Latha Madhusudhan is an accomplished educator with over three decades of experience in teaching, leadership, and teacher training. She holds a postgraduate degree in Psychology, a Diploma in Montessori Education, and a Bachelor of Education. Her career, which began in 1990, has taken her across India and abroad, allowing her to contribute to education in diverse cultural settings.

A pioneer in Waldorf education in Karnataka, Latha was among the first to introduce its principles in the region. Her journey into Waldorf education began in 2006, igniting a deep passion for holistic, child-centric learning. This passion led her to establish Prakriti, a Waldorf kindergarten, in 2009. She further co-founded Bangalore Steiner School in 2011 and Advaya Shaale, a Waldorf-inspired grade school in Bangalore, in 2015. Recognising the need to organise and strengthen the Waldorf kindergarten movement in India, she also played a pivotal role in founding Sadhana, the Indian Waldorf Kindergarten Association, which supports emerging Waldorf schools across southern India.

Currently, Latha continues to lead Prakriti and Advaya Shaale, nurturing their growth and expanding their reach. With Advaya Shaale now serving students up to grade eight and plans for further development underway, she remains dedicated to enriching education and fostering an environment where both children and parents can thrive.

Beyond education, she finds joy in creative pursuits, including craftwork, painting, music, and doll-making—expressions of the same hands-on, artistic approach she brings to her work with children.

We spoke to her about her forthcoming book, THE SONG OF TIME: FESTIVE SPIRIT OF INDIA.

What is your book about?

My book explores Indian festivals through the lens of my lived experience as a Waldorf educator. It offers a unique blend of traditional celebrations, personal insights, and educational practice—bringing festivals into modern homes in a way that is child-centric, soulful, and deeply connected to seasonal rhythms. It’s an invitation to rediscover India’s rich cultural heritage through the heart of Anthroposophy and mindful education.

Why is it different? What is its USP?

It’s a book on Indian festivals for conscious homes and educators. It is different as the book retains the essence of Indian traditions and connects seasonal rhythms born out of Anthroposophy.

Why did you write this book?

Festivals and celebrations in my school brought the community together. The children live the soulful experience of the festivals whilst holistically learning about the culture of the land, the essence of the festival, the food, the stories, the seasons … and build a human connect for a lifetime.

Why does this book matter?

Modern-day parents face a multitude of challenges in parenting a child. Any focused parenting suggestions are received well by parents instead of an overwhelming response that Google brings out.

Three words to best describe you.

A humble human with a spiritual blend of head, heart, and hands.