Dr. Prasanna Mandava is a highly respected leader in the field of education, known for his unwavering commitment to fostering academic excellence, nurturing talent, and driving innovation. He has built a legacy of success in the educational sector, transforming institutions and shaping the lives of countless students. With his visionary approach and passion for creating positive change, Dr. Mandava has earned a reputation as one of the most forward-thinking leaders in education today.
A founding member of several esteemed educational institutions, including Oakridge International Schools, Dr. Mandava has played a pivotal role in establishing and scaling successful educational brands ranging from junior colleges to international schools.
His impact extends across various educational levels, and he continues to lead the way in excellence through Westberry Schools, where his focus remains on fostering environments that promote creativity, critical thinking, and personalized learning.
Dr. Mandava's latest initiative is the founding of Ortus International School, an institution focused on developing the social and emotional skills necessary for future generations to become effective global leaders. Recognizing the rapidly changing world and the increasing need for leaders who are not only intellectually competent but also emotionally intelligent, Dr. Mandava’s vision for Ortus International School focuses on providing students with an education that nurtures both their academic growth and emotional well-being. Ortus is designed to prepare students to thrive in an interconnected, dynamic global society, equipping them with the resilience, empathy, and leadership skills needed to navigate the complexities of the future.
As Joint Managing Director of People Combine Initiatives, Dr. Mandava has overseen strategic development, curriculum innovation, and operational efficiency, ensuring that institutions under his leadership are always at the forefront of educational advancement. His academic credentials, including a Doctorate in Economics from Andhra University and a Diploma in Business Management from IIM Bengaluru, empower him with a unique blend of academic rigor and business acumen, which he applies to drive growth and success in the education sector.
Dr. Mandava’s leadership extends far beyond administrative tasks – he is known for his ability to build cohesive teams, foster lasting relationships, and inspire others to achieve a shared vision. His focus on operational precision and academic rigor has consistently delivered exceptional outcomes, positioning his institutions as leaders in education.
But what truly sets Dr. Mandava apart is his dedication to social causes and his deep empathy for others. Whether responding to pressing social issues or championing initiatives that uplift marginalized communities, Dr. Mandava’s leadership is grounded in compassion and resilience. His belief in education as a transformative force propels him to drive change not just within his institutions, but also in the communities he serves. As a mentor and advocate for lifelong learning, Dr. Mandava is committed to creating educational spaces that instil timeless values and prepare students for a future of success, both academically and personally. He believes in developing leaders who are not only capable in their fields but also responsible, ethical, and empowered to contribute meaningfully to society.
Dr. Prasanna Mandava’s unwavering dedication to excellence in education, his pioneering work with Ortus International School, and his deep commitment to the betterment of society make him a truly inspiring guest for your podcast. His insights into leadership, innovation, and the transformative power of education will undoubtedly resonate with your audience and spark meaningful conversations about the future of education, social-emotional learning, and leadership in today’s ever-evolving world.
We believe that a conversation with Dr. Prasanna Mandava would be an invaluable addition to your podcast, offering listeners the opportunity to hear from one of the most influential leaders in the educational landscape.
Smt. Lankipalli Gayathri, a native of Chittoor district, is a dedicated educationist with a deep passion for child development and inclusive learning.
After completing her B.Tech degree, she discovered her true calling in the field of child education and psychology. Guided by this conviction, she pursued a Master’s degree in Psychology from SV University, Tirupati, gaining a strong understanding of child behavior and developmental needs. To further enhance her expertise, she completed a B.Ed in Special Education as a topper at Osmania University (2012-13), with a focus on children with special needs. This distinctive combination of technical education, psychological knowledge, and specialized training equips her with a comprehensive perspective on modern, holistic education.
Smt. Gayathri began her professional journey with Oakridge International School in 2013, where she quickly earned recognition as a compassionate educator and sensitive counsellor. Her ability to connect deeply with students, understand their emotional and academic needs, and provide effective guidance established her as one of the most respected teachers at the institution. By blending innovative teaching practices with psychological counselling, she fostered not only academic success but also the emotional well-being of her students.
In 2017, Smt. Gayathri played a pivotal role in the development of APMDC Public School, a CSR initiative adopted by Ushodaya Educational Society. She was instrumental in conceptualizing the school’s academic framework and mentoring its faculty to adopt child-centered teaching methodologies. Through her vision and leadership, APMDC Public School has grown into a model institution, known for its nurturing environment and strong academic outcomes. Further, with her background as a Psychology student and a Special B.Ed graduate, she has made remarkable contributions to the field of academics through her active participation in several teacher training sessions organized by reputed schools such as Oakridge, Ortus and APMDC schools in enhancing the student counselling skills of teachers, enabling them to better understand and support the diverse needs of their pupils.
Today, she continues to be a guiding force behind the school’s flourishing success, ensuring that every child receives quality education along with emotional support to thrive both academically and personally.
Sri. Lankipalli Mahesh Babu hails from Chittoor district and comes from an agricultural family background. He holds a Bachelor’s degree from SV University, Tirupati. Driven by a deep passion for education, Mr. Mahesh Babu has built a distinguished career spanning over two decades in the academic sector. He spent more than 20 years with Vikas Educational Institutions Pvt. Ltd., where he held several key administrative and operational leadership roles. He also contributed three years of service to Oakridge International School, which operates under the same management group.
For the past 10 years, he has been serving as Vice President of Ushodaya Educational Society. In this role, he spearheaded the adoption and development of APMDC Public School under the APMDC CSR initiative in 2017. Through his leadership, he guided the transformation of the school by conceptualizing and overseeing the construction of a modern, corporate-style building and implementing quality educational practices. Under his stewardship, APMDC Public School has grown to become one of the leading English-medium schools in its rural region, significantly enhancing educational opportunities for the community.
In addition to his work with Ushodaya Educational Society, Mr. Mahesh Babu serves as one of the Directors of Ortus International School in Telangana.
With a visionary approach to education, he strongly advocates for integrating sports and academics to nurture the holistic development of students. To further this vision, he founded Sunrise Educational Initiatives Pvt. Ltd., creating a unique institution in Tirupati that offers world-class sports training alongside globally benchmarked academic programs. This innovative model empowers students to pursue their athletic aspirations while maintaining high academic standards.