Kolkata, 5th May 2025 : SPK Jain Futuristic Academy marked a landmark moment in the city’s educational landscape with the unveiling of Kolkata’s first Montessori Teacher Training Centre, in collaboration with the globally renowned Association Montessori Internationale (AMI), Netherlands. The launch event celebrated the academy’s commitment to hands-on, application-based learning and its vision to empower educators from the grassroots level.
Welcoming dignitaries and guests, Principal Jayeeta Ganguly underlined the importance of hands-on learning in early education.“This is not just about a launch,” said Jayita Ma’am. It is about fulfilling our vision of creating a future where citizens are compassionate and free thinkers. Our dream of a futuristic school challenges societal conventions and encourages students to think sensibly. We strive to nurture individuals who value personal growth and perseverance, acceptance, and tolerance.” She highlighted how the Montessori approach resonates deeply with the school’s ethos of nurturing independence, curiosity, and critical thinking.
In his keynote address Jaideep Patwa, Secretary of SPK Jain Futuristic Academy. Speaking on his journey and vision, he shared: Jaideep Patwa, speaking on his journey and vision for education, shared that having travelled across cities like Chennai, Bangalore, Mumbai, and Delhi, he has had the opportunity to interact with children from all corners of the country. This exposure to the diversity of young minds has shaped his perspective on education and its future. Coming from an engineering background, he initially approached learning with a technical mindset. However, it was only after that he became familiar with the Montessori method that he truly realized it is not merely a teaching approach—it is a profound kind of learning for students. Montessori education nurtures a child’s natural curiosity and encourages exploration, allowing them to develop not just academically, but also as compassionate, independent, and thoughtful individuals. He spoke about the institution’s vision for educational excellence and its focus on empowering teachers with globally accredited methodologies to ensure a brighter future.The Montessori method, developed by Dr. Maria Montessori, emphasizes independent learning and holistic child development. The new centre meets the rising demand for trained Montessori educators in Eastern India by bringing world-class AMI-certified training to Kolkata.
The event featured insights from Kamini Kapur, an AMI-accredited Elementary Director of Training (6–12 years).Training for teachers is extremely crucial for the education of students—without it, they are like a “fish out of water”,said Kamini Kapoor, emphasizing the foundational role of well-equipped educators in shaping young minds. As she stated, Education is not merely the delivery of information; it is transformation. And for that transformation to occur meaningfully, teachers must be prepared, empowered, and trained effectively. Along with Aparna Iyer, AMI 3–6 Associate Trainer. Aparna has worked with children since 2006, beginning in Ghana, and has since led AMI orientation courses across India. She also serves as a National Examiner for AMI Primary courses and is passionate about taking Montessori to remote corners of the country.Internationally acclaimed AMI trainer and consultant Ms. Ann Dunne also graced the event, bringing decades of Montessori experience and a deep engagement with education in India. Her presence added a global dimension to the occasion.
The event concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks from Principal Jayeeta Ganguly, expressing gratitude to the esteemed guests, trainers, and faculty for their support in making this vision a reality.With this pioneering training centre, SPK Jain Futuristic Academy reaffirms its belief in quality education, global collaboration, and a future aligned with Tagore’s vision: “Where the mind is without fear and the head is held high… where knowledge is free…”
