Aahana Ma'am — Founder, Rise and Shine Academy

Aahana Chugh

Founder & Lead Educator · Rise and Shine

20+

Meet the Founder

A name Nagpur's mothers have trusted for two decades.

"Children learn best when they are curious, confident, and actively involved. My classrooms are built around that belief."

For over 20 years, Aahana Ma'am has worked with hundreds of students across different age groups and academic boards — from early phonics learners to Cambridge IGCSE candidates. Her approach builds strong academic foundations while nurturing communication skills, critical thinking, and a genuine love for learning that lasts well beyond the classroom.

20⁺

Years Teaching

500⁺

Students Taught

Programs

Teaching Philosophy

Learning is not about filling a bucket. It's about lighting a fire.

Aahana Ma'am's teaching philosophy is rooted in one conviction: every child is capable, when taught the right way. Her classrooms are warm, structured, and deeply engaging — where children feel safe to ask questions, make mistakes, and grow.

Over two decades of teaching have reinforced what she believed from the very beginning — the most lasting transformations happen not just when a child masters a concept, but when they discover that they can master it. That moment of confidence is everything.

This philosophy shapes every program at Rise and Shine — from Phonics for four-year-olds to Cambridge English for Grade 12 students.

Curiosity Before Curriculum

Every session starts by sparking interest — not by reciting facts. When children are curious, content follows naturally.

Confidence Through Competence

Children become confident when they become capable. Every program is designed to build real skills, not just short-term exam results.

Communication as the Core

The ability to express ideas clearly — spoken and written — is woven into every program. It's not a separate skill; it's the foundation.

Every Child, Individually

Small batches are not a feature — they're a commitment. Aahana Ma'am knows every student by name, by strength, and by the progress they're making.

The Journey

Two decades of building confident learners.

What started as a deep love for teaching has grown into one of Nagpur's most trusted learning centres — one student, one family, one transformation at a time.

Early 2000s · The Beginning

A passion for teaching takes root

Aahana Ma'am began her teaching journey with a small group of students in Nagpur, driven by a belief that every child deserves patient, personalised guidance — not just instruction. The response from families was immediate and warm.

Mid 2000s · Expanding Programs

Rise and Shine Academy is founded

With growing demand and a clear vision, Rise and Shine Academy was formally established. The focus: small batches, structured programs, and genuine relationships with every family. Phonics and language development became signature offerings.

2010s · Cambridge & IB

International curriculum expertise deepens

As Nagpur's international school community grew, so did demand for Cambridge IGCSE and IB English support. Aahana Ma'am immersed herself in these frameworks, developing a curriculum-specific program that quickly became the go-to for IGCSE families.

2015–2020 · Communication First

Spoken English becomes a signature program

Recognising that parents worried most about their child's confidence — not just their marks — the Spoken English and Communication program was developed. The results were transformative: shy children became articulate, confident speakers within weeks.

Today · 500+ Students & Counting

Nagpur's most trusted learning centre

With 500+ students taught, six distinct programs, and a reputation built entirely on results and word-of-mouth, Rise and Shine continues to grow. The mission remains exactly what it was at the start: every child, taught with care, leaves more capable and more confident than when they arrived.

Our Values

What we stand for

Every Child Matters

We believe every child has untapped potential. Our role is to find it, nurture it, and help it flourish — not to compare children, but to honour where each one is.

Genuine Understanding

We don't teach to tests. We teach until a child truly understands — because understanding is the only foundation that lasts beyond exam season.

Warmth and Safety

Children learn best when they feel safe. Our classrooms are warm, patient, and encouraging — where asking a wrong question is always better than not asking at all.

Excellence, Always

High standards are not negotiable — but they are achievable by every child when taught the right way. We hold both teacher and student to the same commitment: do your best, always.

Honest Communication

Parents trust us with their children. We honour that trust with clear, honest, and regular communication about every child's progress — the wins and the areas to work on.

Continuous Growth

We never stop learning either. Aahana Ma'am continually updates her methods, curriculum knowledge, and teaching approach to stay at the front of educational best practice.

What Families Say

Stories from our families

"My daughter was very shy and hesitant to speak in class. After just three months with Aahana Ma'am, she gave her first school presentation confidently. I couldn't believe the transformation."

Priya Rathi

Mother of Grade 5 student

"Aahana Ma'am has a gift. She knows exactly how to explain something so that it clicks. My son went from struggling with reading to genuinely loving books. We are so grateful."

Sneha Mehta

Mother of Grade 2 student

"My son is in Cambridge board and was really struggling with comprehension. Aahana Ma'am understood exactly what the curriculum requires. His marks jumped 25 points in one term."

Anjali Parekh

Mother of Grade 9 IGCSE student