Our Team 🏃‍♀️

Prem (Premlata Poonia)

Founder of Hamari Laado
Lead for Neev & Marg

It is a unique story but represents stories of many of us. We all want to leave the world better than where we found it. We have many ways to go about that change, and all of it adds up. Whether we are helping build next set of roads that are connecting cities to villages, or working in an IT company helping world be better connected.

I grew up in a village in remote Rajasthan where my grandfather's family moved during the 1947 partition of India. Driven by the vision of my father, we moved from one place to another, in need for education. I later worked in a textile plant in Punjab, with the great TATAs in Jamshedpur, and moved to the U.S. for MBA. I worked in development space and later found myself selling engines to mixer companies so they can build our roads, and to Bus companies so they can take kids to school. All of it adds, isnt it?

But my heart never left the imagery of the village where I grew up. About the daughters whose fathers couldn't do what my father did. I have wondered many times - in this more connected world, how can I give back to the places I have left behind. Most of us are migrants who have landed in different cities, countries in search of jobs and hopes. Most of us want to give back, in whatever little capacity we can.

This organization is set up with the hope of tapping into that collective spirit of doing our bit. To make it easy to connect with your role as coaches, mentors, sponsors, and much more. Read about our programs, share your thoughts, and tell us how we can help you do your bit. It all adds up!

Sudha Dhar

Lead - Giving Circle

Sudha started her career in the IT industry in the 1990s right when India's economy was opening up. She thus lived and worked in various parts of the world, often being the first and only woman to be in those environments. Sudha understands the journey, as well as the courage, skill, and support that is needed along the way. Along with her global work experiences, Sudha brings a rich understanding of the diversity of Bharat by virtue of her family bonds from two distinct parts of the country - Kashmir and Kerala!

Deepa Verma

Director

A compassionate leader, Deepa recently retired from Tata Steel Ltd after 37 years of service through various dimensions of Human Resources. A graduate of XLRI Jamshedpur, Deepa started her career in the HRM division at Tata Steel's plants in Jamshedpur. Through-out her career, Deepa lived and carried the Tata values of care for her teams, employees, and businesses. Along with her expertise in various functions of HR, Deepa passionately created solutions that improved workplace culture, fostered diversity, enhanced social responsibility, and ensured ethical and compliant practices. 

Deepa calls both Pune and Jamshedpur her home. A mother to two working daughters, Deepa has consistently volunteered in the communities through Tata Steel Foundation, including during the Covid pandemic. With Deepa joining the Board, we look to her guidance in strengthening teams and partnerships that can take Hamari Laado to many diverse communities. 

         Lt Col (Retd) Aparna Bisen

Director

A trailblazer, Aparna recently took voluntary retirement from the Indian Army after serving the nation for 20 years. A native of Raipur, Aparna achieved many firsts in her family and extended community. In a journey that started from being an NCC cadet and making it to the Republic Day Parade and Youth Exchange Program, Aparna got commissioned in the Army Ordnance Corps at the age of 22. Soon, Aparna served in many roles and locations, including leading a United Nations Peacekeeping mission in Congo. Aparna is a subject matter expert on Conflict Related Sexual Violence and lends her time and energy towards women's development. Aparna's journey is an inspiration to every young girl growing up in a small town.

An army partner and a mother to a cheerful daughter, Aparna cares deeply about the army families and their development. She took the lead in introducing our NEEV program at Army Campuses. With Aparna joining the Board, we rely on her leadership to take NEEV to many young girls around the country. 

Vishnu Datt

Director

Vishnu followed the dual role of a teacher and a farmer for decades. Along with the many hats he wore as a father, change maker, and path breaker. He migrated with his family multiple times, so he could get education for his daughters. He deeply understands the social norms that shape the rural areas and their ethos. He knows the resistance on the path as well as the journey to change. His cross-generational insights and rootedness are core to our pace at Hamari Laado.

Siddharth Tatiya

Legal Advisor

A native of Rajasthan and an inquisitive traveller, Siddharth graduated from Gujarat National Law University, Gandhinagar and returned back to Jodhpur to practice at the High Court of Rajasthan. For more than a decade now, Siddharth has appeared before various courts and tribunals on cases concerning Constitutional law, Education, Human rights, Consumer laws and Environmental laws. Siddharth has constantly supported to Hamari Laado by providing legal guidance in matters that impact the educational attainment of rural girls.

Bharati Verma

Communications Lead

Bharati is currently pursuing her Master's degree in Digital Humanities at the Indian Institute of Technology, Jodhpur. She has done her Bachelor's in Business Administration from Osmania University,Hyderabad. With a lifelong passion for social work, she has actively engaged in various volunteering initiatives, showcasing her commitment to making a positive impact in her community.With a keen interest in marketing and corporate social responsibility (CSR), Bharti aspires to build a career in the corporate sector, focusing on these areas to drive meaningful change.In her free time, she enjoys painting, which allows her to express her creativity, and finds solace in Rajasthani folk music, which helps her unwind during stressful moments.

Aditya Kedia

Tech Manager

Aditya is a Electrical Engineering undergraduate currently studying at the esteemed Indian Institute of Technology, Jodhpur. He possesses a strong passion for programming and web development, dedicating his free time to refining his skills and exploring emerging software development trends. Alongside his technical pursuits, he has a keen interest in playing and developing games.

M Krishna Gayathri

Program Manager

A motivated, compassionate and young social worker who wishes to create a positive impact on the lives of people across the nation. Having done her schooling in Chennai and master's in social work at Amrita University, Coimbatore, Gayathri has been exposed to the problems plaguing the urban areas. Later with her work stint involving field visits to schools in the rural centres, she has got a glimpse of the other side of Bharat