About Our Mentors

Home | About Our Mentors

About Our Mentors

R.S. Rajjaganesh

The current Academic Director at Aaranya International School of Montessori, brings over 10 years of experience in the education sector, blending his academic foundation as an M.E. Power Electronics Engineer with a deep commitment to child-centered learning. His journey in Montessori education includes key leadership roles at COMPASS – International Montessori Program, Vruksha – International School of Montessori, and Quinta Essentia – Farm School, where he has played a transformative role in curriculum design, program management, and institutional development. His expertise spans across course flow monitoring, curriculum support, environment design, subject content research and development, teacher training and assessment, program audits, and outcome evaluation. Rajjaganesh’s work is marked by a thoughtful integration of Montessori principles with scientific inquiry and local cultural relevance. He has received professional training from AMI Montessori Adolescent Orientation in Kodaikanal, participated in the Progressive Montessori program “The Enlightened Generalist” at Gurukshetra, and has completed various Montessori teacher training modules. With a rare combination of technical depth and pedagogical insight, he continues to mentor educators and shape enriching learning environments that honour the innate potential of every child.

Arul Sekar
Principal Volunteer at Nansei Research Foundation, Facilitator in nansei children’s space, Co-founder of Nansei Restoration LLP
Arul Sekar, Principal Volunteer at Nansei Research Foundation and Co-founder of Nansei Restoration LLP, specializes in water, soil, and ecological restoration through scientific and sustainable solutions. With 16 years of experience, he has completed 310+ restoration projects across India and abroad, covering over 2,00,000 acres. An alumnus of IIT Madras and Anna University, Arul is skilled in GIS, satellite data, and innovative restoration technologies. He also co-founded ecoLogin Tribal and Rural Products Pvt Ltd and serves as a trustee of Basecamp Social Research Foundation. His work integrates traditional wisdom with modern science to achieve sustainable development goals and environmental sustainability.Arul Sekar’s expertise in sustainability and ecological restoration aligns with Montessori principles of environmental stewardship, making him an ideal collaborator for integrating sustainable practices into Montessori school environments and curricula.
T. Karthikeyan
T. Karthikeyan, with 16 years of experience in education and sustainability, specializes in hands-on learning and environmental stewardship. An M.Sc,B.ed. Geography graduate from the University of Madras, he has worked internationally at Brockwood Park School, UK, and extensively in Auroville, Tamil Nadu.
Highlights of his expertise include: Farm-Based Education: Managed farm activities, landscape design, and ecological projects, integrating practical knowledge into student learning. Holistic Practices: Guided students in Social Sciences, yoga, and meditation to nurture personal and academic growth. Experiential Learning: Promoted hands-on activities that connect students with nature and sustainable living practices. His global experience and passion for sustainable education make him a valuable mentor for Montessori schools aiming to inspire environmental responsibility and holistic development.
Illavarasi R
Research and Development member/ Mentor Illavarasi R brings a unique blend of expertise in fashion technology, curriculum development, and skill-based learning to the research and development domain of Montessori schools. With a B.Tech in Fashion Technology and an MBA in Retail Management, she has served as an adjunct faculty member at Alagappa University, contributing significantly to vocational education and project-based learning. Key Expertise: Innovative Curriculum Design: Developed and delivered value-added courses and vocational programs, ensuring alignment with modern technologies and industry trends. Research and Mentorship: Guided over 30 undergraduate and postgraduate research projects, fostering creativity and practical problem-solving skills.
Practical Arts and Sustainability: Skilled in advanced pattern making, CAD, and hands-on textile techniques, integrating sustainable practices into education. Link to Montessori Philosophy: Maria Montessori emphasized research, innovation, and hands-on learning. Illavarasi’s experience in creating practical, real-world learning environments makes her an asset to Montessori schools, especially in fostering creativity through research projects, practical arts, and sustainable design. Her expertise can enrich R&D efforts focused on integrating arts and entrepreneurship into Montessori frameworks.
Vinothkumar Subramanian
Vision Coach – அ Montessori Parenting Reformist | Future-Ready Education Strategist | School Operations Mentor Vinothkumar Subramanian isn’t just an educator — he’s a quiet revolution reshaping how India raises and educates its children. A father of two, Vinoth leads from lived experience — not just theory. His work blends strategic clarity with human warmth, helping parents and children not just survive the system, but rise above it. Once a petrochemical engineer and corporate strategist, Vinoth walked away from the boardroom to answer a deeper child’s calling: to challenge & fix fear-based parenting, broken schooling, and pressure-filled childhoods. Today, as the founder & Vision Architect of Vruksha Montessori Internationale in Karaikal, proving one thing — that world-class education should not be limited to metro cities. His bestselling books — Raising Independent Minds, Caged by Care, and The Death of “Why?” — have helped hundreds of parents and educators move beyond rote, reward-based systems. Through his school, books, and parent transformation workshops, Vinoth continues to inspire a new generation of families — building futures rooted in purpose, not pressure.

Now guiding அ Montessori as Vision Coach, he brings powerful expertise shaped by real-world success and deep educational insight:

  • Future-Ready Learning Design — connecting real-world skills with timeless values.
  • Parent Mindset Shifts — helping families move from fear-based to purpose-led parenting.
  • Scalable School Strategy — building systems that grow without losing soul.

He supports the school in living its mission:

To raise changemakers — children who lead with purpose, curiosity, and compassion.

Tharwesh Syed Musthafa
With my international experience as an architect, I bring a unique perspective to the Montessori School Advisor role, blending design, innovation, and educational vision. Having worked in multicultural environments across different countries, I have gained insights into how diverse practices and perspectives can inspire learning. This global exposure allows me to contribute ideas that prepare students for an increasingly interconnected world, helping them embrace diversity and think beyond boundaries. My background in architecture enables me to integrate sensory architecture principles into educational environments, creating spaces that stimulate curiosity, creativity, and holistic development. I believe a well-designed environment acts as a silent teacher, shaping how students explore, engage, and grow within a Montessori framework. I also embrace modern technologies such as Artificial Intelligence and digital design tools to reimagine how schools can support both educators and learners. By merging Montessori principles with innovative technology, I aim to foster environments that inspire innovation while staying true to child-centered learning. As an advisor, I see myself as a think-tank partner, contributing strategies that combine design, education, and student growth. My multicultural and international background equips me to guide initiatives that support children’s future careers with creativity, confidence, and global awareness.