Our Team

Ashok Shah is a Chartered Accountant and Founding Partner of Cignas from N A Shah Advisors LLP, with over 48 years of experience in tax advisory, business restructuring, transaction advisory, estate and trust planning, and family governance. Widely respected for his holistic and balanced approach, he has advised numerous family businesses, multinational corporations, and private equity funds on complex tax, restructuring, and family governance matters.
At Muktangan, Mr. Shah advises the Trust on financial and taxation matters, bringing extensive professional expertise and a balanced, strategic perspective to support the Trust’s educational mission.

Mrs. Elizabeth Mehta, is an accomplished educationist with over five decades of experience at all levels of school education including extensive work in rural India. During her career Liz has been involved in teaching, curriculum development and education management, she has also conducted classroom-based pedagogical research and has participated in several international and national conferences. At Muktangan, Liz oversees the programmatic aspects of the seven schools and teacher education institute. For her exemplary work in education through the years and for setting up the Muktangan Schools Network Elizabeth Mehta was honoured with the title ‘Member of the Most Excellent Order of The British Empire’ (MBE) during the Queen’s Birthday Honours 2015.

A finance and legal professional with over 25+ plus years of experience, Ms. Farida Bhathena is Vice-President – Finance and Legal at Paragon Property Enterprises Pvt Ltd and a Director of Paragon Textile Mills Pvt. Ltd. Farida also assumes the role of Trustee and CFO at the Muktangan Education Trust, overseeing the finance, accounts, and taxation aspects of the Trust.

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.

Mr. Sunil Mehta is Chairman of Paragon Textile Mills Pvt Ltd., manufacturers of Elpar fabrics and Chairman & Managing Director of Paragon Property Enterprises Private Limited. He has been deeply involved in education for many years holding positions including; Chairman of Bombay International School Association. At Muktangan, Sunil oversees the operational aspects of the organization including Fundraising, Public Relations, Human Resource, Administration and Finance.

Vineeth worked for a decade in the corporate sector with organizations like Capgemini, Ingersoll Rand, and Exide Technologies India. His core domains were Business HR, Talent Development, and C&B. Since 2013 he has switched his career to the non-profit sector. After an enriching 3-year stint with Muktangan wherein he was the overall leader for strategy, Vineeth is now an advisor serving several committed non-profits in delivering sustainable change. He continues to be actively involved with Muktangan, especially in the areas of talent stewardship, governance, and impact growth.

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.

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).

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)

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.

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.

Parveen Shaikh is an established professional in the field of education and child development for over three decades. Her continued interest and passion leads her to constantly innovate and conceptualize ideas for preschool, primary and secondary school learning. Her expertise as a mentor and coach for the professional development of pre-service and in-service teachers has been widely acclaimed.
She regularly conducts workshops to guide teachers and professionals for designing developmentally appropriate curriculum as well as creative and effective classroom design layouts.
She has been the Principal of The Somaiya School, where she brought awards and accolades for her school through constant innovation and made the school a vibrant centre for learning and growth. She has received several awards for her leadership and innovation.
She has been engaged as a reputed professional in school audits, start-ups and school support for improvement and up-gradation.
Her commitment to her profession is evident from the very fact that she constantly upgrades her skills and knowledge through various professional development modules. Being a very enthusiastic and voracious learner, her academic trajectory is very impressive. Parveen has a Masters in Human Development and a Post Graduate Diploma in Educational Management. She also has a Bachelors and a Master’s in Education. She is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Education.

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.

Strategic HR leader with 15+ years’ experience driving organizational transformation, talent development, and inclusive policies. Recognized for rapid career growth, implementing compliance frameworks, leading 100+ recruitments, and fostering high-performing teams across reputed non-profit and educational institutions.

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. Prior to joining Muktangan, she was associated with the American India Foundation Trust as Regional Finance Manager and with Humsafar Trust as Senior Finance Officer.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 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.

Sata brings over eleven years of experience in education, having served as a Head of Department and PGT English teacher. With a strong background in curriculum development and publishing, she contributes significantly to the design and refinement of English language learning modules, particularly those tailored for first-generation learners.
Her key strength lies in bridging the gap between curriculum objectives and effective classroom implementation, ensuring that learning experiences are both meaningful and accessible to students.
Ms. Sata holds a postgraduate degree in English Language and Literature, along with a Diploma in Special Education and Counselling.
Prior to joining Muktangan, she was associated with Wordsworth English language lab as a Senior Curriculum Developer, where she played a pivotal role in developing innovative language-learning resources and educational content.

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.

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.

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.

Safina Qureshi holds an MSc in Biochemistry from Dr Homi Bhabha State University and brings four years of experience in teaching and academic leadership.

At Muktangan, she works across seven municipal schools, supporting teacher development, curriculum innovation, and inquiry-based science learning. She has taught Biology and Chemistry across CBSE, ICSE, HSC, and IB boards and has delivered postgraduate lectures in Molecular Biology.

Her academic interests include bioremediation, microbial optimisation, and science communication. She is committed to making science engaging, accessible, and meaningful for both teachers and students.

Prajakta Ravindra is a biotechnologist, educator, and education professional with 10+ years of experience across the education and social sectors. A DST INSPIRE Fellow and former AI Fellow with 10x Impact Lab, she works at the intersection of STEM, technology, teacher development, and school transformation.

She holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s in Biotechnology, a B.Ed. in Science and Mathematics, and an M.A. in Education. Her experience spans science education, teacher capacity building, coding and computational thinking, AI in education, curriculum development, and government school programmes.

At Muktangan, Prajakta works towards strengthening public education through STEM, technology, teacher development, and school transformation.

Kreena Savla is a Developmental Psychologist and Human Development professional with five years of experience working with children and the adults who shape their worlds—families, teachers, and school communities.

Her work is grounded in the belief that children thrive when the environments around them are nurturing, responsive, and emotionally safe. She joined Muktangan in May 2024 as Lead Faculty in the Socio-Emotional Department, working at the intersection of social-emotional learning, mental health, and education.

At Muktangan, Kreena contributes to the development of SEL curriculum across grades, facilitates needs-based workshops and counselling, and builds the capacity of educators and school stakeholders to support children’s socio-emotional development.

Kreena holds a Bachelor’s degree in Developmental Counselling (Honours) and a Master’s degree in Human Development. She has also completed a Certificate Course in Child and Adolescent Mental Health from Children’s First, Delhi. She is currently pursuing an M.A. in Psychology, continuing to deepen her learning and practice.

Experience: 5 years in Mental Health, Counselling, Child Development, and Social-Emotional Learning.

Jhanvi Verma is a Lead Faculty in Muktangan’s Socio-Emotional Learning (SEL) Department, where she has been working since June 2024.

Her work focuses on implementing SEL and Quality Circle Time across schools, student counselling, teacher training, curriculum development, and SEL assessment. She also supports educators in addressing students’ emotional and behavioural needs and mentors interns and pre-service teacher trainees.

Jhanvi is committed to creating child-centred, emotionally safe, and supportive learning environments through continuous learning, reflection, and collaboration.

Mary Alphonse is an educationist with 12+ years of experience across Cambridge (IGCSE) and Maharashtra State Board schools. Her work combines academic expertise, pedagogical practice, and a strong passion for English language education.

She is committed to creating learner-centred experiences that foster curiosity, critical thinking, confidence, and holistic development. She is also passionate about mentoring educators, empowering women, and supporting professional growth.

Mary believes in the transformative power of education and strives to create meaningful change through learning, service, and human connection.

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.

Poonam has over fourteen years of experience in the communications field, having worked extensively in communication strategy, brand strategy, public relations, storytelling, content strategy, and stakeholder engagement.
With her strong strategic and narrative-building skills, she can significantly contribute to amplifying the project’s impact, strengthening its public positioning, and fostering meaningful engagement with communities, partners, and donors.
She holds a postgraduate degree in Entertainment, Media and Advertising from KC College, which adds a strong academic foundation to her rich professional experience.
Prior to joining Muktangan, she was associated with CORO India where she worked as a Communications & PR Executive
She completed her graduation in Multimedia & Mass Communication, with specialization in Advertising and Design, from KC College Mumbai in 2016

Sarita Kadam has been associated with Muktangan since June 2004, bringing over 22 years of experience in Human Resources, Administration, communication, coordination and organisational operations.
Over the years, she has developed strong expertise in administrative management, staff coordination, employee support, documentation, attendance
and records management, stakeholder engagement and day-to-day operational coordination.
Sarita’s effective communication, networking and interpersonal skills have helped her build strong relationships with staff, management, external partners, vendors and other stakeholders. She plays an active role in HR and administrative processes, including joining formalities, staff communication, employee coordination and supporting organisational systems. Her long-standing association with Muktangan reflects her dedication, reliability and deep understanding of the organisation’s systems and culture. She brings a people-oriented, practical and solution-focused approach to her work.
Sarita believes in teamwork, strong relationships, continuous learning and effective communication, and continues to contribute to the smooth functioning and growth of the Muktangan community.

With 22 years of experience at Muktangan, Annapurna Yele has been an integral part of the organisation, supporting its people, processes and day-to-day operations with dedication and consistency.
In her role as Senior Executive – HR & Administration, she contributes across a wide range of functions, including HR Operations & Administration, Employee Lifecycle Management, Payroll Coordination, Office Administration, Executive Assistance, MIS Reporting & Documentation, Vendor & Stakeholder Management, Records & Database Management, and Process Coordination.
Her work also reflects strong communication and collaboration, organisational and time management, confidentiality, and attention to detail—ensuring that HR processes and administrative operations run smoothly and efficiently.
Over the years, Annapurna’s experience and commitment have played an important role in strengthening Muktangan’s internal systems and supporting a well-organised and people-centred workplace.

Sayali Chavan is a Finance and Accounts professional with over 25 years of experience in accounting, financial planning, statutory compliance, MIS reporting, reconciliations and audit coordination.
She holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Financial Accounting & Auditing from the University of Mumbai and a Post-Graduate Diploma in Business Management from Prin. L. N. Welingkar Institute of Management Development & Research.
Sayali has been associated with Muktangan Education Trust as an Accounts Executive since 2006. She supports the organisation’s work through effective financial planning, grant and donor management, statutory compliance and transparent financial reporting. She also works closely with the Trustees and various teams to ensure smooth and efficient financial operations.
For Sayali, being part of Muktangan is an opportunity to bring her professional expertise towards strengthening the organisation’s mission and creating meaningful educational opportunities for children.

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.

Sushma Boddu has been a part of the Muktangan community since 2008, beginning her journey as a trainee and later becoming a teacher. Her association with Muktangan began through her nephews, whose experience introduced her to the organisation’s distinctive pedagogy and culture.
Over the past 18 years, Muktangan has been a space for her personal and professional growth. It has given her not only a career, but also a sense of family, shared purpose and the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to society.
As a School Faculty member at Elphinstone, teaching Grades 5–8, Sushma finds her greatest fulfilment in witnessing students grow in confidence and pursue diverse paths of success. She remains deeply committed to Muktangan’s mission and to creating meaningful learning experiences for every child.

Rohini Srinivas Pembarti began her journey with Muktangan in 2009, shortly after completing her HSC. As a mother of two, she found in Muktangan the encouragement and support to continue her education while building her professional journey.
With Muktangan’s support, Rohini went on to complete two undergraduate degrees and a Master’s degree. Her career journey began as a Std. 3 teacher, progressed to Subject Faculty, and today, she serves as a School Faculty member at N. M. School.
For Rohini, Muktangan has been instrumental in shaping her identity, strengthening her confidence and enabling her financial independence. Her journey is a testament to perseverance, learning and growth—and to the transformative power of opportunity.

From Kerala to Mumbai, Shahida’s journey has been one of courage, learning, and growth.
A graduate in Economics, Shahida took a 15-year break from education before beginning her professional journey with Muktangan. When she joined, she was not confident speaking English. Through her interactions with children, colleagues, parents, and the wider school community, she gradually found her voice and confidence.
She began as a teacher for Grades 1 to 4, later worked as an Admin Faculty, and has been a School Faculty since 2013.
Over the years, Shahida has strengthened her teaching and leadership skills, improved her English and computer skills, and learned to face challenges with patience and resilience.
Her journey reflects the power of continuous learning—and the confidence that grows when we are given the opportunity to learn, contribute, and grow.

With over 15 years of experience in education at Muktangan, Sabiha Khan has grown from a Classroom Teacher to Social Studies Subject Faculty and now serves as School Faculty at Muktangan Love Grove Pumping MPS, a role she has held for the past three years.
Her journey has been shaped by a deep commitment to helping students connect learning with life. She believes that meaningful education nurtures the head, heart and hands—bringing together academic excellence, creativity, critical thinking, 21st-century skills and strong values.
Sabiha is committed to creating a safe, joyful and inspiring school environment where every child feels valued, teachers are empowered and parents are active partners in learning.
Her vision is to nurture confident, compassionate and responsible learners who are prepared for the future and inspired to contribute positively to society.
“Every child is a story waiting to be nurtured. Empowered to dream, discover and do.”

Secondary School Faculty, Muktangan English Medium School
Anuradha Varadkar is a dedicated educational leader with over two decades of experience in community-based and inclusive education at Muktangan. Since joining in 2004, she has served as a primary and secondary teacher, a special needs educator in the Learning Resource Group, and a Science Subject Faculty. Today, as Secondary School Faculty, she mentors teachers, manages academic and administrative workflows, and collaborates with external partners to create safe, equitable, and child-centered learning environments.

Born and raised in Mumbai, Urja More holds a Commerce degree from K.P.B. Hinduja College. After early responsibilities supporting her family through private tutoring and a seven-year career as an executive assistant in advertising, she took a decade-long sabbatical for motherhood. In 2008, she re-entered the workforce by joining Muktangan as a trainee teacher. Over her long-standing tenure, she taught Grades 2 and 3, worked as Admin Faculty, and transitioned to her current position as School Faculty at the Prabhadevi location in 2020. Through her work with Muktangan, she has built extensive expertise in administrative leadership, public speaking, and community outreach.

where children and families from underserved communities experience education as an empowering force.

Saraswati Rajput has been associated with Muktangan for 18 years. She began her journey as a trainee through Muktangan’s Teacher Training Programme and went on to become a primary teacher.

Her journey has strengthened her confidence, communication and classroom facilitation skills. She completed her B.Ed. and postgraduate studies in Education and continues to grow through professional development opportunities.

Saraswati believes that every child has unique potential and deserves quality education. She is committed to creating safe, inclusive and child-friendly learning spaces for children and families from underserved communities.

With 19 years of dedicated service at Muktangan, Ms. Varalaxmi Sadamastula has grown through diverse roles across the organisation.
Beginning with Classes 1 to 4, she developed a strong understanding of children and their learning needs. Her experience in Admin Faculty and as a Secondary School Head further strengthened her skills in leadership, teamwork and school systems.
Today, as School Faculty, she brings together her experience in teaching and leadership to create a supportive environment where students and staff can thrive.
Known for her empathy and kindness, Varalaxmi continues to contribute to a safe, inclusive and nurturing school environment.

Pranali Mhaprolkar has been associated with Muktangan for 18 years. She began her journey as a Standard 1 teacher and gradually expanded her teaching experience across grades up to Grade 6.
Her journey also includes nearly five years in School Administration, where she gained experience in staff coordination, documentation and school systems.
Today, as School Faculty, she brings together her experience in teaching and administration to support academic processes, teachers, students and the overall functioning of the school.
She believes that learning is a lifelong journey and that continuous learning creates possibilities for both educators and children.

Kavita Kodi holds a Master's degree in Advanced Accounting and has over five years of experience as Executive – Resources & Communication at Muktangan Education Trust. A proud alumna of Muktangan's first graduating batch (2013–2014), she combines professional expertise with a deep personal commitment to the organisation's mission.
Kavita leads efforts in corporate partnerships, fundraising, CSR engagement, volunteer management, and resource mobilisation. She plays a key role in identifying and cultivating strategic partnerships by researching CSR priorities, engaging prospective donors, managing stakeholder relationships, and developing data-driven resource mobilisation strategies. During her tenure, she has successfully secured several corporate CSR partnerships, including a donor who funded programme. She has also contributed to the organisation's recruitment coordination, supporting talent acquisition initiatives.
Driven by a passion for education and community development, Kavita is committed to fostering meaningful collaborations that strengthen educational opportunities and create lasting social impact.

Aditi Salunkhe is a proud Muktangan alumna and holds a Bachelor of Management Studies (BMS) in Human Resources from Sydenham College of Commerce and Economics.
She works with Muktangan’s Resource and Communications team, supporting documentation, donor reports, newsletters, impact stories, and organisational communications. She also coordinates with volunteers and supports initiatives that strengthen engagement with partners and the wider community.
Having experienced Muktangan as a student, Aditi brings a personal connection to the organisation’s mission and is passionate about contributing to its continued impact through thoughtful communication and coordination.

Priya is a communications and social impact professional who brings stories to life through thoughtful communication and creative expression. With a keen interest in photography, videography, and graphic design, she enjoys creating content that is both visually engaging and emotionally resonant, helping connect people with purpose through authentic storytelling.
She believes in fostering safe, inclusive spaces where individuals can express themselves with honesty, empathy, and vulnerability values that deeply resonate with Muktangan's approach to education and community engagement.
Outside of work, Priya finds joy in spending time with and caring for cats, reflecting her compassionate and nurturing spirit.