You can lift a family from poverty permanently and help get the scholar accepted by an IIT or a government medical college in India.
THE DAKSHANA COMMUNITY
The Dakshana Foundation is based out of Austin in Texas, USA. The India operations are headquartered at Pune, Maharashtra. Dakshana’s dynamic team is spread across the globe and is actively involved in its administration and growth.
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Deepak Waghmare
close AccountantHe has completed his Govt. Diploma in Co-operation & Accountancy (GDC & A) course and is currently pursuing executive course in Company Secretary.
Deepak worked as an accounts executive in a manufacuturing company for 4 years before he joined Dakshana.
Deepak likes to meditate, swim and listen to music. He also participated in University level cricket competition during college. -
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Anand Pathak
close Project Manager – MEPF & MaintenanceAnand Pathak earned his B. Tech degree from the National Institute of Kurukshetra in 2013. Prior to his tenure with Dakshana Foundation, he gained valuable experience with esteemed organizations in the power infrastructure sector, including PTC India and the Solar Energy Corporation of India. Anand has successfully overseen the delivery of essential facilities such as an express feeder, a lecture hall block, and a hostel for 136 girls at Dakshana. With a total of 9 years of experience in projects and the power sector, he brings a wealth of expertise to his role.
Beyond his professional pursuits, Anand enjoys outdoor activities such as trekking and traveling, as well as being an avid cricket enthusiast
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Akshata Musale
close Selection Executive - Dakshana ValleyAkshata has had experience of 1.5 years in the Shree hospital. She loves to listening songs.
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Arun Shelke
close Academic Program Coordinator – JNV Bangalore UrbanHe loves sports very much and he was a gold medallist in Football in college. He loves to play other sports such as Volleyball, Hockey, Badminton & cricket. He loves to eat & travel with friends.
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Dil Bahadur Mahatara
close Kitchen ManagerDil Bahadur’s family consists of his parents, wife, daughter, and son. He is passionate about playing cricket and football.
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Lohit Vakada
close Program Coordinator – Southern StatesWith an M.A. in Sociology and Social Anthropology from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Guwahati, and a P.G. Diploma in Tribal Development Management from NIRD&PR, Hyderabad, Lohit combines strong academic training with practical field experience. His work involves designing and executing outreach activities, managing Dakshana’s scholarship and residential coaching programs, and coordinating with partner institutions to ensure smooth program delivery.
Lohit is deeply involved in the student registration and coordination, ensuring transparency and fairness while supporting meritorious candidates in their transition into Dakshana’s intensive programs. He also monitors program implementation and outcomes across the region, focusing on effectiveness, scalability, and long-term student success.
Through his role, Lohit contributes to Dakshana’s mission of enabling bright students from economically disadvantaged families to realize their potential and secure admissions into India’s premier institutions. -
Mangesh Malave
close Assistant to CEOHe has completed his bachelor’s in commerce from Shivaji University, Kolhapur, Maharashtra. Before joining Dakshana, he was a part of Swami Vivekanand Pratishthan, Pune (social organization), and ALFL Pvt. Ltd., Pune.He loves to play cricket and volleyball. He also likes traveling to new places and always likes to learn new things for self-improvement.
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Maruti Londhe
close Housekeeping In-ChargeMaruti, as he is popularly known, is a native of Pune and has completed his matriculation. Maruti likes to play cricket, Kho-Kho, and Kabbadi and is very passionate about hygiene, cleaning & admin activity for Valley.
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Murlidhar Bhange
close Maintainance StaffHe is in charge of electrical maintenance and water management of the campus. Muralibhau, as he is popularly known, is a native of Pune and has completed his intermediate education in Arts. Muralibhau likes to play cricket and is very passionate about maintenance of electrical infrastructure.
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Naveen Kumar
close Academic Officer - Dakshana ValleyIn April 2024, Naveen joined Dakshana Foundation as an Academic Officer. In this role, he is tasked with the crucial responsibility of coordinating and overseeing the work of Centers of Excellence (CoEs). His duties involve ensuring smooth operations, fostering effective communication, and implementing strategic initiatives to enhance the educational outcomes of these centers.
Beyond his professional commitments, Naveen is an avid reader who enjoys delving into various books. This passion for reading not only enriches his knowledge but also fuels his continuous learning and personal development. Naveen love for reading makes him a well-rounded and dedicated individual in his field.
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Pradeep Kadam
close Assistant Project Manager – Civil Works & MaintenancePradeep hails from Satara, Maharashtra, and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from Pune University. With his experience and dedication, he contributes significantly to Dakshana’s campus expansion and upkeep.
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Prashant Kadam
close Store In ChargeHe is passionate about his work and responsibilities in Store activities and management.
he loves to take long walks, listen to music as well as play cricket.
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Rajita Gunjal
close Teaching Assistant- JNVST & AISSEE (Dakshana CSR Program)Rajita chose to work with Dakshana because she resonates with Dakshana’s cause and believes in the impact that is being achieved. Rajita’s family consists of her in-laws, husband and 4-yr old son.
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Ramesan Thuruthuppalli
close Academic Program Coordinator - Dakshana ValleySub Ramesan Thuruthippali worked in the Indian Army(Corps of Military Police ) for 26 years. He served 1 year for the Foreign country UNDOF ( The United Nations Disengagement Observer Force).He got the best service award at UNDOF.
Sub Ramesan Thuruthippalli completed 6 months of Commando Training at NSG center Manesar. He served 3 years COAS(Chief of the Army Staff) bodyguard and he got a COAS commendation and an Appreciation certificate.
He is a hard-working person and a self-motivated. He enjoys watching movies and drawing, also he is the best player in volleyball.
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Sandeep Tiwari
close Web DeveloperHe has professional work experience with multiple startups across several industries and he has problem – solving and innovative ideas skills.
Apart from this Sandeep likes Cricket, travel, and book reading.
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Sangita Kumari
close Academic Program Co-ordinator - Dakshana ValleyShe has done her schooling till higher secondary from JNV Dhanbad thereafter she joined one year scholarship program in Dakshana valley from 2018 to 2019. She graduated from Institute of Science BHU in bachelor’s of science in 2022.
She loves singing, sketching, reading books and watching documentaries.
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Shashikant Nehere
close Academic OfficerHis responsibilities include monitoring schedule of lectures, conducting tests, generating results, etc. Shashi has completed his education at Rambhau Mhalagi Vidyalaya, Kadus. He joined Dakshana in May 2016. Shashi has had experience of 10 years in the hospitality industry. Shashi’s family consists of his parents, wife and they are blessed with a daughter.
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Anil Kumar Singh
close Academics Program Coordinator - Dakshana ValleyBefore joining Dakshana, Sub A. K. Singh served in the Indian Army for over 28 years, retiring as a Subedar in December 2021. During his military career, he also worked as a Physical Training Instructor (PTI) for the long course in Pune and Bengaluru, stationed at the ASC Centre (North). His expertise extended to being a Weapons Training Instructor as well.
Notably, Sub A. K. Singh actively participated in the Kargil War and was stationed in Bhutan for 2 years, contributing to common security along the Bhutan govt at the China-Bhutan border.
At Dakshana, he takes sole responsibility for overseeing Physical Training (PT), Yoga, and other sports activities at the Dakshana Valley. His prowess extends to sports as well—he excels in volleyball, football, and cricket, having played these games at the national level during his tenure in the Indian Army.
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Satish Kumar Sharma
close Academic Program Coordinator - Dakshana ValleyBefore joining Dakshana, Sub S.K Sharma served in the Indian Army for over 28 years, retiring as a Subedar in April 2022. He was posted in Leh Ladakh for more than 2 years and in Glacier for 18 months, during his military career, he also worked as a Physical Training Instructor (PTI) for a short course in ASC Centre (South). He has 28 years of experience serving with Twelve reputation Headquarters of the Indian Army.
Notably, Sub S.K Sharma actively participated in the Kargil War and was posted in Sudan for 6 months.
At Dakshana, he takes charge as APC for the Dakshana Valley location. His prowess extends to sports as well—he excels in basketball, having played these games at the national level during his tenure in the Indian Army.
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Vilas Babasaheb Desai
close Medical Supervisor - Dakshana ValleyHe worked in the Indian Army Medical Corps for 26 years. He completed a 3-year Diploma in Nursing in 1998. He served 1 year for the Indian level III hospital CONGO( South Africa ) Foreign country UNDOF ( The United Nations Disengagement Observer Force). He got the best service award at UNDOF.
He is a highly trained medical personnel and trained to give First Aid and trauma care to the wounded on the battlefield and inform about specific casualties to the battalion or regimental surgeon.
He completed proficiency in trauma Care and emergency at 92 BASE Hospital Srinagar ( J &K ) for two years. He worked as a Hospital Supervisor at Military Hospital Bhatinda. He served as Medical Platoon leader overseeing the day-to-day operations of the base clinic. He issued shots and immunizations to soldiers at Covid Center Military Hospital Bhatinda. He worked in the BASE Medical Camp in the Kargil War.
He is a hard-working person and a self-motivated. He is a charming person, also he is the best player in basketball.
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Vishal Dattatray Gunjal
close Program Manager – Outreach & PartnershipsPrior to joining Dakshana, Vishal worked as an Engineer at LG Electronics from 2015 to 2020, where he gained valuable experience in technical project management and operations.
Vishal has been working with Dakshana since January 2021 and currently serves as the Program Manager – Outreach, leading and managing the organization’s outreach activities and scholarship programs across India. His key responsibilities include overseeing the execution of Dakshana’s student selection and onboarding process, coordinating with partner educational institutions, monitoring program implementation, and ensuring the achievement of impactful outcomes. He is also responsible for managing the Dakshana database and coordinating the DST exam processes.
Vishal is committed to empowering talented students from underprivileged backgrounds by providing them access to quality education and coaching, thereby contributing to their academic and personal growth.
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