The Name
Maatraa means “unit” or “measurement” in Hindi. In addition to this, every Indian language makes use of a dependent vowel form called ‘maatraa’. A ‘maatraa’ is a vowel that has to be accompanied by a consonant, without which it has neither meaning nor purpose. It is different from an independent vowel, which can be written by itself.
A ‘maatraa’ changes the sound of a consonant. It can create a whole new meaning or a word and is the basis for the structure of words.
Maatraa is the foundation for building lifelong competence in English communication skills.
Our courses aim to be the Maatraa of a student’s education.
The Story
We have been friends since we were 7 years old. In 2003, we made a plan to do something together in the year 2016, after our children finished school. And with Maatraa our dream became a reality. It is a culmination of two common passions (among a million others!) –parenting and a love for the English language. At home, we had delved deep into the intricacies of English while helping our children study it. At work, we had noticed the gap between the desire to speak English and the ability to do so. As hands-on parents, and as experienced professionals in HR and media, we realised our love could be communicated, taught and shared. How could we apply our insights and learnings to do something meaningful for the youth? Maatraa was the answer.
The Philosophy
We believe that while family comes first, work does not come second. One supports the other, enabling life to move forward. As women and as mothers, we know that to create anything truly long-lasting and meaningful, we need to create a community that will support, encourage and nurture.
We hope to provide opportunities to those who are limited by circumstances. In addition to reaching out to the youth, we are very excited about offering a second career to a huge talent pool, especially among women who have quit their careers and are keen to work from home with flexible hours.
The Promise - Learn More. Be More.
Learning a language with a holistic focus is often expensive, inaccessible, or both! Maatraa gives you learning at your fingertips, at your convenience, and at a very affordable price.
Our content has been created wholly and solely for Maatraa by experts with years of experience in teaching English.
The Founders
Lata Rao
A Human Resource professional from TISS, Mumbai, I have worked full time, part time and freelanced with companies like Johnson & Johnson, Cybermotion Technologies as well as consultancy firms like William Mercer and Right Management.
While recruiting people, I observed how candidates with good domain knowledge were unable to make an impact due to lack of effective communication skills in English. This first-hand experience provided insights which have proved to be invaluable for Maatraa. I am a certified Career Counselor and have worked as a Guest Faculty in Government Engineering colleges during the pandemic.
I have tailored my career to suit the requirements of my two children, trying to balance the cadence of their lives with my need to stay relevant.
The opportunity to work with the youth, enable other women and demonstrate the transformative power of language excites me endlessly.
Alakta Kar
After quitting a full-time career with J Walter Thompson in 1996, I became a full-time mother to two children.
During this two-decade-plus labour of love, I helped my children (and many others) master and enjoy the art of learning, while actively keeping in touch with technology throughout.
As a grammar enthusiast, I am often called a “Grammar Guru''. I am also known as “Technical Support” in close circles, for computer and software issues.
A self-designated Memory Designer, I design digital photobooks and photo keepsakes professionally. Super Recipes by Super Mothers, #100SareePact - Viji Venkatesh and Reminiscence are among my favourites.
I conduct speech and confidence training workshops for youngsters and enjoy spending time with them because they hold fascinating conversations.
Reviving my advertising skills, I enjoy my work with Love & Faith Designs as Client Services and Brand Consultant.
Maatraa is a culmination of two of my many passions - language and technology - coming alive.
Friends of Maatraa
Here are our well-wishers who have unstintingly given their time and energy to build Maatraa. We are fortunate to have so many smart, talented people rooting for us!
