We empower ourselves when we empower others.
Our Team
Diksha is a labour of love and deep rooted compassion. It is our belief that children from all segments of society deserve quality education, that it is education alone that can have a lasting, life changing affect on their lives and livelihoods. We have been very conscious that DIKSHA is run like a serious focused school rather than an NGO despite the fact that education and care at DIKSHA is completely free.
We are a core group of volunteers and paid teachers who with the support of donors from the community have created a safe, stimulating learning environment that allows over 420 children from disadvantaged families to develop a healthy body and mind.
Our Board
Our board of trustees comprises of:
Mr. Sunil Shastri is the Chairperson of the DIKSHA Trust, and son of former Prime Minister, Lal Bahadur Shastri. He has had a career dedicated to public service.
Ms. Shanta Sharan, our Founder/Managing Trustee, has been a Principal, an educator, a social worker, a writer, and a poet, with over thirty years of experience in the education field. She has been a volunteer with DIKSHA since its inception and has been instrumental in making DIKSHA grow over the years through tireless fundraising, organizing, capacity building, guiding and counselling.
Captain Rajesh Sharan, Founder/Treasurer, has been an Air Force Pilot and a Commercial Pilot and has dedicated himself to managing the funds and finances of DIKSHA.
AVM Amit Aneja, retired from the Indian Airforce after serving for nearly 40 years. He has been a fighter pilot and is a recipient of three Presidential awards for distinguished service. Besides being an M Phil in Defence and Strategic studies, he is a keen sportsman. AVM Aneja is our Vice Chairman and an able guide and leader.
Ms. Vandana Aneja, has been associated with the field of education and has taught children from a mixed cross section of society. She has been involved with promoting adult literacy and women’s empowerment during her period of association with the Indian Airforce spanning nearly thirty years. She has been involved with DIKSHA as a volunteer for the last ten years, .
Ms. Sushma Hurria is a volunteer at DIKSHA since it’s inception. She is very involved in the running of the school and contributes with aplomb in the field of hospitality and running of fundraisers.
Ms. Indira Dayal has been a volunteer at DIKSHA since it’s inception. She brought to the centre her vast experience as a counsellor and her knowledge and acumen of social work. She is been a tireless fundraiser and has led ably by example.
Mr. Rishi Dayal is an Oberoi Hotel School of Learning Alumni and presently a consultant for planning back areas for various Food and Beverage establishments like hospitals, educational institutions, hotels and restaurants. He is also on the board of trustees of a renowned peeth sthana called Keshav Ashram at Haridwar and Vindravan. He believes in devoting most of his time on philanthropic work including spiritual upliftment of self and society.
Mrs. Poornima Dayal is one of the Founder members of Diksha School, and has been in the teaching profession for over 40 years. M.A. B.ED.in English literature, she served as the Head of the Department at Ryan International school. She is also involved with coaching students from multiple boards like CBSE, ICSE, IB and IGCSE.