Ms. Nellie Ahmed, Founder and Managing Trustee of Maria’s Public School, is a visionary educationist and a pioneer in inclusive learning. Beginning her journey in 1988 with a single student, she has nurtured the school into a thriving community of over 2,000 students, 100+ faculty, and a dedicated support team. A true trailblazer, Ms. Ahmed was among the first educators in Northeast India to open classrooms to children of diverse abilities, establishing an Inclusive Education Wing that offers personalized support. Remarkably, the school’s first student with hearing and speech impairment now serves as a teacher—an enduring testament to her vision of empowerment through inclusion.

She also introduced the transformative philosophies of “Learning Beyond the Classroom” and “Nature as Our Classroom,” emphasizing experiential learning and sustainability decades before they became global educational priorities. Under her leadership, the school has partnered with global organizations including Round Square, AFS India, the British Council, and the Green Schools Alliance, bringing international perspectives to local education.

Beyond education, Ms. Ahmed serves as State President of the Assam SDG Council (WICCI), directs M.V. Kohuwa Bon – Sofia Navigation Cruises, and uplifts women through a weaving centre in Northeast India.

Her visionary leadership has earned her numerous accolades, including the Lifetime Achievement Award at Global Educators Fest 2024, the FICCI Best Entrepreneur Award, and multiple international honors for educational innovation and pedagogy. Through her lifelong commitment, Ms. Ahmed has transformed the educational landscape of Northeast India—empowering generations of learners, educators, and communities to thrive with purpose and compassion.