Leaders

Dr. Grace Pinto: Leading The Path Of Educational Excellence

Dr.Grace Pinto
Managing Director, Ryan International Group Of Schools

While establishing India's premier education group and aligning it with global standards, the Ryan Group encountered various challenges. This endeavor went beyond merely opening branches across the country; it required establishing consistency, standards, and best practices. However, with the guidance of Dr. Grace Pinto and her dedicated team, the group successfully provided the strategic direction for expanding its reach across India. Dr. Grace Pinto, the Managing Director of Ryan International Group of Institutions, has made an incredible impact on children's lives by providing high-quality education in India.

Women Entrepreneur magazine recently engaged in a one-on-one interaction with Dr. Grace Pinto, the Managing Director of Ryan International Group of Institutions, where she states more about the institute and her journey, let’s read to know more.

Illuminate the early stages of your journey.

My journey commenced with a profound passion for teaching and a sincere dedication to children's development. Together with my husband, Dr. A. F. Pinto, we embarked on a mission to make education accessible and affordable for as many children as possible. This endeavor took us to various corners of India, including remote areas, where we established centers of learning, empowering the younger generation.

Throughout this remarkable journey, we were humbled by the overwhelming support from stakeholders, including parents, teachers, and local communities, who entrusted us with the responsibility of educating their children. As we reflect on our past, we cannot overlook the blessings of our Lord Jesus Christ, whose divine guidance and unwavering inspiration, combined with relentless hard work, have made this journey truly promising and inspiring.

“Our guiding motto is 'Excellence in Education & All Round Development”

What inspired you to venture into the realm of education?

The vibrant and joyful presence of children, their smiles, and their eagerness to learn were the driving forces behind my decision to become a teacher and an educationist. I wanted to be a part of their journey to acquiring knowledge and assist them in realizing and unlocking their full potential in life through our schools. Witnessing the enthusiasm of these young, energetic minds for education continues to fuel my passion to provide them with high-quality learning opportunities.

At Ryan Group, we firmly believe in inclusive education, embracing diversity, and recognizing the unique contributions each child brings forth. This further motivates me to extend the reach of quality education to all, ensuring that no child is left behind. The vision bestowed upon us by God, with the goal of providing exceptional education across the nation, along with the overwhelming support from all our stakeholders, has been a tremendous source of encouragement, allowing us to persevere and remain steadfast in our motivation to make a difference in the field of education.

Share with us the valuable business insights you have gained from your previous experiences and how they have shaped you into a more effective leader today.

Being in the field of education has been an enriching learning journey. Establishing India's premier education brand and striving for global excellence presented formidable challenges. It became evident that to navigate the evolving trends in global education and leadership, innovative and progressive approaches were vital at every turn. Leadership, for me, has been an ongoing 'learning from and for life' experience.

I firmly believe that there is no fixed checklist for achieving success as a leader. Instead, I have learned that qualities and practices such as resilience, adaptability to change, a hunger for continuous learning, and the determination to transform challenges into opportunities are instrumental in driving success. Additionally, maintaining discipline, courageously taking calculated risks, and staying grounded in core values have been pivotal in keeping our focus on the noble cause of education and realizing our dream of making a meaningful impact on the lives of children, our future leaders. This experience has strengthened my conviction that embracing these business lessons and maintaining an unwavering commitment to the pursuit of education can pave the way for a brighter future for the next generation.

Established in 1976 by the visionary educationist, Dr. A. F. Pinto, Chairman, the Ryan Group of Institutions was founded with a profound vision of spreading high-quality education throughout India. Regarded as one of India's largest privately owned groups of schools, it offers a comprehensive K-12 curriculum through state, national, and international boards. With a vast network, the Group boasts 18,000 dedicated faculty members, serving schools in 18 states and 40 cities across the nation.

Our guiding motto is ‘Excellence in Education and All Round Development’. At Ryan International School, we are committed to delivering a holistic education that integrates academic excellence with co-curricular activities and extends learning opportunities beyond the confines of the classroom.

“From the very inception of the institution, our unwavering endeavor has been to continually reinvent ourselves, nurture and empower inspiring educators, harness the potential of technology, and create conducive ecosystems that enable our students to acquire essential 21st-century skills.”

Throw some light on the key methodologies and pedagogies you leverage to enable more efficient learning for students.

Ryan International School adopts innovative teaching methodologies, emphasizing hands-on learning and experiential education. The institution focuses on developing 21st-century skills like critical thinking, creativity, and leadership to prepare students for higher education and personal growth. They are committed to excellence in education and all-round development, fostering intellectual, emotional, social, and spiritual growth.

We have pioneered various national and international events, including the International Theatre Festival, Indian Model United Nations, and The World Scholar's Cup, to expose students to diverse cultures and promote critical thinking and leadership skills. Ryan International School also integrates media studies and film-making through "Ryan TV," empowering students to showcase their talents and nurture their skills.Furthermore, the institution embraces a strong sports culture, nurturing physically fit and emotionally well-balanced students who achieve excellence in various sports at national and international levels. They actively collaborate with global organizations to provide scholarship opportunities and facilitate students' higher education pursuits.

Ryan International School emphasizes social responsibility by engaging in activities like cleanliness drives, relief work, and environmental initiatives. Overall, the school is renowned for its commitment to holistic education, shaping responsible and well-rounded individuals prepared for the challenges of the future.

Share your top three professional milestones achieved over the years.

As a leader, I have played a crucial role in establishing the Ryan Group as a renowned and reputable brand synonymous with providing quality and affordable education. Through innovative pedagogical practices, we have focused on cultivating essential life skills among students, ensuring accessible and high-quality education for all.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, we introduced the Ryan School OS platform, offering a blended offline-online K-12 learning experience for students. This initiative helped avoid any learning disruptions during the extended physical closure of schools. The Ryan OS continues to enrich the teaching-learning experience and has become an integral part of our academic process.

Aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP), our focus remains on integrating innovative practices, collaborating with industries, and incorporating technology to develop not only employable citizens but also students with the skills to pursue vocations as researchers and entrepreneurs.

The Ryan Group takes immense pride in a legacy spanning three decades and celebrates the accomplishments of our proud alumni, who have made remarkable contributions in diverse fields such as IT, Banking, Medicine, Mass Media & Journalism, Engineering, and beyond.

our accomplishments have garnered widespread recognition for the Ryan Group from various organizations and newspapers, acknowledging our significant contributions to the field of education.

What has been your key to success as a leader and educator?

To attain success, there is no fixed checklist. Through my life experiences, I have learned that a strong desire and willingness to learn, unwavering determination, discipline, courage to take risks, adherence to values, and having a supportive family with faith and trust in God are the factors that enable one to achieve their dreams and make a meaningful contribution to society. As a leader, it is crucial to embrace innovation and maintain a progressive approach.