Our Team
Late S Ramachandran
Ramachandran, affectionately known as ‘Ram Uncle’ or ‘Ram Sir,’ held the esteemed role of being the founder of Our Children. He was a perpetual beacon of joy, a man with a boundless heart, and an unwavering dreamer. What set Ram Sir apart was his exceptional talent for transforming his dreams into reality. He possessed a unique ability to connect with individuals from all walks of life, from the tiniest of toddlers to the most venerable senior citizens.
With a lifelong connection to L&T, where he commenced his career and laid the cornerstone for Our Children, Ram Sir was an adept networker. He possessed the remarkable capacity to persuade and inspire people to contribute to noble causes. With each new program and project initiated by Our Children, Ram Sir extended his reach, touching the hearts of more and more individuals.
Ram Sir held a deep affection for young girls and nurtured a dream of establishing safe homes for those transitioning from Child Care centres. Sadly, this dream remained unrealized during his lifetime. On the 19th of January 2023, Ram Sir departed from this world, but his extraordinary deeds endure, leaving an indelible legacy.
Dhananjay Mehta
Dhananjay Mehta, Dhananjay stands as one of the founding Trustees of OC. He serves as the unwavering force driving OC, overseeing its organizational, financial, and program-related aspects. Dhananjay holds a Bachelor’s degree in Science, a Post Graduate Diploma in Management, and has earned distinction as a successful entrepreneur in the pharmaceutical industry. His multifaceted talents bring a wealth of expertise to OC.
His meticulous attention to detail leaves an indelible mark on every OC project. Dhanu Sir is the go-to person for all OC beneficiaries and has the unique distinction of officiating many weddings for girls under OC’s care. Always approachable and deeply committed to the cause of Child Welfare, Dhananjay also serves on the boards of several other NGOs, including ‘Sanjivani,’ ‘Family Home Guild of Service,’ ‘The Bombay Vigilance Association,’ ‘B J Home for Children,’ ‘Naigaum Social Service Society.’ and ‘Shraddhanand Mahilashram’
Bharati Dalal
Bharati Dalal, affectionately known as Bharati ben, is the daughter of the late Champaklal Mody, another founding trustee of OC. She has been an integral part of OC since its inception, contributing a wealth of business and administrative experience spanning numerous years. Alongside her experience, Bharati Ben brings creativity, boundless enthusiasm, resourcefulness, and an extensive network of connections with various NGOs.
As a Trustee of OC, Bharati ben upholds her commitment to children, the arts, and education, carrying forward the legacy of her father through her dedicated work at OC and other NGOs. Her tireless efforts continue to make a lasting impact on the organization and the causes she passionately supports.
Ravindran Nair
Ravindran Nair, affectionately known as Ravi Sir, serves as a dedicated Trustee of OC. With a distinguished background as the former Chief Executive of Human Resources at BASF India, Ravi Sir brings a rich reservoir of corporate experience and a profoundly humane perspective to OC.
Having been a part of ‘Our Children’ since 1985, Ravi takes a vibrant interest in the Group Home Program, forging valuable connections, and, above all, delighting the children with his genial and composed approach to resolving challenges, no matter how significant or trivial they may be. His enduring commitment to OC’s mission and the welfare of children is truly commendable.
S N Viswanathan
S. N. Viswanathan, affectionately known as Shankar, embarked on his journey with OC as a college student back in 1985 and was inducted as a Trustee in 2016. By profession, he is a Practising Company Secretary, and he holds a strong commitment to ensuring that things are done the right way while infusing a sustainability perspective into OC’s programs.
Shankar’s unwavering readiness to assist, even at the eleventh hour, has made him a cornerstone of support in the successful execution of various OC projects. Beyond his role at OC, he has consistently donated platelets to aid cancer patients and is actively involved with numerous NGOs, offering invaluable pro-bono advice on legal and administrative matters. His deep involvement in philanthropy and dedication to the betterment of society are truly commendable
Dr. Kavita Sonawane
Dr. Kavita, a dedicated general medical practitioner, has maintained a longstanding association with Our Children spanning nearly three decades, and she now holds the position of Trustee within OC. In her capacity as a medical professional, she has taken charge of organizing medical camps and spearheading various health-related initiatives.
Kavita’s commitment to serving others is unwavering, even amid her bustling professional life. Furthermore, she leverages her extensive network to engage kind-hearted individuals who wish to contribute as donors or volunteers to OC. Her tireless efforts have made a significant impact on the organization and the community it serves.
Meena Ramachandran
Meena has been a witness to OC’s journey from its very inception, playing an integral role in its enduring success. Her dedication is evident in her diverse contributions, from providing a home for children in her own residence to mentoring girls in group homes. Meena, who holds a degree in Philosophy and Sociology, seamlessly balanced her role as an educator while managing her export business.
Meena with her vide contacts to NGO and well-wishers is a one of the important fund getters for OC
As a valued member of the OC’s Management Team and the Ladies Club of Hiranandani Powai, Meena’s commitment to making a difference is truly commendable.
Jayalaxmi Mehta
Jayalaxmi Mehta, affectionately known as Jaya didi, comes from a family with a deep-rooted connection to B J Home for Children. Her parents were residents of the home, and the late J. Subramanian, who headed the home for nearly thirty-six years, played a significant role in their lives. This upbringing instilled in Jaya a natural inclination towards helping less privileged children.
Jaya Didi is a qualified teacher and As a dedicated teacher, she has been associated with OC for over five decades, actively participating in outreach programs and various projects. Her commitment to the cause is unwavering, and she is a valued member of OC’s Management Team. Jaya’s lifelong dedication to improving the lives of underprivileged children is truly commendable.
Kalyani Nair
Kalyani Nair, a former Director at Salam Balak Trust, a pioneering organization for street children, has dedicated herself to Our Children for more than four decades. As an educator, Kalyani’s unwavering passion has always revolved around working with children, and OC has provided her with a meaningful platform to utilize her teaching and mentoring skills.
Kalyani’s remarkable dedication extends to maintaining notes of important decisions taken by OC. Currently, her primary focus lies on the Group Home and Educational initiatives at OC, and she has also been involved in coaching English to children at various child care homes. In addition to her invaluable contributions, Her commitment to the well-being and education of children is truly commendable.
Kalyani is a bridge between Child Care Institutions and our various initiatives to bring them on board.
Kalpana Gaikwad
Kalpana is a remarkable self-made individual who, having spent her formative years in a child care home, has pursued her unwavering passion for knowledge and personal growth. She has earned numerous degrees and developed a wide range of skills, including social work, personnel management, and law.
Her lifelong dream of working in the social development sector, nurtured since childhood, has become a reality. Kalpana’s extensive career has involved diverse roles in various social development sectors, spanning public health, including HIV/AIDS, child care organizations, research institutions, and law firms.
Kalpana brings a unique perspective, viewing both as a benefactor and a beneficiary, and she introduces innovative ideas to tailor programs specifically for children, taking their backgrounds into account. Her profound commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of children is exemplified by her role as a member of the OC’s Management Team.
Girish Saive
Girish is a cherished presence eagerly anticipated by the children at Our Children. With an educational background in engineering and management, Girish is a Certified CSR professional, overseeing his employer’s corporate social responsibility endeavors. He brings a wealth of experience from extensive travel across India and plays a pivotal role in expanding OC’s reach beyond the borders of Maharashtra.
Always on top of things, Girish is ever-willing to lend a hand, and his warm smile accompanies his willingness to help. He plays a crucial role in OC’s outreach initiatives with care homes, with his on-the-ground presence and tireless coordination efforts involving superintendents, partners, and, most importantly, the children. Girish’s dedication is a vital ingredient in the magic that OC creates, and he serves as an esteemed member of the OC’s Management Team.
Parag Samant
Parag Samant holds a degree in mechanical engineering, serves as a business-IT connect leader in his professional career, and has embraced the role of an academic coach by choice. His association with OC began in 2018, initially as a volunteer for OC’s flagship program, ‘Children’s Meet.’ Subsequently, he extended his involvement to encompass all of OC’s other events, earning him a place in the OC’s Management Team.
In addition to playing an integral part in planning, organizing, and executing various OC events, Parag Samant is a dedicated contributor to OC’s ‘Education Program.’ His passion for academic coaching shines through as he tutors SSC students in multiple Child Welfare Committees (CWCs) in subjects such as ‘mathematics’ and ‘science.’ Prior to becoming a professional academic coach, Parag accumulated over 22 years of experience working with one of India’s prominent engineering conglomerates, Larsen & Toubro Limited.
Mahesh Mhatre
Mahesh Mhatre is a distinguished national-level athlete, holding certifications as a fitness instructor and sports educator. With over 16 years of unwavering dedication, he has excelled as a highly motivated physical education instructor. His journey with OC began when he joined as a faculty member for the First Learning Beyond event in 2014, and from that moment, he was captivated by OC’s mission.
Since his initial involvement, Mahesh has been a steadfast volunteer in various OC programs, and his commitment has led him to become a respected member of OC’s Management Team. His extensive experience and passion for physical education make him a valuable asset to OC’s initiatives.