. Even though I’m not much of a talker, people have often felt they can reach out and talk to me when they need to.” 

Believe it or not, Math was one of her favourite subjects until 10th grade, when calculus appeared, and she quickly decided, “Yeah, I’m not doing this anymore.” Throughout her childhood, English remained her favourite subject, and that’s the subject she teaches now.

I distinctly remember how she mentioned her English professor back in college, she talked about how he had a specific way of teaching that urged his students to find answers to all the questions he asked. “He had this way of communicating with his students, that sparked interest in them,” she says. She was deeply intrigued about how her professor was able to do so. 

Elena akka wants to spark her students’ curiosity and get them really interested in the subject, the same way her professor did. In school, Elena akka blends in with the children. She spoke about how she once climbed the banyan tree near our school gate. 

One of my favourite moments with her was when it was the last day of school before the Navratri break. There were only a few of us in class, it was the last period and all of us were longing for the long break that was to come. We all decided to play tag inside our class, given we weren’t allowed outside. When Elena akka walked in and saw us, instead of being mad, she asked, “Can I also join?!” 

For about 40 minutes, all of us laughed and ran around and in between benches, tagging each other, sweating. In the end, we were all completely worn out from all the running.

Despite her natural ability to connect with children and her passion for teaching, she still isn’t sure what she wants to do with her future. For now, she’s focused on teaching English, interacting with the kids, and figuring out where this journey takes her. 

Whether or not she has a clear plan for the future, Elena akka is undoubtedly making a difference in the lives of the students she teaches, which is something truly special.

Written by Harshavardini, an 8th grader from Prakriya Green Wisdom School

This article was written for and published in Community Corner, a student-run publication curated by the 8th, 9th and 10th graders of Prakriya Green Wisdom School, Bengaluru, as part of the Editorial Board Training Program