Chandra Karnati is one of the most passionate teachers you’ll ever meet. Since beginning his time as a math teacher at Gainesville High School in 2008, he strives to ensure the future of his students, and is constantly seeking out opportunities and ways to prepare them for life beyond high school. He is married with two daughters; one headed off to college and one a senior at GHS, and is able to strike balance between being a dedicated educator and family man.
Question: What inspired you or led you to your current career?
Answer: “I was a great student in elementary school when my parents were around, but I later became a revolting teenager, questioning the traditions of school. I was a struggling math student in my teenage years; however, once I found the applicability I became a fan of it. I grew from a last bench student to the topper of a class of 13,000 in my Masters of Math. My belief in hard work was doubled as I grew, and I wanted to share it with others. By the time I finished my Masters, India was facing a more than 25% unemployment rate. There was little hope in youth looking only for white collar jobs. I was a small entrepreneur by then, and I thought I can inspire youth to be ready to take either employment or entrepreneurship. I also wanted to see all over India and possibly the world. As a topper of Masters of Mathematics I was fortunate enough to get many opportunities, one of which as a Post Graduate Teacher in the Central Schools of India. This job allowed me travel all around India and also helped me to be more marketable internationally to fulfill my dreams of travelling the world.”
Q: What is your favorite restaurant in Hall County, and what do you love there?
A: “I am a vegetarian. I love Olive Garden’s Minestrone soup with bread rolls, and Ravioli di Portobello. I like Red Lobster’s bread. Most of all El Sombrero bean burritos with mexican rice. But, I’d definitely like to thank Chick Fil A and Longstreet Cafe for sponsoring my classes.”
Q: How long have you lived or worked in Hall County?
A: “I have been working here since 2008. I love the diversity of Gainesville High School.”
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in Hall County?
A: “I love happy people. I am sure every one of us has a background story or problems, small or big. People who come out of grief and try to spread happiness around them are the people I like. I like people of Hall County in general and my students in particular; whether they are my AP students who love to whine about my class but compete to be the best they can, or my ESOL students who bring different stories to class and have a desire to make their lives better. The students make me realize how grateful I am to God.”
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be? And why?
A: “You know by now that I love to travel many places of the world. I would like ride the Trans Siberian Railway. It is the largest train route of the world, connecting many different kinds of people. I would also love to go on a cruise to Alaska, which is part of the United States history. I want to see how people learn to live with nature.”
Q: What is your favorite movie OR what is the first movie you remember seeing in a theatre?
A: “I like any movie that is family-friendly, teaches values, or is futuristic or Patriotic. I love Father of Bride, Home Alone, Air Force One, 2012, Apollo 13, and Mr. and Mrs. Smith. The first movie I watched was, of course, an Indian movie Siri Siri Muvva. This movie was about a mute girl who fights against odds to reach her dreams with the help of an orphan. I was about seven or eight at that time, but still remember some of the scenes of the movie.”
Q: What advice would you give to a crowd of people?
A: “Hard work pays off. It is our internal power with God’s eternal help which makes us reach our goals of life. Please don’t be stuck in relative truth; find the ultimate one.”
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
A: “Visiting all the continents, touching all the oceans, and creating more opportunities for youth through education.”
Q: What is your favorite music / 3 bands you would like to see (dead or alive)?
A: “Indian traditional music or Annamacharya Keerthanalu or Ramadasu Kruthulu. Basically I need to understand words to enjoy the music completely, even though I also love just instrumental music playing quietly. I love Jazz or Blues. I would love to see the Beatles who influenced most of the world with their rock and roll.”
Q: What former local business makes you the most nostalgic about Hall County?
A: “I haven’t lived here long enough here to remember any former businesses. But I love neighborhood shopping better than chain stores. I love local businesses. I enjoy Art on the Square and Mule Camp Market.”
Q: Choosing anyone alive and a non-relative: with whom would you love to have lunch?
A: “Bill Gates. I want to find out his inspirations as a young entrepreneur when he founded Microsoft. I like the Bill and Melinda Gates foundation work. I want to ask him what made him start and stop Gates scholarship to education. And I would ask would he invest more in these awesome young adults who are striving for success.”
Q: What is your favorite thing about Hall County?
A: “I like many things about Hall County. Hall County is close enough to Atlanta, yet far enough from Atlanta; close enough to mountains to enjoy fall and spring colors, but not too close so that we can’t get out during snow or winter; boating and watching sunsets over the lake; being able to research in the awesome Hall county libraries; hanging out in the square and many parks around Hall County…”
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 or 10 years?
A: “I would have finished my doctorate. I would either teaching at college or offering more opportunities for GHS students in college level classes. I might be developing local-level technology-oriented blended mathematics curriculum to help teachers and students. I will be working towards mathematics excellency to instill love of mathematics in these young minds. I would be trying to expand my business interests. I would be travelling the world as a visiting faculty to learn more cultures and explore mathematics education. I would be searching for ultimate truth and reading more scriptures of many religions. I would be trying to know more about God.”
Q: What is something interesting most people don’t know about you?
A: “I would like to visit all seven continents and five oceans; but not just visiting the continents,I really want to learn about the people and their traditions. That was one of the main reasons I chose mathematics. Mathematics allows me to travel anywhere in the world. Once my kids settle down I may start working as visiting faculty to different places of the world.”
Interview by: Meredith Pannek
The Faces of Hall County is a project to showcase the amazing people that live or work in our community. If you would like to nominate an interesting person to be featured please email babernathy@gonorton.com
PROJECT PATRONS:
