Dr. Prema Sundararajan (Chair, Academic Council)

Dr. Prema Sundara Rajan possesses a rich and diverse academic background, including a Ph.D. in Education with a specialization in Adolescent Mental Health. Her mastery extends to multiple master's degrees, encompassing Applied Psychology, Education, English, and History. Having dedicated herself to the roles of a professional counselor and educator for an impressive span of 45 years, Dr. Prema Sundara Rajan's teaching journey commenced during her tenure as a teacher at Kendriya Vidyalaya. Her contributions to education have been recognized with the prestigious distinction of being awarded the title of "Best Teacher" by the President of India. Furthermore, her expertise extends to the realm of life skills education, where she has served as a national consultant for UNICEF, UNFPA, and WHO (SEARO). Dr. Prema Sundara Rajan has extended her influence to the world of media, having anchored television shows targeted at adolescents and authored educational modules designed to train teachers. Her commitment to education transcends geographical boundaries, as she has taken on roles as an Adjunct Faculty (Professor) at institutions such as Miami Dade College, University of Miami, and Broward College in the United States. In addition, she serves as the Chair of the Academic Council at the International Hindu University. Dr. Prema Sundara Rajan's educational qualifications are nothing short of impressive, with a Ph.D. in Education, master's degrees in Applied Psychology, Education, English, and History, as well as a B.Ed. She has also earned a Post Graduate Diploma in guidance and counseling from NCERT. In terms of work experience, her cumulative teaching tenure spans 38 years. Since October 2012, she has been actively engaged in teaching at Miami Dade College. Her international influence in education is evident through her teaching stints at the University of Miami in 2011 and 2017, as well as at Broward College in 2011. Among her many accolades and achievements, Dr. Prema Sundara Rajan has received the National Award for Best Teacher from the Centre for Cultural Resources and Training, presented by the former President of India, Dr. Shankar Dayal Sharma, in 1995.