APD Team Profile

Sri R Babu, affected by polio at the three, never-say-die attitude, succeeded to get graduated in Commerce.

Joined APD in 1979 as a clerk strived to improve his mobility and now his dearest possession is his “motor vehicle” that enables him to move around the city.

Babu played his various roles in accounts and administration over the years. He has been the Director of the Finance and Administration since 2009. He initiated training in computer and accounts for youth with disability. Integrated and computerized the commercial functions of the organization. He has been responsible for administrative systems and structures \ in place and use.

He is passionate about empowering disabled people and instilling self confidence and developing positive attitude towards their life, by setting his own example

K.N. Gopinath, Director- Programmes

Sri Gopinath started his life, like so many of the people his programmes now cater to. He spent his early days as a member of a large family in a small village in Kolar district- studying, running a small shop, tending to cows and selling milk. He was also the Honorary secretary of the village youth group.

To pursue his Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW) from Bangalore University, , he moved to Bangalore in 1992.Then he worked as an Education Coordinator promoting education among the Dalit children in rural areas through an NGO
.

In 1995, Gopi joined APD into the Urban Community Based Rehabilitation Programme, helping community staff to ensure education, rehabilitation, social inclusion and employment among people with disabilities living in Bangalore slums. He served at various positions within the organization, He is heading all APD programmes since 2008.

He has presented papers on disability and development at various seminars and workshops in India, UK, Netherlands. He also facilitated various training programmes on development and taken up many project evaluations across the country. He served as a study centre supervisor for CBR courses of Bangalore University.

He believes strongly in the innate potential of each person and leverages community participation in all his development work. His work is focused on creating a platform for marginalized communities to access their rights in society.

Abhijit Mukherjee, Director-Communication and Fundraising

Sri Abhijit Mukherjee joined M/S Hindustan Unilever Limited as a management trainee in the Foods and Beverage division after graduating from St. Xavier’s College, Kolkata in 1978

He worked in the HUL for 25 years, taking on different roles, primarily in the Supply Chain and Product Development areas. His training and experience in the HUL have served as key building blocks of his skills, approach and management practices.

Abhijit took up responsibility for the Tea Supply Chain & Product Development business for  Duncans, in 2004

In 2006, switching tracks to the development sector, he underwent 1 year Diploma Course in Counseling at Banjara Academy in Bangalore. He joined APD in 2007 to lead the Communication and Fundraising Department. He is responsible for developing innovative partnerships with individuals and companies to ensure that the organization’s programmes are adequately funded.

K. Usha Rani, Deputy Director- Education

Smt. Usha’s quest for a challenging and different job after graduation brought her to APD’s Shradhanjali Integrated School in the year …….  Starting as a teacher of Science and Mathematics, she now manages the rural and urban education programmes for the organization.

Her role involves developing and managing the execution of educational programmes. She is also involved in training teachers in regular schools on inclusive education which deals with the technical methodology for teaching children with different disabilities.

Usha has a flair for languages and can speak 5 Indian languages comfortably. She is always open to learn and loves to take on new challenges.

She loves working with children and enjoys travel and cooking.

Shiva. C. Hiremath, Deputy Director-Livelihood

Sri Hiremath joined the APD in 1988 as a training officer in Industrial trades after completion of his Diploma in Mechanical Engineering and Craftsman Training in Mumbai.

He now runs the entire livelihood programme and is responsible for evolving, planning and managing different rural and institutional initiatives that will ensure effective and appropriate livelihood opportunities for persons with disability.   His work involves networking with other institutions, local government agencies, people’s organizations and corporate houses. He is also involved in training staff of APD, other NGOs on leadership and promotion of livelihood for Person with Disabilities.

Over the years he has participated in several symposia and presented papers on vocational training for persons with disability.

He loves to play Volley ball, Shuttle cock, Caroms & Chess and likes to travel and love beauty of the nature

Ganesh Hegde, Assistant Director - Horticulture

Sri Ganesh,   an agriculture graduate with specialization in horticulture from the University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad joined the Dayalbagh agriculture training institute, Ujire (D.K) in 1991 for their rural development project. Later, he became a training officer for apprenticeship training in the horticulture trade.

He joined the APD 1992 as the Assistant Manager of the horticulture training programme. His long years of experience as a horticulturist, horticulture therapist and trainer in disability development, have elevated him to his current role of managing the vast horticulture programme.  He is responsible for the training and development programs, spread across two campuses in Bangalore and many partner organizations.

He has also worked as a consultant on horticulture projects for several corporate houses, NGOs and entrepreneurs.

Suresh Anand, Assistant Director- Assistive Devices

Sri Suresh has post graduation degree in Commerce and in Marketing Management.

Starting his career with a dealer in Maruti-Suzuki car, then worked with Karnataka Oil seeds federation for 14 years, rising to the position of Deputy Manager, Marketing. He joined Adani Willmar as a Regional Manager for Institutional Sales in South India.

Suresh decided in 2010, to engage himself full time in the development sector and joined the APD as a Manager in Assistive Devices department. With his extensive corporate background in Sales and Marketing helped him to streamline sales, purchases, inventory and costing processes in the division, developing it into a viable, self sustainable unit capable of delivering quality products and services to persons with disability.