FOXSTORY INDIA
10Growing
India
August | 2024
INFLUENTIAL
Snehha Naarsaria
Founder
LEADERS
Snehha Naarsaria has emerged as a dynamic force in today's rapidly evolving world, where financial literacy and physical well-being are increasingly vital. A chartered accountant, teacher, writer, motivational speaker, and financial literacy advocate for children, Snehha has skilfully blended these roles with an entrepreneurial spirit. Her ventures, Monkeyshines Fitness—a children's play gym—and Fin Free Kid, an organisation dedicated to teaching kids financial freedom, are at the forefront of promoting both physical and financial development for the younger generation. Snehha's journey began with a strong foundation in finance as a chartered accountant. However, her passion for education soon led her to the classroom, where she recognised a significant gap in the curriculum: financial literacy for children. Determined to address this, Snehha developed innovative teaching materials, including a series of books and flashcards, which have become essential resources for parents and educators worldwide. As an accomplished author, Snehha has written extensively on financial literacy for children, with her works lauded for their clarity and practical advice. Her contributions to financial journals and magazines further extend her reach, offering valuable insights into personal financial management. Beyond her writing, Snehha is a sought-after motivational speaker, particularly noted for guiding students through the challenges of Chartered Accountant exams. Her speeches, filled with personal stories and actionable tips, inspire perseverance and lifelong learning. Snehha's commitment to comprehensive growth extends to physical fitness, as evidenced by her startup, Monkeyshines Fitness. This children's gym combines fun with physical health, ensuring a well-rounded approach to child development. Looking forward, Snehha envisions a future where financial literacy and physical fitness are integral to every child's education, continuing her mission to empower the next generation.
Eight years ago, Hardik Kakkad returned to his birthplace, Amravati in Maharashtra, stepping into a role that would eventually define his path in education. With a background as a scientist, corporate executive, and bioprocess engineer, Hardik initially felt uncertain about his contribution to the field of education. Joining Neevam, the school founded by his parents, he spent the first few months observing, drawing inspiration from the very practice that had made him a scientist. Setting aside his title of Assistant Director, Hardik immersed himself in understanding the intricacies of the school, engaging in discussions with teachers, and honestly addressing his own limitations. Gradually, he began contributing in areas where he excelled, specifically in technology and insight. He introduced efficient, detailorientated formats and initiated end-of-the-day reflection meetings, fostering a stronger bond within the teaching staff. Hardik’s educational experiences at Sahyadri School, a J. Krishnamurti institution, began to resonate with his work at Neevam. The importance of child-teacher relationships became clear, and workshops facilitated by the Sri Aurobindo Foundation for Integral Education and Research further influenced his approach. His interest in alternative education grew as he observed various schools, including pure Montessori schoolhouses, Mahatma Gandhi’s Nai Taleem school, and Auro Mirra International School. Inspired by these experiences, Hardik and his team established a dream campus on the outskirts of Amravati—a green school, the first of its kind in Eastern Maharashtra. Today, Neevam The School not only inspires educators and architects across India but also serves as a haven for over 70 species of birds, reptiles, and butterflies. With its Ayurvedic garden, spice garden, and farms, the school reflects the deep and simple philosophy that drives it, slowly but surely transforming the educational landscape of Amravati.
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Hardik Kakkad Director, Neevam The School (Amravati, Maharashtra)
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