Our Teachers

Ali is the founder and director of Zabaan School for Languages. He was born and raised in Chicago to Indian parents. Ali has a bachelor’s degree in International Studies and a minor in Asian Languages and Literature from Loyola University Chicago. He has a special interest in Hindi grammar, linguistics, semantics, syntax, bilingualism, and language teaching techniques. Ali is fluent in English, Hindi, and Urdu, and teaches all three of these languages at Zabaan. He started his teaching career in Chicago in 2003 and permanently moved to New Delhi as an OCI in 2009 to start Zabaan School for Languages and has taught over 30,000 classes over his career. He has also trained all of Zabaan’s teachers.

Rachayta has been teaching Hindi and Braj Bhasha at Zabaan since 2012. She completed her bachelor’s degree in Hindi from Delhi University in 2010 and her master’s degree in Linguistics from Jawaharlal Nehru University two years later. A native Hindi speaker and student of the language, Rachayta is knowledgeable about the language at both a conversational and structural level. Her love of linguistics enables her to deconstruct the language and simplify it for students while her interest in Hindi literature allows her to carefully select the most appropriate reading for her students according to their interests and language learning goals. Her passion for other regional languages led her to learn Braj Bhasha — the 16th century western dialect of Hindi. She also learned Urdu during her time at Zabaan and is now teaching that as well at all levels.

Anshu has been a dedicated instructor at Zabaan Institute for the past ten years, sharing her expertise in Hindi and Punjabi. Her academic background includes a Diploma in Sanskrit from St. Stephen’s College, Master’s degrees in Hindi and History from Delhi University, and a Bachelor of Education from Jammu University. She also speaks Bengali and Balochi. Beyond her linguistic skills, Anshu is passionate about dance, music, and travel, bringing a vibrant and multifaceted perspective to her teaching.

Vartika is a Hindi and Urdu language instructor. She was born and raised in Lucknow. She went on to pursue her degree in Political Science from Lady Shri Ram College for Women, DU. Having previously worked in the Public Policy sector, and being a politics enthusiast, the politicisation of the two languages (Hindi and Urdu) interests her. And being Lucknowi only makes her more passionate about deconstructing the nuances to bring out the differences and similarities between the two languages. Vartika started teaching at Zabaan in 2019.

Prof. Jagannathan is a linguist interested in syntax and theory of grammar. He also specializes in areas of applied linguistics such as language pedagogy and lexicography and has vast experience in researching and developing teaching methodologies for Hindi as a second and foreign language. He has written several books on Hindi grammar and usage and several Hindi dictionaries for learners of various proficiency levels. He currently teaches Hindi and Tamil at Zabaan and specializes in developing oral skills from the elementary level by using a variety of oral drills. He uses his own materials for his classes.

With over 10 years of teaching experience, I am a dedicated language tutor specializing in Pashto, Dari (Farsi), and English. My passion for languages drives me to create engaging and effective lessons tailored to the unique needs of each student. I believe that language learning is not just about vocabulary and grammar, but also about understanding culture and context, which I incorporate into my teaching approach.
As a language learner myself, currently studying Arabic and Urdu, I understand the challenges and joys that come with acquiring a new language. This perspective allows me to empathize with my students and adapt my methods to enhance their learning experience. I utilize a variety of resources, including interactive activities, multimedia materials, and real-life conversation practice, to make each lesson dynamic and enjoyable.
My goal is to foster a supportive learning environment where students feel confident and motivated to reach their language goals, whether for personal growth, travel, or professional advancement. I am committed to helping my students not only learn a language but also embrace the culture and nuances that come with it.

Let’s embark on this language journey together!

I am Anita a passionate Hindi language teacher with over a decade of experience in education. As a native Hindi speaker, I have been teaching since 2012, helping students build a strong foundation in the language through an engaging and effective approach. My goal is to make learning Hindi enjoyable and accessible for learners of all levels, ensuring they gain confidence in speaking, reading, and writing.
I create personalized lessons tailored to each student’s goals, making complex concepts simple and easy to understand. If you’re ready to start your Hindi learning journey, I would love to help you.

Bruno A. V. da Silva is a Portuguese scholar and PhD candidate at the École Pratique des Hautes Études (EPHE), Paris, specializing in Sanskrit and Indian philosophy. He holds a Master of Asian Studies from EPHE, where he researched yoga in the Niśvāsatattvasaṃhitā, a Master of Philosophy from Université Paris-Sorbonne, and a Bachelor of Indian Studies (Sanskrit) from Université Sorbonne-Nouvelle. His academic journey began with a Bachelor of Philosophy from Universidade do Minho, Portugal. With a strong foundation in classical Sanskrit texts and Indian philosophical traditions, he is committed to teaching Sanskrit through a philological and contextual approach while following a progressive, manual-based methodology.

Harsimran is a native Punjabi speaker whose relationship with the language became intentional later in life. After growing up largely in Hindi and English, she taught herself Gurmukhi in Class 12 and began engaging deeply with Punjabi as a language of thought, expression, and culture.
At Zabaan, she teaches Punjabi at the C2 / Advanced level, working with students on reading, listening, idioms, proverbs, and stylistic nuances. Her teaching is grounded in Punjabi literature, poetry, and oral traditions, and places strong emphasis on confident, natural use of the language. She also teaches Urdu’s script Nastaliq, and French to school students up to Grade 12 as well as to adult learners at the B1 level.

I am an academic researcher and educator, currently pursuing a Ph.D. at the University of Delhi. My academic foundation includes a Master's degree in Hindu Studies and a Bachelor's degree in Sanskrit Honors, both also earned from the University of Delhi. My background provides me with a deep, specialized understanding of classical Indian languages, texts, and philosophical traditions.

I am a native Swahili speaker from East Africa, the birthplace of the Swahili language, with a deep understanding of its linguistic and cultural heritage. I have extensive experience teaching students from diverse backgrounds, helping them develop confidence in speaking, reading, writing, and understanding Swahili.

My teaching approach emphasizes practical communication, cultural immersion, and a supportive learning environment tailored to learners of all levels. I am passionate about sharing the richness of East African culture while helping students achieve their personal, academic, and professional language goals.

Jeffrey loves languages and people. He speaks Spanish because he is of Puerto Rican descent and studied Arabic in university.
He has a Masters degree in linguistics studies and education. He has experience in teaching English, Spanish, Chinese, Chinese Sign Language, American Sign Language and Thai. Having lived in many countries has helped him achieve these endeavors.
He has a passion for learning languages and teaching them as well. He has studied many languages with Zabaan such as Hindi, Urdu, Bengali, Tamil, Punjabi, Pashto and Dari just to name a few.
Jeffrey’s experience in learning languages and living in many countries helps him to be an understanding and compassionate teacher. He knows how challenging it is to dedicate time in learning a language. He knows that learning a language you will learn the culture and enjoy the food, dance and the literature of the people. He will help you to see that if you love the language and the people who speak it. It will no doubt motivate you not to give up!

You will not only learn the language you will live it.

Louis is a certified French teacher with over 20 years of experience.

He holds a master’s in Didactics of French as a Foreign/Second Language and a bachelor’s in Linguistics and Communication from France. He has taught students of all ages in various settings—universities, schools, companies, and online platforms—across multiple countries.
His teaching is learner-centered, communicative, and action-oriented, focusing on real-life language use while building a solid foundation in grammar and vocabulary. He tailors lessons to each student’s level and goals, from complete beginners to advanced learners.
Louis uses authentic materials—songs, films, articles, and everyday dialogues—to make learning engaging and effective. He is also experienced in exam preparation (DELF/DALF, TEF/TCF). Passionate and well-organized,

he believes learning French opens doors to new cultures and opportunities.

Hi! I’m Dr Mohammed Dawood a PhD in Persian from Jawaharlal Nehru University, where I developed a strong foundation in Indo-Persian languages and literature. My academic journey includes a B.A., M.A., M.Phil, and PhD, all from Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi, where I honed my expertise in Persian language and literature. Over the years, I have cultivated a robust skill set for studying classical texts and have become proficient in reading Nas’ta’liq and various Persian manuscripts.
My teaching approach is clear and effective. I begin by understanding my students’ goals and the time they can commit to learning Persian. This allows me to tailor courses specifically to their needs. Once students grasp the basics and recognize letters, I assess their reading and writing skills while diligently addressing any errors from day one.
With experience as a teacher at Mumbai University in the Persian Department and at the American Institute for Indian Studies (AIIS) in Lucknow, I am well-equipped to guide students on their journey to mastering the Persian language.

A passionate language enthusiast from New Delhi, India, I hold a master’s degree in English literature and am proficient in Spanish at a C1 level. With a deep love for learning and teaching languages, I impart knowledge of Hindi, English, and Spanish to my students. A passionate bibliophile and voracious reader, I also have a keen interest in cinema and sports. When not immersed in books or languages, you can find me enjoying a good game or spending time with dogs.
Life’s mantra: Coldplay can actually ‘Fix You’ and ‘lights will guide you home’.

I have been teaching Arabic for the past seven years, helping students from different backgrounds to learn and enjoy the beauty of the Arabic language. My passion is to make Arabic accessible and engaging for everyone, no matter their level or experience.
Throughout my career, I have focused on creating a supportive and motivating learning environment. I am excited to share my knowledge in the Free Arabic Script Course starting on May 1st, and I look forward to helping more students begin their journey with Arabic.

Hello! I’m Tamanna, a Hindi instructor at Zabaan School for Languages in New Delhi.  With two years of experience teaching students from diverse backgrounds and proficiency levels, I strive to make learning Hindi both interactive and enjoyable. For beginners, we utilize the “Teach Yourself Hindi” course by Rupert Snell,  and as you advance, we’ll engage in conversations, role-plays, and real-life scenarios to boost your confidence. Whether you’re learning Hindi for travel, work, or personal interest, I’m here to support you every step of the way. Feel free to reach out with any questions—I’m excited to assist you on your Hindi learning journey!

Harmain Fatima has diverse academic and professional interests, which led her to pursue a dual academic background in BSc Nursing and BA English.

She has a strong interest in teaching, tutoring, and training, and began her teaching journey immediately after completing her 12th grade. Over the past four years, she has gained valuable experience working with students across different proficiency levels.

Beyond academics and teaching, she enjoys creative and hands-on pursuits such as crafts and creative writing. She is also an avid reader with a deep appreciation for literature.

Rudraksh teaches English with a clear, patient, and practical approach that focuses on all four key skills — listening, speaking, reading, and writing. His lessons are designed to help students feel comfortable and confident using English in real situations. He incorporates simple grammar explanations, real-life examples, and interesting reading materials such as short stories and conversation exercises. In addition, Rudraksh often shares small but effective pronunciation tips that help his students sound more natural and closer to native speakers.

Students appreciate his kind and encouraging teaching style, as well as his dedication to helping every learner progress steadily and enjoy the process of learning English.