Why we exist
The people, the places, the everyday things right outside our door, and all of it has something to teach us. At AmmUma, that's exactly what we're here for.
So, who are we?
We're Ammu and Uma, educators who share one belief: the world outside is the best classroom there is.
Ammu
Ammu has a Master's in Applied Ecology and her journey began in the Agumbe Rainforest while working on her bachelor thesis – a place she still considers one of her greatest teachers. She currently facilitates Social and Environmental Experience at a school in Kodaikanal, where she brings the world outside into the classroom. She started AmmUma because she believes every child deserves to slow down and find joy and wonder in the small things around them.
Uma
Uma grew up in a traditional school system that never quite connected what she was learning to the world outside. That experience — and later, watching her nephew navigate the same — convinced her that something needed to change. She worked as an early childhood educator in the U.S., went on to complete two Master's, one in Educational Psychology and another in Outdoor Education, and came back with a clear sense of what was missing. AmmUma is her answer to that.
Here's what we do
We work with families, schools, and organisations — each in their own way, all towards the same thing.
For: Children
Unearthing
A residential programme that takes children into a real place and gives them the time and space to truly explore it. They spend days outside — observing, questioning, and engaging with the world around them — and leave with a deeper curiosity that goes home with them.
Pakida Puranam
A ready-to-host experience that brings people together through games most of us have forgotten. Fun, engaging, and genuinely memorable. If you have a space and a community to bring together — whether that's staff, families, or friends — we'll bring Pakida Puranam to you.
For: Venues · Organisations · Spaces · Families · Friends
Custom Programmes
Every school, organisation, and space is different. So we don't work from a template. We sit with you, understand your community and your place, and build something from the ground up, be it a place-based curriculum for schools, a one-off experience, or an ongoing programme.
For: Venues · Organisations · Spaces · Families · Friends
Curious about what this could look like for you?
Stories from our community
Had a really fun time at the Pakida Puranam game night! It was great getting introduced to games from different parts of India and around the world that I’d never come across before. I liked that most of them were easy to pick up but still needed strategy and a bit of thinking to do well. Looking forward to seeing how it evolves!
Tara, Pakida Puranam Participant
What amazed me most was not just what Saiyami learned, but how she felt throughout the experience. Hearing about the care and sensitivity with which you all handled her fears was deeply moving.... it nearly brought tears to my eyes.
Shruti, Unearthing Parent
Tia has been non-stop talking about her Unearthing experience — endless stories, excitement, and joy! It’s clear how meaningful this was for her.
A few things that really stood out to us:
• This wasn’t just a camp. It felt like a second home
• The focus was not just teaching, but creating meaningful experiences
• The unique blend of both your strengths created something truly special for the kids
Ashwini and Rolly, Unearthing Parents