How the Journey Began
The UN Sustainable Development (SDG) Goal 4 aims to ensure ‘inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all’. In India, the Right to Education Act 2009, the National Policy on Education, the National Curriculum Framework and Sarva Siksha Abhiyaan are among the few policy documents which have shaped the course of education in the country. While we are close to achieving the goal of universal education, we cannot neglect the disconnects prevalent within the mainstream system that sowed the seeds of Muktangan.
Our founding trustee had one question in mind “Is it possible to create a learning environment for both children and teachers? ”It is with this question that the “Muktangan model” was developed to demonstrate the best practices in education through an inclusive, student and teacher friendly, community-based system within mainstream schooling. Since its inception in 2003, Muktangan has now grown into a unique model delivering holistic education to over 4000+ children from underserved educational communities, livelihood opportunities to 800+ community members through our pre-service teacher education programme and employment opportunities to 600+ teachers and teacher educators in the 7 Muktangan run Municipal schools in Mumbai. Our ‘total schools’ approach’ provides holistic learning keeping in mind 21st century skills which are so essential for young learners of today. We are also working in partnership with various stakeholders in urban and rural areas as knowledge partners to deliver integrated solutions to education. Through our outreach projects, we have reached out to and impacted 75000+ children and 5000+ teachers and teacher educators.
To create an inclusive and an empowered world that enables everyone to live in harmony with a right to freedom of expression, respect and with integrity
To encourage and support communities, through networking, to reflect and evolve sustainable, learner-friendly, holistic educational programs, drawing on the learnings of the ever-upgrading Muktangan model
C - Critical Thinking
R - Respect
O - Openness to Change
R - Reflectiveness
E - Equity
The spirit of our community engagement goes way back to the beginning of our journey. The name “Muktangan” was coined by the first batch of 8 community members who were trained as pre-primary teachers. This name beautifully encapsulates our core value “Freedom in the aangan” symbolizing that every individual- child, teacher or teacher educator can flourish and widen their horizons within the comfort and security of the institution.
Muktangan’s work culture is collaborative, inclusive, and rooted in continuous learning, guided by the philosophy of “Education for the Community, by the Community.” It fosters mutual respect, openness, and reflective practice among all stakeholders- teachers, students, parents, and government partners. The team comprises a diverse group of professionals including educators, academic trainers, school leaders, social workers, community mobilizers, researchers, administrators, HR personnel, finance and operations managers, IT specialists, and strategic advisors. Emphasizing constructivist, child-centered pedagogy, Muktangan integrates teacher training with school delivery, ensuring contextual relevance and quality. With a strong focus on ethical practice, transparency, and community ownership, the organization creates an environment where every individual is both a learner and a contributor.
Zarin has inhabited the world of education for over three decades as a teacher, teacher trainer and head of school. Starting her career with the NGO, ‘Parisar Asha’, helped her understand the concerns of education for socio-economically challenged communities, in urban and rural settings. She has been the editor of a newsletter called ‘Classroom’ as well as co-ordinated conferences for educators as part of the education core team of the global movement, ‘Initiatives of Change’. Armed with a M.A. in Creative Writing from the University of Sheffield, U.K., she writes poetry, short stories and novels. Her first book, ‘Gopal’s Gully’ was published by Duckbill, an imprint of Penguin Random House [India]. Building human connections with teachers and students as well as nurturing critical thinking remain her abiding passions.
Mr. Sridhar Ramachandran, is a management strategy specialist and comes with over 30 years of significant experience in general and financial management of companies across Asia and Africa. Currently, he serves as Advisor of India Nivesh Renaissance Fund. He represents the fund as nominee director in listed and unlisted companies. In addition, he is also on the advisory board of DAA Consulting and Mentor my Board. He has held leadership positions in different roles including, Alpen Capital, Cadila Pharma, Brescon Corporate Advisors, Pioneer Embroideries, SKD Group (Hong Kong), Texmcao-Polysindo Group (Indonesia, South Africa & Botswana), Utexrwa (Rwanda). During his career spanning over three decades, he has successfully turned around few companies, worked with many visionary entrepreneurs, and interacted with more than thousand promoters across various sectors and consulted many companies on strategy, M&A, Debt restructuring and other areas that helped him to gain tremendous experience. His first book “End of Saamba Dance”, a business and a financial thriller fiction quickly rose to popularity in the business and financial community and won the Best Author’s Award 2021 by Navi Mumbai Chamber of Business & Industries. He speaks at various industry forums on Strategy, Finance and Governance areas. Sridhar is a qualified Chartered Accountant, Cost Accountant, CPA from Colorado State, USA and a Commerce Graduate from Madras University.
Fulfilling the role of Director HR and Administration, Mr. Satose over a career spanning 35+ years associated with the Paragon Group acts as primary liaison with the local MCGM authorities. At the Muktangan Education Trust, he oversees all HR maintenance functions, Muktangan schools’ administration and programme logistics
An engaged philanthropist and deeply committed to the social sector, Maithili is passionate about progressive education, healthcare and vulnerable child care. Maithili attended Brown University for her undergraduate degree after which she worked on Wall Street in New York, as a commodities trader for Morgan Stanley. She received her post-graduate degree from the London School of Economics before returning home. Maithili has had a successful career in the art world as Director and India Country Head of Sotheby’s, the global auction house. Maithili is a founder member of Ashoka University, and also serves on the India Advisory Board of Brown University and the South Asian Art Council at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. She has two young children with her husband, Shashank Singh.
Rajan is a veteran of the Indian internet industry with experience in retail internet and business services spanning two decades. He is the Co-founder and Managing Director of Nirvana Venture Advisors and was previously associated as a Venture Partner with Clearstone Venture Advisors (Indian Advisory of Clearstone Venture Partners) before which he also served as country head for Ebay India. He has been an active member of the governing council of the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IMAI) and chaired the Federation of Indian 4 Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) E-Business committee in 2007. Additionally, Rajan also serves on the boards of Billdesk, Games2Win and Cartrade amongst other businesses and is on the Advisory Board of the Praja Foundation, Mumbai.
Currently serving as Managing Director of KAYMO Fastener Company, Vivek has been a part of the business for 34 years! He is a teaching faculty at Moral Re-Armament (MRA) and Initiatives for Change International (IofC) and is regularly invited to present at business groups on topics related to Value Sustainability for Companies and Building Ethical and Competitive Organizations. Vivek currently serves on the Boards of three Non-Profits IofC, Praja and Toy Bank as well as the advisory committee of Annamrita (ISKON Food Relief)
Mr. Rajesh Narain Gupta is a practicing lawyer for over three decades. He is the Managing Partner at SNG & Partners, Advocates & Solicitors, a full-service law firm with its presence in Singapore, Mumbai and Delhi. His area of specialization includes Banking and Finance, Commercial Laws, Real Estate and Private Client practice. He is an advisor to a number of foreign and Indian Banks, Financial Institutions, Corporate and Industrial Houses, Real Estate players. He has authored and edited several books on Banking Laws and regularly contributes 5 to leading papers and journals. He is and has been on boards of listed and unlisted companies as an Independent Director; and is also member advisory board of few corporate houses, Alternate Investment Funds and NGOs. He is member of Investment Council of one of the largest real estate funds. He is regularly advising well-known families and UHNIs on issues related to estate and succession planning.
Dipa Dwarkadas is a Chartered Accountant with an MBA in Finance and extensive experience in the finance sector in India and abroad. She currently manages the complete financial operations of her family office, overseeing taxation, banking, investments, expenses, and revenues. Dipa serves on the advisory board of Madat Charitable Trust, supporting initiatives that help underprivileged patients navigate cancer care. She is also associated with Ashoka University and St. Jude India, and is a passionate supporter of multiple social causes, with a strong commitment to inclusive and impactful change.
Jennifer is an educator and curriculum specialist with deep roots in Mumbai’s educational landscape. She serves as Secretary of Sharon Education Society, providing leadership across administration, human resources, and strategic planning for a community of over 1,500 students, while mentoring teachers and designing library curricula that foster holistic development and a culture of reading.
Since 2022, she has been an Academic Mentor with Bookworm Trust, Goa, supporting children’s libraries and facilitating the Library Educator’s Certificate Course. Earlier, at the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai (2015–2022), she worked as an Assistant Professor, leading curriculum design for computer-assisted language learning under the CLIx initiative across multiple states, and teaching in the M.A. Elementary Education and B.Ed./M.Ed. programmes.
Jennifer began her journey with Muktangan as Lead Teacher Educator (2009–2014), leading English curriculum development across seven municipal schools and designing the Independent Writing curriculum to nurture children’s self-expression and critical thinking.
Known for her collaborative approach and thoughtful mentorship, Jennifer bridges academic theory with classroom practice. She is currently pursuing her PhD at TISS, focusing on school libraries and curriculum studies, and holds postgraduate degrees in Elementary Education (TISS) and English Literature (EFLU, Hyderabad).
Mayur Khaire is an electronics engineer turned development professional with extensive experience in Business intelligence, data warehousing, rural development, education, and skill development. His career has taken him from the tech industry to the remote regions of Jammu and Kashmir, where he spent three transformative years as a Prime Minister's Rural Development Fellow. He has also served as the Head of Programmes at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Pune (IISER Pune), managing a national-level programme with expertise. Throughout his career, Mayur has led education projects from planning to execution across regions including J&K, Ladakh, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Karnataka within government systems.
Armed with a master's in development Practice from TISS Mumbai, an MBA in Operations, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Mass Media, Mayur combines technical expertise with a deep understanding of development challenges. Passionate about bringing positive change to mainstream education, he strongly believes in the potential of every child to learn. Currently, he leads as the CEO of Muktangan, where he continues to drive impactful educational initiatives.
A seasoned professional with an MBA in Marketing and Rural Management, Mr. Alam brings over 14 years of rich experience in leading and shaping business development initiatives. His professional journey reflects a deep expertise in strategic planning and execution, donor and client relationship management (across corporate, HNI, and retail segments), corporate communications, digital strategy, fundraising, and operational excellence.
Before joining Muktangan, Mr. Alam was associated with the Aditya Birla Education Trust, where he played a pivotal role in mobilizing corporate partnerships and nurturing donor relationships. His prior engagements with Habitat for Humanity, CARE India, and Oxfam India further underscore his commitment to leveraging strategy and communication for meaningful social impact.
We are delighted to have him on board and look forward to the insights, vision, and energy he will bring to the Muktangan community.
Ketaki holds a Master’s degree in Commerce and an MBA in Finance, with 10 years of experience in the social development sector. Specialises in building and nurturing strong donor relationships to drive sustainable impact.
Azaan is a filmmaker and creative producer from the valley of Kashmir, with over seven years of experience in filmmaking and content creation. His work spans documentary, fiction, and digital content, with a focus on clear storytelling and strong visual narratives.
He holds a Master’s degree in Mass Communication ( with specialisation in Sound) from AJKMCRC Jamia Millia Islamia and a Bachelor’s degree in Arts from St. Stephen’s College, Delhi University. He brings hands-on skills in cinematography, editing, sound recording, and sound design, supported by a strong technical understanding of filmmaking tools.
Azaan has earlier worked as a Production Associate with Journalist Simi Chakrabarti and Communication Associate at Foster & Forge Foundation (New Delhi), where he shot and edited documentaries, covered events and led digital communication initiatives.
Outside of work, he enjoys travelling, music, and poetry, and has a deep love for cinema, interests that continue to shape his way of seeing, listening, and telling stories.
Ms. Jumana Rampurawala, Chief Program Officer at Muktangan, has dedicated her career to school education since graduating with a B.Sc. in Human Development in 1992, specializing in ECCED. She began as a part-time preschool teacher and research assistant before becoming Preschool Head at the Aga Khan Education School in 2001. She joined Muktangan in 2006 as a teacher educator and, by 2009, was leading the Pre-service Teacher Education Program, supporting community members to transform into child-friendly educators. While working, she pursued her B.Ed. and M.A. in Sociology through distance education, demonstrating her belief in lifelong learning. Currently, Jumana leads Muktangan’s outreach and advocacy initiatives with government and non-government partners. Her focus is on building capacity, promoting inclusive pedagogies, and scaling Muktangan’s community-driven model of education. With over three decades of experience, Jumana continues to inspire educators and partners alike through her vision, commitment, and belief that quality education is every child’s right.
Dhanashree Yeddandi, a passionate educator and school leader at Muktangan, has over two decades of experience in community-based education. Born in Hyderabad and raised in Mumbai, she began her journey through Muktangan’s Teacher Training Program, initially teaching English grammar classes to BMC students and conducting spoken English sessions for parents. Over the years, she grew into a leadership role, shaped by her vision to bridge educational gaps for marginalized communities. She has consistently championed bilingual learning approaches that empower first-generation learners and their families. Dhanashree’s personal transformation from trainee to school leader reflects her commitment to professional growth and inclusive education. Today, she represents Muktangan as both her identity and inspiration, working to ensure that children and families from underserved backgrounds experience education as an empowering force. With her strong focus on equity and access, she continues to inspire her peers, lead teams effectively, and nurture schools as safe, inclusive, and child-friendly spaces of learning.
Vinita Sanghi, a Chartered Accountant by qualification and a teacher by passion, has built a remarkable journey in education. After working as a CA for five years, she followed her calling to teach and volunteered at Akanksha for three years. In 2008, she joined Muktangan and has never looked back. Over the years, Vinita has played an integral role in shaping teacher education and currently leads the In-service Teacher Education Department. Her work focuses on supporting teachers through continuous professional development, strengthening classroom practices, and embedding reflective teaching-learning approaches. She designs and facilitates workshops, provides mentorship, and ensures that educators remain connected with evolving pedagogies. Vinita strongly believes that effective teacher education is central to meaningful student learning. Her leadership has enabled teachers to engage more confidently with diverse learners and adopt inclusive, child-centered methods. A true advocate for lifelong learning, she continues to inspire educators by demonstrating that passion, commitment, and purpose can transform classrooms and create a ripple effect across communities.
Nikita Som is an experienced educator and leader with a strong academic background and a passion for empowering learners. Since June 2022, she has been serving as the Lead Faculty of the English Department at Muktangan Education Trust, where she drives curriculum development, faculty mentoring, and innovative teaching methodologies. With professional experience beginning in 2014, Nikita has worked as an English and Social Studies Teacher, Visiting PGT English Faculty, and Online English Trainer, enabling her to engage with diverse groups of students and educators. Her academic pursuits include the publication of two research papers in reputed journals, reflecting her dedication to scholarship and continuous professional growth. A creative individual, Nikita integrates her love for dance, poetry, and stage performance into her professional and volunteer work. She was awarded third prize in a district-level Deshbhakti Geet competition for her original poem and actively contributes as a performer with Brahmakumaris at both local and national platforms. Proficient in six languages, Nikita is recognized for her leadership, effective communication, and problem-solving skills that inspire colleagues and students alike.
Nisha Shrivastav completed her post-graduation in Hindi literature and joined Muktangan in 2005 as a trainee, inspired by the organisation’s philosophy. During her training, she learned key approaches such as active constructivism, the significance of the opening circle, Plan-Do-Review for students, and teaching without burden. After completing her training, she was appointed as a Standard 2 class teacher. In 2013, she had the opportunity to teach Muktangan’s first batch of students as a Hindi teacher. Encouraged by the institution, Nisha pursued further studies, completing her B.Ed. and a Diploma in Environmental Studies from Bharatiya Vidyapeeth, Pune. Over the years, she has taken on roles from Subject Faculty to Department Faculty and participated in initiatives such as the Accote Project in Pune. Through her journey at Muktangan, Nisha has developed confidence, responsibility, and thoughtfulness, which have strengthened her teaching and personal growth. The institution’s support, especially during the pandemic, has been invaluable. She remains deeply committed to Muktangan and continues to uphold and spread its philosophy of joyful, quality education.
Ms. Sanjana Sanjay Pandit, Leader of the Marathi Department at Muktangan, is a committed educator with over 18 years of service. Starting as a trainee in 2004, she grew from a preschool teacher to leading the Marathi faculty through dedication and expertise. She holds an M.A. in Marathi Literature, a B.Ed., and a Diploma in Environmental Studies from Bharati Vidyapeeth, equipping her with both academic depth and practical pedagogy. Sanjana has taught across primary and secondary levels and has designed innovative Marathi learning materials, including original songs and stories for early grades. Her contributions extend beyond Muktangan through outreach programs like GEV and MCGM’s Darja Unnati, where she trained teachers to adopt child-friendly pedagogy. Known for her creativity, she ensures that Marathi is taught as a joyful and engaging subject rather than as rote learning. Sanjana’s leadership reflects her belief in continuous growth, purposeful teaching, and community-driven education, inspiring both colleagues and learners to value language as a tool for expression and identity.
Ms. Lata Bitlunga began her journey in 2006 as a preschool teacher after moving from Telangana to Mumbai. Facing initial challenges such as language barriers and limited IT skills, she steadily grew into her role by teaching students across preschool to Grade 10. In 2015, she transitioned into a subject faculty role for Mathematics, combining her classroom experience with deep subject knowledge. By 2017, she completed her B.A. and M.A. in Education, which helped her connect pedagogy with theory. Lata has been instrumental in designing and documenting Subject Pedagogy Framework (SPF) sessions for the G-South Unique Schools outreach project. She also won first prize for her paper on “Innovative Practices in the Maths Department” at St. Teresa’s Convent School. Her vision is rooted in making Mathematics fear-free and engaging, and she advocates collaborative, child-centered approaches that allow learners to build confidence and curiosity in the subject. Her journey exemplifies resilience, openness to learning, and continuous professional growth.
Ms. Shivani Vishnu brings with her strong academic credentials and diverse experience. She holds a postgraduate degree in Material Science from Mumbai University and has previously worked with reputed institutions such as the Nehru Planetarium Science Lab, IISER Pune, and On My Own Technologies. In these roles, she has contributed as a Science Educator, Teacher Fellow, and Senior Robotics Associate, building expertise in both theoretical and applied science education. Shivani has a keen interest in technology-driven learning, particularly block coding platforms like Python and LEGO Robotics, which she integrates into her pedagogy to make science engaging, hands-on, and future-oriented. Her approach emphasizes curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving, encouraging learners to see science as a tool to explore the world around them. Beyond her professional role, Shivani enjoys reading, stargazing, trekking, and traveling—interests that reflect her curiosity and love for exploration. Her passion and experience position her to enrich science education at Muktangan.
Ms. Jitender Jitendra Pawar, Leader of the Social Studies Department at Muktangan, is a passionate educator with over 13 years of experience. She holds a Master’s degree in History from the University of Mumbai and a Gold Medal in the Diploma in Environmental Education from Bharati Vidyapeeth, Pune. Her work combines strong subject expertise with innovative pedagogy. At Muktangan, she has designed and facilitated professional development sessions, created constructivist lesson plans from Grades I to X, and mentored teachers across pre-service, in-service, and outreach programs. She has collaborated with institutions such as the Dehuroad Cantonment Board, K.J. Somaiya, and Khilafat College. Jitender has also contributed to the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education and taught History to Class 12 students at Anthony’s Arts coaching classes. Her approach emphasizes inclusivity, social responsibility, and active student engagement, fostering critical thinking and citizenship. Through her work, she continues to build supportive learning environments that nurture lifelong learners and equip teachers to engage meaningfully with diverse classrooms.
Ms. Zainab Bhinderwala, Leader of the Early Childhood Development (ECD) Department at Muktangan, holds an M.Sc. in Human Development. She began her career as Supervisor and Admin Head at the Child Care Centre, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, before joining Muktangan in 2008. Over 17 years, she has played diverse roles ranging from training community members as teachers, developing teacher education content, and leading the Teacher Education Centre. Currently, she oversees quality across Muktangan’s seven preschools in Mumbai Public Schools and drives outreach and advocacy initiatives in ECD. Her most transformative contribution has been strengthening Anganwadis—first by training local educators across 271 rural Anganwadis in Maharashtra, and now scaling the model to 530 in Nanded. She has also consulted with NGOs to train early grade teachers in creative, child-friendly approaches. A certified Zentangle Teacher and Arts-Based Therapy Practitioner, Zainab integrates creative expression into early learning. She remains deeply committed to inclusive, arts-infused education that empowers young children and community educators alike.
Hetal Shah, Head of the Holistic Education Department at Muktangan, is an education professional with over 11 years of experience in fostering creativity and self-expression. With a Master’s degree in Human Development, a B.Ed., and a Diploma in Arts-Based Therapy, Hetal is uniquely equipped to design and implement programs that integrate music, art, physical education, dance, and drama into mainstream learning. At Muktangan, she has led teacher training in holistic education, organized creative events, and promoted the importance of multiple intelligences in classrooms. Her vision is to give equal importance to holistic subjects alongside academics, helping students discover and nurture their unique strengths. Hetal strongly believes that education must empower children not just cognitively, but also emotionally, socially, and artistically. By embedding holistic practices, she encourages learners to think creatively, express themselves freely, and build confidence. Her leadership continues to shape a more inclusive and joyful learning environment where children learn through experiences that integrate heart, mind, and body.
Ms. Kiran Angane has been a part of Muktangan for 17 years, contributing across in-service, pre-service, and school’s teams. Currently, she leads the Socio-Emotional Department, conducting individual and group counselling sessions for children, parents, and teachers, and facilitating workshops that support well-being in schools. She has played a significant role in developing curriculum and assessments for socio-emotional learning from Grades 1 to 10. Kiran co-created courses for Muktangan and TISS in pre-service teacher education, such as Education Beliefs and Understanding Self and Beliefs about Young Children, as well as the in-service course Counselling Skills for Teachers. Passionate about research, she has conducted studies on collaboration, sexuality education, and gender, receiving a commendation award from the British Council for her action research. She has presented her papers at national and international conferences. Currently pursuing a PhD on Quality of Teacher-Student Relationships in Secondary Schools, Kiran continues to advocate for safe, empathetic learning environments that nurture both academic and emotional growth.
Jhelum Mukherjee is a development practitioner and researcher with a passion for stories and their transformative potential. She holds a bachelor’s degree in literature from the University of Delhi and a master’s in development from Azim Premji University. At Muktangan, Jhelum focuses on generating and sharing knowledge about the lived realities of marginalized communities, using research as a means to amplify voices and inform practice. Her work draws on frameworks of social justice, with special interest in education, disability rights, cultural studies, and social anthropology. Beyond research, Jhelum expresses her creativity through poetry, crochet, and art, which she uses both as personal exploration and as tools to connect with others. She believes stories are not only reflections but also catalysts for change and integrates them into her practice as powerful mediums of communication. Her vision is to ensure that research contributes meaningfully to inclusive education, enabling practitioners, policymakers, and communities to work collaboratively toward equitable systems of learning.
Ms. Shreya Sawant has been with Muktangan Education Trust since 2014, with a background in Human Development and training from the Singapore International Foundation. She began as faculty in the Pre-service Teacher Education Department, specializing in Child Development and Early Childhood Care. She later contributed to key advocacy projects, including the ACOTE project in Kolhapur, curriculum development for TISS, and teacher training programs in rural Maharashtra and Mumbai. In 2023, she became the department leader, overseeing trainee selection, planning, faculty mentoring, and module reviews. She introduced co-teaching and revived review systems, strengthening links between pre-service and in-service education. A published presenter at AECED and Azim Premji University, Shreya is committed to community-led education and finds deep meaning in the transformation of trainees into confident educators.
Amruta Veer is the Lead Faculty of the Learning Resource Group at Muktangan, where she has worked for over six years in the field of special education. She holds an M.A. in Education (Elementary) from Tata Institute of Social Sciences and a Post Graduate Diploma in Special Education, specializing in learning disabilities and ADHD. At Muktangan, Amruta provides academic and emotional support to children with diverse learning needs such as dyslexia, autism, intellectual disability, and ADHD. She guides teachers in implementing inclusive and child-centered strategies, ensuring that classrooms become welcoming spaces for all learners. Amruta plays a crucial role in shaping the department’s approach to individualized support, working with teachers to create meaningful interventions that enable every child to thrive. Deeply committed to inclusive education, she believes that every child deserves the opportunity to participate fully in mainstream schooling. Her vision is to strengthen teacher capacity so that diversity is celebrated, and all children develop confidence and joy in learning, regardless of their challenges.
Manali Sawant is an educator with over 15 years of experience across higher education, teacher training, and systemic education reform. Her career has evolved from being a college lecturer to a teacher educator, and she now works at the intersection of policy, practice, and implementation in the Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN) domain.
In her current role, she liaises with municipal corporations and education departments to identify learning gaps, co-design strategies, and strengthen classroom-level implementation aligned with national goals such as NIPUN Bharat. She brings expertise in end-to-end education project implementation — from needs assessment and program design to execution, monitoring, and impact evaluation.
She has also contributed to curriculum design for ITI learners, integrating academic and vocational learning pathways. Guided by a deep belief in equitable and quality education, she is committed to creating scalable, evidence-based solutions that empower teachers and enable every child to thrive.
Mr. Yadav holds a degree in Engineering from Dilkap Research Institute of Engineering, Mumbai. He brings with him over seven years of experience, including five years in the for-profit sector and two years as an ATL Trainer and Robotics Educator. Prior to joining Muktangan, he served as a Maths Educator.
Mahesh Sonawane leads the Holistic Education Department at Muktangan Education Trust, bringing a deep passion for music, arts, and creative learning. Trained from childhood in harmonium, keyboard, guitar, and vocal music, he built a strong foundation that shaped his artistic and educational approach.
He has designed music curricula and led learning programs with organisations such as Pratham Foundation, Brett Lee Music India Foundation, Apne Aap Women’s Collective, and Podar School. Alongside education, Mahesh has professional experience in graphic design, VFX, and theatre, including writing, directing, and staging plays.
For over 11 years, he has contributed to Muktangan’s holistic education, integrating music, arts, and creative practices to enrich learning experiences for students.
Ms. Mudras, brings with her over 10 years of diverse experience in financial planning, budgeting, MIS reporting, reconciliation, compliance support, and in maintaining transparent and systematic financial processes. Before joining Muktangan, she was associated with the American India Foundation Trust as Regional Finance Manager and with Humsafar Trust as Senior Finance Officer.
MBE (Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) (2015) – Awarded The Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the Queen's Birthday Honor's List for her exemplary work in education through the years for setting up the Muktangan Schools Network in India.
Nexus of Good Award (2023) – Presented by Mr. Anil Swarup, former Secretary, Ministry of Human Resource and Development, Government of India, for quality education initiatives
Presented to Muktangan for a partnership rooted in community and a shared vision of stronger, more hopeful futures for every child.
India’s Most Committed NGO in Early Childhood Development (2014) – By ECA India.
Lifetime Achievement Award (2024) – Awarded to Mrs. Elizabeth Mehta by the Association for Early Childhood Education & Development.
Muktangan’s Founder Trustee-Mrs.Elizabeth Mehta, was awarded The Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 2015 in the Queen’s Birthday Honors List, for her exemplary work in education through the years and for setting up the Muktangan Schools Network in Mumbai, India.
We were felicitated in 2019 for 'Quality Teacher Development' by The Reliance Foundation and the Center for Teacher Accreditation (CENTA) at the launch of CENTA's 5th Annual Teaching Professionals Olympiad.
Awarded India’s most committed NGO working in the space of Early Childhood Development (ECA-India-2014)
Platinum Seal award winner awarded by GuideStar India, 2021
Rated as one of India’s Top 10 NGOs to work for, by Great places to work (2015)
