Viraj Naidoo

PRINCIPAL

M.A. from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai; B.Ed from IGNOU.

He has been part of the PGS community since its inception. His fundamental beliefs related to schooling are: that there is a natural urge in children to learn; that children love challenging and meaningful tasks; that children should be allowed and encouraged to question received wisdom. He believes that children who find the normal education system stifling can find the space and support at PGS to actualize their unrecognised potential.

Bhagyashree Reddy

TEACHER OF MATHEMATICS

(Since 2009)

M.Sc, M.Ed (IGNOU)

The time spent outside the classrooms is what I cherish the most. PGS is one of the rare places where the environment is pollution free and theres such an air of amicability. She believes that students should have the space to question without fear. The children in PGS graduate knowing that they have the right to question and as a teacher, I take joy in that.

Sreevrinda M Naidoo

TEACHER OF ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES

(Since 2006)

MSW from Mahatma Gandhi University, Kerala. B.Ed from IGNOU

She believes that education should nurture a child to become an independent learner. She strives to be a living example of this value. Her greatest satisfaction comes when she sees the joy of learning visible in her student. She is deeply interested in the environment.

Karanam Bhaskar - Chemistry Teacher - The Peepal Grove School - India

Karanam Bhaskar

TEACHER OF CHEMISTRY

(Since 2006)
M.Sc Chemistry (Nagarjuna University), B.Ed (RIE Mysore)

According to him, PGS is child centric, accepts people for who they are and helps them understand the differences and similarities between people. It also encourages self discovery. He believes that education isnt only about teaching but learning for the teachers as well. In my time here, I understood there are many things in a students life that we need to understand. Education is a two way street.

Abhijit Pande - Teacher of Physics - The Peepal Grove School

Abhijit Pande

TEACHER OF PHYSICS

(Since 2007)

M.Sc Physics (PG Acharya Nagarjuna University), B.Ed (IGNOU)

He was drawn to PGS because of its natural green surroundings. He believes the connection to nature opens up avenues of possibilities. He enjoys the space for experimentation and for pursuing ones passion. Apart from Physics, he is also a keen tabla player and cricketer.

Nisha Singh - Faculty - Hindi - The Peepal Grove School

Nisha Singh

TEACHER OF HINDI

(Since 2018)

M. A. Hindi

“In my view, education is not just about acquiring knowledge or scoring good marks; it is about developing critical thinking, values, creativity, and life skills. Education empowers individuals to become responsible citizens, make informed decisions, and contribute positively to society. As a teacher, I believe that true education should inspire curiosity, encourage lifelong learning, and help every child reach their full potential.”

Satya Dey

TEACHER OF HISTORY

(Since 2012)

M.A. History from Rabindra Bharathi University, Kolkata; B.Ed from IGNOU.

Swami Vivekananda said, “Education is the manifestation of the perfection already within you. Education is the process of knowing ourselves and the universe we are a part of.” She believes the natural environment of PGS clears the way for understanding ones role in society and the universe.

Ramesh Babu

TEACHER OF FINE ARTS

(Since 2012)

M.F.A (Andhra university)

According to him, education is a constant learning process. He believes that education is more than what we learn in class. It has to come from sharing experiences, reading and observing. He feels that students at PGS reclaim their childhood. He is also an avid photographer.

Mary Gold

TEACHER OF COMPUTER SCIENCE

(Since 2014)

MCA

When it comes to teaching, what is important is that students should not be under pressure, she says The freedom of expression present in the school is what truly distinguishes PGS as a school with a difference. The lush, green natural surroundings are an added bonus.

Satheesan N

TEACHER OF YOGA, SANSKRIT AND MUSIC

(Since 2015)

He is a polymath with a high level of skill and knowledge in Carnatic Music, Science of Yoga and Sanskrit. He feels, students in Peepal Grove have immense freedom to express themselves in an environment closely tied to nature. Education happens every moment and not necessarily only inside a classroom.

Neha Agarwal - Yoga Faculty - The Peepal Grove School

Neha Agarwal

TEACHER OF YOGA AND SPECIAL EDUCATION

(Since 2015)

​”To me, education is about true acceptance and inclusion, making sure every single child feels seen, valued, and welcome just as they are. Real learning happens when we step back and give them the space they need to explore, discover, and grow at their own beautiful pace.”

Lavanya Ramapantulu - Mathematics Faculty - The Peepal Grove School

Lavanya Ramapantulu

TEACHER OF MATHEMATICS

(Since 2018)

“Every day is an opportunity to learn.”

Education, in her view, is perfectly described in the poem “Where the mind is without fear” by Sri Rabindranath Tagore.

Subisha Puthalath - Commerce, Commercial Studies, Accounts Faculty - The Peepal Grove School

Subisha Puthalath

TEACHER OF COMMERCE, COMMERCIAL STUDIES AND ACCOUNTS

(Since 2018)

M. A. Hindi

“Education helps a child identify their strengths and weaknesses and build the future they aspire to.”

NADIMPALLI MADHURI ANAND - The Peepal Grove School

Nadimpalli Madhuri Anand

ENGLISH

(Since 2024)

​”Education should be of holistic approach. Along with inculcating discipline and good etiquette, it is equally important to provide students with exposure to our culture and heritage. Students should be encouraged to develop their skills according to their individual strengths and intelligences, enabling them to have meaningful careers and fulfilling futures. The ultimate goal is to nurture in them a sense of contentment in their work, a love for learning, and a willingness to impart their knowledge with others.”

Latha Maneyapanda

ENGLISH

(Since 2014)

​”Education, to me, is overall growth of a well developed person with values, character, skills, and keeping in mind the betterment of the overall growth of the community for a harmonious environment.”

Sindhu Shankar

CARNATIC MUSIC

(Since 2024)

​”I love having the opportunity to witness and experience the growth of young minds and to be a part of their transformational journeys. Seeing students develop confidence, curiosity, and a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them is incredibly rewarding.”

Narasimha Bharadwaj Vijay Kumar

BUSINESS STUDIES & ROBOTICS / AI

(Since 2024)

​”Education, to me, is about helping young minds discover who they are.. their curiosity, their values, and their connection to the world, even as we teachers continue to discover our own. In my experience at a residential alternative school, I’ve seen that real learning happens everywhere. It happens not just in the classroom, but during conversations at mealtimes, in how a student resolves a conflict, and in the quiet moments when they realize something new about themselves. I believe education must connect concepts directly to life. A truly educated person is someone who can navigate uncertainty, take responsibility, and continue growing long after school ends.”

Umang

VISUAL ART

(Since 2025)

“What I enjoy most about my work is the opportunity to contribute to the holistic growth of young individuals through art and creativity. As a Visual Art teacher, I see education as much more than the transfer of skills or knowledge. It is a process of self-discovery, self-expression, and self-realization.

I particularly value the moments when students discover their own voice, develop a deeper understanding of themselves, and begin to see connections between art, life, nature, and society. For me, teaching art is about nurturing conscious, creative, and responsible human beings rather than simply producing artworks or preparing students for examinations.

Art provides a unique space where students can explore their thoughts, emotions, imagination, and identity. I find great satisfaction in creating learning experiences that encourage curiosity, observation, critical thinking, and meaningful reflection. Through hands-on creative activities, students learn not only artistic techniques but also patience, resilience, empathy, and confidence.

The most rewarding aspect of my work is witnessing the transformation of students as they grow in awareness, creativity, and self-confidence, and knowing that art has played a meaningful role in that journey.”

Chandana Dey Mondal

ART & CRAFT

(Since 2025)

​”Education helps us to explore ourselves.”