We are a team that passionately believes in the values of full potential, well-being and empowerment for all. Our project name, Thamarai, means lotus flower in Tamil, like the lotus flower we believe each one has the potential to flower to their fullest given opportunity.
Savithri
Facilitator & Administrator
My journey with Thamarai began in 2006 as a student, where I explored languages and extracurricular learning. After completing my engineering degree, I returned to teach dance and later joined as a facilitator. Over nearly 12 years, Thamarai has helped me discover and live my core value of equality—for myself and others.
I am passionate about bringing my universal values into my work through Radical Transformation Leadership (RTL) and teaching classical dance as a way to share stories, culture, and history. Thamarai has shaped me to speak up with courage and care, and I see this reflected in the children, who confidently express themselves without fear or hierarchy.
Prathab
Facilitator & Admin-Support
I began my journey at Thamarai as a student in the English class during my college days and was inspired by the facilitators’ concept-based approach to learning. What started as volunteering soon grew into a full-time role as a facilitator and member of the Thamarai team.I support students with a concept-first learning approach, helping them understand lessons deeply before moving ahead. At Thamarai, I have developed technical skills such as projector setup and video editing, while also growing personally by learning to manage my emotions. Being called “Anna(Brother)” by students and colleagues makes me feel deeply connected—Thamarai is a place I truly consider family.
Gothanayagi
Facilitator & Frisbee Coach
My journey at Thamarai began as a frisbee coach. As I spent more time with the children, their curiosity, energy, and openness deeply inspired me, and that naturally led me to take on the role of a facilitator.
Being with the students fills me with joy. I feel happiest when I am engaging with them, learning alongside them, and supporting their growth. Thamarai has played an important role in my personal journey, helping me stay calm in challenging moments and encouraging me to look at situations from multiple perspectives.I grew up in Auroville and studied in Auroville schools, where learning is hands-on, child-centred, and deeply connected to life. At Thamarai, I bring these ways of learning into my work, giving children the opportunity to experience academics in a more meaningful and exploratory way—one that helps them see learning beyond textbooks.
Sathiyavani
Facilitator & Local Volunteer
I began my journey at Thamarai as a student in the English class during my college days and was inspired by the facilitators’ concept-based approach to learning. What started as volunteering soon grew into a full-time role as a facilitator and member of the Thamarai team.I support students with a concept-first learning approach, helping them understand lessons deeply before moving ahead. At Thamarai, I have developed technical skills such as projector setup and video editing, while also growing personally by learning to manage my emotions. Being called “Anna” by students and colleagues makes me feel deeply connected—Thamarai is a place I truly consider family.
