Leadership

(Late) Mrs. Beroz Vacha

(Late) Mrs. Beroz Vacha started her career in 1965 as a special educator for the Deaf where she had a chance meeting with a Deafblind girl. This was her first introduction to the disability of Deafblindness. Inspired by the intelligent and free-spirited girl, she set about creating many success stories for Deafblind persons. She strongly believed that education is a must for all. Kind hearted and generous to a fault, she dedicated her life to make the world a better place for Persons with Disabilities (PwD). She vociferously advocated for the rights of the Deaf and Deafblind.

She was the recipient of the President's National Award for her outstanding performance towards working for the welfare of people with disabilities and the prestigious Anne Sullivan Award (Sweden), among many others. She was a shining star in the lives of her students, guiding them with her light.

(Late) Mr. Suryakant Dalal

At the age of 89, Mr. Suryakant Dalal was fondly called the ‘youngest member’ of the HKIDB family. He joined HKIDB as the President in 1978 and was instrumental in generating the much needed funds and other resources to drive the new organization. He was deeply involved in all the activities. His business acumen, passion for the cause and open door policy made him a favourite amongst everybody.

Lovingly called Surubhai or even Papa by many, he is sorely missed by all.

Mr. Sudit K. Parekh joined the HKIDB family in its first year in 1977 as a Founder Trustee. Since then he has been involved in guiding the institute onto the right path with his passion, vision and sound advice. A Chartered Accountant by qualification, he is the Founder and Chairman of Sudit K. Parekh & Co., an accounting, advisory, assurance and tax firm established in 1962 that has been listed among the leading Tax and Transfer Pricing firms in India by international guides.

Dr. Merchant is one of the most experienced paediatrician and neonatologist in Mumbai. Besides her consultant work, she is an Hon. Peadiatrician at Asha Sadan, a home for destitute children and a Trustee at Bal Jeevan, a school for children from low income families. Her rich experience and expert technical knowledge is valuable for the early assessment and healthcare of our children.

Mr. Agarwala is known for his wisdom, good judgment and high ethical standards. He is the strong vote of confidence that any organization needs to continue carrying on its good work. He has been associated with The Aditya Birla Group since over 50 years. Besides being on the Board of many flagship companies of The Aditya Birla Group, he is involved in various projects under the aegis of “The Aditya Birla Centre for Community Initiatives & Rural Development” and several other important, strategic and sustainability initiatives.

Former Principal of the well known school, Bombay International School (BIS), Ms. Panthaki is now a consultant with Family Planning Association of India (FPAI) related to Sexuality Education, Counseling, Research and Training & Therapy (SECRT). She has conducted numerous workshops and presentations related to sexuality and children & youth. She is also the author of 5 publications dealing with the subject of school, sex education and children.

Former Executive President of L&T (Cement Division), Mr. Razdan is now committed to the cause of vision impairment. Mr. Razdan holds the post of Treasurer with National Association for the Blind (NAB) India and that of a Joint Secretary with Aging Home for the Blind, Khandala. He is a member of the Governing Council and Secretary with Helen Keller Institute for Deaf & Deafblind. He plays multiple roles at HKIDB – a mentor, comrade, mediator and of course a vociferous advocate for the cause.

Mrs. Pinky Dalal is the visionary founder of the Children’s Nook Group of Schools. She is a graduate of Sydenham College of Commerce and Economics with degree in Early Child Care from Sophia College. Mrs. Dalal’s success in high school management now extends to JBCN International High Schools which are recognized for their educational excellence and child centric practices. She has been recognized as a leading educationalist in Mumbai and has been nominated for various state and national awards.

Mr. Samir Ghosh is alumni TISS (Mumbai) and London School of Economics & Political Science (London). Aside from working with several international organizations like UNICEF, World Bank, Save the Children UK, etc., he has also been a Social Inclusion Consultant with the Government of India and with the governments of several individual states like Bihar, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Odisha. He is also a Steering Committee Member of Planning Commission (Govt. of India). His areas of expertise include policy formulation & advocacy, social inclusion, organizational scanning & restructuring, project planning & evaluation and village & district planning. He has authored several articles and papers related to disability which have been published & presented at national and international conferences. His wealth of experience in the disability sector will surely guide HKIDB onto newer ventures and programs.