Dr. Zareena Sultana

From Dreams to Impact

Dr. Zareena Sultana

Professor and Dean of Students Welfare,

ISL Engineering College

Dr. Zareena Sultana, an inspirational figure and catalyst for change, holds a prominent position as the Dean of Students’ Welfare at ISL Engineering College. Her unwavering commitment to empowering the next generation in the rapidly evolving landscape of technology and digital transformation has earned her recognition and respect. In the wake of the pandemic, Dr. Zareena understands the importance of equipping students with employable skills and has been honoured with an honorary doctorate by The Thames International University, Paris, France for her dedication towards english language teaching. She is driven to inspire and uplift others, firmly believing that everyone’s achievements are their own.
Throughout her remarkable journey, Dr. Zareena has received numerous prestigious awards, including the Influential Communicator Award and the title of Most Promising English Language Educator. A few other awards that add to her testament of excellence are the Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Award for Excellence in Education and the Rashtra Prerna Award, among several others. These accolades reinforce her confidence and dedication to making a positive impact through education.
Dr. Zareena’s transformative path began in 1990, when she taught at the International Indian School. Returning to her hometown of Hyderabad, she made a lasting impact on early childhood education. In 2013, she fearlessly embraced the challenge of working with toddlers by venturing into a Sunshine preschool franchise. Her passion for early childhood education stems from its crucial role in shaping cognitive abilities and setting the stage for future learning.
Today, as the Dean of Students’ Welfare at ISL Engineering College, Dr. Zareena stands as a visionary leader. Her unwavering commitment to excellence and her ability to inspire change have made her an influential figure in the field of education. TradeFlock recently interviewed her to gain deeper insights into her remarkable journey and her dedication to education.

As the Dean of Students’ Welfare, what strategies do you implement to promote communication skills and holistic development among your students?

I believe in teamwork and encourage students to work together on various activities. I provide feedback to help them improve their diction, pronunciation, and verbal reasoning skills. I also emphasise listening skills by having students take notes during lectures. Additionally, I provide opportunities for students to anchor programmes, participate in debates, and engage in extracurricular activities to boost their confidence and public speaking abilities.

How do you build strong relationships with teachers, students, parents, and the community?

I believe in building relationships based on trust and respect. With my own children, I maintain a friendly relationship and allow them to make their own decisions, including career choices. I encourage them to be independent and emphasise the importance of respecting teachers and others in authority. I never entertain negative comments about teachers, parents, siblings, or anyone else. I have an open ear for my students, but I guide them not to speak ill of others. Respect and empathy are key to building strong relationships with teachers, students, parents, and the community.

Can you share some important learnings from your visit to Oxford University?

Visiting Oxford University was a dream come true for me. It was a rich experience being among intellectuals and representing India. I learned the value of continuous learning and research. I was delighted to meet the mayor and the chair of the university, and I presented them with a memento from my college. Exploring the libraries and immersing myself in the intellectual environment was truly inspiring.

How does participating in such events contribute to your leadership development?

I have always had leadership qualities, even at a young age. Participating in events like visiting Oxford University reinforces my belief in continuous learning and drives me to perform at my best. It also inspires my students and colleagues. Being recognised as an influential communicator in 2016 further affirmed my leadership abilities. I continuously strive to inspire others and embrace opportunities to lead and represent my institution and country.

How do you ensure that you continue to learn, evolve, and grow personally and professionally?

I believe that learning is a continuous process from birth to death. I approach it step by step, unlearning and relearning along the way. I don’t claim to know everything; instead, I learn from various sources, such as my students, people I encounter, and reading extensively. I stay updated by listening to news during my daily commute and remain open to new ideas and innovative thinking. I prioritise learning over passive activities like watching TV and focus on personal and professional growth through continuous learning and self-improvement.

What is your approach to time management?

I find time during late nights, usually from 11:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m., to sit down and work on writing, make notes, or listen to something. I am also good at managing my time and believe that even a small delay shouldn’t stop me from starting a task. I dedicate about five hours each day to these activities, which I find sufficient for my productivity.