Saandeepani: Where Learning Lights the Path Forward
A nurturing space where young minds grow fearless, creative, and ready to lead a brighter tomorrow.
Redefining Education, One child at a Time
Saandeepani Academy for Excellence is more than a school; it’s a thriving community dedicated to progressive education and holistic development. Founded in 2011 by the Smt. Sarala Devi Kathuria Memorial Educational Trust, Bengaluru, we are inspired by Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore’s vision of a fearless and joyful learning environment.
Nestled amidst nature on a serene campus in Sarjapur, Bangalore,, Saandeepani provides a green sanctuary where students flourish academically, socially, emotionally, and creatively.
Empowering Minds, Enriching Hearts, Elevating Actions
At Saandeepani, we believe that education is more than textbooks and exams – it is the art of inspiring young minds to dream, question, and discover. Guided by the timeless ideals of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore, we strive to create a sanctuary of learning where curiosity thrives, creativity flourishes, and every child feels the joy of self-expression.
- Fear-Free Learning Environment: We cultivate a safe and nurturing space where students feel empowered to explore, innovate, and grow without the constraints of fear or judgment.
- Holistic Development: Our approach integrates academics, arts, and life skills to shape well-rounded individuals who can adapt and excel in an ever-changing world.
- Community-Centric Growth: Teachers, parents, and students collaborate as one, fostering a culture of mutual respect, shared responsibility, and collective progress.
Guided by Values, Growing with Purpose
At Saandeepani, our values are not just words – they are the foundation of our approach to education, shaping how we teach, learn, and grow. Each value reflects our commitment to nurturing well-rounded individuals ready to make a meaningful impact on the world.
- Pursue Excellence: Constantly strive for self-improvement through reflection and discipline.
- Practice Inclusion: Foster kindness toward self, others, and the environment.
- Build Community: Grow through collaboration, compassion, and service.
- Be Adaptable: Embrace change with resilience and optimism.
- Foster Creativity and Critical Thinking: Innovate, solve, and lead with confidence.
Empowering Minds, Enriching Hearts, Elevating Actions
At Saandeepani, we believe that education is more than textbooks and exams – it is the art of inspiring young minds to dream, question, and discover. Guided by the timeless ideals of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore, we strive to create a sanctuary of learning where curiosity thrives, creativity flourishes, and every child feels the joy of self-expression.
- Fear-Free Learning Environment: We cultivate a safe and nurturing space where students feel empowered to explore, innovate, and grow without the constraints of fear or judgment.
- Holistic Development: Our approach integrates academics, arts, and life skills to shape well-rounded individuals who can adapt and excel in an ever-changing world.
- Community-Centric Growth: Teachers, parents, and students collaborate as one, fostering a culture of mutual respect, shared responsibility, and collective progress.
Passionately Crafting Futures
An exceptional community of educators and visionaries shaping tomorrow’s leaders.
Mrs. Latha M - School Director
With a background in English Literature, Sociology, and Organizational Leadership, Mrs. Latha has had the opportunity to work across diverse fields before finding her true calling in education. As the School Director at Saandeepani, she is committed to shaping learning spaces where children feel seen, heard, and empowered to thrive.
Mrs. Latha believes that education MUST meet the needs of the child—academically, emotionally, and socially. She sees education as a deeply human process, grounded in relationships, curiosity, and reflection.
Inspired by the educational philosophies of Jiddu Krishnamurti, Rabindranath Tagore, and Rudolf Steiner, she aims to bring depth and intentionality into every aspect of school life by transforming the school’s vision into everyday practices that foster authentic, inclusive, and equitable learning experiences.
A certified Teacher Trainer and student counselor, she is currently focused on building professional learning communities and supporting self-directed learning in children and adults. An avid reader of non-fiction, Mrs. Latha says she is continually intrigued by human behaviour and enjoys reflective conversations that explore how we learn, grow, and connect.
Nima Daisy - Principal
As an educator and Principal of Saandeepani Academy for Excellence, I see education as more than a process—it’s a profound journey of shaping minds, nurturing hearts, and inspiring possibilities. For me, education is about kindling curiosity, fostering compassion, and helping each child discover the best version of themselves.
At Saandeepani, our vision resonates deeply with my own belief that learning should be joyful, fearless, and rooted in real-life relevance. I’ve always believed that when children feel safe, seen, and inspired, their potential knows no bounds. That’s why we place immense value on creating a warm, inclusive environment where every learner is encouraged to question, explore, and grow at their own pace.
We don’t teach just for exams—we teach for life. Our integrated curriculum, built on the foundation of multiple intelligences and Bloom’s revised taxonomy, ensures that every child’s unique strengths are recognized and nurtured. Whether through project-based learning, the ACE program, or meaningful community initiatives, we aim to equip our students with the skills they need to thrive in an ever-changing world—resilience, empathy, critical thinking, and creativity.
What brings me the greatest joy as a leader is watching our children bloom not only academically but as responsible, thoughtful, and compassionate individuals. I truly believe that character is as important as competence, and values form the core of true education.
In my journey as Principal, I’ve come to understand that the best learning happens when there is collaboration—between teachers, students, and parents. Together, we’re building more than a school; we’re building a vibrant, caring community that celebrates learning in all its forms.
Education, to me, is not just a profession—it is a calling. And every day at Saandeepani reaffirms why I chose this path.
Malini Babu - Vice Principal
She is a seasoned education professional with nearly 18 years of experience, having taught across K-12 and designed curricula. She has worked extensively across tiered cities and towns to empower leaders and teachers. Her core belief is that children are naturally capable of meta-cognitive thinking and thrive when they are not judged for their mistakes and are given tailored, affirmative feedback and support. For Malini, the role of educators and parents is to foster a nurturing space where children are respected and trusted, enabling them to evolve into self-directed learners and adaptable members of society.
Divya Gopinathan - Head of Preschool and Primary
Divya Gopinathan plays a pivotal role in maintaining and elevating the academic standards of the institution. Her leadership is rooted in a deep commitment to holistic development, with a strong focus on designing meaningful learning experiences that support a child’s growth from early to preparatory years. She actively bridges communication between the school and parent communities, ensuring transparency and collaboration. With a clear vision of providing a safe, nurturing, and intellectually stimulating environment, Divya believes these formative years are crucial for instilling the art of thinking and laying the foundation for lifelong learning.
Philosophy of Education
Education is a journey of enlightenment that should inspire meaningful and positive transformation in individuals. This transformation is not immediate but unfolds gradually, with each stage of a child’s development playing a critical role.
Mentors
Virendra Kathuria
Chairman
Shri Kathuria is an engineer by qualification, a business entrepreneur by profession, and an educationist-philanthropist by choice. Having secured several technical degrees and reached the summit in his industrial career, Mr. Kathuria decided to give it all up for the love of mother earth. He took up various land related activities including farming and property development. He was the first big land developer in the Sarjapur area, even before the property boom of the 1990s. His passion for social service and his dream of providing high standards of education at affordable cost has led him to found the Smt. Sarala Devi Kathuria Memorial Educational Trust with the purpose of developing premier educational institutes for the residents of the Sarjapur area. He is the guiding force behind Saandeepani Academy of Excellence.
Sandeep Gupta
Vice Chairman
Shri Sandeep Gupta is an engineer by profession. In his career spanning 25 years he has worked for major steel plants in India and abroad. After spending considerable time in countries like Saudi Arabia, USA, China, Mexico, and Canada. Mr. Gupta returned to the country to set up his company in 2006 that provides process automation consultancy services to steel plants. He has provided services to plants in Philippines and Iran, and major plants in India. He is a strong believer in the phrase “Knowledge is the true power” and that the education system should empower young minds to become thinkers. Slowly but surely, the country should attain the position of leaders of the world. His strong desire to contribute to society led him to be a part of the Smt Sarala Devi Kathuria Memorial Educational Trust.
Dr Prarthana Gupta
Managing Trustee
After completing her PhD from the University of Leeds, UK in 1999, Dr. Prarthana Gupta dove into the field of education. From 1999 to 2008 she worked in various capacities of preschool teacher, high school teacher, instructor and principal in different schools across the globe (USA, China, Saudi Arabia and India). Culminating her varied experience and her passion to positively influence the society we live in, she started Cherry Blossoms Pre School in 2008 and Saandeepani Academy in 2011. She firmly believes that a school should teach us how to live and not just how to make a living.
Manju Kathuria
Trustee
Having experienced life as a homemaker, a mother, a horticulturist and a farmer, Smt Manju Kathuria uses lessons learnt in the school of life in the administration of the trust. She manages the scholarship and charitable programs and oversees the functioning of the various activities of the trust.
Management
Latha M
Director
Nima Daisy
Principal
Malini Babu
Vice Principal
Divya Gopinath
Head of Preschool and Primary
Mentors
Dr. Anil Kakodkar
Dr. KN Ganeshaiah
Mr. Jugal Tandon
Dr. Glenn Christo Kharkhongar
Advisory Board
Dr. Sagar Kathuria
Dr. Madhavi Kolli
Dr. Sandra Albert
School Management Committee
- Prarthana Gupta – Member Secretary, Managing Trustee, Saandeepani Academy for Excellence
- Jayanti Roy – Joint Secretary, Principal, Saandeepani Academy for Excellence
- Bhargavi Sulochana – Saandeepani Parents, Software Engineer, HCL Technologies
- Pramod V Babbarjung – Saandeepani Parents, Senior Manager – Information Architecture, Publicis Sapient
- Bharathi R – Saandeepani Parents, Teacher, Chikkathimmasandra Government School
- Ritu Arora – Saandeepani Teachers, TGT, HOD Maths, Saandeepani Academy for Excellence
- Maimoona Mehtab – Saandeepani Teachers, Preschool Coordinator, Saandeepani Academy for Excellence
- Hemant Sharma – Board Nominees, Educationist, Education Consultant, Akariya LLP, Rainbow Drive, Bangalore
- Nima Daisy – Board Nominees, High School Coordinator, SSRVM, Gunjur, Bangalore
- Manjul Mathur – Board Nominees, Retired teacher, Baldwin Girls’ High School, Richmond Road, Bangalore
- Archana Sharma – Board Nominees, Counselling Psychologist, HOD School Counselling Program, Drishti Counselling Center, Bangalore
- Anuradha Chadha – Board Nominees, Educator, Founder Principal, Jigyasa – The School, Bangalore
Snapshots of Joyful Growth
Every moment captured reflects the vibrant and holistic spirit of Saandeepani.
Our Partners
Stronger Together, Brighter Together
Answers That Matter
Your questions, our transparent approach—discover how we’re redefining education.
We embrace a holistic, student-centered approach, integrating experiential learning with creative and critical thinking.
Our vibrant campus life includes talent shows, community projects, and activities that encourage self-expression and collaboration.
We focus on “competing with yourself,” fostering intrinsic motivation through reflection, self-improvement, and guided feedback.
Visit our admissions page for guidelines or contact our team for a personalized walkthrough of the process.
At Saandeepani, we encourage children to compete with their own past achievements rather than comparing themselves to others. This cultivates a mindset of self-improvement and resilience, helping them excel naturally in any environment.
Yes, we believe in inclusive education. Our dedicated “Stepping Stone” program is designed to provide individualized support to children with special needs, ensuring their growth and development within a caring environment.
Ready to learn more about what makes Saandeepani special? Our admissions team is here to answer any questions and guide you through each step of the process.
What Parents Say About Us
former parent