Echo Han, Chief Curator Festival of Play & Co-founder at Star Papaya

Echo is an entrepreneur and experiential learning designer with 20 years of experience in educational institutions and edtech across Asia and the UK. Originally from Taiwan, she began her career in India as a youth opinion leader for AIESEC. Echo then worked in education technology startups in China and the UK. Her most recent position was in Singapore with Hyper Island, where she served as a learning designer and business director.

Passionate about the power of play, Echo believes it is a vital tool for learning for both adults and children. When she's not at work creating engaging products and experiences, she loves playing with her two children, Star and her little brother. Echo’s dedication to blending fun and education is evident in all she does, making learning a joyful journey for everyone involved.

Deepti Chadda, Chief Curator Festival of Play & Co-founder at Star Papaya

Deepti is an entrepreneur with over 15 years of experience across venture capital, technology and retail businesses in Asia and Europe. She is the Founder of Big Blue Trunk, a Singapore based business that’s become the first choice for D.I.Y driven styling and interiors. She is also the Co-founder of Star Papaya, an organisation that helps families nurture imagination and independent play through its play products and services.

Deepti has represented India on a climate change expedition to the Antarctic with Sir Robert Swan OBE, and youth opinion in over 35 countries with AIESEC. She holds an MBA from INSEAD and a Master’s certificate in Sustainable Development from Blekinge Institute of Technology.

Deepti enjoys all kinds of creative pursuits, has authored “Ouch” a children’s book inspired by a bedtime story she used to tell her daughter, and she loves staying fit. She is an AIESEC alum, INSEAD alum, Xoogler and proud mum to two little girls (one of whom is Papaya, from ‘Star Papaya’!)

Anusha Veluswamy, Children’s books Author and Publisher

Anusha Veluswamy is an award-winning children’s author and the founder of The Little Dipper Publishing, an independent house for culturally rooted and compassionate stories. Her books, including Where is Mr. Thookam? and Maari – A Gift from the Skies, have won multiple national prizes and are loved by readers across India. Currently a psychologist-in-training, Anusha combines her background in mental health and storytelling to design workshops that nurture creativity and emotional wellbeing. She also mentors aspiring writers, supporting them in finding their voice and shaping meaningful stories for children.

Ashok Rajagopalan, Illustrator and Author

An illustrator since 1989 and author since 2006, Ashok Rajagopalan loves to tell stories and draw pictures that make people, especially little people, laugh. He loves reading, talking, laughing, and walking in the rain. He lives in a green, quiet part of Chennai with his noisy family.

Alankrita Amaya, Children’s book writer and illustrator

Alankrita Amaya is an award winning children’s book writer and illustrator. Her acclaimed books include Little Laali, Muft Ki Kulfi, Boodabim and Chuglubugloo. Growing up with a steady diet of picture books, Alankrita found her life's calling in storytelling through illustrations. Today, it doesn't feel like work to her at all. Apart from weaving stories and illustrating wonder, she is also the co-founder of Hallubol, an initiative that preserves local Dakhni culture through bilingual comics and picture books rooted in the everyday experiences of South Indian Dakhni-speaking communities.

Priya Kuriyan, Children’s book writer-illustrator and comics maker

Priya Kuriyan is a Children's book writer-illustrator and comics maker and chronic doodler. She has directed educational films for the Sesame street show (India) and the Children's Film Society of India (CFSI) and has illustrated numerous children's books for various Indian publishers. She lives and works in the city of Bangalore and in her spare time likes to make funny caricatures of its residents.

Manya Cherabuddi, Nature Artist and Coach

Manya Cherabuddi is a nature lover, educator, and artist. She creates experiences for people to connect with nature, awakening the curiosity and wonder we all had as children. She has introduced 5000+ people to natural colours through 100+ workshops and classes. She also works with institutes and schools as a consultant and educator to integrate nature-based learning into curriculums through her Nature Play methodology. She has conducted sessions on natural dyes for institutes such as NIFT, JD Institute of Fashion Technology, and companies such as Google, Ralph Lauren, and Atlassian. Her brand, Treehouse, is a hub for nature-inspired learning and creation.

Bijal Vachharajani, Children’s book author

When Bijal Vachharajani is not reading a children’s book, she’s writing or editing one. She’s the author of multiple planet-friendly books including A Cloud Called Bhura, Savi and the Memory Keeper – both of which won the Auther Award, and When Fairyland Lost Its Magic, which won the Kalinga Award. One of India’s first climate fiction writers for children, she’s a commissioning editor at Pratham Books, where she focuses on picture books that celebrate diversity. Her climate writing has been published in India, the US, the UK, and Brazil.

Swathi Kandru, Therapeutic Play Therapist

Swathi Kandru is a trainee therapeutic play practitioner (Play Therapy UK) with over 10 years of experience working with children in various academic and educational settings. Education - Swati received an M.Sc. in Reading, Language and Cognition from the University of York, UK and was the recipient of a Leverhulme grant to investigate working memory, executive control and bilingualism in children. She co-authored two scientific papers on this subject in peer-reviewed journals.

Experience - Swathi Kandru is a trainee therapeutic play practitioner (Play Therapy UK) with over 10 years of experience working with children in various academic and educational settings. She uses her current clinical training in creative arts play therapy and child development to help children to make sense of difficult life experiences, or complex psychological issues through play. Therapeutic play helps a child to gain insight and understanding of their experiences, increasing emotional resilience and developing coping strategies while decreasing problematic behaviours and internalized conflicts.

Shruti Prasad, Handpan Artist, sound healer and movement facilitator

Shruti Prasad is a Handpan artist, sound healer, movement facilitator, and educator, sharing the transformative magic of music and mindful movement. A natural flow artist, she draws endless inspiration from Nature and sees children as vibrant wildflowers, blooming freely and uniquely. Passionate about swimming and movement, Shruti embraces life’s rhythms with presence and wonder. Her work blends education, music, creativity, movement, and compassion, creating spaces for children and adults to explore, express, and connect with their authentic selves.

Sangeetha Arjun, Nutritionist turned play-based educator

Sangeetha Arjun is a nutritionist turned play-based educator who believes that the best learning happens through stories, nature, and sensory exploration. She began her journey at a riverside school in Goa, surrounded by coconut trees and children from across the world - reading by the sea, counting shells, and learning through play. Back in Bengaluru, she co-founded The LooRoo Club to bring that same joy and wonder into children’s lives. She now curates immersive, nature-inspired play experiences that celebrate curiosity, connection, and creativity.

Lakshmi Kaushik, Architect, artist and storyteller

Lakshmi Kaushik is an architect, artist, and storyteller whose designs are deeply rooted in nature and childhood wonder. Growing up close to the earth shaped her love for natural materials and open-ended exploration. Through her architecture practice and art, she brings these sensibilities into spaces that feel alive and meaningful. As co-founder of The LooRoo Club, she creates playful, sensory experiences that blend art, design, and the magic of the outdoors - inspiring children to see beauty in the everyday

Sonam

Sonam is originally from Hyderabad. After completing her undergrad at BITS Pilani, Sonam moved to the US to pursue her PhD in Behavioral Sciences. She then worked in California as a UX Researcher at Meta and Google. After spending 13 years in the US, Sonam moved back to Hyderabad in 2024 to start her own company - Flavour Lab - on a mission to teach children how to cook delicious, nutritious and sustainable food, through games, activities and hands-on cooking classes.

Vaishali

Vaishali is an experienced educator, trained Montessorian, TedX speaker, coach and published author. She works with schools, organizations, caregivers and educators to create a better future for our children. She also reads aloud to children to facilitate safe spaces for discussions on diversity, inclusivity and emotional regulation.

She runs and online community of over 90,000 caregivers and conducts workshops on conscious parenting. She lives in Chennai with her husband and when she isn't homeschooling her 2 daughters, she dreams of setting up a beachfront book cafe.

Teenaz

Teenaz Reporter is an AMI Primary Trainer at the 3-6-age level. She holds a Bachelors Degree in Commerce from the Osmania University, Hyderabad and an AMI Primary Diploma, from the Montessori Training and Research Trust in Hyderabad. She has over 20 years of experience in the Montessori Pedagogy.

She has worked as a teacher in India and the United States. Teenaz is currently the Director of Training for the AMI Primary Diploma Course run under the auspices of the Montessori Training and Research Trust. She is also currently on the faculty of the AMI courses in Shenzhen and Chongqing, China. She is passionate about the role of Education in creating Peaceful humanities and in advocating for the rights of children.

Meenu Talasila, Co-founder, Thraya School

Meenu Talasila is an educationist by passion and profession. She holds an M.A. in Education from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences and an M.Phil. in Education from the University of Cambridge. Over the past decade, she has worked across diverse roles in the field of education — as a researcher, teacher trainer, curriculum designer, school auditor, and educational leader. She was also part of the founding team of a Waldorf school in its formative years, contributing to its vision and pedagogy.

Her work draws on both rigorous academic research and a deep philosophical inclination toward the Waldorf approach, bringing together structure and soul in the way learning experiences are designed for children. Meenu has researched, published articles, and co-presented at international conferences on social and emotional well-being, conflict resolution, inclusive education, and school culture.

Praveen Raju, Founder of Suchitra Academy & Sagebrook

Praveen is the Founder of Suchitra Academy, a leading international school in Hyderabad established in 2011, with over 2,200 students from Kindergarten to Grade 12. Known as India’s premier badminton school, its green campus includes seven indoor courts, a 25m pool, and a fitness center. Suchitra has trained world champions P. V. Sindhu and Nikhat Zareen, with Praveen mentoring Sindhu early in her career.

Under his leadership, the school has featured in Fortune’s Future 50 and Forbes’ Great Indian Schools, ranked #1 in India for Multi-Sport Education by Education World, and certified as a Great Place to Work. Recognized among India’s 25 Leaders Reinventing K–12 Education, Praveen received the Technology Trailblazer Award (The Economic Times, 2024) and Visionary EdTech Leader Award (Education World, 2024).

He contributed to the National Education Policy (NEP) drafting and previously served as Executive Director at Indus International School and Founding Chairman of Indus Early Years. He also led TiE Hyderabad and FICCI ARISE, and currently serves as President of ARISE and head of Nexus of Good Hyderabad.

A university-level badminton and national-level snooker player, Praveen holds a B.E. in Electronics & Communication from Osmania University and certifications in School Leadership from Harvard University and Harvard Business School.

Eshita Raju Kalidindi, Co-founder at Sagebrook

Eshita believes the best learning happens when children feel free — to explore, make mistakes, ask questions, and follow their curiosity. She holds a Master’s in Human Development and Education from Harvard University and a B.A. in Psychology (summa cum laude) from NYU, with a focus on child and adolescent mental health. A lifelong learner and constructivist, she draws inspiration from John Dewey and champions hands-on, agency-driven learning. A former top-20 world-ranked under-19 badminton player, Eshita’s journey shaped her belief in experiential education and nurturing environments that help children thrive. Before co-founding Sagebrook, she worked across research, consulting, and early childhood design, with her work published in the Asian Journal of Psychiatry and the International Journal of Current Research. Her commitment to mental health began early—she co-founded a 24/7 suicide prevention helpline in Gujarat as a teenager and later received NYU’s Dean’s Undergraduate Research Fund and the Joan Kupersmith Larkin Research Scholarship.

For Eshita, Sagebrook embodies her core belief: that wonder, relationships, and freedom form the heart of every meaningful childhood.

Zoë L. Hauser, Head of School at Sagebrook

Zoë was born and raised on the island of Jersey in the English Channel and holds UK citizenship, though her career has taken her across the USA, Myanmar, and India. A lifelong educator, she discovered her love for school community at age four and has devoted her career to creating joyful, hands-on learning environments.

She earned her qualifications from King Alfred’s College (UK) and New York University, and has served as a teacher and leader in several pioneering schools — including Franklin School (NYC), City & Country School, and Stevens Cooperative School in New Jersey, where she was Head of School for 16 years. Zoë later served as Middle School Principal at the International School of Myanmar and Head of Primary at BD Somani International School in Mumbai, where she championed progressive, child-centered education.

As Chair of the Accreditation Committee in New Jersey, she led numerous school accreditation visits across the US, Asia, the Gulf, and Europe. Zoë believes that education should honor every child’s individuality, encouraging creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking — all grounded in play, curiosity, and joy. She now brings her energy and vision to leading a new, world-class school in Hyderabad.

Ms. Neelima- A certified ECE educator

A certified ECE educator from Canada, comes with over 17 years of experience in early learning. Specialising in parent-child programs, she has worked with Gymboree, Kalpataru, and now Toddler’s Den. She loves creating nurturing, play based environments that foster early development and strong parent-child relationships.

Ms. Veena - an Early Childhood Educator and Storyteller

Veena is an Early Childhood Educator and Storyteller with a background in Biomedical Science. Her journey from studying science to shaping young minds reflects a deep curiosity about how children learn through exploration, rhythm, and play. Currently in her third year at Toddler’s Den, she thoughtfully integrates music and movement into everyday classroom experiences and is passionate about discovering intelligent fingerplays and rhyming songs. Her sessions are rooted in joy, connection, and the belief that music is one of the earliest languages of expression.

Sushweta Saha, Speech & Language Therapist | Early Literacy Specialist

Sushweta Saha is a speech and language therapist with over 10 years of experience working with children in India and the US. She holds both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in speech and language rehabilitation, with a strong focus on developmental delays, early communication, and literacy.

Her career includes work with the NYC Early Intervention program for children aged 0–3, where she focused on strengthening parent skills and building early speech and language abilities. She has also supported children with language difficulties in the Philadelphia school district. In India, she led the Parent Infant Program at the National Institute for the Hearing Handicapped in Mumbai, working with children with multiple handicaps, training teachers, and collaborating with pediatricians and Anganwadi workers at Safdarjung Hospital in New Delhi.

Rooted in her belief that communication is a two-way process, Sushweta prioritizes working closely with families to both understand and address delays. She extends this philosophy by supporting early literacy skills, helping children become confident, expressive communicators

Georgina, Professional Classical Ballet teacher, choreographer and performer

Georgina is a professional Classical Ballet teacher, choreographer and performance expert, with more than 25 years international experience in America, UK, Europe and now in India. She has been teaching a wide range of ages from beginners to professionals. Georgina is a graduate from Bath University and Queen’s University in the UK and holds an MSc in Health psychology with strong components in promoting physical and mental enhancement through dance movement best practices. She is an active member of the Counseil International de la Danse at UNESCO Paris. Furthermore, she is an attendee at the conservatory of music as she had been formally educated in classical (western) music.

Roshni Mathur Raichandani, Head of Leaping Frogs

Roshni leads Leaping Frogs, the Play School & Day Care Centre and the Vice Principal of Nirmala High School in Hyderabad. With over 12 years of experience in education, she has nurtured Leaping Frogs into a well-recognized early learning brand while also leading the modernization of a 33-year-old high school. She holds a B.Tech and B.Ed degree and has trained and guided over 100 teachers over the years.

A strong advocate of holistic education, Roshni emphasizes on building critical thinking, creativity, discipline, sports skills and life skills alongside academics. Her vision is to expand her schools into a progressive network while mentoring educators and influencing education policy.

Harshita, Educator and founder of Toddler’s Den Hyderabad

Harshita is an MBA graduate turned educator. Pursuing her lifelong dream of working with children, she founded Toddler’s Den, Hyderabad. She has a strong vision to create integrated and transformative education experiences with care and empathy. Committed to supporting young children and families, she believes in creating nurturing environments that adapt to the ever-evolving world. With a deep understanding of the needs of both children and parents, she strives to build a foundation for lifelong learning and growth.

Rozina - Educator and Head of School at Toddler’s Den Hyderabad

20 years ago, she happened to be at the right place at the right time! Thus, starting her journey as an educator. While pursuing her masters in social welfare and specialising in child and family welfare, working with children and families was always the end goal. Working across schools following different curricula and alternate ways of learning, has been a wholesome learning experience. Her feat of heading Toddler’s Den since 2019, has been the most rewarding experience yet. Full of new learning, challenges and growth each day.

Sheela Ramakrishnan, teacher, author and entrepreneur

Sheela is an educationist with over 40 years of experience as a teacher, consultant, author and entrepreneur. She has taught in Chennai, Pune, Kolkata and Hyderabad, and is the co-author of four Oxford University Press textbook series in Social Studies and EVS, used by schools in India and abroad.

Sheela is a certified ISO Auditor and Master Trainer for educational institutions, trained in Edward de Bono’s Thinking Skills in the UK, and has also served as an e-coach for a Stanford School of Medicine research project on student anxiety.

A passionate advocate of activity-based learning and creative classrooms, she has conducted workshops across India and the UAE for educators, NGOs and industry professionals, and is an empanelled resource person with Oxford University Press.

An entrepreneur since 1993, she led the Hyderabad operations of Happy World and co-founded Edcraft, which creates educational materials for inclusive classrooms.

Gayatri Prakash, Early Years Curriculum Designer and Educator Coach

Gayatri is an early years curriculum designer and educator coach dedicated to reimagining how young children learn and grow. She has partnered with early years schools to design and implement educational programmes, curriculum, pedagogy framework ,and professional development for educators. Guided by the belief that every child holds intrinsic value, she strives to create environments that recognise and respond to each child’s capabilities and curiosities. With a vision to shape nurturing and reflective learning spaces, Gayatri aims to inspire both educators and children to grow in harmony with their ever-evolving world.

Rohini Deepthi Natti, lovingly called The Idli Mama

Brings warmth and creativity to every table she touches. As co-founder of Kitki, she nurtured children’s curiosity through playful educational games. Motherhood inspired her to explore food art, transforming simple Indian dishes with natural colors from vegetables and spices into vibrant, healthy meals that celebrate love and togetherness. Now with koh! Foods, Rohini combines her passion for creativity, nutrition, and natural food colors to inspire families to make quick, joyful, and wholesome meals that nourish both body and soul.

Natasha Uppal is the Founder of Matrescence India

An initiative reimagining how society supports mothers through the profound transition of matrescence — the biological, psychological, and social changes that shape a woman’s identity as she becomes a mother.

India’s first Mama Rising®️ Matrescence Coach (in training) and a Chevening Scholar, she has spent over 15 years leading programs in gender equity, early childhood development, and caregiver wellbeing with the World Bank, LEGO Foundation, and government agencies.

Her motherhood journey revealed how invisible mothers often are in health systems — inspiring her mission to build a continuum of care that nurtures maternal wellbeing and helps families truly thrive.

Helen Issar is the founder and director of Papagoya

A Nordic inspired model kindergarten and school firmly based in principles of Play in learning and offers a play focused approach for children spanning ages 1 - 12 years. Coming from a family of passionate educationists committed to equity and meaningful learning, Helen brings over 20 years of experience across marketing, entrepreneurship, and has been running Papagoya for the last 10 years. . Guided by a deep belief in the power of play and a determination to reimagine education, she founded Papagoya to challenge the status quo and create schools where learning is joyful and meaningful.

Through her work at Papagoya, Helen is demonstrating how holistic, play-centric, and joyful learning spaces can serve as a model for educational reform—showing that when children learn through play, education becomes more meaningful, inclusive, and transformative.

Alongside her vision for children, she also champions systems like Papagoya that enable women to thrive as professionals and mothers. Helen is one of 70 women featured in "Hum: When Women Lead," a book by UN Women and the Ford Foundation, recognizing her contribution to supporting working women and reinventing education in India.

Dr. Varudhini Kankipati, Co-founder at Inner Connect

Dr. Kankipati has over 20 years of counselling experience across India, the USA, and Canada, working in both private and corporate settings. She specializes in behavioral health and symptom management through a holistic, team-based approach, drawing from CBT, Gestalt, REBT and other modalities. Her systems-based philosophy emphasizes collaboration with therapists, psychiatrists, schools, and hospitals to support children and families with lasting, compassionate care.

Dr. Kishore Indukuri, founder of Sid’s Farm

Dr. Kishore Indukuri, founder of Sid’s Farm, is a scientist turned farmer who’s on a mission to bring pure, honest milk to Indian families. After earning his PhD in the US, he returned home to start a small dairy with just 20 cows — and a dream to make milk that’s free from antibiotics, hormones, and adulteration. Today, Sid’s Farm serves thousands of households across India, built on Kishore’s simple belief: happy cows make healthy milk.

Sandeep Kattamuri is the co-founder of Rorosaur

A brand born from the belief that babies deserve food as fresh and pure as a parent’s love. With a passion for healthy beginnings, Sandeep is helping parents make mealtimes easier and more wholesome — crafting nutritious, ready-to-eat baby foods made with real ingredients and care.

Dr. Madhumitha Ezhil Kumar is a marketing researcher

Dr. Madhumitha Ezhil Kumar is a marketing researcher turned digital-wellbeing educator who helps parents reduce children’s screen time and build independent play habits through science-based strategies. Her research on persuasive design in digital spaces shapes her mission to help families “rewire” tech habits without guilt or conflict. She has spoken at the Forbes Kids Conference 2025 and collaborates with schools and brands across India to promote screen-free childhoods.

Deepika Mogilishetty is the Chief of Policy & Partnerships at EkStep Foundation

Deepika Mogilishetty is the Chief of Policy & Partnerships at EkStep Foundation. She works on diverse projects related to the creation and adoption of digital public goods and infrastructure. Deepika leads the foundation's work in the early years, leveraging the power of networks and narratives to highlight the abundance and possibilities within the first eight years of childhood through the Bachpan Manao, Badhte Jao initiative, seeded with 100+ organisations.

Hita Kumar is the Director, Policy & Partnerships at EkStep Foundation

Hita Kumar is the Director, Policy & Partnerships at EkStep Foundation, where she contributes across the Bachpan Manao initiative, legal strategy, inclusion and accessibility, and open digital public goods. With over a decade of experience in law, policy, and ecosystem-building, she brings diverse perspectives to Bachpan Manao—supporting partnerships, shaping narratives, and building collaborative spaces.

Dr. K. Jyothirmayi, MD (Pediatrics), is the Founder and Consultant Pediatrician at Cherish Children’s Clinic

Dr. K. Jyothirmayi, MD (Pediatrics), is the Founder and Consultant Pediatrician at Cherish Children’s Clinic, Hyderabad. She believes every child deserves care that goes beyond illness — where parents are heard, questions are welcomed, and medicines aren’t prescribed by default.

Cherish is known for its calm, child-friendly space and focus on holistic wellness, offering newborn care, immunizations, growth and development guidance, and nutrition counseling.

Through her platform @doc_mom_jyo, Dr. Jyothirmayi shares the same ethos — empowering parents with clear, positive, and practical insights to raise confident, thriving children.