Dr. Swati Popat Vats

President
Early Childhood Association (ECA), Mumbai, India

Early Childhood Association (ECA) works for quality care and education of our youngest citizens (0 to 6 years). Dr. Vats is the President of ECA and also of Podar Education Network. She leads over 290 preschools and Daycares. She is also the National representative for the World Forum Foundation. She has authored many books for parents and children and is a strong advocate of nature-based learning in the early years and promotes brain research-based teaching and parenting in her workshops across the globe.

“This is one of the best days I have spend in my life ever. I think Saad has created, what I like to call an ‘Early Childhood Spa’ for children. This school is a tribute to Maria Montessori. This is an amazing learning place for children, parents, teachers, leaders. Governments from the world must visit this school and I say this with utmost seriousness. Every inch of this school is designed keeping in mind children, their childhood and exploration. This is one of the best places in the world which upholds early childhood education and puts it in a completely different place. Congratulations to Saad and his team for creating this space. Congratulations to this beautiful tribute to childhood!”

Mr. Irshad Patel

Managing Director
Empyrean School, Mumbai, India

Irshad Patel is the Managing Director of Empyrean School, a co-educational CBSE Day School in Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra. He holds a Certificate in School Management and Leadership from Harvard University and has led the recruitment and development of the staff while ensuring that curriculum, teaching, and assessment align with Empyrean’s innovative philosophy. He is passionate about fostering a culture of creativity and innovation within the school community.

“Having visited some of the best schools both domestically and globally, I have rarely encountered spaces designed with such purpose and heart. Kai’s learning environments are fluid yet focused, fostering seamless and subtle learning opportunities. The attention to detail not only reflects thoughtfulness but also supports the vision of developing independent learners.

I was particularly impressed by how student agency is cultivated through the small yet meaningful choices learners are encouraged to make. The philosophy on ‘risk’—allowing children to navigate it through play rather than shielding them—is forward-thinking and essential for their independent growth.

Kai’s holistic approach as a one-stop solution for all stakeholders is truly innovative, reflecting a deep commitment to building community and addressing diverse needs.

While excellence at Kai is evident in its practices and culture, I believe it truly stems from the personal commitment, unwavering effort, and meticulous care with which the leadership approaches every detail.”

Ms. Gitanjali J Angmo

Co-Founder & Director
Himalayan Institute of Alternatives (HIAL), Ladakh, India

Gitanjali is a social entrepreneur and educationist who founded HIAL, an alternative institute for mountain development. HIAL aims to revolutionize higher education in India through a pedagogy that emphasizes contextual, experiential, and transdisciplinary learning. A Chevening Fellow and recipient of the Women Transforming India National Award from the Government of India, Gitanjali embodies versatility. She also strongly advocates for holistic education that nurtures well-rounded individuals.

“It is great to see how early years education has been recognized as a milestone at Kai, and how its implementation has been meticulously detailed and designed. The fluid spaces and furniture that respect the child’s size and sensibilities will definitely contribute to the development of aware, conscious, and sensitive children. These children will bring kindness and compassion, along with their skills and knowledge, into their secondary and higher education, as well as into their lives. I wish for every child in our country and the world to have access to this conscious parenting and education, helping make this world as beautiful as it is meant to be!”

Dr. Gunmeet Bindra

Principal
Daly College, Madhya Pradesh, India

Dr. Gunmeet is the first woman to have headed a boys’ boarding school in India. An accomplished educationist with over 30 years of experience in teaching and school administration, she has held many coveted positions, including member of the CBSE Governing Body, as well as the CBSE Affiliation Committee. She is the British Council School Ambassador in India and a member of the Board of Trustees of the International Boys’ School Coalition (IBSC), as the current Vice President of the IBSC-Asia Pacific Region. She has won Extraordinary Leadership Award 2019 by Education World.

“The eye for detail in every learning space is amazing. It looks like everything here has a purpose and the purpose is happy learning for the children. The engagement level of the teachers was something that I have not seen anywhere else. The way the teachers were engaged in their class and the way the children were involved in the activities & were also unmindful of what’s going on around them, was very heartening. Congratulations to the team for a fantastic space for the little ones.”

Mr. Frank Anthony Braccia

Head of School
Legacy School Bangalore

Frank is an international educator with over 30 years of experience in building and leading schools across the globe. A graduate of Temple University and Antioch University, he served as the Founding Head of an IB school in Mumbai, guiding it from inception to a future-ready institution. Recognized with the Iconic Leadership Award (2020 & 2024), Frank is known for his calm, collaborative leadership and commitment to student-centered learning.

“The beautiful facilities immediately reflect the care and thought that has gone into creating an environment where young children can thrive. The spaces are not only well-designed but also purposeful, encouraging exploration, collaboration, and joyful learning.

Also I must mention the dedication of your staff. Their energy, engagement with the children, and commitment to nurturing each learner’s growth were evident in every interaction I observed. The children themselves were clearly engaged, confident, and eager to participate, an excellent testament to the effectiveness of the Kai approach.

I was also particularly struck by how seamlessly Kai brings together the best of both Montessori and the IB PYP framework. This thoughtful integration ensures children benefit from the independence and experiential learning of Montessori while also engaging with the inquiry-based, holistic philosophy of the IB.

The resources and creative use of space spoke to a philosophy that values both innovation and community. It is clear that Kai is not only a school but also a hub of care and connection, where families feel supported and children are encouraged to grow holistically.

I left with a strong sense that Kai embodies the very best of early years education, blending vision, professionalism, and heart. I am grateful to have witnessed this and hope my note serves as encouragement to your team and families.”