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The Pillars of Our Purpose

Know the people behind our journey of transformation.

Aliasgar Huseini Janjali

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Chief Executive Officer

A former Vice President, Bank of America Merrill Lynch, Ali is a career finance professional having worked with some of the largest financial intermediaries in India. After spending more than 23 years in the financial sector, Ali switched over to the development sector in early 2015 by joining the Teach For India Fellowship in Mumbai. After completing 3 years of fellowship where he served as a full time class leader in a government school in Mumbai, he joined Sunbird Trust in July 2018.

He served as a School Leader at Paangkriang Friendship Academy, a Sunbird Partner School, in the remote of Ijeirong in Manipur. Overcoming challenges in a remote, conflict-affected rural community, he helped build up structures and processes in the then-fledgling organization. Transitioning out for a brief period from Sunbird Trust in July 2019 for personal reasons, he returned to the organisation in July 2021 to assume the leadership role as Chief Operating Officer. During this period between Aug 2021 and Dec 2023, Ali oversaw all the critical aspects of the organisation right from the flagship programmes of Access to Education, Community & Stakeholder Outreach, Fund raising, Finance & Accounts and M&E.

Taking over as the Chief Executive Officer from January 2024, Ali now leads a team of dynamic education and social development specialists to build on the success of the first decade.
Apart from being a Hindi movie buff, Ali likes to read history in his free time.

Senior Leadership Team

Ajinkya Hande

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Director of Community Development and Program Head, Arunachal Pradesh

Michelle Markos

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Chief Operating Officer
Finance

Ravi Kumar K

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State Head (Assam & Nagaland)

Sunil

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Head – Accounts and Finance

Education Team

Ayushi Pandey

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Education Programme Manager

Amghali Achumi

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Lead Teacher

Harsha Kulkarni

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Assistant School Leader

Mridhula Sasidharan

Lead Teacher

Siam Paite

Program Coordinator (Sports & Music)

Sofia Malik

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Lead Teacher

Arunachal Pradesh Team

Ali Asqar

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Lead Teacher

Anjali Sharma

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Lead Teacher

Bhanuj Trivedi

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Lead Teacher

Dhondiram

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Lead Teacher

Haobijam Abokson Singh

Project Engineer

Khangembam Malemthaba

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Project Engineer

Meenatchi Prabhu

Assistant School Leader

Nongmaithem Elza Devi

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Assistant School Leader

Raju Tondurolla

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Lead teacher

Sadouba Bariamtak

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Junior Field Associate

Saniya Kirloskar

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HEAD – Teacher Training & Skilling Academy

Sasmita Behera

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Lead Teacher

Sonali Uppar

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Lead Teacher

Vishwas Patel

Manager – M&E

Sponsorship Team

Anjali Barla

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Sponsorship Coordinator

Anjali Yadav

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Sponsorship Coordinator

Baruisalu

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Junior Sponsorship Associate

Khuraijam Banty Singh

Sponsorship and Community Development Coordinator

Nepuni Kayio

Sponsorship Coordinator

Ringkila J Tainamei

Sponsorship Manager

S. Kezia Briamtak

Junior Sponsorship Associate

Community Development

Pratip Ganguly

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Community Development Manager (SALT)

Bruno Kachua

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Community Development Co-ordinator

K. Richard Luihing

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Community Development Coordinator

Md. Imran Thangloi

Associate – education and community development

Kholi Anthony LP

Community Programme Coordinator

Poungiale Newme

Community Programme Assosciate, SALT

Fund Raising / M&E / Accounts / HR / Communications

Chitra Suvarna

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Manager – Fundraising and Donor Engagement

Shanmukha Priya Chadarada

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Manager – Fundraising and Donor Management

Srinivasan

Finance and Administration

Ashwi Ansh

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Associate– Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning

Nikita Ann Paul

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HR & People Practices Associate

Parthona Phukan

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Associate- Social Media & Communication

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Ajinkya Hande

Director of Community Development and Program Head, Arunachal Pradesh

Ajinkya, originally from Mumbai, holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Business Management (PGDBM) from NMIMS, along with dual degrees in Commerce and Hotel Management. Over his decade-long career, he has explored various roles, including mortgage underwriter, chef, and trek leader, before finding his passion in the social development sector. Ajinkya's journey in the Northeast began in 2016 with a volunteering opportunity to help an underserved school in Sikkim. He later joined the school full-time, where he streamlined finance and operations, deepening his connection with the region and its diverse communities. In 2018, he joined Sunbird Trust as an Administrative Coordinator, eventually transitioning to General Manager – Admin and Projects in 2022. He later worked as Program Manager in the Built Environment division of a national non-profit, overseeing projects across India. In 2024, Ajinkya returned to Sunbird Trust as Director of Community Development and Program Head for Arunachal Pradesh. A certified mountaineer, Ajinkya loves exploring the wilderness and is an avid traveler and rider. When not working, he enjoys backpacking through new geographies or riding his bike across the country.

Michelle Markos

Chief Operating Officer
Finance

Michelle originally hails from Kerala but has spent the last 13 years in multiple places across the country for work and studies including North East India working on what she is most passionate about – Education in remote and challenging areas. She is a Teach For India Fellow and has completed her Masters in Education from Azim Premji University, Bangalore during which she interned with Sunbird Trust’s partner Ayang Trust in Majuli, Assam. She resonated strongly with Sunbird Trust’s vision of ‘Peace through Education’ and joined the organization in 2019 where she was an assistant school leader in partner Sungcham Friendship School at Puichi Village in Noney District of Manipur. Michelle worked briefly with the Government of Arunachal Pradesh in Education before she joined back at Sunbird Trust as the People & Partnerships Lead. She lives in Imphal, Manipur and travels to all the sunbird project locations across North East. She is currently working as the COO looking into the operations across the organisation.

Ravi Kumar K

State Head (Assam & Nagaland)

Ravi, originally from Visakhapatnam, moved to Hyderabad after completing his MBA and joined Future Group’s Big Bazaar. However, after three months in the corporate sector, he realized his calling lay elsewhere and sought a more meaningful profession. He joined Greenpeace International to work for a cause close to his heart and later joined Teach For India’s Fellowship program. During his fellowship, Ravi was posted at a school in Dharavi, Mumbai, where he taught secondary students for four years. In his fourth year, he also served as Assistant School Leader, while teaching 10th-grade students. Ravi discovered his passion for education during this time and decided to continue in the field. His interests in theatre, dance, and performing arts also grew while in Mumbai, and he is currently learning Kathak at Chhandam Nritya Bharati and is part of a theatre club. In April 2019, Ravi joined Sunbird Trust as Assistant School Leader at Paangkriang Friendship School, Ijeirong. He recognizes the power of sports and performing arts in building essential life skills and aims to introduce these activities to children. Ravi is also keen on building a community center where children can pursue their interests after school and engage adults and elders in educational activities, strengthening community involvement.

Sunil Vijayan

Head - Accounts and Finance

Sunil, originally from Kerala and now based in Bangalore, brings 24 years of experience in finance and administration, with the last 15 years in the development sector. He began his career in the development sector as an accountant with Oxfam GB, working on their Tsunami Response team and later managing accounts and logistics for their South India field office. Sunil then worked with the Agriculture and Organic Farming Group India (AOFG), a Dutch-supported organization for marginalized farmers, followed by Wateraid, focusing on water and sanitation. Afterward, he joined Humanity India Trust as the Habitat Program Implementing Officer, managing finance and administration for building homes for the poor. Sunil also had a brief consultancy role with the Association of People with Disability (APD), Bangalore, before joining Sunbird Trust in January 2022 as the organization’s accountant. At Sunbird Trust's Bangalore head office, he is responsible for raising accounting practices to best standards, ensuring effective financial management for the rapidly growing organization. Sunil believes that an accountant’s loyalty to their organization should be guided by rules, facts, and scrupulous documentation, not subjectivity. His work is instrumental in strengthening Sunbird Trust’s financial practices and ensuring the integrity of its operations.

Ayushi Pandey

Assistant School Leader

Ayushi hails from Indore and has mostly grown up in Lucknow. She studied Political Science at Lady Shri Ram College, Delhi, and later completed her Post Graduation in Development from Azim Premji University, Bangalore. A self-motivated, diligent, and affable individual, she is imbibed with comprehensive knowledge and understanding of social issues and systems affecting marginalized communities. She is passionate about developing and facilitating programs to support communities in need through collaborative planning, impact analysis, efficient evaluation, and compassionate interpersonal skills. Ayushi is interested in conflict management. She is experienced in working with women and children, especially in the fields of human rights, education, and livelihood. Ayushi is particularly interested in the role that education plays in developing certain dispositions for peaceful living and wishes to learn more about that at Sunbird. Her other interests are literature, music, dance, cooking, and traveling. Ayushi is all set to work on the school systems at Sunbird Trust’s relatively new partner school at Kachai in Manipur.

Amghali Achumi

Lead Teacher

Amghali Achumi, hailing from the Sumi Naga tribe in Zunheboto, Nagaland, is a dedicated advocate hoping to build an inclusive and compassionate society. With a background in English Literature and a Master’s in East Asian Studies from the University of Delhi, she initially aspired for a career in international relations. However, the Covid-19 lockdown prompted her to reflect deeply on her path. During this introspective period, Amghali’s commitment to fostering a sustainable and inclusive community solidified. This led her to embrace the Teach for India Fellowship, where she gained firsthand insights into educational disparities and the significance of equitable education at the grassroots level. Driven by her purpose, Amghali embarked on a transformative internship with Sunbird Trust. Here, she found resonance between the organization’s mission and her own values, motivating her to become an integral part of Sunbird Trust. Beyond her professional pursuits, Amghali is an avid reader and an enthusiastic explorer of various art forms.

Harsha Kulkarni

Assistant School Leader

Hailing from Pune, Harsha completed her master’s in physics wherein she received a scholarship from padmashree Lila Poonawala.With a strong desire to bring change in the education field, she applied for the teaching fellowship (during her master’s) at Science for All and was placed at low income schools in Pune. Prior joining Sunbird Trust, Harsha has worked for over 6+ years with various organizations. Harsha resonates to the vision of Sunbird Trust – Peace though education. She was awarded as a Peace Ambassador in United Kingdom and now looks forward to grow her knwloedge and share her learnings by working with the communities in North Eadt India. Astronomy, Solo traveling, Trekking, Storytelling are some of her hobbies.

Mridhula Sasidharan

Lead Teacher

Mridhula was born and grew up in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Growing up with people who are generally very understanding and accepting, she feels that allowed her to imbibe those qualities into her nature as well. She pursued Industrial Biotechnology and like most other ‘engineers’ she knew that was not her calling.College gave her the chance to learn German and that was where her journey with the language began. She also taught German after university. She did her Teach For India fellowship from 2022-24 and she feels that helped her to find her niche and the field that she wanted to invest in and explore more about. She enjoys reading, listening to classical music and watching classical performances. She also enjoys walking long distances with her own thoughts accompanying her. She enjoy singing when no one is around and also love spending time with her family.

Siam Paite

Program Coordinator (Sports & Music)

Hailing from Tamenglong District of Manipur, Siam is a self-trained musician. He joined the Paangkriang Friendship School as a Sports and Music teacher and also taught students in Classes IX and X. He has recently completed advanced Audio Mixing training and has helped produce masterful music videos for Sunbird Trust. Sam is an ardent sportsman having represented Manipur state in badminton and football at the Junior level. He is much loved especially by the hostel students of the hostel at Paangkriang Friendship School for who he is a sports and music teacher. After the raising of the Furtado – Sunbird Trust Music Academy at Ijeirong, Siam is now majorly involved in teaching music to the school children while steadfastly improving his own skills. He aspires to help Sunbird harness the vast musical talent of the youth around Ijeirong by raising a recording studio. Siam’s major desire is to be a leader and changemaker wherever he is positioned.

Sofia Malik

Lead Teacher Program Coordinator (Sports & Music)

Sofia Malik has completed her graduation and master’s degree from Delhi University, Kirorimal College. She spent two years as a fellow with Teach For India (TFI) and then served as the HR lead for a year on the Be The Change Project, known as “Dil Se Kelo.” In her free time, Sofia enjoys painting, writing poetry, and reading books. She has a passion for advertisements, particularly appreciating the creativity in product packaging and taglines.

Ali Asqar

*Junior Field Associate, Arunachal Pradesh

Rooted in the vibrant landscapes of Malappuram, Kerala, Asqar’s educational journey began with a BA in English from Calicut University, followed by an MA in English from the Central University of Punjab. He pursued his B.Ed at Pondicherry University during the pandemic after which he accepted a teaching position at an NGO in Poonch, Jammu & Kashmir. Asqar’s academic path culminated with an M.Ed from North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong, where he actively engaged in community service through NSS. Beyond academics, he enjoys photography, especially capturing diverse cultural expressions.

Anjali Sharma

Lead Teacher

Anjali Sharma, affectionately known as 'Anji' by her colleagues, is a passionate and dynamic educator with a diverse background. Born in Uttar Pradesh and raised across coastal regions of India due to her upbringing in a Navy family, Anjali's journey has been both varied and inspiring. She holds a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Chemistry from KJ Somaiya College, Mumbai. Despite initial ambivalence toward the subject, it was during her college years that Anjali discovered her true calling in education. This led her to pursue a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) from Kurukshetra University in 2021, solidifying her commitment to teaching. In 2022, Anjali joined Teach For India (TFI), where she gained invaluable experience in the transformative power of education and deepened her dedication to making a difference in students' lives. Outside of her professional life, Anjali is an avid traveler who enjoys exploring new cafes, meeting diverse people, and relishing the vibrant atmosphere of Marine Drive while listening to music. She has a keen interest in learning new languages, binge-watching series and movies, and swimming. Anjali is now poised to make a meaningful impact in education, combining her knowledge, enthusiasm, and love for teaching to inspire and uplift her students.

Bhanuj Trivedi

Lead Teacher

Bhanuj, originally from Mumbai, has spent the last six years deeply involved in education and sports. He began his career as an IT teacher, dedicating four years to this role before joining the Teach For India fellowship in 2022, driven by a strong desire to make a positive impact. Alongside his teaching experience, Bhanuj is a certified football coach, accredited by the All India Football Federation (AIFF), and has successfully led various sports initiatives throughout his career. Now a member of Sunbird, Bhanuj aims to continue his dedication to the education sector. He blends his expertise in education with his passion for sports to enrich students’ learning experiences and contribute meaningfully to the community.

Dhondiram

Lead Teacher

Dhondiram Tone, hailing from the Sangli district of Maharashtra, has recently completed his MA in Education from Azim Premji University in Bengaluru. He is passionate about the education sector and is deeply committed to applying theoretical knowledge in practical settings. Dhondiram enjoys reading newspapers, running, and engaging in conversations with others. Known for his social nature, he thrives on interactions and is driven by his passion for working with schools.

Haobijam Abokson Singh

Project Engineer

After completing his 12th grade, Abokson, a Sunbird Student Alumni from Manipur, pursued a Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering at Dr. TTI, Karnataka, affiliated with VTU. Upon graduating, he began his career as a Graduate Engineer Trainee at Prestige Group. After a year of training, he was promoted to Site Engineer, a role he held for 2.5 years. In addition to his engineering career, Abokson is deeply passionate about entrepreneurship. He dreams of founding his own organization one day, aiming to build a successful company that positively impacts people’s lives.

Khangembam Malemthaba

Project Engineer

Malem was born and brought up in Terakhongshangbi, close to the beautiful Loktak Lake, in Bishnupur District of Manipur. After his 12th standard, education seemed like a distant dream for him due to his family’s financial struggles. In 2017, his life changed when he was selected by Sunbird Trust for a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering at Visvesvaraya Technological University, Belagavi. Graduating with distinction, he interned with Prestige Foundation, Bangalore, where he imbibed skills in construction supervision. Post this, he joined Sunbird Trust as an engineer-intern helping supervise the organisation’s construction projects in partner locations before joining the organisation in February 2022 as a Project Engineer. Now a full-time employee of Sunbird Trust, Malem sees himself as a perfect example of a fruit-bearing tree that grew from the seed Sunbird Trust had sown a few years ago. Being brought up in challenging circumstances in a rural area, he seeks to use his knowledge, experience and work to make a difference for the lesser privileged. Malem is a football and sports enthusiast.

Nongmaithem Elza Devi

Assistant School Leader

Elza hails from Manipur and has done her Masters in Human Development and Childhood studies. She has taught in the Delhi University and during the last 4 years, she has been working as a pedagogue, a learning experience designer. She thrives on creativity and innovation, drawing inspiration from various imaginative sources, including her fascination with anime and its intricate storytelling. She channels this inspiration into designing learning experiences that are engaging and visually captivating adventures for young learners. She’s constantly seeking opportunities to grow and excel, driven by a commitment to revolutionise the educational landscape.

Raju Tondurolla

Sponsorship Manager

Raju Tondurolla, also known as Raaju Darshan, hails from Hyderabad. He grew up and completed his schooling in rural Telangana, in a place called Nizamabad. Fortunately, he completed his bachelor’s degree at Hindu College, the same institution where his favorite filmmaker studied. At Hindu College, he studied philosophy and literature. He then moved on to Azim Premji University for his master’s in Education (Language). Raju watches films a lot, listens to music, and about once a week, he enjoys reading a book. He also engages in photography and travel and even completed a Photo Trekker internship at IndiaHikes. Raju loves making his own coffee, living by the motto, “May your coffee kick in before reality does.” While he may look like a sleepless Batman, he does get his rest. Raju has joined us a Lead teacher in Arunachal Pradesh.

Sasmita Behera

Lead Teacher

Sasmita Behera holds a Master’s degree in Information Technology. Her career in the education sector began in 2019 as a Computer teacher, later advancing to a professorship, and she completed a two-year fellowship with Teach For India. In addition to her dedication to education, Sasmita is multilingual, fluent in Hindi, Odia, Marathi, English, Gujarati, and Bengali. She has a strong passion for exploring diverse cultures. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys traveling and indulging in her passion for exploration.

Saniya Kirloskar

HEAD – Teacher Training & Skilling Academy

Saniya's journey in education began with a degree in Biotechnology and a master’s in Biodiversity, driven by a passion for science and a desire to empower students. Her career started in a rural Maharashtra school, where she witnessed the transformative power of science education. In 2015, she joined Teach For India and worked in a government school near Rishikesh as part of a school development project by the Simple Education Foundation. Her journey led her to Sunbird Trust, where she took the lead at Paangkriang Friendship School in Manipur. A proponent of experiential learning, she redesigned the curriculum to integrate regional contexts and initiated a science laboratory for first-generation Naga learners. She also organized art and theatre workshops and developed a water harvesting system that benefited over 350 students. Saniya later returned to Teach For India as a program manager and coach, where she supported fellows in Pune’s government and underprivileged private schools. Throughout her career, she has worked to weave science, wildlife, and music into the classroom. Her experiences in education have fostered kindness and personal growth. A lover of travel and diverse cultures, Saniya is thrilled to return to Sunbird Trust in a new role based in Arunachal Pradesh.

Sonali Uppar

Lead Teacher

Sonali, from Pune, Maharashtra, has been dedicated to education for the past seven years. She began her journey as a personal tutor, making a positive impact on individual students. Her experience expanded when she organized programs such as the Young Scientists Program, robotics workshops, and summer camps, deepening her understanding of diverse learning needs. As a 21er TFI alum, Sonali further honed her teaching expertise and, motivated to extend her influence, became a lead teacher. Her approach is grounded in persistence and open-mindedness, creating an engaging and inclusive learning environment for her students. Beyond her professional achievements, Sonali’s cheerful and compassionate personality allows her to easily connect with others. She enjoys reading, listening to music, and traveling. With her extensive experience and passion for education, Sonali brings fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to the team. Her commitment to student growth aligns perfectly with the organization’s mission, and she is poised to make a meaningful impact.

Vishwas Patel

Manager – M&E

Hailing from Mysore, Vishwas did his bachelor’s in civil engineering from RVCE, Bangalore. A deep interest to learn about and contribute to the education sector drove him to do the Teach for India Fellowship in Chennai, where he gained valuable insights and experiences in teaching and community development. Prior to joining Sunbird Trust, Vishwas worked as a Senior Teacher at The Levelfield School in rural Bengal, focusing on combating rote learning by implementing innovative curriculum and pedagogy, combined with effective use of technology in education. A keen student of social issues and development policy, Vishwas pursued a master’s in public policy and governance at Azim Premji University. He is trained in the methods of quantitative and qualitative social research and has conducted qualitative research on M&E practices in India, besides helping develop an M&E system for an education nonprofit. At Sunbird Trust, he aims to develop robust monitoring and evaluation systems and practices.

Anjali Barla

Sponsorship Coordinator

Anjali Barla comes from the state of Assam and belongs to the Munda tribe (locally known as Adivasi in Assam). Being born and brought up in a small tea estate in Sonitpur district of Assam, Anjali closely noticed the hardships of women and children living in tea estates. After finishing her Masters from Bosco Institute, Jorhat in 2021, she started working with an NGO, to study women’s and children’s entitlements and benefits in her community, who lived in tea estates and villages in rural Assam. Anjali loves playing basketball, kho-kho, kabaddi, and badminton; and enjoys listening to music. Anjali believes that self-realization and self-nourishment are the first steps to bring about a change and make a difference. She takes inspiration from her lived stories and experiences in the community to work for righteousness and growth.

Anjali Yadav

Sponsorship Coordinator

Adapting to new cultures and imbibing the multiculturalism of India, Anjali Yadav is wired to explore and interact with people from varied backgrounds since birth. Having been brought up in Assam, Chandigarh, Tamil Nadu, Bihar, and Delhi, Anjali studied in different locations during her schooling years. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in B.Com (Honours) from the University of Delhi and an MBA in Rural Management from Xavier Institute of Management (XIM), Bhubaneshwar. Hailing from Fatehganj in Bihar’s Rohtas District, her strong connection to rural communities inspired her to pursue a career in rural management. After completing her MBA, Anjali worked with the Bihar Rural Livelihood Promotion Society (BRLPS), contributing to government projects aimed at increasing livelihood opportunities in rural areas. Eager to expand her impact, she later joined Sunbird Trust as a Sponsorship Coordinator, where she manages the day-to-day sponsorship process and explores new partnership opportunities. In her free time, Anjali enjoys traveling to unexplored places, connecting with diverse cultures, riding bikes, and reading. Passionate about rural development, Anjali continues to make a meaningful contribution to the communities she serves, driven by her commitment to creating positive change.

Baruisalu

Junior Sponsorship Associate

Baruisalu Onrwan hails from beautiful Makuilongdi village in Manipur. She recently completed her Masters in Political Science from St Joseph’s College Bangalore, under the sponsorship of Sunbird Trust. Baruisalu finds immense joy in music, and one can usually find her singing her worries away. Sports also hold a special place in her heart and she indulges in sports whenever the opportunity presents itself. According to her, it helps her foster discipline and teamwork in her daily life. Furthermore, the evergreen Baruisalu is captivated by the richness of diverse cultures and languages and believes that understanding and appreciating different cultures enhances her worldview and enables her to connect with people on a deeper level. “As I continue to embark on this journey of self-discovery and personal growth, I am eager to contribute to causes that make a positive impact in society. Whether through my academic pursuits or exploration of different cultures, I aspire to inspire others and foster a sense of unity and understanding”, says Baruisa.

Khuraijam Banty Singh

Community Development Coordinator

Banty, from Imphal West district of Manipur, holds a post-graduate degree in Social Work with a specialization in Public Health from Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Guwahati Campus. His academic journey sparked a deep interest in engaging with marginalized communities, especially women living with HIV/AIDS and other vulnerable groups. This experience fueled his passion for improving the socio-economic conditions of the underserved. In February 2022, Banty joined Sunbird Trust as a Community Development Coordinator, focusing on elevating the living standards of underprivileged populations. He is dedicated to creating empowered community spaces that foster growth, development, and self-empowerment. Banty is a strong advocate for women's rights, particularly their rightful shareholding in their communities, and strives to amplify the voices of the voiceless. Known for his patience, empathy, and strong communication skills, Banty excels in building rapport with people from diverse cultural backgrounds. His ability to connect with the community, especially in Manipur—a melting pot of cultures—has been invaluable in his work. Outside of his professional life, Banty is an avid traveler, continually seeking new experiences to broaden his understanding of the world.

Nepuni

Lead Teacher

Nepuni Kayio, born in a family of cultivators in Shajouba, a small village in Senapati district of Manipur, belongs to the Mao Naga tribe. Growing up in a resource-limited environment, he was deeply motivated by the power and accessibility of universal education for every child. With the help of benefactors who financed his education, Kayio earned a Bachelor's degree in Physics from Don Bosco College, Maram, Manipur, and later worked as a Mathematics and Physics teacher in two schools in Manipur. Initially convinced that teaching was his way of giving back to society, Kayio soon realized that his community needed more than just a good teacher. This realization led him to pursue a Master’s degree in Development Studies from Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai, where he gained a clearer understanding of development frameworks and societal issues, particularly affecting tribal communities and the Northeast region. Kayio aspires to be the voice of marginalized populations and to mentor children from less fortunate families. His long-term goal is to become a scholar and contribute to society through education. Currently, he serves as the Sponsorship Coordinator at Sunbird Trust, where he continues to work towards his vision of a better, more equitable society.

Ringkila J Tainamei

Sponsorship Manager

Hailing from Tumuyon Khullen Village in Manipur’s Senapati District, Ringkila has been a youth leader and a volunteer vocational trainer since her undergraduate days. Equipped with a Master’s degree in Literature, a B.Ed. degree, and also a degree in Psychology, Literature and Journalism, she has gained a foundation in teaching and counseling, as well as an expert in student psychology. She began her career in the corporate sector, but due to her passion for education, she transitioned to the field of education and worked as a Class Teacher, School Administrator and Student Counselor in a High School in Bangalore. When her younger sister Suinila, an employee of Sunbird Trust revealed the impactful work of the organisation, Ringkila herself decided to join the organisation and was selected as the Executive Assistant to the CEO. Being from the North East herself, she felt that this would give her an opportunity to indirectly serve the lesser privileged people of her state. Ringkila’s work also includes mentoring of Sunbird Trust’s sponsored students in and around Bangalore. In her free time, Ringkila creates exquisite arts, crafts, and apparel designs. Being an outdoor enthusiast, she enjoys traveling and exploring architectural beauty and scenic destinations.

S. Kezia Briamtak

Junior Associate - Sponsorship

Kezia is our sponsored student since her secondary level and she has also been interning with us. She comes from the picturesque Pungmon village, home to the Inpui tribe nestled in the mountains. She has completed her B.Sc.Agriculture in Phonics Group of Institution,Roorkee, Uttarakhand. She has a passion for cooking, gardening, exploring the jungle, and fishing—activities that bring her immense joy and contentment. She excels in cooking, food preservation, and entrepreneurial skills, which she hopes to further develop. Her dream is to become an agricultural entrepreneur and contribute meaningfully to her community's growth and development. She firmly believes that every day is a fresh opportunity to learn, and there is no age limit to gaining knowledge and meeting new people.

Pratip Ganguly

Community Development Manager (SALT)

Pratip pursued civil engineering in Chennai and started working in the corporate sector soon after. It did not take him long to realise that the corporate sector wasn’t where he belonged, and he soon moved to pursue the Teach for India fellowship in Pune. He found out through the fellowship, that working with and for people gave him immense joy and satisfaction. While working outside the classroom, Pratip found his interest lies in working with the community. He started to believe the way forward is through engagement and empowerment of the community. He then joined Sunbird to work in the community engagement vertical. He spent three years in Singngat, Manipur leading and coordinating several community engagement interventions. Soon after, he moved to Azim Premji University, Bangalore to pursue his master’s in development. Pratip is extremely passionate about agricultural livelihoods and rural governance. He is excited to be back at Sunbird to work with hill farmers with Sloping Agricultural Land Technology (SALT) as one of the primary methods.

Bruno Kachua

Community Development Co-ordinator

Bruno, from the Adivasi community, hails from a small village in Dibrugarh District, Assam. As the eldest of five brothers, he grew up in a tea garden worker family. Due to financial difficulties, he had to drop out of school in Class V, but with immense support from his family, he was able to continue his education and complete his MSW course. After his post-graduation, Bruno worked for five years in various NGOs, focusing on community development and skill development through government projects. During this time, he also taught tuition to village students, which sparked his passion for teaching and empowering others. In January 2020, Bruno joined Sunbird Trust as a warden at the Paangkriang Friendship School Hostel in Ijeirong, while also leading community outreach in the surrounding area. His responsibilities expanded to managing Sunbird's farm, and he became beloved for his infectious enthusiasm and approachable nature. Bruno has made a significant impact on the children he mentors and the village community. Outside of work, Bruno is an avid footballer and drummer, finding joy in both his professional and personal pursuits while inspiring those around him.

K. Richard Luihing

Community Development Associate Lead Teacher

Richard, hailing from Maram Ramlung, a tribal village in Senapati District of Manipur, was raised by his determined mother after losing his father at a young age. Despite facing numerous challenges, he completed his Bachelor’s in Social Work from Lungnila Elizabeth College in Senapati and a Master’s in Social Work in Public Health from Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai. At TISS, he showcased leadership skills, being elected President of the Students' Forum and coordinator for Mosaic, the body for Northeast students. After completing his Master's, Richard cleared the UGC-NET exam, qualifying for Assistant Professorship. He joined Sunbird Trust as an intern at the Langmei project in February 2022 and later became a full-time employee in April 2022. Currently, as a Community Development Associate in Oinam Hill Village, Manipur, Richard’s role is to foster peace and build livelihoods in a village affected by violence since 1987. Richard credits his fieldwork and internships for shaping his people-centered personality and remains committed to his work at Sunbird Trust. He aspires to qualify for a Junior Research Fellowship and continue growing within the organization.

Md. Imran Thangloi

Associate - education and community development

Md. Imran Thangloi, a B.Sc. graduate in Agriculture from Phonics Group of Institution (2020), is the eldest of four siblings residing in S.Bualkot, Manipur. Imran possesses a passion for science, evident in his enjoyment of teaching and experimentation. As a problem-solver with creative thinking skills, he thrives in teamwork. Imran's journey is one of dedication and achievement. Sponsored by Sunbird Trust in completion of Graduation and since September 2020 he has been a part of Sunbird Trust in bringing peace through education, his gratitude extends to Sir Col. Christopher Rego (Retd.) and the Sunbird Family for their generous support in his and his siblings' higher education. Imran's impact extends beyond academics. A certified bee farmer and recipient of 1st prize in an inter-college debate competition, he has also empowered over 100 farmers through the Sloping Agriculture Land Technology (SALT) Project. In his free time, Imran enjoys planting, listening to music, playing guitar, reading, and badminton.

Kholi Anthony LP

Community Programme Coordinator

Kholi Anthony LP, from the remote Laii Village in Senapati District, Manipur, belongs to the Poumai Naga tribe. Supported by Sunbird Trust’s sponsorship programme for underserved children from Northeast India, he pursued a degree in Chemistry, Environmental Science, and Botany at St. Joseph University, Bengaluru. During his 19-month internship with Sunbird Trust, he worked under Soil Professor David Gandhi in Aben Village and later with the Sunbird team in Bengaluru. Anthony has presented two research papers, “Slash and Burnt Cultivation” and “Water Snake,” under the guidance of Prof. Dr. Wilson at St. Joseph University. He also wrote another paper on “Microbial Presence on Fruits and Vegetables” under Prof. Nilam Mishram. Currently serving as the Community Coordinator at Ijeirong, Noney District, Anthony is skilled in traditional plant-based healing, having completed a course from the University of New Mexico. He is also trained in goat rearing, T-budding, and gardening. A dedicated footballer, Anthony represented his club, Netaji FC, in the Karnataka State District League in 2019 and played for his university’s team.

Poungiale Newme

Community Programme Assosciate, SALT

Poungiale is from Aben village, Tamenglong district, Manipur. She completed her Bachelor’s in Theology from Maranatha Baptist Bible College in Bangalore and subsequently worked as a teacher at New Mandeu in Manipur. In 2018, she earned her Master’s in Divinity and then taught at a school in Mizoram for three years before pursuing a Master’s in Theology. Poungiale possesses extensive knowledge in SALT farming, with her family managing the finest SALT farm in Aben village. With three years of teaching experience, she has a passion for education, though her interest leans more towards farming. Her hobbies include singing, gardening, and playing volleyball.

Chitra Suvarna

Manager – Fundraising and Donor Engagement

Even though Chitra grew up in Bangalore, she feels most at home in her hometown Mangalore, by the beach, with a good book in hand.After completing her under graduation, she took up the Teach for India (TFI) fellowship and taught English to 8th, 9th, and 10th graders in an Akanksha school in Pune. During her two years with TFI, she understood the importance of making students independent learners and that sustainability in education was the need of the hour. She joined Sunbird in August 2020 with the intention of exploring the education sector further. Chitra never says no to doing something (responsibly) adventurous. A bibliophile, she loves indulging in high adrenaline activities, traveling to new places, understanding different cultures, and exploring various cuisines. All of these likings seem to have come together at the remote village of Aben, Tamenglong District where she served as an ASL for a year. She now works at the idyllic Kachai Village, located among verdant hills in the Ukhrul District of Manipur.

Shanmukha Priya Chadarada

Manager – Fundraising and Donor Management

Shanmukha holds a Bachelor’s in Business Management and a Master’s in Social Work, specializing in child rights and protection. Over the past five years, she has worked diligently to transform government schools into thriving educational hubs, ensuring that learning is both engaging and accessible for all children. Her career spans Program Management, Communications, Fundraising, and Strategic Partnerships. Outside of work, Shanmukha is a travel enthusiast, talented cook, and passionate organic farmer. Although she grew up in the bustling city of Hyderabad, she chose rural life after marrying into a village family in Coastal Andhra. She grows her own food, with vegetables so fresh they seem to jump straight onto her plate, and shares her home with buffaloes and hens. Her daughter, Bhoomi, an eco-warrior, enjoys gardening and playing with mud. Shanmukha is driven by a strong belief in education reform and child protection. She values the power of community and sustainable living, striving to create environments where children can thrive. Her unique mix of city and country living infuses her professional work with a sense of groundedness and passion for nurturing both children and the planet. Spending time with her, people might just gain a fresh perspective or at least a really good tomato!

Srinivasan

Finance and Administration

Srinivasan is a native of Tamil Nadu, now settled in Bangalore and working in Finance and Administration in the social sector for the last 18 years. He started as an Accountant with Navjeevan Seva mandal, an NGO working to eliminate poverty from underprivileged community and later joined World Vision India as Finance Officer for more than 9 years. Post World vision, he joined Development Focus a Bangalore based NGO as Senior Finance and Administrative officer and Association People with Disability (APD) and TIDE as Senior Manager, Finance and Compliance. He’s also worked with Caritas India & AFWA. Srinivasan believes that an Accounts Associate who is loyal to this organization should uphold the all systems from time to time. Srinivasan holds a BCom & an MBA in Finance and ICWAI. Reading books and traveling are two of his favourite hobbies.

Ashwi Ansh

Associate– Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning

Ashwi Ansh hails from the city of waterfalls, Ranchi, Jharkhand. With a postgraduate degree in Rural Management, she is passionate changemaker dedicated to fostering positive transformations in communities. In her role as a Project Manager for social initiatives at Think and Learn Pvt Ltd, she collaborated with District Administration and Niti Aayog to uplift the educational standards in aspirational districts. This experience honed her skills in driving impactful projects and reinforced her commitment to social betterment. Outside of her professional life, she find joy and peace in traveling, cooking, dancing, and sketching. These hobbies not only fuel her creativity but also offer diverse perspectives that enhance her approach to life. With a heart set on making a meaningful difference, she continuously seek opportunities to contribute to community development and strive to leave a lasting, positive impact wherever she go.

Nikita Ann Paul

HR & People Practices Associate

Nikita Ann Paul hails from Kochi, Kerala. She has a diverse educational background, having done her schooling in Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. Holding an MBA degree, she has a background in Consulting, Electronics and Communication Engineering, and People Management. From her early engineering days, she has actively participated in various NGO and CSR initiatives, demonstrating a commitment to social welfare. Beginning her career at Infosys Ltd, she had the opportunity to take up leadership roles for projects with international clients. Seeking to enhance her expertise in people and performance management, she pursued MBA at TAPMI, Manipal, where she also spearheaded empowerment initiatives with the Social Endeavour Group. Post her graduation, she transitioned to EY as a Cybersecurity Consultant. Recognizing her passion for people-centric roles and her drive to engage in positive societal change, she embraced the opportunity to join Sunbird Trust as a Human Resources and People Practices Associate. She is eager to bring her dedication, skills, and passion to Sunbird Trust and contribute to its noble mission. Furthermore, Nikita has a keen interest in art and craft, which she integrates into her personal and professional endeavors, adding a creative dimension to her contributions.

Parthona Phukan

Associate- Social Media & Communication

Parthona Phukan is a development professional with a background in Mass Communication and Journalism. Initially starting her career in public relations, she quickly transitioned to journalism, where she found her true passion in storytelling. This passion led her to the development sector, where she has spent the past year and a half working at the grassroots level, capturing stories that inspire change and contributing to community development. Parthona is driven by the belief that every narrative has the power to influence and transform.