About Aatmaja

Aatmaja Foundation is a Pune-based non-profit organization, registered under the Bombay Public Trust Act (Reg. No. E-7109), dedicated to transforming the lives of underprivileged girls by supporting their education, personal growth, and professional development. Founded in 2015 with just 20 girls, today the Foundation proudly supports over 400 Aatmajas (“our daughters”) and has impacted the lives of over 500 girls across Maharashtra.

Aatmaja Foundation is more than a scholarship provider, it is a nurturing ecosystem of mentors, educators, and professionals committed to shaping confident, independent, and skilled young women from disadvantaged communities

Our vision

Enhancing India’s human capital through equitable education for girls from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Our mission

  • At Aatmaja Foundation, we are committed to enabling bright young girls from disadvantaged backgrounds to become successful professionals.
  • We will strive to be a catalyst by helping young girls grow into empowered professionals with strong values.
  • We shall create a vibrant network of Aatmajas who will help each other in their future endeavors.

Values

These values guide and shape the character of every Aatmaja girl:

  • P – Perseverance
  • E – Excellence
  • A – Articulation
  • R – Respect
  • L – Learnability

These are not just principles but guiding lights, helping students blossom into financially independent, well-rounded individual

Management Team

Mrs. Priti Rao – Chairperson

Dr. Priti Rao is the Founder and Chairperson of Aatmaja Foundation. A visionary leader with a deep commitment to girls’ education, she holds a doctorate in “Harnessing AI to enhance Gender Diversity.” Her multifaceted experience includes serving as the Managing Director of Pumpkin Patch Daycare, an independent director on the boards of Union Asset Management Company and Union Bank of India, and mentoring start-ups. Formerly, she was the Senior Vice President at Infosys, where she led the Pune development center and built its multimillion-dollar IMS business. Her pioneering leadership has been instrumental in shaping Aatmaja’s impact and reach.

Mrs. Manjula M K – Trustee

Manjula Muthukrishnan, a Trustee of Aatmaja Foundation, brings with her over three decades of experience in the IT industry. She is a passionate advocate for equitable education, especially for girls. Manjula has successfully led large-scale CSR programs, including her significant tenure as head of Infosys Pune’s CSR team. Currently, she is the India Site Lead for Workday. Her deep-rooted belief in empowering girls through education has made her a strong pillar of the foundation.

Mr. Neeraj joshi – Trustee

Neeraj Joshi, Trustee at Aatmaja Foundation, is an education enthusiast driven by his family legacy of teaching. He believes in education as a transformative force, especially for underprivileged youth. Alongside his role at Aatmaja, Neeraj leads a technology consulting business that specializes in AI, data, and cloud solutions. His dedication to both technological innovation and social responsibility brings a unique perspective to the foundation’s mission.

Ms. Priya Gurav – Program Manager

Priya Gurav serves as the Program Manager at Aatmaja Foundation. She holds a postgraduate degree in Social Work (Medical and Psychiatry) and a B.Sc. B.Ed., with over ten years of experience in community engagement. Priya has been instrumental in mentoring more than 300 girls through educational counseling and emotional support. Her consistent efforts have helped girls from underprivileged backgrounds access professional education and life skills training.

Mrs. Aishwarya Birajdar – Program Coordinator

Aishwarya Birajdar is the Project Coordinator at Aatmaja Foundation. With a Master’s in Social Work (HRM) from Solapur University, she brings valuable experience in adolescent life skills education. Aishwarya has worked with organizations like Swanand Jankalyan Pratishthan, Peepal Foundation, and CMCA, where she designed and implemented impactful programs for underserved communities. Her commitment and warmth make her an essential part of Aatmaja’s outreach.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Aatmaja Foundation's mission?

Aatmaja Foundation is committed to enabling bright girls from disadvantaged backgrounds to become successful professionals. We will strive to be catalyst by helping young girls grow into confident, empowered professionals with strong values

How does Aatmaja Foundation work towards its mission?

Aatmaja Foundation helps financially and works through various programs and initiatives that focus on education, skill development, mentorship, and career guidance for young girls. These efforts are designed to equip them with the tools needed to pursue and succeed in professional careers.

What age group does Aatmaja Foundation target?

Aatmaja Foundation primarily focuses on girls in their formative years, typically starting from 14 to 24 years students. The foundation believes in laying a strong foundation for education and skill development during these crucial years.

How can beneficiaries apply for Aatmaja Foundation's programs?

Details on program application processes, eligibility criteria, and timelines are usually available on the foundation’s official website. Interested individuals can follow the provided instructions to apply for the programs offered by Aatmaja Foundation.

What criteria are considered for eligibility for financial assistance?

Eligibility criteria typically include financial need, academic performance, and a commitment to education. The exact criteria may vary depending on the specific programs offered by the NGO.

How does the NGO provide financial assistance for girls' education?

Our NGO offers various financial aid programs, including scholarships, grants, and tuition fee support, to alleviate the financial burden on girls and their families, making education more accessible.

How can individuals contribute to Aatmaja Foundation's mission?

Individuals can contribute to Aatmaja Foundation through donations, volunteering their time and skills, or sponsoring specific programs. The foundation welcomes support from individuals, corporations, and organizations that share a commitment to empowering young girls.

How does Aatmaja Foundation measure the impact of its programs?

Aatmaja Foundation employs various monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to assess the impact of its programs. These may include academic performance indicators, skill acquisition assessments, and feedback from participants and their family.

Are the NGO's programs inclusive and open to girls from diverse backgrounds?

Yes, the NGO strives to be inclusive and welcomes girls from diverse backgrounds, irrespective of caste, creed, religion, or socioeconomic status. The goal is to create equal educational opportunities for all deserving girls.

Is the NGO focused on a specific geographic region or does it operate nationally/internationally?

The NGO’s focus students who are studying in Pune. The intention is to give max support for their overall development and to create a vibrant network of Aatmajas who will help each other in their future endeavors.