Mangaluru: The Indian Montessori Training Courses (IMTC), Mangaluru marked a proud milestone as nine new Montessori educators received their diplomas at the institution’s fifth graduation ceremony, held at the art-forward TLC Art Café. The occasion celebrated the culmination of a ten-month journey in Dr Maria Montessori’s transformative pedagogy.

Founded in 2017, IMTC Mangaluru is an affiliate of the Indian Montessori Centre and operates in partnership with the Early Learning Centre (ELC). This year’s training course, conducted from September 9, 2024, to July 12, 2025, involved a rigorous curriculum combining 450 hours of theory and 150 hours of practical experience, including material preparation and observation placements in Bengaluru and locally.

A day of honour and reflection

The convocation was graced by distinguished guests:

  • Ms Shalini Patnam, Director of IMTC Vietnam and Treasurer of IMC
  • Ms Madhuravani Kottaraju, Director-in-Training at Sprouts Montessori House of Children, Hyderabad
  • Ms Purnima Prabhu, Principal of Early Learning Centre, Mangaluru

In her address, Ms Shalini Patnam emphasised the need for educators to deeply understand “the child’s psyche” and work in harmony with their developmental rhythm. Ms Kottaraju, visiting from Hyderabad, applauded the beauty of Mangaluru and ELC’s steadfast role in “safeguarding Dr Montessori’s legacy.” Principal Purnima Prabhu commended the graduates for their “unwavering passion and discipline” in a field that demands both rigour and empathy.

Celebration of dedication

The ceremony began with the lighting of the traditional lamp by Centre Director Jayashree Guruprasad, who thanked the faculty, mentors, and families for their collective support in the programme’s success.

Graduates spoke emotionally about their personal journeys, giving heartfelt thanks to family members, peers, and mentors, and shared how the course has not only shaped them professionally but also transformed their outlook as caregivers and educators.

Each graduate received a formal diploma and completion certificate, symbolising their transition into a role that, as IMTC describes, “prepares the adult—spiritually, technically, and intellectually—to serve the child.”

The joyful celebration concluded with artisan pizzas served by the café host, marking the end of the ceremony in true community spirit.

The Montessori movement continues

The Indian Montessori Centre, with over 20 directors nationwide, continues to champion Montessori education in India, fostering educators committed to holistic child development. IMTC Mangaluru’s newest graduates now join that mission as ambassadors of child-led learning and mindful education.

Interested in joining the next cohort?

Admissions for the next Montessori teacher training course are open. Interested candidates may visit the Early Learning Centre, Bejai-Kapikad Road, Mangaluru or call +91 91085 13056 to learn more.