Senior Staff
Manju Singhania
Senior Staff
Manju began her career with us as a young Special Educator. Trained as a Montessori Teacher Trainer, she took to the field of special needs as if born to it. In 1999 she was appointed Vice-Principal of Karuna Vihar and in 2000 she took over as Principal.
In 2007, she became Director for Development and Training, an important sounding title which only partially reflects the crucial role she plays in guiding the organization forward. In this new position, Manju is concentrating both on the individual development of staff, parents and children as well as training within the wider community.
She has the rare ability to combine a gentle sweetness with firm conviction, intelligence and a wry sense of humor. Manju is known for her insight, judgment and tact, to say nothing of her linguistic talents! She is fluent not only in Hindi and English but in Bengali and Telegu as well. She and her husband Mukesh have one son named Joy, who has virtually grown up at Karuna Vihar, though he finds time to attend his own school as well!
Sebastian Gruschke
Senior Staff
Sebastian joined us as staff physician in 2006. Dutch by birth, he is married to an Indian and now settled in Dehradun. Sebastian is a specialist in Tropical Medicine, a little-known speciality which includes Pediatrics, Surgery, Obstetrics and Gynacology and Infectious Diseases.
In addition to medicine, he is a gifted linguist and is fluent in Hindi, English, Dutch and German, has a working knowledge of French and Hungarian and can get by in Arabic! Sebastian is a computer wiz and has already revolutionized our database systems adding beautiful new intake forms and videography as an assessment tool.
He and his wife Preeti have two young boys – Shabaz and Sasha – the whole family is a wonderful new addition both to the Foundation and to Dehradun!
Jo Chopra
Senior Staff
Writer, Executive Director and one of the founders of LRF, fund-raiser for the foundation, mother of Anand, Cathleen, and Moy Moy, who was the original impetus for Karuna Vihar School. On one level, this is Jo Chopra and some of the many roles she fills, all with enthusiasm, conviction, and passion.
But take a closer look, and you’ll find a woman of dreams with a “can do” attitude, a believer in the power of ordinary people, a dauntless advocate of those who are treated unjustly and suffer unnecessarily in our society, a woman who for many is more of a mother than a boss.
Staff at LRF feel part of a family and Jo Chopra is undisputedly the heart of this dynamic, talented, highly motivated brood. She plays down her own role, though, seeking always to empower others, to let the dreams manifest themselves through the lenses of different characters in the organisation – and often through the lens of her own camera, which she wields with the same dedication and zeal with which she approaches other aspects of her life and work.
Aarti Nair
Senior Staff
Aarti is a physiotherapist by training, with a special focus on children with cerebral palsy. As the mother of young children herself (Diya and Divith) she has a natural feeling for the difficulties of juggling the ordinary chores of every busy family with the added requirements a child with special needs brings. She has devised a whole range of ways to incorporate physiotherapy into a child's daily routine so that one hardly notices one is doing it.
She also has a wonderful sense of humor and an almost impish sense of fun – her quiet presence can be deceptive! One is often unprepared for the hilarious remarks she makes in her trademark, understated way. She brings patience and understanding to her work and encourages and inspires the mothers and young staff members she trains. Currently, Aarti is on a sabbatical for a year. During this period, she will be doing an advanced training course in Bobath therapy in the UK. We are sure that with this added knowledge to her existing expertise she would bring in a host of new therapy ideas for our kids with cerebral palsy when she returns!
Shubha Nagesh
Senior Staff
Shubha Nagesh's very impressive academic history and wealth of practical experience makes her a very valuable member of Doon EIC's team. Out of her academic achievements her greatest acclaim is probably her two best student awards, and gold medal for best academic performance given to her by TISS Bombay, having studied for her masters in health administration there. In addition she has worked for the NHS in the UK, and for the national AIDs program in India; a huge scale project.
She fulfills two roles at the Doon EIC, one of which involves checking up on our patients and their parents a month after they have completed the home management week, and coming up with a suitable follow up plan. Her other job as head of our outreach program involves work beneficial for the Foundation as a whole, and her academic vigour, motivation and focus are fantastic assets to the program's aim to set up satellite EICs across the districts of Uttrakahand, inspired by the success of Doon EIC.
Core Group
Vandana Sharma
Core Group
Vandana has only been with the foundation since March, 2004, but she is renowned for her hard work and dedication. An accountant from the start, she studied maths and accounting in 11th and 12th classes, then earned a B.Com followed by an M.Com before spending 2 years doing an internship with a firm in Dehradun, her home town.
When she responded to an advertisement for a position with LRF, she knew virtually nothing about special needs education, but her awareness and knowledge has expanded far beyond her ledgers, and she takes an active interest in what is happening at all the projects. A meticulous worker who believes that any mistakes she makes impact on the people the foundation is serving, she approaches her accounting with care and a strong sense of personal responsibility.
As the organisation grows, she is enjoying taking on new challenges, stretching her skills, and keeping the finances in order. She appreciates the positive attitude which prevails in her work environment, the fact that it is a very secure place for women to work, and contributes much to this atmosphere with her own gentle, steady presence.
Neha Joshi
Core Group
Neha Joshi, a little sprite with a lot of energy! To describe her role in the foundation is tough. A website coordinator, a theatre teacher, a Latika Vihar mentor, an event manager, a film maker, a volunteer manager….phew! In one word she’s Ms. Multi-tasker. Her endless spool of energy spindles a lot into action in and around the foundation. Neha joined us in April 2009 wanting to pursue her true calling, to work with children on a creative platform. Prior to Latika Roy Foundation she was working with NDTV Metro Nation as a TV anchor-producer for shows like ‘Super Shopper’ and ‘Feeding Frenzy: Lunch’.
Her saga with the stage began since the age of 5 as a dragon-slaying princess and up till date she has done several stage and street plays through - Welham Girls’ School, Hammad Farooqui’s troupe ‘Theatre Space’ and Hindu college’s theatre group ‘Ibtida’. She graduated from Hindu college as the secretary of ‘Ibtida’ where she did her B.A. (Hons.) in History. She has also completed her masters in events and public relations from Amity University, Noida.
Rizwan Ali
Core Group
Sparkling eyes and a captivating grin – that’s our Rizwan. He is one of our newest staff and is already adding value to the awareness team. He joined us in January 2008 after a 5 year stint at the Rehab Centre for Alcoholics and Drug addicts where he did the grave-yard shift looking after patients. He has a passion for spreading awareness through street plays and was one of the main characters in our recent Nukkad Natak performed by the Latika Vihar kids. Rizwan was looking for a stimulating change when he chanced upon our advertisement in the newspaper for just the post he wanted.
He likes the low stress work environment and is impressed with the creative freedom he has to express himself. A B.Com graduate, he has lived in Dehradun all his life and comes from a large family – he is the youngest of 8 siblings! Marriage bells are ringing and by April he’ll be a married man. In his free time he likes hanging out with friends and listening to ghazals. Rizwan was recently blessed with yet another reason to smile, a handsome baby boy!
Pushpa Painuly
Core Group
Pushpa, now Vice-Principal of Karuna Vihar School, Speech and Language Therapist, and classroom teacher, was one of three sisters, all of whom have become educators of one sort or another. Supported by their father, who always praised them and encouraged them to be independent, the girls grew up confident, believing that they could do anything they set their minds to. Pushpa earned a BA and MA in Economics before switching tracks and getting into the field of Special Education.
Once in, she was hooked, and went on to complete a Diploma in Deaf Education and her B.Ed. In October, 1996, her sister learned that a Karuna Vihar teacher was leaving to get married, and Pushpa was urged to apply for the position.
She joined the staff as a part-time speech therapist in November, and after a year became a full-time teacher, while continuing her duties as a speech therapist. Her skills as a therapist developed thanks to 3 years of on-the-job training which she did while working at KV, and while today she juggles her three roles with apparent ease, she would like to be able to devote more time and energy to this area of her work.
Manju Subedi
Core Group
Manju’s older sister, Madhu, was the first in the family to be employed by KV School. When Madhu got engaged, Manju was offered the position as Moy’s carer after school. After 2.5 years with Moy, she started attending school as Moy’s companion, working with all the students in the lessons. She was offered a chance to do a course in community-based rehabilitation in Delhi and a foundation course in Special Education, and from July, 1999, she started work as a special educator at the school, finished her MA in Sociology at the same time.
It wasn’t long before the job became more than a job; it became family. Through meeting many different people, attending workshops in different venues, mixing with staff from different educational establishments, Manju has gained confidence and poise, and is now in a position to train others. Her enthusiasm for her work is infectious, her energy boundless; her conviction that play-based activities are the vital first steps to learning is brought to bear in all that she undertakes with the children. A quick learner who enjoys “catching” new ideas, her current learning phase involves watching her beautiful young son develop with each passing day.
Pooja Panwar
Core Group
Pooja has been on the staff of Karuna Vihar for 7 years, during which the “can-do” optimism of the organisation has affected her own attitudes and shaped her life. Unsure as to which direction her career should take following her BA studies in Psychology, Pooja enrolled in a diploma course for special education, and gradually became committed to the field. At the same time as her final exams, she became engaged, and events in her personal life took over; she married in 1998 and gave birth to her daughter in 1999.
In 2000, she started as a special educator in a Karuna Vihar project, teaching at Mother Theresa’s orphanage, and when the EIC was established, she was part of the start-up team. She completed her masters in psycology. Now a confident, knowledgeable professional who juggles a number of different roles each day, she is eager to learn more about areas such as behaviour management, speech and language. Eager to understand concepts fully, she gives her best to whatever she does, whether it be working with children at EIC, raising her own children (Abhi has now joined the family), being creative with her hands, or engaging in one of her passions, dancing.
Hema Masih
Core Group
It’s quite easy to imagine Hema as the Latika Vihar kid she once was. Despite the years of experience, marriage, parenthood, and other maturing factors she has under her belt, she has successfully retained her energy and vigour, her sense of fun, and her delight in the present moment. When she completed 12th class, unsure of what to do next, and certainly not contemplating a career in special education, she was introduced to Jo, who clearly saw a young woman with potential to grow within the organisation. From 1999 Hema worked as Moy Moy’s carer, and after 3 years in this position, she got married and shifted from the Chopra household to Karuna Vihar school, where she was employed as an assistant teacher.
A few months after this change, she was asked to join the Latika Vihar staff in the evenings, co-running the sessions she had once attended herself! Currently she is placed at the Centre for Vocational training as an assistant teacher. Her infectious enthusiasm and contagious laughter motivates the older kids to learn more and have fun while doing so. She has a small, delightful son Joy, who used to attend Karuna Vihar School in a reverse inclusion situation and now attends a mainstream school. Hema is a whole lot of positive energy packed tightly into a person of remarkably slight stature!
Nirmala Kukshal
Core Group
Nirmala is a talented natural teacher who, as a fresh graduate from her BA course, applied for a job at Nanidunia School in Dehradun, and took up a position teaching a mixed class of students, some of whom had physical handicaps and learning difficulties. Her 3 years at this school provided her with a wealth of practical experience, as she took on responsibilities in many administrative areas on top of teaching drama, dance, and academic subjects.
In the course of her work she met Chantal, a French special educator who invited Nirmila to France. Her initial 3-month visit went so well that the staff at Chantal's school sponsored her return, this time for a full year, offering her an on-the-job training opportunity. Upon return from this practical training, Nirmala went to work for Karuna Vihar at Mother Theresa's orphanage in Dehradun, teaching children with special needs, and when EIC was launched in 2002, she was one of the start-up team. She feels that working with children at EIC takes her back to childhood; work is fun, and her "child within" is thriving, as are the children in her care, including her son, Shubham, an adorable kid.
She is now the Acting Director of EIC, filling in Aarti's place with confidence, poise and commitment. And yes, both parents and kids love her!
Shivani Kapoor
Core Group
Shivani is one of the longest-standing members of the KV family, now a special educator in charge of the transition class at the Vocational Training Centre. After finishing class 12, she applied for a position with the fledgling LRF and in June, 1995, she started as Moy’s carer. In October, 1995, Karuna Vihar School opened with 3 children, and Shivani went along with Moy during school hours.
In January, 1996 she took up a post as an assistant teacher, and later that year another opportunity presented itself to her: marriage! However, she first made it clear to her prospective husband that her job was very important to her and she was deeply committed to it. Once this condition met with his approval, the deal was sealed, and they married, then welcomed Ambika (Mitthu) into the world in 1998. Since joining the KV family Shivani has completed a 3-month foundation course in special education, learned sign language, and improved her English; she emphatically asserts that she continues to learn something new every single day. Her creativity, positive, “can do” attitude, openness and enthusiasm are inspirational!
Sumita Nanda
Core Group
When Sumita first heard about the office coordinator’s job in 2003, she felt herself to be totally unsuitable for the position. After all, despite her strong computer background (including an honours diploma in systems management which she undertook after earning her MA in Political Science) and several years teaching computer science and political science at a school in Dehradun, she’d never done office work, much less accounting, counselling of parents, and all the other duties which the job entailed and gradually her “take” on the post changed.
When you meet Sumita today, it’s hard to imagine the more introverted version of herself which she describes in retrospect. Today’s Sumita is a friendly, open, professional, well-informed, responsible member of staff who is highly motivated to learn. Her efficiency, intelligence and dependability earned her the post of office manager of the Resource centre in August 2007. She is also in charge of uploading content on the website and database development within the foundation. What is remarkable about her is her organizational skills, anticipatory planning and problem solving skills. She is always eager to give her best shot at any job assigned to her and does the same with perfection. She handles her challenging and multiple roles with ease and skill and inspires everyone else around her.
Sunita Singh
Core Group
Sunita spent her formative years at the Raphael Institute, where she had an educational sponsor and received excellent care and encouragement to become a special educator within the organisation. After 8 years of working at Raphael, she felt ready to move on. By this time, she had successfully completed her BA, spent a year doing a diploma in Special Education, gotten married, and had a child.
She knew of Karuna Vihar, but it was while in Bombay on a visit that she heard of its reputation and resolved to look into it when she returned to Dehradun. Since 2004 she has been working with the younger students at the school, enjoying the creative opportunities which the job presents, revelling in the activity-based programme, and applying her generous spirit and considerable talents to her students’ development. Compassionate and patient, one of her deepest wishes is to understand her children? What is going on inside them? What do they REALLY want? How do they feel? Sunita is committed to the process of learning from her children as much as they learn from her.
Karuna Vihar
Nisha
Karuna Vihar
Nisha’s early life was characterized by struggle, but if this hadn’t been the case, she probably wouldn’t be with us today, and she says herself that her difficulties have taught her much that enables her to help others effectively now. Nisha’s two brothers have learning difficulties; in fact, one of them attended Karuna Vihar School for some years. She was raised by her maternal grandparents, who were “more than parents” in the absence of her own immediate family.
Her personal history led her to the field of special needs, as she wanted to understand people like her brothers, who didn’t thrive in the mainstream education system. She strongly believes that play-based activities are the best way to start with all children, and since she joined us in July, 2004, she has learned to apply this belief with conviction and enthusiasm! Currently working on her BA, Nisha hopes earn some qualifications in Special Education when she has the opportunity. At the moment she is kept busy with her job, her studies, and the wonderful new family she recently acquired when she got married!
Ramesh Rawat
Karuna Vihar
Ramesh joined the Karuna Vihar staff as a helper in 2005, but it feels like he’s been here for longer, and it’s hard to imagine the school without his friendly, supportive presence. Not only does he assist staff and students at the school in many different ways, but he also repairs wheelchairs, replaces punctured tires on school vehicles, and has proven himself to be an all-round handyman, the kind who becomes indispensable to an organisation like ours.
A hard-working, helpful man with a lively sense of humour, Ramesh enjoys the staff and children at KV, where he is making the most of any and all opportunities to learn, including participating in staff workshops. He enjoys playing cricket, reading Hindi, and cooking, which he has ample opportunity to do in the absence of his wife and young son, who stay in his village in the north of Uttarakhand.
He was recently blessed with a beautiful baby girl, Nikita. Congratulations Ramesh!
Ravinder
Karuna Vihar
Ravinder has worked as a gardener at Karuna Vihar for 6 years, during which he has developed and cared for our green spaces, supporting the students in their efforts to grow things and to beautify our campuses. Married with one child, who arrived in 2006, he says the happiest day of his life was the day his daughter was born, and his aim is that she will have the opportunity to get a really good education.
He enjoys working with the staff and children at Karuna Vihar; the vegetable garden he created from former flower beds was an astonishing success, enabling the classes to make use of very local produce on their cooking days, not to mention during their gardening sessions. And what does a man with green fingers like to do in his spare time? Well, garden, of course! Ravinder also counts cooking among his interests, but at the moment we have plenty to keep him busy outdoors!
Resham Ale
Karuna Vihar
Resham has been with us as a driver since 2004, transporting children to and from the projects and responding to our needs as they arise. A gifted teacher, he has been driving instructor for several staff members and even staff children. Cathleen, Jo’s daughter, says he is a very patient teacher, and much calmer than her mother! From Nepal, he lives with his family, including three young children, in FRI.
In his free time he enjoys playing football, volleyball, and cricket, but he also has an active interest in photography and computers. Having taken a 3-month course in Photoshop, he is eager to develop his skills in this area. As we rely on our drivers to do far more than simply transport us from place to place, we are delighted to have someone as dedicated and hard working as Resham on the team!
Neelam
Karuna Vihar
Neelam’s connection to Karuna Vihar goes back to its earliest days, when its first location was across the road from her home, but it wasn’t until she finished 12th class that she actually considered working here. In January 2006, she started as an assistant teacher with one of the youngest classes at the school, then moved to CVT, where she worked with the transition class. By the end of 2006 she was part-way through her B.Com and had married, but luckily for us, hadn’t left town. In spring, 2007, she accompanied a young boy at the EIC as he started at a local school, and as an assistant teacher she supported all children in the classroom.
Neelam was a participant in the first batch of the Assistant Teachers training course conducted by the training centre. She passed out with flying colours and topped the batch. A quick learner and a caring, responsible, gentle addition to the staff, she has proved herself in every role assigned to her. Neelam lives with her husband and in-laws and recently delivered a lovely baby girl, Gungun. Since April, 2008 she is working at Karuna Vihar School as a Special educator. A deserving post for this hardworking, creative and calm young lady!
Deepa
Karuna Vihar
Deepa is one of the staff members who has been with the organisation the longest, 10 years at last count. She married young and raised three children, moving to Dehradun, where her husband had a job as a gardener at PSI. After his sudden passing, Deepa was offered a job as helper at Karuna Vihar School. Struggling to raise a family on her own, with no local family to back her up, she developed a support system within the LRMF family, and has given loyal service to the children and staff from the start.
Hard-working, energetic, eager to learn new things, she is sympathetic towards everyone. When she was working with students, she gave them her undivided attention, communicating effectively with her whole body, handling difficulties ably and encouraging throughout. She is now at the newly established Training Centre and enjoys helping the Asha Kiran ladies during the afternoons when she is relatively free. Deepa says that the LRF has helped support her family, but she has helped support her “family”, too, and her contributions are deeply appreciated.
Rajkumar
Karuna Vihar
Raj Kumar is a bright young man with an omnipresent sunshine-y smile, he has been with us since 2000. He started at Latika Vihar where his duties included keeping a strict vigil at the main gate to ensure that children do not wander away on their own, as well as overall maintenance of the premises. He interacted with the children and helped conduct various activities.
What he liked best about Latika Vihar is the team-work concept where everyone does everything together and there are no pre-defined areas where play and creative activities are conducted. Since 2007, he has been working as a helper at Karuna Vihar’s junior section where he actively assists in classroom activities. His hobbies include playing lilting tunes on the Harmonium and enjoying a game of cricket with the kids next door.
Meena Thapa
Karuna Vihar
Meena is today one of our longest standing staff members. Six months after Karuna Vihar School opened, she was told by an acquaintance that Paula, who was then principal, needed a helper at the school, and Meena has been part of the team ever since, working with different staff and children of all ages. Having seen some of the little ones grow up and move on to CVT, she has witnessed and been impressed by the progress which the students have made, their increased independence and skills in all areas of their development.
She knows her job well, and also knows that the young children she is currently working with have tremendous potential for development. Meena is the mother of 3 sons and a daughter, and her granddaughter, Deepa, regularly joins Meena’s class at Karuna Vihar – a beautiful example of reverse inclusion!
Gangaram Subedi
Karuna Vihar
Gangaram’s story is in the process of becoming legend at LRF. After leaving Nepal as a young man, he worked in Rajasthan for 4 years (there’s little he doesn’t know about marble!) before moving to Dehradun, where his father was based, in 1994. Initially he joined the LRF team as a helper at Latika Vihar, and over time he has evolved into a helper cum assistant physiotherapist, working with the younger children at Karuna Vihar School. Although he never received schooling as a boy, he is far from uneducated, and proudly proclaims that Karuna Vihar is the place where he has received the most meaningful education.
Since coming to work with us he has learned spoken and written Hindi, teaching and therapy skills, and is presently engaged in learning English. He is certainly an inspiration to his two young daughters, who have remained in Nepal. When Gangaram visited his daughter’s school during a recent holiday, he was so full of good ideas for the classroom that he was offered a job! Thankfully, he declined, explaining that he still had so much to learn from KV.
Thapaji
Karuna Vihar
Thapaji is one of our drivers, and when you first meet him, you get an impression of someone you could entrust with your life. Professional in demeanour, courteous, calm and punctual, he takes his job seriously, well-trained by 23 years in the army, many of which were spent in Sikkim driving heavy vehicles! Married with two sons and a daughter, Thapaji’s off-duty hours are spent working in his fields and taking care of his family.
Poonam Pasbola
Karuna Vihar
Gregarious and witty, Poonam comes across as someone who has retained her childlike innocence. She stays with her parents and her daughter at the Forest Research Institute (FRI). Poonam has done her M.A (Hindi) and her NTT from Shivalik Public School. She used to get her daughter, Akshita to Latika Vihar and that’s when it struck her to be more than a parent and get involved in the project. She enjoyed the art and craft sessions she did as a volunteer with the Latika Vihar kids and she felt happy to get opportunities to showcase her creativity at the centre.
After a stint as a volunteer at both Latika Vihar and Karuna Vihar, she decided to work full time with us and we were more than happy to employ her. Currently, she works as the assistant teacher in the Rabbit class at Karuna Vihar. She thoroughly enjoys the freedom she gets to express her ideas at work and the family atmosphere that the foundation provides. Her hobbies include reading inspirational books and chatting. Akshita, her seven year old daughter is a sweet and chirpy girl who makes sure that she spends time with our kids when she has a holiday or vacations at school.
She enjoys going on outings with her nana-nani, is a good dancer, likes singing and playing with kids her age. Poonam says that she wishes a bright and happy future for her daughter and hopes that she does not have to face any obstacles in life like she had to herself. Professionally, she wants to learn more and develop her skills as a teacher. We wish her the best on both counts.
Krishna Thapa
Karuna Vihar
When you meet Krishna for the first time you instantly warm up to this soft spoken lady with a charming smile. She has been with us for more than two years. She is extremely patient and credits the school for her coming out of her shell. She loves watching television, a fact that she confirms by saying that sometimes she even forgets to eat her dinner while watching her favorite show, Lil Champs!
In school her most loved activity is reading with the children. She loves to paint and learning new things at the school. She says she is just like the children because like them she too is learning and growing everyday.
Sunita Rai
Karuna Vihar
A calm and gentle person, Sunita’s association with the foundation started through her niece, Chaandni, a student of CVT. As an aunt, she felt that she should be more involved and informed about the various aspects of her education and upbringing. She realized that to be aware of what her niece learns at school and becoming an active participant in her education would lead to better progress in her apart from offering support for her family members. She now works as an assistant teacher in the Deer class of Karuna Vihar.
She is gentle, caring and sincere at her work and has formed a close bond with the kids in her class. Her husband, Deepak Rai works at the NHPC. She loves to travel, cook and listen to music. Sunita stays with her in-laws and is currently doing her second year of graduation. She feels that her strength lies in her ability to work in a team and her weakness is her tendency to indulge in new clothes and shoes!
Look what the stork bought! Here is Sunita, with the newest member of her family! Congratulations Sunita!
Jamna
Karuna Vihar
Jamna has been with the foundation since October, 2007, starting at Asha Kiran. A calm, soft-spoken and gentle lady; she is currently working as a helper at the Centre for Vocational Training. She enjoys working with the older kids and helping them with their daily needs.
She feels that the foundation is a place where everyone gets the opportunity to learn, to grow and develop their abilities. Jamna enjoys listening to music, just like her husband Suresh who is working as a driver at the EIC. She has two young sons, one studying in the 5th std and the other in the 1st std.
Jewel Chakraborty
Karuna Vihar
Jewel's skills are in high demand, and as a result he lends them to many other ventures on top of his work at the school. He is a guest lecturer at the National Institution for the Visually Handicapped, a full time lecturer at the Biomedical College, as well as working in the Doon School, and running his own clinic. However, he does not let these separate projects detract from his focus, and willingness to work hard as our on site physio-therapist at KV School.
While being very proud of the success of his clinic, and the positive role it plays in the lives of individuals treated, as well as the community as whole, he is equally delighted by the results that his work is producing at the school. However, for all that he brings to us, he admits that KV School has helped develop his abilities too. He appreciates the challenge of working at the school, and the recognition of the patience and understanding required by each individual child that it has brought him.
Aditi Sinha
Karuna Vihar
Aditi's role as Office Co-ordinator at Karuna Vihar School is not her first experience of working for the Foundation. Before joining the school in March 2011 she worked at Mama EIC between 2006 and 2007, taking leave to have a child. She is delighted to be back with us again, and says that the job has given her a new energy, which is certainly evident in the way in which she goes about completing her tasks.
She is extremely efficient, in fact, almost regimental in her operations, but remains a warm and talkative individual, and this happy nature makes her fantastic at communicating with the parents of the school's attendees. Her role is mainly administrative, but because she is one of the first faces to be seen by all visiting the school, her positive attitude is vital.
Asha
Karuna Vihar
Asha undertook her training with the Foundation and is now a fully qualified assistant teacher at KV School, working there since 2009, as well as helping at Latika Vihar in the evenings. She is excellent with all the children, providing each individual with the attention and means of handling they require.
She is cool headed, although says that this job has helped her control her impatience, and she never fails to be of maximum help to all who need her. She is glad of all that her job is teaching her in the field of special education, and demonstrates real passion for the cause.
Komal Kumar
Karuna Vihar
Komal began as a volunteer at Karuna Vihar School, until being given a permanent position as a staff helper in February 2011. She works extremely hard to meet the needs of all those working at, and visiting the school. She enjoys learning from watching the other staff at work, while being extremely competent at interacting with the children, and helping with their development herself. She is particularly calm, and her inability to get frustrated easily makes her a welcome presence at the school.
Vinod Negi
Karuna Vihar
Vinod is a special member of staff at KV School, having been a student there himself, followed by a trainee at CVT. He is very grateful for all that the Foundation has helped him with, and therefore is delighted to be able to help others at the school with special needs to develop as he did. He provides general assistance at Karuna Vihar, and prides himself on his improved interaction and communication. He is extremely efficient in following instructions, and works hard to be a punctual and reliable member of staff.
Samar Ghosh
Karuna Vihar
Samar was sure that he wanted to work with children but it was only after meeting Mr. Robert that he decided to work with children with special needs. Samar was one of the starting members of Anugrah where he worked as a special educator and occupational therapist.
He learnt the basics of physiotherapy at Karuna Vihar and then finally went on to get a degree from Bareilly. Soft spoken and amiable one can see him strumming his guitar whenever he gets a chance.
Geeta
Karuna Vihar
Geeta worked at CVT before leaving to have a beautiful baby boy called Amit in 2009, but rejoined us as an assistant at both Karuna Vihar and Latika Vihar at the start of 2011. She certainly brings her maternal skills to work, and is fantastic with all the children, whether it be assisting them with the set activities, or just pushing them on the swings.
She is delighted that working at the Foundation has enabled her to make so many varied friends, from children to adults, and staff to attendees. She is smiley and relaxed, but hard working and efficient, and is thrilled to be contributing to the communication of inclusion for all children; a message that the Foundation as a whole deems so important.
Maya Devi
Karuna Vihar
Team Maya Devi is the force behind the cleaning in most of our Foundation’s centres. Maya has been working with us since 1999 and her quiet, backstage presence is as invaluable as it is unobtrusive. Cleaning for such an Empire, particularly when many of its inhabitants have trouble making it to the bathroom in time, is a formidable task. Maya is just the sort of person you want running the show.
No-nonsense, tough as nails and with a heart of gold, she makes sure everything gets done, and done well. Her large family (five sons and one daughter) assist her whenever and wherever necessary, making her one of the few people in the Foundation who almost always gets her work done: if she is sick or has pressing work elsewhere, one of her brood jumps into the breach. That’s why we call her Team Maya Devi. Like everything else in the Foundation, it’s a family approach.
Latika Vihar
Archana Khali
Latika Vihar
How does a mother of 3-year old quadruplets manage to maintain her calm demeanour in the face of all the crises which occur in the course of an evening’s activities at Latika Vihar? If you take the time to talk to Archana, the resource person for art and craft of the project, you realize that she can turn her hand to just about anything, and wants to turn her hand to just about everything!
A graduate in Biology, she followed up her Bachelor’s with a PG diploma in Advertising and Marketing, is currently pursuing her MA in English, and intends to take up an MA in Psychology when she has the time! She has learned to prepare 20 different types of cuisine, and her enthusiasm for different arts and crafts makes her ideally suited for the work she is doing. After the birth of her brood, she became interested in working with children, particularly through an NGO.
Her keen interest in social issues is reflected in her taste in literature; she enjoys reading Indian books related to social problems. She loves the friendly, creative, sociable atmosphere at LV, where mutual respect is practiced and the opportunities to contribute creatively and promote inclusion are unlimited!
Umesh Maliyal
Latika Vihar
When Umesh was invited to replace the sports instructor at Latika Vihar for a couple of months in 1996, he wondered what he could possibly do there. As soon as he arrived and stepped onto the field, however, he was told, “These are your kids. Play with them!” - and his die was cast. A keen and active sportsman in many different activities, from athletics to football and from discus to badminton, he found himself in his element, sharing his skills and enthusiasm with his young charges.
He has now been a mainstay of the evening programme for 10 years, and exclaims that he is totally satisfied with his work, which has taught him how to deal with children. A sociable, fun-loving character with a sense of humour as well as a sense of adventure, he is reluctant to miss even a single night at Latika Vihar. “You forget your age when you play,” he insists, and “Games are medicine for our minds.” This is a man who practices what he preaches. He enjoys meeting new people, listening to all kinds of music, traveling, dancing, and playing; at Latika Vihar he has found his niche!
Aditya
Latika Vihar
Aditya has been a member of the Karuna Vihar family for the past 7 years or so. Now 19, he is one of the trainees at the Vocational Training Centre (CVT), where he has learned skills such as gardening, cooking, preparing clothes and making paper bags for Rainbow Re-Sale. Well trained by Rama Didi, he recently joined the staff at Latika Vihar in the evenings, replacing his friend Chetan, who got a job elsewhere. Aditya takes his responsibilities very seriously, and applies himself to his tasks with tremendous concentration and care. At Latika Vihar he cleans indoors, waters plants outdoors, makes tea for the staff, and helps everybody.
A somewhat shy young man, over the years Aditya has gained a great deal of confidence as well as skills. He rides his bicycle to work (and everywhere else he can!) does his job effectively, and enjoys joining in group games and activities. A keen sportsman, he plays cricket, football, and other ball games and lifts weights at the gym with his older brother.
Bharat Kumar
Latika Vihar
Bharat has been a mainstay of the Latika Vihar evening sessions for the past seven years. A potter by profession and inclination, he teaches pottery at a high school during the day, throws clay with the children at LV twice a week, and runs a pottery business from his home. A natural with both the staff and youngsters, he enjoys his work, which looks much more like fun to most of us!
Appear at LV, on his evenings and you’ll find a group settled around his wheel in rapt attention, eagerly awaiting their turn to create, entertained by Bharat's easy and experienced hands. Arrive at his home – around Diwali – and you will find the entire family hard at work, creating diyas and puja items – every inch of space, including the rooftop, is covered with his handiwork all drying in the sun. He and Rani Devi have a daughter and two sons, all of them love going for family picnics whenever he has free time.
Shyam Singh
Latika Vihar
Shyam Singh, a bamboo weaver and an artisan, has been with the Foundation since 1999. His sessions at Latika Vihar are always thronged with eager children and they carry home the amazing array of things they make under his guidance with pride and excitement. His gift for teaching may be even more impressive than his skills as an artist - and those are prodigious!
Shyam Singh loves a creative challenge: he makes the Ravan for Dusshera every year for example and each year he vows to make it bigger and more dramatic. So far he has succeeded. A gentle, innovative man with a deep love for children, Shyam Singh embodies all that is best in the Foundation.
Anita Lakhera
Latika Vihar
Anita has worked at Latika Vihar since 2008, and has recently started helping at Karuna Vihar School in the mornings. She does all she can to assist all the staff wherever needed, not least hydrating them all as they arrive, and then sending them on their way with a lovely cup of chai.
She lends a hand to all the different activities, and is meticulous in the monster clean up operation at the end of each evening. The delight she gains from being around the children is evident, and she appreciates all that she learns from watching some of the other staff at work. She has an invaluably calm temperament, and applies her utmost effort to her job.
Babita
Latika Vihar
In 2008 Babita began as a staff helper at Latika Vihar, however, she quickly developed wonderful relationships with all of the children, and staff alike, and was assigned the additional role of tending to one girl, Shreya, who has particularly prevalent special needs. Despite demonstrating 100% commitment to minding Shreya she's still a great friend to everyone at Latika.
Always smiling, and taking the time to interact with anyone who approaches her. She is very patient, yet motivated, and is so proud of the help she's offered Shreya, and the developments she's making as a result, but most of all, she enjoys being part of the very happy atmosphere of Latika, and offers more than her fair share to that positive vibe.
Dilip Kumar
Latika Vihar
Dilip grew up at Latika Vihar and was always one of our most active members. When he turned 16, he became a volunteer in our Band of Boys, a group of older LV guys who take responsibility for events management, grounds maintenance and lending a hand whenever required.
One summer, Dilip was selected to attend a special training camp for Bollywood dancing where he so distinguished himself that we decided to give him a job at Latika Vihar teaching younger children what he was learning himself. Dilip is a cheerful, funny young man with a gift for English conversation, making friends and watching out for the little ones at Latika Vihar.
Tapasya Thapa
Latika Vihar
Tapasya was an active and vibrant member of Latika Vihar and, as a talented dancer and one of our Gang of Girls, often took responsibility for helping the littlest children in the dance classes. Occasionally, when we had no formal teacher coming in, Tapasya would take over and teach the whole class herself. Finally it dawned on us: why not just hire her?
Though she was only 16 when she began, she quickly became a reliable and conscientious staff member, eager not only to share her skills but to learn new ones. Part of her salary goes for taking Indian classical dance lessons and whatever she learns about Bharatnatayam, she comes straight to Latika Vihar to share with her young students.
Early Intervention Centre
Anjali Mandal
Early Intervention Centre
Anjali grew up at Rafael Institute in Dehradun, where she worked for a year and a half as a volunteer in the school for children with special needs after earning her DSEMR (Diploma in Special Education – Mental Retardation) and doing her nursery teacher training. When she heard about a job at Karuna Vihar, she applied, but for reasons which remain a mystery her joining letter, which included her starting date, never reached her.
It was pure coincidence which led her to drop into the office at EIC on the very day she was supposed to be embarking on her new career with LRF! She has been working as a special educator with us since 2004, and grows more confident and knowledgeable as each day passes. She adores young children and is applying herself to the expansion of her skills in English, physiotherapy, and other aspects of her work. A natural talent with creative interests in drawing and embroidery, Anjali is one of our budding young stars!
Suresh Rawat
Early Intervention Centre
When a new van was recently donated by a generous EIC parent, Suresh was the obvious choice when it came to finding a responsible driver. His three years of safely transporting children at LRF are ample testament to his reliability, but his meticulous driving record stretches far beyond this. In 17 years of driving vehicles of all sizes and description, he has never been involved in an accident or been issued a ticket; his clean record speaks for itself. Suresh first became acquainted with Jo back in 1988, when he worked as a gardener for PSI and the Chopras.
After some years in Delhi, he returned to Dehradun to settle with his wife and two young sons. He clearly enjoys working with children and takes his job very seriously. When not behind the wheel or with his family, he takes an active interest in accounting and has been known to lend Vandana a hand in the main LRF office.
Geeta Rawat
Early Intervention Centre
Geeta has been with the foundation since 2007. She slipped into her role as a helper so comfortably and she does everything that is asked of her with a lovely smile. Geeta has two sons, Udit and Bobby. Her elder son used to be regular at EIC and enjoyed playing with all the kids. Recently, he joined a mainstream school. Geeta is a big asset to our foundation.
Come rain or shine, we know we can rely on her completely. She is always ready for new experiences and interactions. She adjusts and accommodates herself well and does her job with ease. Mostly calm and quite, Geeta tries hard to remain inconspicuous at EIC; but her bright and warm smile and helpful nature gives it all away and one can’t help but notice her!
Susheela Rawat
Early Intervention Centre
Susheela Rawat - a gentle and soft spoken lady, joined Asha Kiran 7 years ago. She trained under Mona Bhatnagar who used to give her small, old and damaged cards to practice on. At Asha Kiran she used to make gorgeous, hard to resist designs on cards and other products. She has two sons, ages 10 and 14, and her husband is a gardener at P.S.I. Recently, she is appointed helper at the EIC. She does her work enthusiastically and sincerely.
In her free time she likes to take long walks and collect flowers.
Rajnish Kumar Paswan
Early Intervention Centre
Rajnish is a young and friendly physiotherapist who has been with us since March, 2008. When he talks of his large family back in Bihar, one can see the attachment and deep love that he feels for them. His father, Naval Kishore Paswan is a teacher and his mother a home maker. He has a brother and five sisters. Rajnish did his Bachelors in Physiotherapy from S.V. Nirtar college, Orissa. It was by chance that one of his college lecturers met Aarti Nair at the All India Physiotherapy conference and got to know about the vacancy for a physiotherapist at our foundation.
Rajnish at that time was doing his internship when he heard about this and wasted no time in applying for the job. He currently stays with Prem in a one room rented house.
The duo have demonstrated their culinary skills to all of us and it is amazing to see them get well packed lunches! Rajnish loves playing cricket and football though he says that his busy schedule does not permit him to indulge in sports. As a physiotherapist, he feels satisfied to see that he is able to make a difference in the lives of children and observe slow, subtle, yet rewarding progress each child makes at the EIC. He likes the friendly and relaxed atmosphere at the foundation.
His future plans include starting a clinic for adults with special needs.
Soniya
Early Intervention Centre
When Soniya joined Karuna Vihar School as an assistant teacher in September, 2006, her sister had already been a member of the KV family for 10 years. Soniya’s interest in working with people with special needs was spurred on by Monika, who is presently a trainee at the Vocational Training Centre. Soniya saw what a difference the school made in Monika’s life, and her own, and when she was invited to visit the school for an interview after she completed her B.A., she was quick to abandon her notions of becoming a flight attendant and to jump on board our ship!
In the short time she has been with us, she has gained confidence and experience and made impressive strides in her English. Her care for the children is second to none, as is her fervent desire to develop her expertise in the field of education for children with special needs. A responsible young woman whose sister is a very important part of her life after the school gates close each day, Soniya brings with her a warm, natural approach, a mischievous sense of humour, and a love of painting, animals, music and dance, cooking, and the latest fashions!
Pooja Tiwari
Early Intervention Centre
Pooja has been a reliable and efficient office co-ordinator at the Mama EIC since October, 2009. She joined us having completed a BA, followed by an MBA in HR and Marketing at Delhi University. After 9 months working for The Tribune newspaper, she brings far more than just the well developed computing skills she gained there. She never fails to greet with a refreshing smile and hosts fantastic relationships with the EIC's children, parents, and staff alike.
She prides herself on her organisational skills and ability to communicate with all varieties of people, helped by her more than competent grasp of English. Her sunny nature and enthusiasm make her the perfect candidate to sit front of house at the EIC, welcoming all those who visit.
Ritu Srivastava
Early Intervention Centre
Despite working as a counsellor and psychologist at Mama EIC since 2008, Ritu Srivastava has a lifetime of experience. She has a PHD in psychology from Lucknow University and a certificate in counseling, as well as many published books and papers in both Hindi and English.
Reaching Out Mental Health' (2001). However, her skills are not just impressive on paper. Her calm and caring nature makes her approachability evident to all and any who seek her aid, and she is highly sensitive to the direction needed by each individual parent and child alike. As an understanding and trustworthy woman, she has established herself as a reliable source of advice for all, including her colleagues
Mayank Mohan
Early Intervention Centre
Mayank is a particularly special member of Mama EIC's staff, as, not only the first child to visit the centre, but also as an attendee of both Karuna Vihar School, and Karuna Vihar CVT. Here he excelled in his training and was inspired to spread the knowledge and skills he attained there to his friends, and others with special needs, particularly those he learnt in candle making.
He loves being the gate helper at the EIC, and has proved us all right by doing much more than just satisfying the job's requirements. He is very passionate about the work that the Foundation does, having helped him to realise a strong faith in himself and his abilities, and as a result really enjoys playing a part in its operation. He is particularly proud to be able to travel independently to the EIC, no longer depending on one of the Foundation's vans to take him.
Monica Negi
Early Intervention Centre
Monica plays a vital role in assisting the staff and all visitors of Mama EIC with whatever they require. She arrives early to clean and prepare the EIC for the day, and is ready with a smile and water, or a fantastic cup of chai for all arrivals. Her spirit and constant laughter demonstrates how much she enjoys her time at the EIC, as well as adding to the centre's general positive vibe, despite being a relatively recent addition to the team.
Sandeep Khanna
Early Intervention Centre
Sandeep is one of Mama EIC's onsite physio-therapist's and hosts an abundance of practical experience, which he never fails to utilise at the centre. He gained a masters in physiotherapy, specialising in neurology, before teaching in Doon Paramedical College, followed by the Alpine Institute. Now he is a permanent member of the faculty at Beehive College, as well as running his own physio-therapy clinic. However, neither of these additional ventures detract from the focus and dedication he brings to his work at the EIC. While he is proud of the students he has taught that are now well established and respected in their field, he is equally glad that much of his therapy at the EIC is having positive results in terms of the progression of the children he works with.
College of Vocational Training
Kushal Singh
CVT
Kushal is someone who pops up all over the place - at CVT, the LRF office, and Latika Vihar. He is always friendly, always outside, always helpful. One of our gardeners, he comes from Garhwal, where he learned to make things grow. Now he is putting his skills to excellent use, beautifying our grounds, ensuring that our green spaces expand and flourish! He joined the foundation a year ago after 7 years of gardening work in other locations in the Doon valley.
He has two children of his own, but the whole LRF family depends on him. He enjoys the working atmosphere at the projects, and has been particularly helpful at CVT, where gardening is one of the activities that the trainees and students are learning under his careful tutelage and with his steady support.
Sunita Bhatt
CVT
Dehradun born and bred, Sunita got married in 1994 when she was 17 and moved to the the north of Uttarakhand to live with her husband’s family for 2 years. She then shifted to Dehradun, where her first child, Abishek, was born. While pregnant, she was hired by Jo to do some cooking and help look after Moy, which she continued in a part-time capacity after she became a mother.
She then took a break to raise Abishek and Neha until Jo called her back in 2001, this time to work as an assistant teacher at Karuna Vihar School. When CVT opened in 2003/4, she and Rama became partners, working with the trainees, helping them develop skills and confidence in a wide range of areas, from cooking to self-care, arts and crafts to gardening. These days Sunita is a very busy woman. She lives and works at CVT, looks after her family, and takes care of Moy when needed (and trains new carers). When she has a chance, she loves dancing and meeting and making new friends from around the globe. A sociable, lively, fun-loving member of the team, she spreads love and warmth wherever she goes!
Manoj
CVT
Manoj joined Karuna Vihar School as a helper in the winter of 2006-2007, and it is fair to say that he fit in from the start, making a seemingly seamless transition. After completing 9th class in his village, he worked farming rice, wheat, and maize before moving to Dehradun to join his brother, Ravinder, who is a gardener at KV. After a short stint cooking and gardening in Vasant Vihar, Manoj was hired to support staff and students at the school, where he quickly settled into his work and started taking more responsibility. He enjoys assisting in the classrooms, chatting with the students, learning from his day-to-day experiences.
His natural warmth and interest in others make him a welcome new addition to the team!
Basanti
CVT
Basanti is a helper at Karuna Vihar School, one of those much appreciated people who does whatever is needed, whenever it is needed. She accompanies students to and from school in the vans, assists in the classrooms, and performs numerous other tasks in the course of a school day, playing a vital role in keeping the programme running smoothly. She first became acquainted with the foundation when her son, Vinod, enrolled in the school, and since she joined the staff 5 years ago she has built up a reputation as a hard-worker, a respectful colleague, and someone who is always ready to help in any way.
Her daughter, Jyoti, is now in 10th class, and Vinod is thriving at CVT, while the children and staff at the school benefit from her support and attention. She greatly enjoys being with children, and says that her own attitudes and ways of working with young people have changed through her work with Karuna Vihar, which is more like family than work.
Rachna Puri
CVT
Rachna joined us in June 2007 as part of the awareness team; later, her strong background in Art and Craft found her working at Asha Kiran as the production supervisor. She knew about the Foundation as her niece attended the Early Intervention centre. So when she heard of an opening, she just knew it was the perfect place for her to join as she really appreciates the philosophy of our foundation. Her ability to remain calm under pressure had proved a great asset to Asha Kiran and her synergy with the ladies there has resulted in some wonderful art work. Since June, 2008, Rachna is working as the office coordinator for the Centre for Vocational Training (CVT).
She has an admirable quality of interacting with everyone she meets with ease and genuine interest. Rachna lives with her in-laws, husband and son who studies at the Doon Presidency school. She loves to go for long walks and listen to music in her spare time.
Khem Bahadur
CVT
Khem has worked at CVT since 2007, teaching candle and envelope making, having really developed an interest in and passion for working with young adults with disabilities during his time with the Raphael Foundation, before joining us. He is extremely attentive, and provides each trainee with the help they need to perfect the skills involved, demonstrating patience, and successfully communicating the step by step process required to achieve the best final result.
He is delighted to be able to help others do the things that he enjoys himself, and is particularly proud when the trainees reach the stage of being able to help and guide one another, having successfully grasped the creative process. Half of the current trainees are now able to enjoy independent candle making, which is fantastic.
Archana Sharma
CVT
Archana has worked as a teacher at CVT for since 2008, and teaches, or helps with all the activities that the trainees take part in at the centre. She contributes a huge amount to achieving CVT's main aim of helping the trainees establish independent living, and applies maximum effort to developing their confidence in themselves and their abilities, as well as giving them the guidance necessary to make real progress in a huge variety of areas.
She not only helps the trainees with the challenges they face, but adds her lively spirit to the activities that make sure the trainees have plenty of fun too. Her smile is infectious, and she demonstrates great pride in her work on a daily basis, as well as adding huge amount to the positive atmosphere of the centre.
Pushpa Upadhyaya
CVT
Pushpa has worked for the Foundation since 2007, having previously been based at Karuna Vihar School, but despite being a new member of staff at CVT she has already established fantastic relationships with the trainees, and other staff alike. She works extremely hard, but manages to move around almost unnoticed, quietly and calmly completing her daily tasks, without causing any bother.
She is not only a fantastic cook, but a very reliable assistant to all who need her help, acting more as a friend than a colleague. She particularly appreciates being treated as equal with all the other staff, as well as the development in her decision making ability and confidence that she has gained from her job at the centre.
Mukesh
CVT
Mukesh is one of the newest member of the staff at CVT, but is already developing good relationships with the trainees, and works hard to help all the staff in whatever they need him for. He says that he is delighted to be part of such a loving environment, and certainly demonstrates trying to do all he can to add to that environment. He is a co-operative, hardworking, and reliable addition to the team.
Doon Early Intervention Centre
Prem Kumar Singh
Doon EIC
An extremely polite, soft spoken person, one would never realize at the first meeting that Prem is hilarious! He has a sense of humour that is so understated and gentle, yet rib tickling. Prem has his family in Sultanganj (Bihar). His mother passed away when he was very young and this meant playing a very responsible brother to his siblings. His father is a business man. Just like Rajnish, Prem also came to know about our foundation and the vacancy for a physiotherapist through his college lecturer who met Aarti Nair at the All- India Physiotherapy Conference.
He joined work in March, 2008. He likes the work culture at the foundation and feels that it is a very different atmosphere compared to the other places where he has earlier worked in. He takes care that he does not hurt anyone’s feelings and feels that striving to become a good human being tops his priorities more than his professional dreams. He is very gentle and affectionate with the children and makes sure that therapy is fun!.
Pooja Negi
Doon EIC
Pooja joined the foundation in July, 2007. Her father is retired from the army and is working in a construction company and her mother is a homemaker. She has two sisters, who are both working. Pooja stays with her inlaws. Her husband, Jagmohan Rawat is working in a company at Jalandhar. Pooja has done her Masters in Economics and English from M.K.P college, Dehradun and a two year diploma course in Special Education (Mental Retardation) from Raphael. She is currently doing a B.Ed in Special Education.
She initially volunteered at Raphael and then worked there for two years. It was her aunt, Rama Bhandari who encouraged her to apply for a special educator position at Karuna Vihar. She likes the friendly environment at the foundation and enjoys working with the smaller kids. Her hobbies include listening to music and traveling. She is passionate about gaining as much knowledge as possible in the field of special education. She feels that her strength lies in her active and enthusiastic outlook to life and she hates to brood or think negatively about anything.
Reena
Doon EIC
EIC is a busy place during the working day, and Reena is one of the people who keep it tidy and clean, ready for its next session. Quiet and gentle, she works tirelessly and efficiently, not only keeping the floors, children, and equipment clean, but also pitching in looking after the children whenever needed. The mother of a Karuna Vihar child herself, Reena joined the working team a year ago after her son, Rahul, passed away.
She enjoys spending her days at the EIC in the company of the staff and children, while we enjoy her calm, steady, positive presence. When she has the opportunity, Reena is keen to make progress with her reading and writing skills; she participated in the Literacy Movement Programme when she lived in the Garwhal. Her son, Aashish, is working at school and is a regular and welcome visitor to the KV projects.
Manik Mandal
Doon EIC
Manik joined Early Intervention Centre in December, 2007 as office coordinator. His amazing sense of humour, ever readiness to take on any responsibility makes him truly indispensable. No work is ever difficult for him. Being a stickler for time, he is extremely disciplined. His wife Bhagirathi is a special educator in another NGO. He is a very patient and loving father to two lovely kids, Soumya and Ansh. To unwind, Manik plays mind twister games on the computer. He also loves traveling and adventure. Manik’s vast experience with other NGOs makes him a very resourceful member of the Foundation.
Namrata Kumari
Doon EIC
This is Namrati's first job as an occupational therapist, having only finished her studies in April, 2011. However, she is already making an impressive mark on the profession, let alone at the EIC. She studied at the National Institute for Orthopedic Handicaps, working on the development of adaptive devices that could help the progression of patients in any environment, whether it be at home, or school, and so on. However, she finds that the hands on work involved in her 6 month internship with R.G Kar Medical College and Hospital gave her the best possible preparation for working at the EIC, and was invaluable to her development as a therapist.
It was there that she realised just how much she enjoyed , and was fulfilled by working with special needs children. While she offers the EIC a substantial amount of knowledge, and plenty of positive characteristics, she appreciates how much the EIC is teaching her, in terms of handling, and responding to the needs of each individual child, as well as communicating with the parents in order to most successfully achieve what's necessary to aid each patient's development towards independent living.
Santosh
Doon EIC
Santosh is wholly committed to applying her maximum effort in assisting all the staff at the EIC. While she is new to the EIC she has worked with the Foundation as a whole since 2007. She not only ensures that the the centre is immaculately clean, and of great help in the kitchen, but effective in every area of the EIC.
She has fantastic relationships with the children, adults and staff alike, and enjoys learning from, and observing all the other staff at work, while exemplifying plenty of her own commendable qualities. She is sensitive and co-operative, and ensures all those visiting the EIC feel welcome.
Sujata Sinha
Doon EIC
As a highly impressive member of her field, Sujata Sinha's prestigious investigations into intellectual and developmental disabilities make her an invaluable addition to the staff of Doon EIC. Having not only founded her own non-profit organisation, she also convened the very first consensus meeting and created web accessible data for Thalassemia; a genetic disorder effecting a huge number of individuals.
This led onto an involvement in collecting, formulating, and then communicating data concerning the more general genetics of various different populations, and her present area of interest is public health geometrics. Her work has produced extremely widely respected results, and she received the commonwealth government of Australia's Endeavour Executive award. Her work at our EIC is of a similar vein. Her aim is to go deeper than just a patient's symptoms, in order to establish a better understanding of the prognosis, and a more detailed management plan. In addition, she will use the information collected to aid national studies into the different disabilities encountered.
Khushi
Arunima
Khushi
The first thing a person notices about Arunima or Runa as she is fondly called by all her friends is her patience and her ability to stay calm under any situation. Before joining Khushi as an Office Coordinator in January 2009 she was working with a woman welfare and empowerment organisation called Astitva. She has a ten years teaching experience and is a trained classical dancer who loves to sing.
Januka Bhosal
Khushi
Januka is first and foremost a mother and that is how her relationship with the foundation started. She was a very enthusiastic and inquisitive parent. At the EIC she always participated in all the activities involving her daughter, Siddhika. As she was keen to learn more she joined the Assistant Teacher Training Course held at the foundation after which she decided to begin embark on a career in this field. She then went on to complete B. Ed degree and joined the foundation as a full time special educator. Her inquisitive and creative nature can also be seen when she is cooking or painting. She is also an extremely talented mehendi artist!
Januka recently received one of God’s favourite presents, a second daughter and a bundle of joy! Congratulations Januka!
Resource Centre Staff
Ashok
Resource Centre
Ashok recently joined our team of drivers at LRF. Able to drive busses of any size, with a wide range of experiences behind him, we are looking forward to exercising his versatility as our fleet of vehicles expands in responds to needs in the coming years. Married with one daughter born in 2006, Ashok is a responsible, friendly, helpful new member of our team.
Ashish Kesala
Resource Centre
A dedicated and ambitious young man, Ashish works very hard at our Resource Center. His hospitable character is evident in the small things he does throughout the day: whether it's brewing fabulous chai or running errands for our staff, Ashish demonstrates an eagerness to play an instrumental role in our team. He is always friendly and welcoming, greeting everyone who comes in the door with respect.
What's more, he constantly commits himself to learning new things so as to help us with whatever we may need. His help and involvement in our Resource Center keeps us going throughout the day, and his bright smile lifts up everyone around him.
Rajesh Masih
Resource Centre
Rajesh has been with us for the best part of a year now. He joined the Foundation in May 2007 and we couldn’t have asked for a better person to staff our Help Desk at the Doon Hospital. Hardworking, proactive and helpful with great interpersonal skills; one can’t help but admire the way he handles his job at the Desk. The quantum of work and the stress of answering a hundred questions a day to help patients in the lobby of a government hospital is the perfect recipe for wiping the smile off anybody’s face – but not Rajesh you will never see him grouching and he does have the most handsome smile ever!
No wonder he has such good relations with the Doon Hospital staff. Full of initiative and drive he constantly gives us great ideas for improving our services. Rajesh is married to Hema who works at Karuna Vihar and they have a gorgeous 4 year old son Joy. The whole family is an invaluable asset to the foundation.
Satendra Tyagi
Resource Centre
Satendra is a computer whiz who loves to enact the Tele-brand shopping show during lunch hour. It is hard to believe he is the same man who in his initial days was quiet, shy and almost inaudible.
He joined the foundation in 2008 as the office coordinator at Karuna Vihar School. In April, 2009 he shifted to the Awareness Campaign Team as their Office Coordinator. In his spare time he loves reading, acting and going for treks.
Chandra Bisht
Resource Centre
After following the same routine and work plan at the State Bank of India for three years, this soft spoken yet resilient girl was craving for a change. Her friend Raksha offered her just that. Raksha introduced her to the foundation and after Chandra met Jo she was hooked! She formally joined the foundation in March, 2009.
A romantic by heart she loves listening to soft Hindi music . Her current favourite are songs from Fashion and Love Aaj Kal. This wandering soul has left no picnic spot untouched and regularly goes for picnics with her friends.
Hema Thapa
Resource Centre
Hema is a product of the first batch of our Classroom Assistants course which concluded last October. One of the best students needed a job and we needed a person on our awareness team – a perfect match. She is a BA graduate and taught in a tiny private school for 5 years – there was one student in the single classroom and she was the only teacher on the first day of school!
By the time she left (motherhood duties) the school had strength of 350. She stayed in touch with kids by running a tuition class at home, the only exception being visiting the house of a special child whom she spent time with and taught for two hours every day. Hema and her husband Surinder have lived in Dehradun for over 20 years. Their son Sarthak is 19 and is our newest staff member, he is the salesperson at Rainbow Resale. They have a teenage daughter Tapasya who is a young lady of 13 in 7th grade.
Sonika Singh
Resource Centre
In 2009 Sonika interned with our awareness team, based at the Resource Centre, but is now an impressive, permanent member of staff. She showed great ability then, developing a comprehensive book of all the laws relating to those with disabilities, and is completing work of a similar nature now.
Her ambition is particularly apparent through the focus and drive she applies in communicating the importance of respecting the Right to Education Act; specifying that it is unjust to refuse those with disabilities a place in school. This is her first job since completing her studies as a lawyer, and while she is enjoying bridging the gap between theoretical law and practical law she demonstrates far more skill than that of an amateur.
Vandana Jakati
Resource Centre
Vandana has worked for the Foundation since January, 2009, and was initially our training and education co-ordinator, but now plays a much more expansive role promoting inclusive education. She assesses children attending mainstream schools that have learning difficulties, and organises workshops for staff and parents to raise awareness of those experiencing such struggles.
As a teacher for fourteen years before joining us, she has extensive experience of mainstream schools, and particularly of those attending such schools who may not be definitely disabled but who still struggle to settle and be accepted. However, she enjoys the broader insight that this job offers her of the difficulties faced.
In making others so, she too has become more aware of the plight that can be faced by those with special needs, and is extremely proud to be inspiring change. She is doing a wonderful job of opening the eyes of those previously lacking knowledge, labelling herself as the Child Advocate, and making real steps towards greater inclusion for those with special needs and learning difficulties.
Mahadev Singh
Resource Centre
Mahadev has been our bus assistant since November 2007, helping ensure our students, trainees, and staff get from place to place safely. Despite working previously as a bus assistant for a school in Delhi this is his first experience of working with children and young adults with special needs and is delighted by all that the job is teaching him.
He has a developed confidence in his ability to treat each, individual child appropriately, and has learnt enough from observation to be able to assist with some of their physio-therapy. He doesn't view his role as a job, but rather as a social service, and is proud to be contributing to his society, as well as delighted to be able to teach those around him about people with special needs.
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