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“A nation is advanced in proportion to the education and intelligence spread among the masses” - Swami Vivekananda

Values

We repay our predecessors' contributions to our success by empowering the next generation.

Vision

Every child empowered through education.

Mission

To empower the aspirations of underprivileged children by giving educational scholarships, upgrading primary schools that serve them, and providing access to quality digital education.

Our Story

Bare Feet and Crumpled Uniforms

The story of our beginnings was truly inspiring. On their way back together from their morning walk one day, our founder members, rather spontaneously, decided to follow a bunch of children on their way to school. These children wore no shoes, and their uniforms could certainly have used a hot iron. Upon talking to the children, our founding members were moved by the confidence and aspiration they had despite their circumstances. That very day, they went and bought shoes for the children. This laid the foundation for Seniors For Change. The year was 2002.  

Seniors For Change was founded by high-achieving senior citizens who were deeply dedicated to giving back to society. Guided by their principle of giving back to society, our purpose is to fulfill the legacy of our founders by spreading education among the underprivileged.

Our Journey

From Helping Schools to Focused Programs in Education

In the early years of Seniors For Change, few members would come together to adopt a school and help in whichever area required. They would build infrastructure such as toilets, classrooms, and sheds. Boost health and nutrition with biscuits, breakfast, and food packages. Offer financial support for uniforms, study materials, tablets, laptops, and smart boards. The personal touch was significant. There were members who would even visit families that wanted to take their girls out of school and urge them to allow the girls to continue. They often encountered hostility, but that didn’t stop them. Members took a special interest in the students’ health, given their family backgrounds, in severe cases, such as when a child was severely burnt, a member paid for the long-drawn treatment from his own pocket. Another paid for a child’s wheelchair.

It was from such work undertaken by the pioneering members that our flagship program of providing scholarships for higher education took root. Funding came from members’ contributions, crowdfunding, and corporate donations. With the evolution of NGOs, however, we realized we needed to streamline our programs to have a more significant impact. We decided to stay with education because of the difference it can make to people’s lives but with three strategic, focused, and professionally managed initiatives:

1. SFC Merit Scholarship Program
2. SFC Model School Program
3. SFC Digital Education Program

One thing we haven’t changed and never plan to change is our personal touch. It’s at the core of our ethos. While we have institutionalized home visits and alumni meetings to follow up with our students, individual members readily rise to the occasion in case of any crisis.

For a better life through education

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Our Committee Members

Avinash Agrawal

Business Leader | Technology Strategist | Mentor
Brings over 45 years of diverse experience across multinational conglomerates, including 20 years in the software sector. As Managing Director, he successfully established and scaled subsidiary operations for Nasdaq-listed companies. His mentorship of small and medium enterprises has further refined his leadership acumen. Avinash holds engineering degrees from IIT Delhi and the University of British Columbia. He is actively involved in SFC projects in Rural Bengaluru and contributes his vast expertise to drive impactful community initiatives.

Dr Atul Sinha

Corporate Leader | Scholar of Indian Philosophy | Yoga Educator
With over 32 years of experience in blue-chip companies, Dr. Atul Sinha exemplifies a unique blend of high achievement in management and scholarly pursuits. As Director of Oral Care Marketing at Colgate and Vice President at Britannia, where he was an Executive Committee member, he honed his corporate acumen. His passion for philosophy and spirituality led him to earn a PhD in Yoga from SVYASA University, Bengaluru. Actively involved in SFC projects in Rural Bengaluru, Dr. Sinha leverages his expertise to foster community development and holistic well-being.

Pradeep Srivastava

Agriculture Specialist | Supply Chain Consultant | Education Advocate
He holds a degree in agriculture science from the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Pusa, and completed his management studies at MANAGE, Hyderabad. With extensive experience in supply chain roles at GSK and Britannia, he now advises corporations, cooperatives, NGOs, SHGs, FPOs, and startups on cost-effective models spanning the agricultural value chain. He is the SFC Digital Education Program leader and is also deeply involved in SFC’s initiatives in Rural Bengaluru.

Pankaj Dant

Management Expert | Education Advocate
A graduate in Economics from St Xavier's College, Mumbai, and a Master's in Management Studies from Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies, has had a distinguished career. His tenure as the Global Head of the Tea Extractions business of Tata Consumer Products Ltd, where he retired, underscores his extensive experience and contributions. He now leads the SFC Model School Program and has made significant contributions to it.

Dr Meenakshi Shivram

Literary Scholar | Executive Coach | Education Advocate
A retired professor from Christ University, Bengaluru, she has taught postgraduate English Literature at leading Indian universities. She is a Sahitya Academy Award winner and an impaneled book reviewer with The Hindu and The Book Review. A trained executive coach, she mentors corporate leaders and has been actively engaged with NGOs since 1995. She leads the SFC Merit Scholarship Program and provides valuable guidance to the Executive Committee.

Deepak Mahendra

Financial Strategist | Regulatory Expert
He is a Chartered Accountant and Cost and Works Accountant with a distinguished career primarily in the Tata group. He served as Vice President of Finance and Accounts at TATA Power and played a crucial role in financial strategy. Later, as Chief Financial Officer at Air Asia, he navigated a complex financial and regulatory landscape. Deepak's expertise in financial and regulatory matters provides invaluable guidance to SFC, helping them achieve compliance and optimize financial management.

Raj Narayan

HR Leader | Executive Coach | CSR Advocate
He graduated from Madras Christian College, Chennai, and completed his management studies at XLRI, Jamshedpur. He has held leadership roles at HCL Group, Metro Cash, and Carry, and was the Executive Vice President for Human Resources at Titan. Now a highly regarded management coach, his vast network is instrumental in securing CSR funds for SFC’s projects.

Col. Thomas K.C

Defence Technology Expert | Technical Consultant | Humanitarian Advocate
He served as the District Director of DRDO, contributing significantly to the research wing of the Indian Armed Forces. His extensive experience in defense technology now informs his role as a Technical Consultant with NSDC. He is deeply committed to SFC’s mission at the Humanitarian Home for Destitute, where he leverages his expertise and leadership to enhance support services and improve the quality of life for marginalized individuals, making a meaningful impact in the community.

Sanjay Sharma

Management Educator | Leadership Mentor | Social Advocate
He holds a B.Com from St. Joseph College, North Point, Darjeeling, an LLB from Ranchi University, and completed management studies at XLRI, Jamshedpur. He devoted his career to Tata Steel in Jamshedpur, where he was also a faculty member at the Tata Management Development Centre. With a strong focus on self-development and leadership teachings, Sanjay empowers individuals to reach their potential. His passion for nurturing talent is evident in his involvement with the SFC Mentoring Scholars Project, where he effectively blends management principles with social advocacy, inspiring positive change in the community.

Our Members Affiliations

Past Executive Committee

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Seniors For Change