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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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COO – Chief Operating Officer

Ravi Kumar K

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State Head (Assam & Nagaland)

Sunil Vijayan

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Head – Accounts and Finance

Education Team

Afna H

Lead Teacher

Aneesa Azeez

Lead Teacher

Arya Divakaran Mullanezhi

Education Team

Ayushi Pandey

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Education Programme Manager

Chandra Jyoti Chakma

Lead Teacher

Chandrayee Chatterjee

Lead Teacher

Dipmala Karmakar

Lead Teacher

Hrithika Roy Chowdhury

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Lead Teacher

Paanchali

Lead Teacher

Riya

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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

Chitra Suvarna

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Education Program Manager

Durgesh Kumar Bhaiya

Lead Teacher

Gulnaz Parveen

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Lead Teacher

Haobijam Abokson Singh

Project Engineer

Jyotishpal Deka

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Lead Teacher

Kajal Singh

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Lead Teacher

Kaushik Shukla

Lead Teacher

Khangembam Malemthaba

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Senior – Project Engineer (AP)- Arunachal Pradesh

Komal Kumari

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Teaching Associate

Mohd. Uzair

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Trainer – TTA, Mechuka

Nikhil Tiwari

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Lead Teacher

Pixie Sarmah Baruah

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Lead Teacher

Sadouba Bariamtak

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Junior Field Associate

Sasmita Behera

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Lead Teacher

Shailey Barla

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Lead Teacher

Shrikrushna Wasudeo Bathe

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Teaching Associate

Thankam Maliakkal Joshua

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Lead Teacher

Vijaya Kumari Godavarthy

Trainer- TTA (Arunachal Team)

Vishwas Patel

Co-Head – Teacher Training & Skilling Academy & M&E Lead (AP)- Arunachal Pradesh

Yogesh Kumar

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Lead Teacher

Sponsorship Team

Anjali Barla

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Sponsorship Coordinator

Baruisalu

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Junior Sponsorship Associate

Chamrinba Bariam

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Junior Associate – Sponsorship

John Somirin Tungshang

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Sponsorship Coordinator

Khuraijam Banty Singh

Sponsorship and Community Development Coordinator

Nepuni Kayio

Sponsorship Coordinator

Ringkila J Tainamei

Sponsorship Manager

Sadhana Hemam

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Junior Associate – Sponsorship

S. Kezia Briamtak

Junior Sponsorship Associate

Community Development

Pratip Ganguly

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Senior Manager, Community Development

Bruno Kachua

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Community Development Co-ordinator

K. Richard Luihing

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Manager, Community Development

Md. Imran Thangloi

Coordinator- Community Development

Kholi Anthony LP

Community Programme Coordinator

Poungiale Newme

Associate – Community Development

Rinchuiba Bariamtak

Junior Associate – Community Development

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

Ashwi Ansh

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Associate– Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning

Himanshu Deka

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Associate – Accounts and Finance

Nikita Ann Paul

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Coordinator, HR & People Practices

Nixon Mathew

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Manager – Finance and Accounts

Parthona Phukan

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Associate- Social Media & Communication

Shanmukha Priya Chadarada

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Manager – Fundraising and Donor Management

Taru Vikram

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Senior Associate- Fundraising and Donor Engagement.

Sunbird Emerging Leaders’ Fellowship

Sengbat Marak

Program coordinator – Sunbird Emerging Leaders’ Fellowship

Turn a child’s story of struggle into one of hope.

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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.

Arya Divakaran Mullanezhi

Education Team

Arya M holds a Master's degree in English Language and Literature, after which life surprised her with the Bhumi Fellowship for two years. During this time, she worked with a government-aided school in Chennai, with a prime focus on Foundational Literacy and Numeracy in the primary grades. Over the course of these two years, she realized that while a lot of concrete work is already being executed in the Indian education system, a LOT more still needs to be done. Given her areas of interest in Instructional Pedagogies, Differentiation, and Relevant Learning through "teach without teaching," she looks forward to contributing in as much capacity as possible to the section that requires it the most. Here is a sneak peek into her three slices of personality: Slice 1 – As a person outside work: She is an absolute enthusiast of films, fun, and flamboyance. Slice 2 – As a professional: She might be seen more often with a straight face when not around people. She thoroughly finds joy and a sense of meaning in researching and understanding Learning Frameworks, Instructional Pedagogies, Policy MoMs, and Efficiency in Education. Slice 3: It is still under discovery and is adaptable to change with time and space.

Aneesa Azeez

Education Team

"Aneesa is a Civil Engineering graduate from Kerala who found her way into education soon after college. Driven by a belief in educational equity and the power of quality education to transform lives, she joined Teach For India as a Fellow and spent the last two years teaching Grade 4 in a low-income private school in Chennai. Working closely with children, families, and communities helped her understand the impact of education far beyond the classroom. She loves reading and often jokes that she has lived a thousand lives through books. Stories have shaped the way she sees people and the world around her. They have taught her to stay curious, ask questions, and appreciate different perspectives. Some of her favorite literary companions are strong, complex women like Scarlett O'Hara, whose resilience and determination continue to inspire her. A slightly quirky fact about Aneesa: after watching Interstellar as a teenager, she became fascinated with the character Murphy and Murphy's Law. She took it so seriously that many of her friends still call her ""Murphy."" Whether things go according to plan or not, the nickname has stayed with her ever since. Alongside teaching, she has been interested in teacher development and community-based education. One of the most meaningful experiences in her journey has been reconnecting with Kanavu, an organization working in rural Tamil Nadu that played an important role in deepening her understanding of education in rural communities. Recently, she worked with the team to support teacher learning and contribute to the development of a teacher handbook. It was a valuable opportunity to think about how teachers working in low-resource communities can be better supported and how learning experiences for children can be strengthened. She tries to live by the values of curiosity, empathy, and paying attention to the world around her. Over the years, these values have grown stronger through the books she has read and the people she has met. The writings of Arundhati Roy, in particular, have stayed with her and continue to shape how she thinks about justice, power, community, and the responsibility to never look away. Aneesa is excited to join Sunbird Trust and looks forward to learning from the communities, cultures, and experiences of Northeast India while contributing to the organization's mission."

Ayushi Pandey

Education Programme Manager

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.

Chandra Jyoti Chakma

Education Team

"Chandra Jyoti Chakma holds a Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Chemistry from Hansraj College, University of Delhi, and a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) from Baba Saheb Ambedkar Education University, Kolkata. Over the past few years, he has been working in the field of education with a strong commitment to ensuring equitable learning opportunities for children from underserved communities. Most recently, he served as a Teaching Fellow with Teach For India in Kolkata, where he taught primary-grade students and worked closely with families and communities to support children's academic and leadership development. Prior to this, Chandra Jyoti founded and managed ""Edu-Career Institute,"" a coaching initiative for underprivileged secondary school students in Diyun, Arunachal Pradesh, while also volunteering at his alma mater, Mahabodhi School. His areas of interest include STEM education, curriculum design, teacher development, and community-centred approaches to education. Outside of work, Chandra Jyoti enjoys learning about education systems, exploring science-related topics, and engaging in meaningful conversations about social change and community development. He strongly believes that education has the power to transform lives and create a lasting positive impact."

Chandrayee Chatterjee

Education Team

"Chandrayee hails from Kolkata. She has a Master's degree in Applied Psychology and has spent the last five years as a teacher and curriculum developer. Her passion lies in creating mental health-friendly classrooms where every child and teacher feels seen, supported, and valued. Outside of work, she loves reading, painting, watching series, and spending time in nature. Plants and animals are some of her closest companions, and she is a bit of a skincare enthusiast. She is excited to join Sunbird and especially looks forward to learning from the communities in Dima Hasao. She strongly believes in the power of community and is eager to learn from the culture, traditions, and experiences of the people she'll meet along the way."

Dipmala Karmakar

Lead Teacher

"Dipmala wishes she was from one of the fictional places she's spent most of her life reading about; barring a few, obviously. But she's from Golaghat, Assam, a small town built around the Dhansiri River, one of the quieter arms of the Brahmaputra, and honestly that's a pretty good deal. She comes from two identities; Assamese and Bengali, both fully, simultaneously; which gets weird and complicated and also culturally very multifaceted, sometimes all in the same conversation. She speaks both fluently, which mostly means she has no excuse at any family gathering. She did her schooling in Assam, then went to Chennai for a Bachelor's in Journalism and Mass Communication at Madras Christian College, then a Master's in Social Exclusion and Inclusive Policy at Pondicherry University; where she wrote her dissertation on Bengali communities in Assam, on what it means to belong to a place that keeps asking you to prove it. She genuinely could not stop reading about the ways power decides, quietly and without much fanfare, who gets to be a full person and who doesn't. Foucault would probably call it something longer. She just kept finding it everywhere. She's interned at Adore India in Kolkata and at Barefoot College in Tilonia, Rajasthan; the kind of place that makes you reconsider everything you thought you knew about who gets to hold knowledge and how. Currently she's in her second year as a Teach For India Fellow at a low-income private school in Kubernagar, Ahmedabad, where she teaches, facilitates the School Management Committee, co-drafts policy proposals for PST track, and basically tries to make sure that a classroom feels like a place where the smallest person in the room also gets to ask the largest questions. She cares about marginalized communities; not just the ones that get officially named and counted, but the ones that fall through the gap between categories, whose exclusion doesn't have a clean policy brief yet. She thinks stories are how we actually understand things. She thinks love; all kinds of it, including the kind that refuses to fit neatly into a single definition; is genuinely political. She thinks systems are not broken, they are working exactly as designed, and that's the more uncomfortable thought. Outside of all of that; she loves to info-dump on people she's comfortable with, she will debate almost anything if the energy is right, and she once spent a serious amount of time researching whether it would be logistically possible to relocate all the world's mosquitoes to Antarctica. She had a whole argument. She sat with the research. It turns out the answer involves environmental devastation, several border disputes, and a surprisingly complex discussion about ecosystem collapse; which, if anything, made the debate more interesting."

Hrithika Roy Chowdhury

Lead Teacher

Hrithika Roy Chowdhury hails from West Bengal. She is a first-generation learner, and that experience has deeply shaped her understanding and views on education and access to learning. She completed her graduation in History from Maulana Azad College under the University of Calcutta, and later pursued her post-graduation in Ancient Indian History, Culture, and Archaeology from Visva-Bharati. After completing her master’s degree, she joined the Teach For India Fellowship. Theatre has also been a significant part of her journey. She has been associated with theatre since Grade 7, and it has played an important role in shaping the way she expresses, reflects, and connects with people and stories. Outside work, she enjoys travelling, reading books, and listening to music.

Paanchali

Lead Teacher, Majuli
Paanchali graduated from the University of Delhi in 2018 with a degree in English Literature and began her career in the ed-tech sector as a content writer. Over time, she discovered a deeper passion for working toward the empowerment of underprivileged communities through education and transitioned into the development sector as an educator. She deeply values resilience and believes in co-creating safe, joyful spaces with the people she works alongside; spaces rooted in inclusivity, empathy, and mutual respect. Beyond her professional journey, she enjoys reading and writing, and she finds solace through scrapbooking and travel.

Riya

Lead Teacher

Riya hails from Assam. She completed her graduation in B.Com (Hons.) from Daulat Ram College, University of Delhi, and worked as a Teach For India Fellow in Delhi. She is an extrovert who enjoys connecting with people and building meaningful conversations. She truly believes in the power of stories, whether it’s listening to them, telling them, or as a way to connect with others. She has a keen interest in mythology and loves exploring local cultures and traditions, especially through their stories and folklore.

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.

Chitra Suvarna

Education Program Manager

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.

Durgesh Kumar Bhaiya

Lead Teacher

Durgesh hails from Jharkhand and, from an early stage of life, aspired to join the defence services. That aspiration shaped his values of discipline, resilience, and public service. His journey in education began at S R Public School, which encouraged him to explore diverse methods of teaching and learning. After this, he worked with the Self Selection Board in content creation and coordination for defence examinations. In 2025, he completed MA in Education from Azim Premji University. Following this, he joined Desh Apnayen Sahayog Foundation, where he contributed towards civic education programs and worked closely with schools and students to strengthen active citizenship and community engagement. Beyond work, he enjoys writing reflective journals and documenting his learnings from the field. One of his reflections in a previous organisation ended up becoming a monthly blog post for the organisation’s website! He also enjoys following geopolitical developments and travelling to new geographies.

Gulnaz Parveen

Gulnaz Parveen hails from Bihar. She is a passionate educator with a Master’s in Education (Social Science specialization) from Azim Premji University and a B.Sc. in Botany from Magadh University. She has worked with organizations such as Nari Gunjan and WEIV. She is passionate about empowering students and communities through inclusive and engaging education practices. Outside of her professional life, Gulnaz enjoys going on walks, light reflective reading, and engaging in thoughtful conversations

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.

Jyotishpal Deka

Jyotishpal Deka hails from Assam. He is a science enthusiast turned education advocate with a Master’s in Molecular Biology & Biotechnology from Tezpur Central University. His journey took an exciting turn when he joined Teach For India as a Teaching Fellow. Before this, he has worked as an Academic Mentor at Oda Class. When he is not teaching or coding in Python for fun, you might find him organizing debates, leading tree-planting drives (1,000 saplings and counting!), or advocating for child safety. He speaks four languages, believes in the power of laughter to break the ice, and he is always up for a chat about education, tech, or the perfect cup of chai

Kajal Singh

Lead Teacher

Kajal Singh is from Uttar Pradesh. She holds a degree in B.Sc and D.EL.ED. She has 4 years of experience in the teaching field. She has a deep passion for teaching and working with children. She enjoys spending time with them, learning from their unique perspectives, and helping them grow and develop. Her hobbies and interests include cooking, crafting, travelling and exploring new places.

Kaushik Shukla

Lead Teacher

Kaushik was born and brought up in Prayagraj (formerly Allahabad), Uttar Pradesh. He finished his school education in Allahabad before joining Azim Premji University, Bangalore for his Undergraduate degree in B.A. Economics. His dissatisfaction with his school and teachers led him to think a lot about how education can be made more child-sensitive and refrain from the archaic beliefs of teacher worship, leading to better child engagement and autonomy. He chose Education as his minor subject to explore the discipline more. After graduation, he got an opportunity to teach at NEXT School in Mumbai. This was a great learning experience for him as the IB curriculum required rigorous planning for classrooms and assessments. Teaching allowed him to understand the nuances of education and learn a great deal about children, and helped him get over his fear of interacting with them (for the longest time, he was scared of children and didn’t know how to talk to them). The first time Kaushik got a chance to visit the North-East was during a week-long school trip to Meghalaya. He absolutely fell in love with the place and the people there. There was just something calming and freeing about that place. During this period, he decided to pursue further education in the field of, well... education, and came back to Azim Premji University to do an M.A. in Education. When he saw that Sunbird Trust was working in the North-East, it quickly piqued his interest, along with the role, which he felt suited his interests.

A few interesting (subjective) things about him:
1. Music has been his biggest interest since childhood, and he loves to sing and play instruments. He taught himself guitar and drums and is planning on learning a new instrument soon.
2. He is extremely curious and loves learning new, random things. He also enjoys learning skills of all kinds and loves teaching himself.
3. He was the youngest teacher (23 years old) during his tenure at NEXT School. The boys got really close to him because he used to play video games and listen to hip-hop.
4. He was named the unofficial “Coolest Sir in School” by the primary students. (PS: He was the only “Sir” in the primary group.)
5. He was also named the unofficial “Chillest Teacher in School” by his students for not being angry or scolding them, which is surprising because a lot of kids got scolded by him, so someone somewhere definitely rigged the election (probably the boys from his class).
6. During his first week of work, he once fell asleep along with the kindergarten students during their daily post-lunch nap time due to exhaustion and was subsequently scolded by the school principal.
7. He loves cats. And burritos.

Khangembam Malemthaba

Senior - Project Engineer (AP)- Arunachal Pradesh

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.

Komal Kumari

Teaching Associate

Komal Kumari is from Gaya district, Bihar. She completed her Master's from Azim Premji University, Bhopal, and enjoys arts and crafts. She truly enjoys working with children, connecting with them, and understanding their perspectives because she believes that every child has unique potential. She finds great joy in supporting their growth and learning. As she begins her journey with Sunbird Trust, she is excited to learn from new experiences, connect with people from diverse backgrounds, and contribute in meaningful ways. She looks forward to learning, growing, and being part of this wonderful community.

Mohd. Uzair

Trainer - TTA, Mechuka

Uzair's educational background includes a Master's degree in Social Work from Aligarh Muslim University, and he has spent the last four years dedicated to the field of education. He worked as a Resource Person at Azim Premji Foundation and as a Research Associate at Educational Initiatives. When not working, you can often find him experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen, engrossed in a compelling history book, or playing cricket outdoors. Here's an unexpected titbit about him: He also enjoys reading and writing Sher o Shayari (poetry) and considers himself an amateur Shayar, or Poet.

Nikhil Tiwari

Nikhil Tiwari hails from UP. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Physics and Education (2021–2025) from Azim Premji University. He is a hands-on educator, and a microcontroller enthusiast. He has taught across schools, NGOs, and science centre and he always trying to make learning playful and practical. With five years of experience as a part-time electrician, he loves connecting real-world tech with classroom concepts. Whether he is fixing gadgets or sparking curiosity, he believes in making science fun and keeping people smiling, no matter what.

Pixie Sarmah Baruah

Lead Teacher

Pixie is from Tezpur, Assam. Their pronouns are they/them. They completed their Bachelor’s in Commerce before stepping into education through the Teach For India Fellowship, where they taught Grades 3 and 4. They are now excited to join Sunbird Trust as a Lead Teacher in Arunachal Pradesh. They are passionate about creating classrooms where children feel curious, confident, and heard, and they are looking forward to learning and growing alongside the students and communities here. Outside of work, they enjoy travelling, listening to music, painting, playing games, and finding small moments that make life feel new. They are grateful to be part of the Sunbird family and excited for what’s ahead.

Sadouba Bariamtak

Sadouba Bariamtak hails from Ijeirong. He has just completed his graduation in BA Honours in Political Science from Maharaja Bodhchandra College,Imphal. He has also completed a one year DCA course in computer from Nielit . He has been travelling around Manipur with different teams and guests in the past months which made him decide that he wants to learn more about Sunbird Trust and join as a team member. He’s very excited to work with Sunbird. Sadouba loves singing and listening to music and dedicates most of his free time playing guitar and singing.

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.

Shailey Barla

Shailey Barla was born and brought up in Andhra Pradesh and has recently moved to Ranchi with her family. She holds a B.Sc. in Biotechnology, an M.Sc. in Food Science and Nutrition, and a PG Diploma in Rural Development Management. She has worked across sectors like state rural Development, CSR sector and in Food testing laboratory. In 2022 Nov she qualified UGC net and then joined Teach For India Fellowship. Her approach from being a solo- driver of learning to student-led classrooms enlightened multiple possibilities, overcoming challenges this changed the dynamics of the understanding she held about education to a child. She likes art, journaling, travelling and playing badminton!

Shrikrushna Wasudeo Bathe

Teaching Associate

Krushna comes from rural Maharashtra. He recently completed his Master's in Education from Azim Premji University. He loves to visit places and meet people. He enjoys playing sports and can play cricket, kabaddi, table tennis, badminton, and frisbee, which he recently learned. Every time he sits at a table, before he even realizes it, he finds himself tapping out a beat. He is a strong believer in change through constant efforts and is passionate about making children's classroom experiences meaningful through teaching.

Thankam Maliakkal Joshua

Lead Teacher

"Thankam Joshua was born in Kerala and raised in the UAE. In 2021, she returned to India to pursue her undergraduate studies Psychology and a Diploma in Design at FLAME University in Pune. She worked as an assistant teacher at Akshara Foundation, supporting children with special needs, while also working as a sales intern at Decathlon. Watching children learn, grow, and gain confidence showed her that teaching was more than just something she enjoyed, it was something she felt deeply passionate about. That realization led her to pursue the Teach For India Fellowship in Bengaluru. She enjoys questioning assumptions, experimenting with new ideas, and finding creative ways to connect with people and solve problems. As she continues her journey in education, she hopes to bring that same spirit to the movement, a willingness to think differently, and create learning experiences that inspire curiosity, confidence, and growth in every child."

Vijaya Kumari Godavarthy

Trainer- TTA (Arunachal Team)

"Vijaya Kumari Godavarthy, fondly called Vijaya, is an engineer by degree but an educator by heart. She pursued Computer Science and Engineering, but soon realised that her true calling lay in the field of education. She began her journey as a school teacher and later became a communication skills trainer. Wanting to explore education at a deeper level, Vijaya took up the Bhumi Fellowship, where she worked with different stakeholders in the education ecosystem. She later joined Alokit as a Program Manager, where she coached and trained teachers and school leaders across two districts of Telangana. With 7 years of experience in education across different levels, Vijaya continues to be passionate about creating meaningful learning experiences. Apart from work, she enjoys cooking, travelling, and exploring local places. Her secret talent? If she observes you enough, she can mimic your body language and tone."

Vishwas Patel

Co-Head - Teacher Training & Skilling Academy & M&E Lead (AP)- Arunachal Pradesh

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.

Yogesh Kumar

Lead Teacher

Yogesh, a passionate educator hailing from Punjab, discovered his calling to become a school teacher as early as Grade 3—and that early spark has only grown brighter with time. During his Teach For India Fellowship, he had the enriching experience of teaching 180 spirited 9th and 10th-grade students at a government school in Pune. Central to Yogesh’s journey is a core belief: Every child can learn—just not on the same day, or in the same way. This philosophy not only guides his teaching practice but also fuels his desire to explore how learning takes shape in different corners of the world. With a heart set on wandering, he dreams of discovering the diverse and beautiful ways education and love quietly shape lives across cultures. For Yogesh, there’s a kind of magic in the classroom—the soft showers of chalk dust as he writes on the blackboard serve as a gentle reminder that he’s alive and doing what he loves. Beyond the classroom, he thrives on public speaking, using stories and ideas to build bridges and amplify voices that matter. When he’s not teaching, Yogesh finds joy in chasing sunrises on treks, penning shayaris under the moonlight, immersing himself in the soulful world of ghazals, or learning to coax gentle melodies from his newest companion—the flute. His teaching philosophy echoes his deep commitment to inclusive learning: “If a child can’t learn the way you teach, then teach the way he learns.”

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.

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.

Core Team

Junior Associate - Sponsorship
Chamrinba Bariam is from Kabuikhullen Village in Noney District, Manipur. He completed his graduation from Don Bosco College, Maram. He has a keen interest in singing and gardening, and he truly enjoys learning new things and connecting with people.

John Somirin Tungshang

Sponsorship Coordinator
John is a B. Com graduate and has done his MBA in Hotel Management. With 8+ years of experience in Finance, HR, and Administration across education, hospitality, and corporate sectors, his journey has been rooted in building strong systems, transparency, and people-centred processes. He has had the opportunity to work with several schools in Manipur, handling finance, compliance, audits, payroll, and administration. He has previously worked closely with Sunbird Trust’s sponsorship programs while serving at Christ King High School, Chingjaroi and St. George High School, Moreh, coordinating fund utilisation and student support. Witnessing the real impact of education on children and communities in the Northeast inspired him to be part of this mission.

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.

Sadhana Hemam

Junior Associate - Sponsorship

Sadhana Hemam is from Moirang in the Bishnupur district of Manipur. She completed her graduation from St. Joseph's University, Bengaluru. She is someone who enjoys interacting with people and learning new things along the way. In her free time, she enjoys singing, watching series, and sketching.

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

Senior Manager, Community Development

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

Manager, Community Development : community development

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

Coordinator- 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

Associate - Community Development

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.

Rinchuiba Bariamtak

Junior Associate - Community Development

Rinchuiba Bariamtak comes from the serene village of Ijeirong in Manipur. He has successfully completed Bachelor of Social Work at St. Joseph University, Bangalore, where he gained valuable knowledge and developed a passion for serving communities. During his academic journey, he had the opportunity to intern at Alpha Friendship School in Kachai, Manipur, for two years. This experience allowed him to work closely with students, contributing to their growth while honing his interpersonal and professional skills. In his free time, he loves listening to music, playing guitar, singing, sketching, playing football, riding bike. These hobbies keep him balanced and motivated in both his personal and professional life

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.

Himanshu Deka

Associate - Accounts and Finance

Himanshu Deka is an Accounts and Administration professional with a strong passion for numbers and problem-solving. It's not just a profession for him, he genuinely enjoys solving financial challenges and ensuring accuracy in every detail. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce (B.Com) and has built over 4 years of experience in the accounting field. Beyond work, he has a deep appreciation for Indian food, culture, and traditional attire. He also enjoys spending quality time with friends, engaging in meaningful and lively discussions. He believes in continuous learning, teamwork, and bringing a positive attitude to both his professional and personal life.

Nikita Ann Paul

Coordinator, HR & People Practices

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.

Nixon Mathew

Manager - Finance and Accounts

Nixon Mathew is from Cochin, Kerala. He is a Commerce graduate with more than 10 years of experience working in the NGO sector. He has been a part of organizations like WaterAid, the Public Health Foundation of India and Caritas India. He is passionate about cooking, he also enjoys outdoor games, especially football. Back in school, he was a member of the district football team.

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.

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!

Taru Vikram

Senior Associate- Fundraising and Donor Engagement.

Taru completed her MBA in Marketing and Finance in 2017 and started her career in client management and continued for 4 years before moving into the social sector through Teach For India in 2021. What was meant to be a brief stint turned into a full-time plot twist. Since then, she has been working in donor management and fundraising, building relationships that turn good intentions into real impact. She is a continuous learner and a Kathak dancer, which means she can talk strategy in one moment and mentally count taals in the next. For her, art builds discipline, confidence, and focus, and she tries to bring a bit of that rhythm into everything she does. Also, perpetually in love with Shah Rukh Khan and a complete Bollywood freak, so if life had background music, she would probably be thriving even more.

Sengbat Marak

Program coordinator - Sunbird Emerging Leaders’ Fellowship

Sengbat Marak is from the Garo community in the picturesque East Khasi Hills of Meghalaya. He kicked off his academic journey with a Bachelor’s in Social Work from St. Edmund’s College and went on to get his Master’s with a focus on Social work and Public Health From TISS-Guwahati Off-Campus in 2023. His internship adventures have taken him to rural Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, and Sikkim and he has also spent 1.5 years as an Academic Mentor with the Bharti Airtel Foundation in Jirang Block, Ri-Bhoi District. His interests include anime, conquering hiking trails, and reading books.