Across the country, Indian women are rewriting the narrative. No longer confined to traditional roles, they are stepping out with confidence, chasing their dreams, and making their mark; all while continuing to nurture their families and manage their homes with grace. They are showing the world their true potential, proving that dedication at home and ambition in the professional world can go hand in hand. Among the many inspiring women entrepreneurs making their mark in various fields, today the spotlight is on Paramasvari Krishnan, also known as Mrs Mani, the driving force behind Tadika Mentari Indah.
Mrs. Mani is the founder and principal of Tadika Mentari Indah, located in Seri Kembangan. She holds a Master of Education in Early Childhood Education (ECE) and a Diploma in Learning Disorders Management and Child Psychology. From a young age, Mrs. Mani aspired to become a teacher — a dream that shaped her journey.
She began her career in education as a preschool teacher in 1998, where she discovered a deep passion for working with children, especially those with special needs. Motivated by this calling, she decided to specialize in the field and pursue it wholeheartedly. After years of dedication and hard work, she established her own preschool, Tadika Mentari Indah, in 2010.
Driven by a Dream to Educate
When asked what inspired her to choose education as her path in entrepreneurship, Mrs. Mani shared:
“I love working with preschool children and am always willing to take on challenges in managing children’s behaviour.”
She went on to explain,
“I believe early childhood education is one of the most powerful tools to shape a child’s future. I began doing my own research to create a preschool that goes beyond teaching ABCs and 123s. I wanted children to feel safe and happy coming to school every day. To me, education is a lifelong journey with no end — we keep learning as we grow.”
At Tadika Mentari Indah, teaching and communication are primarily conducted in both Malay and English. The preschool adopts a blended curriculum approach — using the National Preschool Curriculum (KSPK) for children aged 5 to 6, the Montessori method for 4-year-olds, and the Reggio Emilia approach across all age groups. This combination balances academic learning with hands-on projects that foster creativity, curiosity, and critical thinking in young minds.
Overcoming Challenges to Provide Quality Education
Over the years, Mrs. Mani has worked tirelessly to grow and improve Tadika Mentari Indah. She is constantly thinking about how to create a better future for the children and how to raise the standard of the preschool. Along this journey, she has faced many challenges — one of the biggest being the need to meet each child’s individual learning needs.
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Every child learns at a different pace and in different ways, which requires teachers to be both flexible and compassionate. Mrs. Mani ensures that her team is well-equipped with the right training, mindset, and support to adapt to each child’s unique learning style, creating an inclusive and nurturing environment for all.
She also shared, “Another challenge is balancing operational costs — such as hiring qualified teachers, maintaining a safe and child-friendly environment, and keeping our facilities up to date. We also need to invest in equipment for digital learning and educational games. It’s quite challenging for us, but we do our best because the children deserve the very best.”
TEKUN Nasional’s Role in Her Entrepreneurial Journey
During that time, Mrs. Mani learned about TEKUN Nasional, an agency that offers various initiatives to support entrepreneurs. She discovered the SPUMI scheme, which specifically provides assistance to Indian entrepreneurs. She applied for a TEKUN loan, and her application was approved. The funding she received played a crucial role in helping her develop her preschool, Tadika Mentari Indah. Over time, Mrs. Mani successfully received TEKUN loans on four separate occasions.
She shared that the TEKUN loan has been a tremendous help in sustaining and expanding her preschool by providing additional cash flow. The financial support allowed her to upgrade the school’s facilities, purchase new learning materials, and provide ongoing training for teachers.
“We were also able to introduce new programmes, such as one-on-one coaching for students who need extra help,” she said. “In addition, we invested in more hands-on learning resources. With this support, we’ve been able to maintain high standards and continue offering the best learning experience for our children.”
Mrs. Mani also highlighted the loan’s affordability: “The TEKUN loan comes with a low interest rate. By repaying the principal along with the monthly savings plan, it’s a long-term benefit that supports us even after the loan is fully settled.”
On the other hand, the unwavering support of Mrs. Mani’s family has been a constant source of strength throughout her journey. In particular, her supportive husband—who has stood by her side from day one—has been her pillar, encouraging her to push boundaries and pursue her dreams. Their encouragement and belief in her vision have been the driving force that keeps her going, even in the face of challenges. Her family’s support is the fuel that empowers her to strive for greater success and continue making a difference through her preschool.
A Message to Aspiring Indian Women Entrepreneurs
When asked what message she would like to share with Indian women aspiring to become entrepreneurs, Mrs. Mani said:
“To all Indian women who dream of starting their own business: believe in yourself and take that first step with courage. Challenges will come, but stay committed, keep learning, and surround yourself with a strong support system.
Always remember that your business has the potential to make a real impact—just like how Tadika Mentari Indah is making a difference in the lives of the children and families we serve.
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If you need financial support, take advantage of government initiatives like the TEKUN loan. When applying for any loan or grant, make sure you have all the necessary documents in place, such as your SSM registration, a valid business license, and up-to-date bank statements. Keeping these documents current is essential not only for loan approval but also for running your business efficiently.”
TEKUN Nasional has played a vital role in supporting many Indian entrepreneurs on their business journeys. One such inspiring example is Mrs. Mani, whose success story continues to motivate and encourage others to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams.
Mrs. Mani’s journey from a passionate preschool teacher to a successful entrepreneur is a powerful reflection of the impact that determination, vision, and support can have. Her story not only highlights the importance of quality early childhood education but also serves as an inspiration for Indian women who aspire to chart their own path in business.
With the help of TEKUN Nasional’s financial support and the unwavering encouragement of her family, Mrs. Mani has built more than just a preschool — she has created a nurturing space where children can thrive, learn, and dream big. Her commitment to excellence and her belief in lifelong learning continue to uplift her community and set an example for future entrepreneurs. In a world where women are increasingly becoming changemakers, Mrs. Mani stands as a shining example of what’s possible when passion meets perseverance.
All information and images has been provided by Mrs Mani.
This is a Varnam Exclusive Feature! Any Reproduction Requires Credits To Varnam Malaysia.
This initiative is a joint collaboration between Varnam Malaysia, TEKUN Nasional and YB Dato’ Sri Ramanan Ramakrishnan, Deputy Minister of Entrepreneurs and Cooperatives Development.
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