Avasara Academy: A first-of-a-kind academy for one-of-a-kind girls
Welcome to Avasara Academy, where talent meets opportunity. We believe that when inspirational young women work with inspired teachers, mentors, and curricula, there are no limits to what can be achieved.
Avasara Academy is a day and residential secondary school from 6th-12th grades. We educate girls of exceptional promise for a lifetime of leadership and contribution to society. Students engage in a specialized curriculum that combines academic excellence with Leadership, Entrepreneurship and India Studies. At Avasara, the learning experience includes faculty advisors, mentors, independent study opportunities, small class sizes, a diverse group of talented students, and a curriculum of extraordinary depth. We have an adult-student ratio of 1:15.
We believe that a student’s ability to pay fees should not affect their chances to experience this unique and holistic educational opportunity. We offer admission to exceptional girls and our financial assistance program seeks to ensure that all admitted students can attend.
Mission
To empower girls of promise to lead lives of distinction and impact.
Vision
To create lasting and transformative change for India by developing the next generation of influential women leaders.
Values
Integrity
We stay true to ourselves, act honorably, and find courage in our convictions.
Reflection
We cultivate an on-going cycle of inquiry, reason, and considered debate.
Excellence
We pursue the highest standards through dedication and persistent effort.
Empathy
We put ourselves in others’ places and interact with respect, humility and compassion.
Interdependence
We embrace the multiple perspectives which enrich our community
Fortitude
We draw from our mental, physical and personal strength to address challenges.
Optimism
We dream big and carve our own unique paths.
Our Logo
Our logo means ‘opportunity’ in Sanskrit. It depicts an elephant, which stands for strength and wisdom. The elephant directs this strength and wisdom towards helping the lotus rise from the pond, towards the sun.
Leadership Team
Lakshmi Kumar
Director
Lakshmi Kumar is the Director at Avasara Academy. She is one of India’s leading educationists, with more than 35 years of experience in the education sector. Previously, she served as the Founder Director of The Orchid School in Pune. In this role, she worked with the leadership team to guide the school’s academic direction, oversee institutional growth, and develop systems that supported faculty, students, and parents. She also advised senior teams on educational leadership and organizational development across academic and administrative functions.
Prior to The Orchid School, Lakshmi worked closely with Madhavi Kapur as a founder member, counselor, and consultant at the Rewachand Bhojwani Academy. She began her career at SPM School in Pune and later served as Director at PNES, NKO Orchid College of Engineering & Technology in Solapur, where she supported academic administration and operational design.
Lakshmi has played a central role in the Sweden–India Project (Swindia) for nearly 25 years, coordinating collaborations and supervising student exchanges with Orebro University. In recognition of her contributions, she was awarded an Honorary Doctorate by Orebro University, Sweden, in 2019. Lakshmi holds a Master’s degree in Social Work from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences and additional qualifications in human resource management and educational leadership from Cambridge International.
Atreyi Saha
Principal
Atreyi Saha is the Principal at Avasara Academy. She is an accomplished educator with more than 12 years of experience in teaching and school leadership. Prior to joining Avasara, she served as the Vice Principal of The Orchid School in Pune. In this role, she worked with the leadership team to strengthen instructional practices, oversee student programs, and support faculty development. She coordinated academic processes, advised departments on curriculum delivery, and implemented initiatives aimed at improving student outcomes.
Atreyi began her journey in education as a middle school teacher of Math and English, where she became known for her strong student connect and ability to design targeted bridge gap programs. Her work led to improved learning performance and earned her the role of Middle School Unit Head, where she expanded her responsibilities to support teachers and coordinate student-focused interventions.
Before transitioning to education, Atreyi held roles in Operations and Marketing at ICICI Bank’s Credit Cards division and Paramount Healthcare Services, and also worked in the Accounts department at Jackson Associates, a law firm in Irvine, California. These experiences gave her a strong foundation in systems management and organizational coordination. Atreyi holds Bachelor’s degrees in Commerce and Education, along with a Master’s degree in Education.
Pooja Rao
Head of Impact & School Psychologist
Pooja Rao is the Head of Impact and School Psychologist at Avasara Academy. She leads Avasara’s counselling, socio-emotional learning, college and career guidance, social work, and alumni support programs, while also contributing to the school’s broader strategic and long-term vision. Since joining Avasara in 2016, she has helped in designing and institutionalizing systems that support student wellbeing, leadership, and long-term success.
Prior to Avasara, Pooja spent more than five years as a Clinical Psychologist at K.E.M. Hospital’s Child Development Centre, specialising in psycho-diagnostic assessments and therapeutic interventions for children and adolescents. She also served as the Director of the Residential Program at the Ashraya Initiative for Children, where she worked closely with underserved children in Pune.
Pooja holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from SNDT University and a Diploma in Positive Psychology and Wellbeing from the Langley Group Institute. She is a certified Level 1 Socio-Emotional and Ethical (SEE) Learning facilitator with a deep commitment to developing resilience, agency, and flourishing in young people.