Executive Administrator
Dhanalakshmi brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her role as an Executive Administrator at VAANI. Armed with an MBA in Finance & HR from Anna University, she boasts over 7 years of extensive experience in Accounts and Finance.
Her career journey began in the educational sector before the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic led her to transition into the Service Sector. During this transition, she made significant contributions to organizations like GiftAbled and Quest Alliance, showcasing her adaptability and commitment to making a difference.
Dhanalakshmi’s passion for community engagement is evident through her active involvement in various volunteering activities. She finds joy and purpose in contributing to the community and has been an enthusiastic volunteer for multiple teams.
Currently, at VAANI, Dhanalakshmi embraces her role as an Executive Administrator with enthusiasm and dedication. Her dynamic background, coupled with her commitment to community service, brings a unique perspective to her work. She eagerly explores opportunities, contributing her skills and passion to the mission of empowering deaf children and creating a more inclusive society.
Executive Director
Sumedha Vijaylaxmi Joglekar is the Executive Director of VAANI DEAF CHILDREN’s FOUNDATION.
Sumedha has more than 18 years of experience in the Development sector. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Childcare, providing her with a strong foundation in understanding societal dynamics. Sumedha’s passion for supporting hearing-impaired children led her to pursue a Master’s degree in Education of Hearing Impaired Children from the prestigious Ali Yavar Jung National Institute of Hearing Impaired in Mumbai. This specialized education has given her a deep understanding of the unique challenges and issues associated with hearing impairment and her career has spanned special schools and centres of hearing-impaired children.
She comes with the experience of having worked in Greenpeace India for over a decade and understanding issues of farmers, forest dwellers, and environmental degradation. At Change.org India she was the Fundraising Director, where she was exposed to issues related to Women & Girls, the Rights of Children, Differently abled persons and larger Civic issues. Sumedha comes with a wealth of experience in Program planning and implementation, Fundraising, Training, and Financial management.
Deputy Head- Programme
Ajita is a highly accomplished professional with over 15 years of experience in the social welfare sector. She started her journey by working with renowned organizations such as Tata Tea Social Welfare, Raksha Society for Children, and Shishu Sarothi, where she honed her skills and developed a deep understanding of the challenges faced by marginalised communities.
With a strong educational background in mathematics and a passion for making a positive impact, Ajita joined VAANI as a State Programme Officer in Assam. In this role, she worked tirelessly to expand VAANI’s presence and influence across the North East region. Through her dedication and strategic approach, she successfully grew VAANI’s footprint and established strong partnerships within the community.
In her current role, she handles VAANI’s most unique and crucial work across the North East, East, and South Zones. Ajita’s deep understanding of VAANI’s essence, which focuses on working with parents of deaf children, has been instrumental in driving impactful initiatives and programs. Ajita is a highly accomplished professional with over 15 years of experience in the social welfare sector. She started her journey by working with renowned organizations such as Tata Tea Social Welfare, Raksha Society for Children, and Shishu Sarothi, where she honed her skills and developed a deep understanding of the challenges faced by marginalised communities.
Ajita carries a legacy within VAANI, embodying the organization’s values and mission. Her ability to empathise, strategise, and effectively communicate has been key to her success. She is known for her strong leadership, exceptional organizational skills, and the ability to foster collaborative relationships with stakeholders.
Through her remarkable journey, Ajita has demonstrated an unwavering dedication to empowering marginalised communities and creating positive change in society. Her passion for her work, combined with her expertise in program management and her understanding of the unique challenges faced by deaf children and their parents, makes her an invaluable asset to VAANI.
Head - Finance, HR & Admin
Kusuma T.V is a Graduate in Commerce from the University of Mysore, M Com and PG Diploma in Financial Management from KSOU Mysore. She has over 12 years of experience working with organizations such as Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology, Mahila Samakhay Karnataka- a National Program for Rural women’s development and Girl Child Education as ‘Accounts Officer’ and State Panchayat Resource Centre, a unit of ANSSIRD Mysore as ‘Administration and Accounts Officer’. She is working with VAANI since January 2018, as Deputy Head- Finance & HR to grow our footprint across the South, East, and North East.
Program Manager(East)
Avijit has been part of Vaani family for more than 8 years and excellent at Multitasking. He is a trained Teacher of the Deaf and trained in Indian Sign Language. He has been on a mission of training and empowering parents, regular school teachers, Community workers, ASHA & Anganwadi workers and sensitizing them on the issue of Hearing impairment.
He says VAANI gives him an opportunity to use new Ideas and a barrier-free environment to work with the families of deaf children. That’s his greatest motivation and strength.
Program Manager(South)
Veeresh holds a Master’s degree in Biochemistry, an MBA in Banking & Finance, and an LLB from KSLU. His career credentials include a wide range of academic and social service endeavours and has actively engaged in Social Service and Educational Development initiatives in Karnataka. He has vast experience collaborating on projects in research and development and has supervised software development projects for students and faculty. In addition, he has been actively involved in students’ placement activities and has worked towards helping rural students.
For over 5 years Veeresh has been successfully managing projects at VAANI in the south region. He is a skilled networker, capable of building strong partner relations, and has strong support for the leadership team. His academic and social service credentials demonstrate his commitment and passion for making a positive impact on society.
Program manager (North East)
Mukuta is an integral part of the VAANI team for over 6 years. With a background in Arts and specialized training as a special educator from NEHU Shillong, Mukuta brings a unique blend of knowledge and skills to his role.
Mukuta’s primary responsibility at VAANI is managing projects in the North East region. With his experience working with Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) for children with special needs, he has gained valuable insights into the challenges faced by children and families in the education system. This experience has equipped him with the necessary skills to effectively manage and implement projects for hearing-impaired children in the region.
Mukuta’s passion for the cause of Childhood Deafness is evident in his dedication and enthusiasm for his work. He considers himself fortunate to be associated with such a meaningful cause and is deeply committed to making a positive impact on the lives of hearing-impaired children and their families.
One of Mukuta’s strengths lies in his coordination skills. He has a keen ability to bring different stakeholders together and ensure effective collaboration for project implementation. His attention to detail and organizational abilities contribute to the smooth execution of on-ground initiatives.
Mukuta’s genuine care and empathy for families shine through in his interactions. He understands the importance of a strong support system and works closely with families to provide the necessary guidance and assistance. His approachable nature and compassionate demeanour create a safe and nurturing environment for families to seek support and guidance.
Deputy program manager (South)
Shashidhar is an experienced professional with a background in Sales & Marketing, Business Development, Distribution Development, and Team Management in both the Retail and Service Industries. With a Master’s degree and over 11 years of experience, Shashidhar brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his work.
Shashidhar’s skills extend beyond his professional accomplishments. He has a proven track record of fostering positive work environments that promote teamwork and collaboration. His strong relationship management skills contribute to his ability to support and sustain a cohesive and productive work atmosphere.
Overall, Shashidhar’s extensive experience, combined with his management acumen, communication skills, and ability to drive results, make him a valuable team player for VAANI.
Special educator and Project manager
Tonny is a highly skilled professional who has been an integral part of the VAANI family for over 10 years. With a graduate degree from Kolkata University and specialized training as a teacher of the deaf from NIHH, Tonny possesses a strong educational foundation and a deep understanding of the needs of hearing-impaired children and their families.
Throughout his tenure at VAANI, Tonny has demonstrated exceptional expertise in training various stakeholders. His ability to engage and connect with children, teachers, parents, and community workers is highly commendable. With his animated training style, Tonny effectively imparts knowledge and skills to empower individuals and enable them to support the development and inclusion of hearing-impaired children.
Tonny’s dedication to his work is evident in his passion and commitment. He finds immense satisfaction in the opportunity VAANI provides to connect with hearing-impaired children and their families. He strongly believes in the transformative power of education and strives to make a positive impact in the lives of those he works with.
As a project manager, Tonny excels in effectively coordinating and managing on-ground projects across multiple locations in India. His organisational skills and attention to detail ensure that projects are executed efficiently and achieve their desired outcomes.
Tonny’s main focus is on developing the capacity of parents and teachers. He recognises the importance of equipping parents with the necessary knowledge and skills to support their children’s development, and he works closely with teachers to enhance their understanding of inclusive education practices. His commitment to capacity development contributes to building a strong support system for hearing-impaired children.
Tonny’s outstanding contributions and commitment to his work make him a valuable asset to VAANI. His passion, enthusiasm, and dedication to empowering individuals and fostering inclusive education create a positive impact in the lives of hearing-impaired children and their families.
Project co-ordinator
Sovan is a highly experienced and dedicated professional who has been an integral part of the VAANI family for over 10 years. With a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce and a Master’s degree in Social Work from Netaji Subhas Open University, Sovan brings a unique combination of business acumen and a deep understanding of social welfare.
Throughout his tenure at VAANI, Sovan has excelled in various roles and responsibilities. As a coordinator at the Child in Need Institute (CINI), he gained valuable experience in project coordination. This experience laid the foundation for his ability to effectively manage on-ground projects at VAANI. Sovan has successfully handled multiple projects, ensuring their smooth execution and achievement of desired outcomes.
Sovan’s expertise extends beyond project coordination. He has a keen interest in training and conducting awareness programs, particularly in schools and among community workers and Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan Teachers. Through these programs, Sovan sensitizes stakeholders to the needs and challenges faced by hearing-impaired children. His ability to deliver engaging and informative sessions contributes to building a more inclusive and understanding environment.
In addition to his project coordination responsibilities, Sovan plays a crucial role in managing the day-to-day operations in the East Zone. His multitasking abilities and strong support to the team have made him an invaluable asset to VAANI. He ensures that operations run smoothly, facilitating efficient workflows and effective communication within the organization.
Sovan’s passion for his work and his genuine love for engaging with the community are evident in his dedication and commitment. He considers every opportunity to work with the community as a valuable learning experience. His ability to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds, coupled with his empathy and understanding, enables him to make a lasting impact on the lives of those he works with.
Sovan’s multitasking abilities, strong support to the team, and commitment to community engagement make him an invaluable member of the VAANI family. His contributions have helped further VAANI’s mission of empowering hearing-impaired children and creating inclusive environments.
Finance & admin officer
Biswajit, a graduate of Commerce from Guwahati University, has been an integral part of the VAANI team for over 6 years. As the Finance and Admin Officer, he plays a vital role in supporting the VAANI Sadhan Centre in Assam, where he is responsible for overseeing various on-ground project coordination activities.
With his expertise in finance and administration, Biswajit ensures the smooth functioning of financial operations and administrative tasks within the organization. He handles budgeting, and financial reporting, and ensures compliance with financial regulations and policies.
Biswajit’s dedication and commitment to his role are evident in his strong support and contribution to the organization’s overall mission. He believes that VAANI provides him with an opportunity to excel professionally while making a meaningful impact on the lives of children with hearing impairment and their families.
With his attention to detail, organizational skills, and financial acumen, Biswajit plays a crucial role in ensuring the efficient functioning of VAANI’s projects and operations.
Finance & HR manager
Sonia is a dedicated professional who has been a valuable member of the VAANI team for the past 5 years. With a Bachelor of Commerce and currently perusing a post-graduate degree in MBA, Sonia brings a strong educational background and a deep understanding of financial management.
In her role as an accounts officer at VAANI, Sonia plays a crucial role in overseeing the financial operations of the organisation. Her responsibilities include managing project budgets, handling financial transactions, and ensuring compliance with accounting standards and regulations.
Sonia’s strong problem-solving and analytical skills enable her to work efficiently and independently. She has a keen eye for detail and a meticulous approach to her work, ensuring accuracy and reliability in financial reporting and analysis.
As a member of Team VAANI, Sonia actively collaborates with colleagues, supporting cross-functional initiatives and contributing to the organisation’s overall goals. Her ability to work well within a team and effectively communicate financial information has made her an integral part of the organisation
Sonia’s contributions and her ability to effectively handle financial matters contribute to the smooth functioning of VAANI’s operations, allowing the organisation to focus on its core mission of empowering hearing-impaired children and their families.
Special educator & Sr. trainer
Aloy is a dedicated professional who has been an integral part of the VAANI team for over 6 years. With his training as a teacher of the deaf and a D.ED (HI) degree from AYJNIHH, Aloy brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his role.
Aloy’s true passion lies in training and capacity building. He firmly believes in the power of education and its ability to transform lives. Aloy focuses on training special educators and parents, equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge to support hearing-impaired children effectively. His dedication to this area has made him a valuable asset to VAANI.
One of Aloy’s greatest strengths is his ability to work directly in the field with the community. He actively engages with hearing-impaired children and their parents, establishing strong connections and building trust. Aloy’s empathetic nature and exceptional skills enable him to create a positive and inclusive environment where children can thrive and parents feel supported.
Aloy’s forte lies in training and capacity building of parents. He recognises the crucial role that parents play in a child’s development and believes in empowering them with the tools and knowledge to create a nurturing and inclusive home environment. Through his training sessions, Aloy effectively equips parents with the skills and strategies they need to support their child’s growth and well-being.
With over 6 years of experience at VAANI, Aloy has honed his expertise in working with hearing-impaired children and parents. His exceptional training and capacity-building skills, combined with his genuine care and compassion, have positively impacted the lives of many families.
Sr. teacher of the deaf
Doly is a highly skilled and dedicated professional who has been an integral part of the VAANI team for more than 7 years. With a Masters’s degree in Political Science and Special Education from AYJNIHH, Doly brings a unique combination of knowledge and expertise to her role
Throughout her tenure at VAANI, Doly has consistently worked towards ensuring that children with hearing impairments learn to comprehend and communicate effectively. She understands the importance of providing children with the necessary skills to thrive and actively participate in the world around them. Doly’s dedication and expertise in working with deaf children have made her a valuable asset to the organization.
One of Doly’s key focuses is on empowering parents to engage confidently with their children. She believes that when parents have the necessary knowledge and skills, they can better support their child’s development. Doly has conducted several workshops for parents and stakeholders, creating a space for learning, sharing, and building the capacity of parents in understanding and address the unique needs of deaf children.
Doly finds immense joy and satisfaction when she sees the smile of satisfaction on her parents’ faces. She believes that VAANI has provided her with the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and their families. Her passion for her work and her commitment to supporting deaf children and their parents is evident in her interactions and the positive impact she creates.
With more than 7 years of experience at VAANI, Doly has developed a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities of working with deaf children and their families. Her expertise in working with deaf children, combined with her ability to effectively engage and empower parents, has contributed to the success of VAANI’s programs and initiatives.
Doly’s exceptional skills, strong rapport with deaf children and parents, and dedication to the mission of VAANI make her an invaluable member of the team. Her contributions and commitment to improving the lives of hearing-impaired children and their families are truly commendable.
Sr. teacher of the deaf
Manisha is a dedicated special educator who has been working at VAANI for over 5 years. With her experience and expertise, she has played a crucial role in teaching students with hearing impairment and witnessing their progress and development brings her immense pleasure and satisfaction.
Manisha holds a Master’s degree in Hindi, showcasing her strong educational background. Additionally, she has specialized in Special Education with a focus on Hearing Impairment, which equips her with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively support and educate children with hearing challenges.
Known for her creativity, hard work, and passion, Manisha consistently goes above and beyond to ensure that each student receives the best possible education and support. She actively strives to help children overcome their weaknesses and excel in their lives.
With her commitment and dedication to the field of special education, Manisha contributes to the growth of VAANI and its mission to assist more and more children in reaching their full potential. Her positive attitude and strong work ethic make her an invaluable member of the VAANI team.
Parent trainer
Basana is our very experienced parent trainer. She has been with Vaani for more than 4 years and is constantly trying to provide social and emotional support to parents and spread awareness about different techniques to engage with Hearing Impaired Children who come to our Sadhan Centre in Assam.
She is a great motivation for all of us at Vaani.
Admin & supporter service officer
Nithya has done her PUC in Commerce from Adarsh College Bangalore. Before joining VAANI she was working as a teacher at Asha School for MR & Hearing Impaired and was a Data entry operator.
She joint VAANI on 24th September 2016 as Office Assistant. Today she proudly handles the supporter engagement and office administration work at VAANI.
Nithya is qualified in Indian Sign Language and also assists the team in several outreach programmes. She also utilises her knowledge in sign language to take tuitions for 4th, 5th & 6th standard hearing impaired students in the evening.
Help VAANI reach as many deaf children as possible. All donations made to VAANI are 50% exempt from tax under section 80G of the Income Tax Act.