HEI Schools & Lillipods proudly announce the opening of Lillipods Nallagandla, the brand’s first preschool in India, marking a significant milestone in bringing world-class Finnish-inspired early childhood education to Indian families.
Located in Nallagandla, Hyderabad, one of the city’s fastest-growing residential and technology hubs, the preschool introduces a new standard for early education by combining Finland’s globally respected pedagogy with India’s rich cultural values and learning traditions.
The launch also represents another important step in the growing collaboration between HEI Schools and India. The partnership was established through HEI Schools’ Master Licensee in India, led and spearheaded by Ritesh Handa, who initiated the meaningful relationship with HEI Schools in the fall of 2025 and has played a key role in bringing the Finnish education approach closer to Indian families.
Lillipods Nallagandla is operated by education entrepreneur and franchise owner Sachin Gattu, who was inspired by the transformative impact of play-based learning and sought to create a joyful, child-centered environment for young learners in Hyderabad.
“Parents today are increasingly looking for alternatives to traditional rote learning,” said Sachin Gattu. “We believe children learn best through curiosity, creativity, and meaningful experiences. Lillipods® allows us to bring a globally respected Finnish approach into a local context that truly supports children’s wellbeing and lifelong love for learning.”
The preschool serves children aged 2–6 and is built around Finland’s renowned child-led and play-based educational philosophy, consistently ranked among the best education systems in the world. HEI Schools was co-founded with expertise from the University of Helsinki, further strengthening the academic foundation behind the pedagogy.
One of the key reasons the founders chose Lillipods® and partnered with HEI Schools & HEI India was the shared vision of holistic, stress-free learning that nurtures children emotionally, socially, and academically. The strong local support and long-term vision provided by Ritesh Handa also played an important role in establishing the partnership.
As Indian parents increasingly seek educational environments that prioritize wellbeing, creativity, and confidence-building, Lillipods® concept is a right fit because it offers an alternative approach focused on developing lifelong learners rather than academic pressure at an early age.
What makes Lillipods Nallagandla particularly unique is its integration of Nordic learning design principles with local cultural understanding. The preschool features premium creative learning spaces designed with natural materials, calming aesthetics, minimalist interiors, and child-focused environments proven to support concentration, creativity, and emotional wellbeing.
The project represents the first time this distinctive blend of Finnish pedagogy and Nordic educational design has been introduced to Hyderabad at this scale.
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About LILLIPODS® concept for school owners
LILLIPODS® is an innovative preschool concept developed by HEI Schools, a global leader in Finnish early education. The curriculum is designed to be adaptable and scalable, providing teacher training and operational support to ensure seamless integration into local communities. LILLIPODS® centers are built on the foundation of Finnish educational excellence and local expertise, focusing on holistic development and academic learning with playful, balanced teaching.