UKHRUL: In a moment of pride for Nagaland, educator and inclusion advocate Keren Sumi has been featured in the Forbes India Women Power Edition, with her story appearing on Page 59 of the publication that celebrates women making meaningful contributions across diverse sectors in the country.
The feature, titled “The Architecture of Empathy: Keren Sumi’s Blueprint for Public Education,” traces her remarkable journey from the worlds of modelling, image management and entrepreneurship to becoming a Government Primary Teacher committed to transforming public education through inclusion and empathy.
According to the feature, Sumi is currently at the forefront of efforts to create more inclusive learning environments within government schools, particularly for children from Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs). Her work focuses on ensuring that inclusion becomes a practical reality rather than merely a policy objective.
As part of her efforts, Sumi advocates for adaptive teaching practices that align with the National Curriculum while addressing the unique needs of individual learners. She combines foundational learning with therapeutic and emotional support to promote students’ social, emotional and mental well-being, helping them thrive both inside and outside the classroom.
The Forbes feature notes that Sumi’s approach to education has been significantly shaped by her diverse professional background. Before entering public service, she established herself as a successful model and entrepreneur. Driven by a passion for personal development, she pursued a Master in Image Management and Soft Skills and later trained at the Image Consulting Business Institute (ICBI) in Mumbai.
Her professional development also included specialized training at the Wasan Knowledge Hub under Diana Matter of London, as well as grooming and personality development programmes at Ritika Ramtri Studio in Pune and the renowned Gladrags Academy under Maureen Wadia.
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Drawing from these experiences, Sumi integrates life skills, confidence-building and values-based learning into her teaching practices. She emphasizes the importance of communication, respect, self-belief and social etiquette, believing that such skills are essential to a child’s holistic development and future success.
The article further highlights the challenges she faced while introducing innovative educational practices and promoting professionalism within the public education system. Despite encountering resistance and setbacks, Sumi remained committed to her vision of ensuring quality and equitable education for all children.
The feature describes her as an educator who has successfully blended the discipline and professionalism of her entrepreneurial background with a deep commitment to childhood welfare and inclusive learning. Through her work, she continues to create opportunities for children to develop confidence, maintain positive mental health and lead independent, dignified lives.
Her recognition in the Forbes India Women Power Edition marks a significant achievement not only for her personally but also for Nagaland’s education sector. The feature serves as a testament to the transformative power of empathy, inclusion and dedicated public service in shaping the future of young learners.
