Our Leadership

Abhimanyu Basu is the Dean and CEO of Dhirubhai Ambani International School (DAIS) and Nita Mukesh Ambani Junior School (NMAJS), bringing over 27 years of international education experience. Throughout his distinguished career, he has served in various capacities within the International Baccalaureate (IB) framework, including as a Teacher, Senior Examiner, Workshop Leader, and Presenter at global conferences. In addition to these roles, Abhimanyu is a Consultant and Team Visit Leader for new IB schools and leads accreditation teams for CIS and NEASC, ensuring high standards of excellence in international schools worldwide.

As the current Chair of IB Heads of the Western Region in India and a member of the National Executive, Abhimanyu has been instrumental in shaping the educational landscape. His leadership was pivotal in establishing the IB Heads Association of India and South Asia, which was officially recognised by the International Baccalaureate Organisation on March 19, 2023, at the IB Global Conference in Adelaide, in the presence of Olli-Pekka Heinonen, IB Director General, and Matthew Costello, IB Chief Business Development Officer. This recognition marked a significant milestone for the association, furthering its role as a unified voice for IB World Schools in the region.

As Dean and CEO at DAIS and NMAJS, Abhimanyu oversees the development and implementation of academic management systems, policies, and processes. He is committed to holistic student development, introducing innovative programs that promote inclusive education and global best practices. His efforts have resulted in strengthened international partnerships, enhanced student and teacher exchange programs, and a focus on continuous quality improvement through accreditation and benchmarking.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Abhimanyu led DAIS’s seamless transition to virtual learning, ensuring that over 3500 students, faculty, and staff were trained in digital platforms within just two weeks. His emphasis on technology as an enabler of learning has embedded 21st-century skills—such as creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and communication—into the school’s academic framework. He continues to advocate for the use of platform-agnostic digital tools, ensuring that DAIS remains at the forefront of educational innovation.

In addition to his work at DAIS, Abhimanyu has played a key role in the conceptualization and development of the NMAJS and NMAJS Early Years (EYC) campuses. These institutions feature an open design framework with flexible walls and dynamic learning environments, promoting creativity, collaboration, and individualized learning. This innovative approach to school architecture reflects Abhimanyu’s forward-thinking vision for modern education, where learning spaces themselves inspire and facilitate educational growth.

Abhimanyu holds a Master’s in International Education from the Van Loan School at Endicott College, USA, and a Master’s in Physiology from Calcutta University. His dedication to educational excellence and leadership continues to shape the future of international education in India and beyond.

Anthony (Tony) Batchelor is the Head of the Nita Mukesh Ambani Junior School bringing many years of leadership experience to this role. He has lived in Mumbai for the past 9 years and has worked in schools in Australasia, Asia and Europe. Tony has worked in state schools, private boarding schools, and church-based parish schools in New Zealand and in international schools in New Zealand, Germany and India offering the International Baccalaureate (IB) in all three IB programmes.

Tony began his career as a music educator in schools and developed this interest into teacher education training through university programmes in New Zealand. He has led workshops and professional development teacher training in both Music Education and Leadership and presented at leadership conferences in Germany, Hong Kong and Malaysia.

He holds a Bachelors Degree in ‘Teaching and Learning’ from Canterbury University (NZ) and a Masters Degree in ‘International Education’ from the University of Bath (UK).

He is a passionate advocate for inquiry and conceptual based learning and believes strongly in research driven decision making and quality learning opportunities for children.

Monita joins us with 24 years of experience in international education. Her professional experience in education has ranged from being a classroom teacher, a specialist drama teacher, PYP Coordinator as well as Head of Primary School, Group Consultant and Teacher Trainer in schools. As a head of a PYP school, has been involved in setting up early childhood centres across India and has developed and led a variety of professional learning sessions for teachers and school leaders.

She began her teaching career as an early years educator in the year 2000 where she trained as a Montessori teacher and she continues to hold a special passion for early years education until today. She strongly believes that quality educational experiences in the early years build a firm foundation for life-long learning and agency. In her educational journey, she has been inspired by authors and researchers such as Dr. Alison Gopnik, Loris Malaguzzi, Maria Montessori, Vygotsky, Dewey and Engeström to name just a few. Her image of the child is that of a curious, creative individual who is filled with innate knowledge as well as a desire to learn. She believes the purpose of early childhood education is to provide a safe, happy and stimulating environment for young learners to explore their identity, their relationships and their world as they grow and develop.

Monita also brings a range of experiences working with and for the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO), including being an active member of the IB Educator Network (IBEN) since 2007. In her most recent role, she has worked for the IBO in the Singapore office as the PYP Regional Manager/Senior Authorization Manager since 2012. At the IB, Monita oversaw the authorization process for PYP schools across the Asia Pacific region, working closely with schools and Networks on implementing the IB’s requirements.

In addition to all her experiences as a teacher and school leader, Monita holds a Masters degree in Education and English Literature. As a life-long learner, she is currently engaged in the thesis stage of her Education Doctorate with the University of Bath. She has conducted research into transdisciplinary learning, STEAM/STEM education policy and implementation and collaborative planning. Her thesis deals with the experience of teacher agency in the PYP and looks at the influence of schools’ ecosystems on the ways teachers achieve agency; the research includes case studies in Australia, India and Malaysia.

These  many experiences have informed Monita’s broad repertoire of leadership skills and supported a deep understanding of various roles, curricula, systems and school contexts. Her leadership approach is strongly influenced by research and practical experience as she believes both are interconnected. She believes that building relationships is key to success in any organization and is a strong advocate for quality early childhood education.

Priyadarshini Ramteke serves as Head of Learning, bringing 26 years of experience, including 17 years at IB schools in India and nine in England. In this role, she will lead curriculum and instructional leadership across both the PYP and MYP programmes, with a special focus on ensuring smooth and enriching transitions from Primary to Secondary school.

A respected curriculum innovator, Priya has led several MYP authorisations and pilot initiatives focusing on enhancing Approaches to Learning (ATL) and student agency. As a certified yoga teacher and IBEN (International Baccalaureate Educator Network) educator, she integrates well-being and mindfulness into learning environments, promoting holistic development.

Priya is a prolific contributor to the international education community, with published articles in EARCOS (East Asia Regional Council of Schools) and The International Educator (TIE), and presentations at global conferences. She is also a valued member of school evaluation teams for IB, NEASC (New England Association of Schools and Colleges), and CIS (Council of International Schools)—bringing a deep understanding of quality standards across diverse contexts.

Her professional journey reflects a passion for innovation, inquiry-based learning, and educational impact at scale. In her new role, Priya is committed to creating a vibrant, inclusive, and future-ready learning culture, where curricular coherence, academic rigour, and student empowerment go hand in hand.

With a teaching career spanning nearly five decades, Ms. Farida Taraporevala brings unmatched experience, passion, and dedication to her role as Head of Student Life at Nita Mukesh Ambani Junior School. In this position, she leads the school’s efforts to nurture student well-being, social–emotional growth, and leadership in the formative years, ensuring every child feels valued, supported, and inspired both inside and outside the classroom.

She began her journey in 1976 as an Upper Kindergarten teacher after completing a diploma in Home Science, majoring in Psychology and Child Development, followed by Early Childhood Training from Nirmala Niketan. At J. B. Petit School, where she taught UKG and Class 1, her love for working with young learners flourished. Guided by her mentor, Ms. Zarene Munshi, she gained valuable academic and administrative experience and was honoured by the Lions Club of Bombay as Best Teacher for her exemplary contribution.

In 2003, Ms. Taraporevala joined Dhirubhai Ambani International School as Primary Supervisor, later becoming Deputy Head of the Primary School. In 2018, she was appointed Head of Primary, leading with a steady hand and a strong commitment to balancing academic excellence with social–emotional development. In 2024, when DAIS transitioned to Nita Mukesh Ambani Junior School, she remained a familiar and reassuring presence, warmly welcoming students into the new campus.

Deeply aligned with the school’s values of compassion, integrity, and resilience, Ms. Taraporevala continues to build a community where collaboration, respect, and student agency are at the heart of every learning experience. For her, NMAJS is more than a workplace – it is a second home. She feels a profound connection to the school, its students, and its community, constantly striving to create a safe, happy, and inclusive environment where every child can Dare to Dream and Learn to Excel.

With a teaching career spanning nearly five decades, Farida Taraporevala brings a wealth of experience, passion, and dedication to the role of the Head of Primary at Nita Mukesh Ambani Junior School.

Starting her journey in 1976 as an Upper Kindergarten Teacher after completing a diploma in Home Science, majoring in Psychology and Child Development, followed by Early Childhood Training from Nirmala Niketan, she quickly established herself as an educator deeply committed to nurturing young minds.

Her early years in education saw her teaching the UKG and Class 1 at the J B Petit School, where her love for working with primary-aged students flourished. She continued learning on the job, gaining invaluable experience by working under her Primary Head and mentor Ms. Zarene Munshi, in both academic and administrative responsibilities. During this time, she was felicitated by The Lions Club of Bombay and honoured as ‘The Best Teacher’ for her exemplary contribution to the school.

In 2003, Ms. Taraporevala joined the Dhirubhai Ambani International School as the Primary Supervisor, a role that evolved into her appointment as the Deputy Head of the Primary School. Here, she continued honing her leadership skills and became an integral part of the school’s culture. She is deeply involved in every aspect of the school’s functioning - whether it is overseeing the school menu, ensuring discipline, prioritizing student safety, or managing other day-to-day operations.

In 2018, Ms. Taraporevala took on the role of the Head of Primary, a long-awaited and well-deserved honour. Since then, she has led the Primary with a firm and steady hand. Under her leadership, the Primary has thrived, balancing academic excellence with the social-emotional development of every child. In 2024, Dhirubhai Ambani International School became Nita Mukesh Ambani Junior School, but the familiar and cheerful face of Ms. Taraporevala was there to welcome every child into the new school campus.

Ms. Taraporevala believes in making every child feel valued, supported, and inspired to reach their full potential. Her vision aligns with the school’s core values of compassion, integrity, and resilience. She is committed to building a community where collaboration, respect, and agency are at the heart of every learning experience. Her holistic approach ensures that all elements of the school work harmoniously to create a safe and happy place for children.

For Ms. Taraporevala, Nita Mukesh Ambani Junior School is more than just a workplace - it’s a second home. She feels a profound connection to the school, its students, and its community, constantly striving to create a supportive and inclusive environment where every student can ‘Dare to Dream’ and ‘Learn to Excel’!

Mamtha Dalal: Educator with a Passion for Teaching

Mamtha Dalal has dedicated her career to the field of education, driven by a deep passion for teaching and a commitment to nurturing young minds. Her journey began at Sophia College, where she completed a specialized course in early childhood education and learning disabilities. This training equipped her with the skills to support diverse learning needs, emphasizing the importance of inclusive education. During her time at Sophia, she gained valuable hands-on experience working in various schools, which helped her develop a comprehensive understanding of effective teaching practices.

Before embarking on her educational career, Mamtha graduated from Narsee Monjee College of Commerce and Economics, which provided her with a strong academic foundation. Building on her passion and training, she began her professional teaching career at Dhirubhai Ambani International School (DAIS) in 2005. Since then, she has been dedicated to creating a positive, engaging, and supportive learning environment for children.

With nearly two decades at DAIS, Mamtha now serves as the Head of Student Life. In this role, she continues to demonstrate her commitment to fostering a nurturing and effective educational atmosphere. Her approach combines academic rigour with empathy, ensuring that every student feels supported and encouraged to reach their full potential. Inspired by a family of educators, Mamtha brings not just her expertise but also a heartfelt dedication to the overall well-being and development of the students she oversees.