BOARD OF TRUSTEES

1.jpg

Dr. Gladys Sumithra

(Treasurer & Founder Trustee)

Holds a PhD in economics from Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore. She was the Senior Director of the Planning Department, Government of Karnataka where she served for 25 years. On retirement she was reappointed as Senior Scientist in the office of the Additional Chief Secretary for Public Works and Housing. 

Dr. Gladys Sumithra is actively involved in civil society development and continues to be on the Governing Board of several educational institutions and Non-Profit Organizations in Bangalore.

 
3.jpg

Mr. Thomas Paul

(Managing Trustee)

Holds a Master’s degree in Technology from the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras. After working for a private firm in Gujarat for 10 years, he moved on to the social development sector and was the Superintendent/Director of the Methodist Technical Institute at Vadodara, Gujarat. He later took over as the General Secretary of Skills for Progress, an all-India association of over 200 private vocational training institutions across India.

For the past few years, he has been supporting various international organizations as a freelance consultant. His main forte has been community development and livelihood training for marginalized children and youth. His passion has been to help people realize and unleash the God given potential within them. Presently he manages the day-to-day functioning of Development Focus.

2.jpg

Dr. P. Sethu

(Founder Trustee)

Is the Director of Indienhilfe, India - a charitable organization that empowers children belonging to economically and socially weaker sections in different states of India. Analysing and finding solutions for empowerment of communities especially among children, youth and women has been his passion for the last three decades.

Besides serving on the Board of several organizations and institutions, he renders consultation on administration, finance, and project launching. Dr. Sethu has organized national and regional events, seminars and conferences, and has also led international and national delegations in India and abroad.

 
4.jpg

Dr. Hannah Anandaraj

(Trustee)

Holds a doctorate in Social Sciences and has expertise in Social Work with a focus on Medical and Psychiatry. Dr. Anandaraj worked as a Reader (Associate Professor) in Osmania University. She has many publications to her credit. She also serves as a guide to research students. Dr. Hannah Anandaraj has served on boards of several organizations and committees. She was the Chairperson of the board of World Vision India for several years and was also on the World Vision International Board.

She is currently an Evaluator for a Child Safety Net programme in Vijayawada region of Andhra Pradesh. Coming alongside, she encourages and enables Child-Centred NGOs to build on their strengths and overcome challenges, which has been a deeply rewarding experience.


Meet the Team

  • Meena Jebaraj

    Finance & Admin Executive

  • Bijay Kumar Suna

    Program Manager

  • Saroj Kumar Chhatria

    Program Coordinator

  • Deepika Ekka

    Project Coordinator

  • Ann Mary Jimmy K

    Project Coordinator

  • Madhavi

    Office Assistant