At 29, Dr Priyanka PV is in a happy space. And rightfully so, as this Bengaluru-based academician is pursuing a path that emotes her true calling — teaching the autistic and those with special needs apart from her regular MBA students. In a candid chat, the multiple award winner shares the inside track with us...
“A girl named Erin Ballette approached me in 2013, after finding me on an online portal. She expressed her passion to study. Being autistic, Erin found it hard to get through MBA, as she faced a lot of peer pressure. She wanted a way out. Initially, I was a little apprehensive about going ahead. But something inspired me to look up on Youtube to learn about the problem and their behavior. I then decided to take up the challenge and teach her. Much to our surprise, she topped, and even started her PhD, and ended up in a research firm in the US. Unfortunately in 2015, she had a fall and passed away and I still miss her a lot. But that episode inspired me to grow as a teacher and instilled my faith in my abilities as a teacher,” shares Dr Priyanka, who was recently felicitated with the Outstanding contribution for Education Excellence in Karnataka, Prime Time Media (2016), New Delhi and Outstanding Academic Scholar award by Alliance University Alumini Association (2015), Bengaluru.
Currently working as the director of Philip Kotler Center for Advanced Marketing, Priyanka kick started her stint as an educator back in the year 2012. But, the enterprising academician is still taking baby steps.
“I have just five students, who are suffering from various disabilities at present. If I get more students, I can do more for the society,” chimes the MBA graduate from Alliance business Academy, Bangalore University. She also holds a PhD from Jain University.
Enthusing how the biggest takeaway from the process has been the journey itself, she adds, “It is not easy to teach such students but the satisfaction I get as a teacher is immense at the end of the day. I have loved every minute of teaching such kids. A teacher’s biggest gift is gratitude when students come back to me, it makes me feel good to have made a difference in their life.”
Innately passionate about social service, the alumnus of Jain University- Center for Management Studies pipes, “My passions are reading books, social service and listening to good music. Social initiatives I’m a part of include promoting girl education, spreading a message that cancer is curable if detected early. That and the teaching physically challenged and autistic students. I am also sponsoring two girl children for education at World Vision India.”
Speaking about what’s next on the anvil, Priyanka concludes by stating, “At present, I am authoring a book on social media marketing for Business Expert Press, USA. Another book is on the cards for a leading publisher. But, what I need to achieve is in spreading knowledge to all. That is my main motto.”
