We draw inspiration from the century-old Waldorf philosophy – a movement that upholds the sanctity of childhood through education that is artistic, thoughtful, and deeply human. This approach forms every aspect of our school life to shape an education that empowers, heals, and awakens.
We align learning with each stage of a child’s development – fostering self-awareness, inspiring curiosity, and nurturing individuality. We create a rhythm and an environment that sustains a sense of wonder in children and encourages exploration of life, humanity, and the world. As they grow, learning takes on the form of challenging projects that help them engage deeply with complex concepts and ideas.
Thraya is born from a deep longing to create a space where children are seen in the wholeness of their being— where learning evolves in harmony with their development, nurturing body, soul, and spirit.
To nurture each child’s potential and empower them to thrive in a changing world, while being content and contributing meaningfully to humanity.
To craft learning experiences that are timely, relevant, and rooted in life so that education is a holistic journey – nurturing the head, heart, and hands.
We stand by and commit to the wholesome development of the child in collective collaboration with teachers, parents and the wider community.
Meenu Talasila
Founder & Director of Academics, Thraya
MPhil in Education, University of Cambridge | MA Education, Tata Institute of Social Sciences
Meenu has worked in the education sector in various capacities—as a teacher, education specialist, teacher trainer, school administrator, and researcher. Her extensive experience and deep understanding of the field shape her unwavering commitment and help steer the vision for Thraya. Meenu believes that children should be allowed to grow into their authentic selves, without being rushed to meet adult expectations or market-driven demands.
Bharath Pavuluri
Founder & Director of Operations, Thraya
B.E. Electrical and Computer Engineering – The Ohio State University
With over a decade of professional experience in energy efficiency solutions, Bharath’s hands-on approach and attention to detail guide and anchor Thraya’s mission. Having studied in an alternative school himself, Bharath believes that schooling should be a time for children to experience the joy of learning, free from the pressures of tests and exams. He emphasises the importance of nurturing confidence and individuality in children to shape them into grounded, global citizens.
At Thraya, teachers are a steady presence behind each child who offer a deep sense of security and trust that children can lean on. They consistently strive to understand and meet the needs of the growing child. At every stage, they have an intimate awareness of each child’s strengths, challenges, and unique potential and step in with their valuable guidance to nurture individuality.
Ojaswitha Muddana Nannapaneni, Teacher
B.E. Electronics Engineering – K J Somaiya College of Engineering
Ojaswitha comes from an engineering background and over a decade of experience in the corporate sector. Motherhood made her transition into education and revealed a deeper purpose: to help shape environments that nurture thoughtful, empathetic and holistic individuals who are capable of reimagining the world.
Lekha Rayapati, Teacher
B.A.LLB, National Law University, Vizag
A lawyer by training, Lekha made a heartfelt pivot in 2024 into nature education through Teach for Nature (TFN) Fellowship, Bhoomi College, Bangalore. During the fellowship, she designed and led nature-based sessions that encouraged children to connect meaningfully with the world around them through hands-on exploration. Her experience as a TFN Fellow, sparked a growing interest in her to work with children and create learning spaces that foster curiosity, nurture creativity, and awaken a sense of wonder.
Malvika Baddam, Teacher
MBA (Human Resources), University of Technology, Sydney | International Teaching Diploma, Asian College of Teachers
With over two decades of experience across the U.S., Australia, and India, Malvika’s journey has been rooted in education and human development. A mother and an educator, she believes teaching as a calling, a way to bring love and healing into the lives of children. Guided by her belief that real education must touch the whole being of a child, she helps children grow with wisdom, joy, and a lifelong love for learning.
At the kindergarten level, the teacher models purposeful, gentle and true gestures of everyday life. Through daily routines, songs, and stories, they become a nurturing presence worthy of
emulation.
In the formative years, the teacher is a trusted and dependable figure who journeys with them. The gentle yet strong teacher serves as a morally grounded adult who helps inculcate a genuine love for learning and reverence for life.
In the higher grade, as children seek guidance and structure, the class teacher shifts into a guardian role, supporting the class socially and emotionally, while subject specialists lead academic instruction.