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About us
The Banyan Tree Learning Center, TBTLC for short, began in 2009 with a handful of students in Kharghar. It is still run, and taught, by the two people who started it.
Our story
Jay and Urmi Kothaari started The Banyan Tree Learning Center in 2009, out of a love for teaching. Since then we have taught more than 1,000 students from CBSE and ICSE schools across Kharghar and Navi Mumbai.
From the start, we chose to stay away from the marketing and competition that shape so much of coaching. Most families find us through other families. We focus on how a student learns, through the year, rather than only on the marks at the end of it.
What we work towards
Our mission
To give students the knowledge, skills and confidence to do well in academics and beyond, and to build a love for learning, critical thinking and self-discipline along the way.
Our vision
A supportive, inclusive place where no student feels left behind, learning feels joyful rather than pressured, and students grow into independent learners who meet the future with curiosity.
The founders
Jay Kothaari
Co-founder
Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry · Grades 8–12 · CBSE and ICSE
Jay co-founded The Banyan Tree Learning Center with Urmi in 2009, and has taught Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry at TBTLC ever since. He trained as a mechanical engineer and worked in optical design before turning to teaching, and still approaches science the way an engineer does: as something that can be built, measured and observed.
In his classes, the why comes before the what. Students discuss and question a topic before they practise it, and concepts are explained in depth, with the background and extra knowledge that make them stay, rather than shortcuts to memorise.
Many students come to him afraid of Maths. Parents and former students often write that he made the subject enjoyable for children who used to dislike it, and that students who once struggled went on to score full marks in their board exams or chose science after Class 10.
Jay keeps a close watch on each student’s progress through regular tests, doubt-clearing and follow-up, and leads the TBTLC faculty as one team. During the pandemic lockdowns, his YouTube channel helped students across India keep learning Mathematics and Science. Former students often say that what they learnt in his classes went well beyond the syllabus.
Urmi Kothaari
Co-founder
Social Studies (History, Geography and Civics) and Biology · CBSE and ICSE
Urmi co-founded The Banyan Tree Learning Center with Jay in 2009, guided by the belief that education should nurture curiosity, creativity and confidence. She has taught at TBTLC ever since.
An artist and educator with a Bachelor of Fine Arts, and a student of Political Science, she brings a creative perspective to Social Studies. Through discussions, stories and everyday examples, she helps students explore history, geography and civic life, and connect their lessons to the world around them.
Urmi is known for understanding teenagers and what they are going through. She encourages students to ask questions, consider different perspectives and build a clear understanding of concepts, in a classroom where they feel supported and grow in confidence. Many of her former students are now doctors, civil servants and lawyers.
Our senior faculty
Suparna Dey
Senior English Faculty · at TBTLC since 2012
English Language, Literature and Grammar · CBSE and ICSE
Suparna has taught English at The Banyan Tree Learning Center since 2012. She specialises in English for both boards, covering language, literature and grammar for CBSE and ICSE students.
The centre
Classrooms
Spacious, well-lit classrooms with interactive digital panels.
Space to study
Areas for self-study, group discussion and doubt-solving, before and after class.
A safe place to learn
A centre where every student feels secure and free to ask questions.
Come and see the centre
Message us on WhatsApp to arrange a visit, or send an enquiry.