An Overview
The sight of under privileged children begging for food prompted a group of young like-minded individuals to come together to alleviate their sufferings. The group joined a couple who had engaged themselves in collection and distribution of excess food from wedding parties. This spark lead to the formation of Our Children (OC) as an NGO in 1970, initially with a focus on providing food to the underprivileged children. As the organisation evolved and grew, the impact expanded to education, life skills, talent development, mentoring, following a very simple philosophy - Strive to provide as many opportunities as possible to as many children as possible, providing every child a chance to be a child.
With a core purpose of bringing love, happiness and identity into the lives of underprivileged children, Our Children today partners with over 35 Child Welfare Institutions in Mumbai to run developmental projects and activities. For over 47 years OC has been the bridge between a child in an institution and the outside world, opening up opportunities which enable children to grow, learn and succeed.
OC’s focus is not only on ensuring the provision of basic requirements in a child’s growth and welfare like education and health but creating extended impact which gives them independence and empowerment. Our approach is to address a child’s emotional and psychological needs, by being their extended family. Our programs provide a safe environment for children to learn and express themselves creatively and act as a catalyst to discover, grow and showcase talent. Our enthusiastic volunteer team makes this happen by teaching, mentoring, bonding and inspiring them as role models.
We are a volunteer driven organization. A large number of our volunteers are grown-ups who got to know of OC from being in Child Welfare Institutions themselves. They are now successful doctors, lawyers and contributing members of society who believe that service to humanity is the best work of life.
Our Team
Ramchandran Shankaran
Ramchandran, the founder of Our Children is adored and affectionately known by everyone as Ram or Ram “Uncle”. Always creative, witty and dreaming of the future, Ram has the knack of turning dreams into reality. With his amazing demeanor, Ram is well networked and instrumental in expanding our programs and donor network. Ram is one of the earliest members of the computer department of Larsen and Toubro and ran his own Marketing Consulting business. Ram is also a trustee on the board of various NGO’s other than Our Children.
Dhananjay Mehta
The tireless engine behind Our Children, Dhananjay is one of the first members of Our Children and runs the organisational, financial and program aspects. A successful Pharma entrepreneur and businessman, Dhananjay brings multiple facets to Our Children. With a deep interest in Child Welfare, Dhananjay is on the board of several NGO’s such as ‘Sanjivani’, ‘Family Home Guild of Service’ and ‘The Bombay Vigilance Association’ “B J Home for Children”, “Naigaum Social Service Society”.
Kalyani Nair
A former Director with Salam Balak - a pathbreaking organisation for street children, Kalyani has been associated with Our Children for over 30 years. A former teacher, working with children has always been Kalyani’s passion and Our Children gives her a platform for this activity. Kalyani focuses on the Group Home and Educational Programs of Our Children and also use to coach English to children at Maze Maher and Seva Sadan.
Jayalaxmi Mehta
Coming from a family where her parents the Late J Subramanian and Yamuna were residents of B J Home for Children with Mr. Subramanian becoming the head of B J Home for 36 years Jaya's leaning towards less privileged children was natural. A former teacher by profession Jaya is actively involved in the outreach programs and children’s activities at Our Children.
Meena Ramchandran
Meena has seen the growth of Our Children from the very beginning and is an integral part of making it stand the test of time. Be it housing children in her own home to coaching girls in group homes. A graduate in Philosophy & Sociology Meena taught children while running her own export business. Professionally she was in business of exports. She also used to take tuitions at home. She still takes pride in teaching children at institutions and is also a member of the Ladies Club Of Hiranandani Powai, spreading her infectious smile at all times.
Kalpana Gaikwad
From growing up in an institution to having degrees in Social Work and Personnel Management and a Degree in Law, Kalpana brings not only an unique perspective but a wealth of experience from 20 years of working in various social development sectors such as public health and HIV/AIDS, children’s organizations, research institutions and law firms. Working in the social development sector was her ultimate dream since the childhood. At Our Children, Kalpana helps by bringing her radical ideas to modulate several programs.
Bharati Dalal
Bharati Dalal brings more than thirty-five years of business and administrative experience, along with creativity, enthusiasm, resourcefulness and strong network with various NGOs. The daughter of Late Mr. Champaklal Mody, founder trustee of Our Children and Sanjeevani Trust, she has been involved with Our Children since its inception. Through her commitment to children, arts and education, she carries on the legacy of her father through her work at Our Children and other NGOs.
Ravi Nair
As the former Chief Executive Human Resources of BASF India, Ravi brings a wealth of corporate experience and a people’s viewpoint to Our Children. Associated with ‘Our Children’ since 1985, Ravi takes an active interest in the Group Home Program, networking and above everything wows the children with his jovial and calm approach to all problems big and small.
Dr. Kavita Sonawane
Kavita is a General Medical Practitioner and has been associated with Our Children for last 27 years. As a Medical Practitioner, she assists in Medical Camps and other events. Kavita’s extensive network has successfully brought many volunteers and donors to Our Children.
Girish Saive
A familiar face whose presence is eagerly awaited by the children, Girish is responsible for our institutional outreach activities. His on the ground presence and tireless efforts of coordinating with superintendents, partners and children is a key ingredient in the magic of Our Children. Girish has engineering and management degrees from Mumbai University and is a certified CSR professional.
S N Viswanathan
S N Viswanathan aka Shankar joined Our Children as a college student in 1985 and is still passionate about it despite being a busy Corporate Consultant . The “Field Marshal” of Our Children events, Shankar brings in meticulous planning and execution to everything he does earning him the reputation of a strict taskmaster. Always ready to help with a smile, Shankar is also a regular donor of Platelets at Tata Memorial Hospital.
Soumya Banerjee
A corporate leader with extensive experience in building organisations both as a professional and entrepreneur, Soumya works on scaling our programs for maximum impact. When not attending camps and photographing events with children, Soumya uses his experience and network in the fields of marketing and technology to increase Our Children’s Digital footprint.
Ramchandran Shankaran
Ramchandran, the founder of Our Children is adored and affectionately known by everyone as Ram or Ram “Uncle”. Always creative, witty and dreaming of the future, Ram has the knack of turning dreams into reality. With his amazing demeanor, Ram is well networked and instrumental in expanding our programs and donor network. Ram is one of the earliest members of the computer department of Larsen and Toubro and ran his own Marketing Consulting business. Ram is also a trustee on the board of various NGO’s other than Our Children.
Dhananjay Mehta
The tireless engine behind Our Children, Dhananjay is one of the first members of Our Children and runs the organisational, financial and program aspects. A successful Pharma entrepreneur and businessman, Dhananjay brings multiple facets to Our Children. With a deep interest in Child Welfare, Dhananjay is on the board of several NGO’s such as ‘Sanjivani’, ‘Family Home Guild of Service’ and ‘The Bombay Vigilance Association’ “B J Home for Children”, “Naigaum Social Service Society”.
Kalyani Nair
A former Director with Salam Balak - a pathbreaking organisation for street children, Kalyani has been associated with Our Children for over 30 years. A former teacher, working with children has always been Kalyani’s passion and Our Children gives her a platform for this activity. Kalyani focuses on the Group Home and Educational Programs of Our Children and also use to coach English to children at Maze Maher and Seva Sadan.
Jayalaxmi Mehta
Coming from a family where her parents the Late J Subramanian and Yamuna were residents of B J Home for Children with Mr. Subramanian becoming the head of B J Home for 36 years Jaya's leaning towards less privileged children was natural. A former teacher by profession Jaya is actively involved in the outreach programs and children’s activities at Our Children.
Meena Ramchandran
Meena has seen the growth of Our Children from the very beginning and is an integral part of making it stand the test of time. Be it housing children in her own home to coaching girls in group homes. A graduate in Philosophy & Sociology Meena taught children while running her own export business. Professionally she was in business of exports. She also used to take tuitions at home. She still takes pride in teaching children at institutions and is also a member of the Ladies Club Of Hiranandani Powai, spreading her infectious smile at all times.
Kalpana Gaikwad
From growing up in an institution to having degrees in Social Work and Personnel Management and a Degree in Law, Kalpana brings not only an unique perspective but a wealth of experience from 20 years of working in various social development sectors such as public health and HIV/AIDS, children’s organizations, research institutions and law firms. Working in the social development sector was her ultimate dream since the childhood. At Our Children, Kalpana helps by bringing her radical ideas to modulate several programs.
Bharati Dalal
Bharati Dalal brings more than thirty-five years of business and administrative experience, along with creativity, enthusiasm, resourcefulness and strong network with various NGOs. The daughter of Late Mr. Champaklal Mody, founder trustee of Our Children and Sanjeevani Trust, she has been involved with Our Children since its inception. Through her commitment to children, arts and education, she carries on the legacy of her father through her work at Our Children and other NGOs.
Ravi Nair
As the former Chief Executive Human Resources of BASF India, Ravi brings a wealth of corporate experience and a people’s viewpoint to Our Children. Associated with ‘Our Children’ since 1985, Ravi takes an active interest in the Group Home Program, networking and above everything wows the children with his jovial and calm approach to all problems big and small.
Dr. Kavita Sonawane
Kavita is a General Medical Practitioner and has been associated with Our Children for last 27 years. As a Medical Practitioner, she assists in Medical Camps and other events. Kavita’s extensive network has successfully brought many volunteers and donors to Our Children.
Girish Saive
A familiar face whose presence is eagerly awaited by the children, Girish is responsible for our institutional outreach activities. His on the ground presence and tireless efforts of coordinating with superintendents, partners and children is a key ingredient in the magic of Our Children. Girish has engineering and management degrees from Mumbai University and is a certified CSR professional.
S N Viswanathan
S N Viswanathan aka Shankar joined Our Children as a college student in 1985 and is still passionate about it despite being a busy Corporate Consultant . The “Field Marshal” of Our Children events, Shankar brings in meticulous planning and execution to everything he does earning him the reputation of a strict taskmaster. Always ready to help with a smile, Shankar is also a regular donor of Platelets at Tata Memorial Hospital.
Soumya Banerjee
A corporate leader with extensive experience in building organisations both as a professional and entrepreneur, Soumya works on scaling our programs for maximum impact. When not attending camps and photographing events with children, Soumya uses his experience and network in the fields of marketing and technology to increase Our Children’s Digital footprint.
Our Partners
Testimonials
It has been my honour to be associated with "Our Children". I had the privilege to be closely connected with such an esteemed forum and thank you for giving me this opportunity. "Our Children" has consistently, year after year, helped the youth and the less privileged children to showcase their talents, unleash their potentials and build their confidence. With great pride, I have seen children demonstrating their hidden talents. The value inculcated by the forum including the Spirit of Camaraderie and Teamwork are notable. I also would like to mention and the appreciate the efforts of the dedicated Staff and Volunteers who have been working timelessly to do commendable work. I have been witnessing all the events of 1st May since 1975 with my family and that too without fail. May the Almighty shower his Choicest Blessings to help nurture the pious mission that "Our Children" continues to strive for.
- Mr. Shyam Gorad, Chairperson
Child Welfare Committee, Mumbai Suburban-ll
The children of all institutions and staff members are very lucky to be associated with “OUR CHILDREN”.
Initially, “Our Children” started with 6 members and at present there are over 100 volunteers who are helping to organise different activities to develop future of children.When I think of “Our Children”, only one thing comes in my mind that is a ‘Huge Tree’ with deep strong roots, plenty of branches, fresh leaves and sweet fruits. Approximately, more than 4000 children are taking advantage of this “TREE”. All volunteers of this organisation are working selflessly for disadvantaged children inspite of their personal busy schedule. Their devotion to this organisation is most commendable.
Through A.I. Islam’s A.D Bawla Female orphanage, children take part in children’s meet, overnight picnics and felicitation of successful students.They give their precious time to attend our functions whenever they are invited and grace the occasions. We all pray to the Almighty for the success of “Our Children” and for the well being of all the volunteers associated with “Our Children”.
- Susan H Fazal
Superintendent A.D.Bawla Female Orphanage