About Aatmaja

Aatmaja Foundation is a non-profit organization, registered as a charitable trust under the Bombay Public Trust Act 1950 in Pune (Reg. No. E- 7109). We began our journey in March 2015 , starting small with supporting 20 girls , but in last three years have made significant progress , currently we support two hundred twenty such needy girls .

The foundation’s endeavor is to empower bright young girls from disadvantaged backgrounds and to enable them to grow into confident professionals with strong values. The support includes financial aid by reimbursing fees, costs for books, notebooks ,additional coaching. In addition we guide them thru career counselling, help in online admissions, personal counselling, family meetings, continuous progress reviews and feedback. We arrange many beneficial workshops for them for developing creativity, leadership skills, safety , health and hygiene. They get opportunity to also listen to motivational speakers too.

Our mission

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

Our vision

Enhancing Human capital of India by educating girls from disadvantaged background

Values

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

Management Team

Mrs. Priti Rao – Chairperson

She is the pioneer as well as the driving force behind the foundation. Presently she is also Managing Director of Pumpkin Patch Daycare and independent director on board of Mastek Ltd. Previously she was Senior Vice President in Infosys, heading its development centre at Pune and built their multi-million dollar IMS business. She has won the ‘IT Woman of the year award’ in 2002 from the Computer Society of India and also the ‘PUNE.

Mrs. Manjula M K – Trustee

Manjula is a passionate individual who believes that education is the key for progress. She has been in the IT industry over 25 years and have led many Large CSR programs. She led the Infosys Pune CSR team for more than 10 years and have made a difference. Manjula is passionate about providing equal opportunities to girl children especially when it comes to education. Her work in building a school with modern amenities in Mann village as part of a CSR program.

Mr. Neeraj joshi – Trustee

Neeraj is Co-founder and Director with ThingsMeet Solutions Private Limited. With a deep passion for technology and healthcare, Neeraj along with his co-founders, is building a digital age solutions for accessing and experiencing healthcare. In his earlier avatar in corporate sector, He was Associate Vice President and head of Infosys Pune Development Center.

Ms. Priya Gurav – Project Manager

She is a post graduate in Social Work (Medical and Psychiatry) from Mangalore University, Karnataka. She has been working with young girl children from last 4 years as a volunteer. Priya completed her “Teacher’s Training Course” (BSc.B,Ed) from Rani Chennamma University. Belgaum. She has been working in NGO as Family, Female and child counsellor also worked as Incharge cum counsellor in De- Addiction center at Belgaum.

Mrs. Aishwarya Birajdar – Project Coordinator

Aishwarya has completed a bachelor’s degree in Science and post-graduation in Social Work with HRM from Solapur University. She has been working on a project value education for underprivileged children run by Swanand  Janakalyan Pratishthan from 2018 to 2022. After that, she worked at Peepal Foundation and CMCA organization for adolescent life skills education. She is married, her husband is also a professional social worker, she stays in wakad and she likes cooking, reading, and listening to music.

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.