Our Team
Our team is the backbone of our work. Every morning, we sit together for quiet time, where we reflect and share on how we can change and grow in our own lives, which translates to honest, impactful work in the villages. Most of our staff are from nearby villages, so we have significant understanding of the contexts of our work. We seek to be the change that we wish to see, both as individuals and as an organization.
Our Change Stories
Kamal More
Soon after marrying her son, Kamal Maushi's daughter in law wanted to resume her education so she went back to college. With Kamal working at Grampari and her daughter in law in college, there was much work in the house that didn't get done. Kamal would often get frustrated and take her anger out by yelling and fighting with her daughter in law.
One day during quiet time she realized that her behaviour towards her daughter in law was wrong. She then apologized to her and promised not to yell at her. They went on to repair their relationship and build greater harmony in their house.
Dhananjay Ambrale
Dhananjay is a commerce graduate with excellent knowledge in accounting and finance. He joined Grampari in 2013. His roles include working on Spring Protection and helping maintain
accounts of project activities.
Ganesh Pujari
In addition to his six degrees including MSW, Ganesh brings wonderful talents such as singing and acting to Grampari. He joined Grampari in 2011 and has over 10 years experience in rural development work, including 3 years in watershed management. Ganesh coordinates the the WASH programme as well as the school hand wash programme in primary schools
Kamal More
Kamal has been working for Grampari since 2014. Her responsibilities include keeping the facilities clean, cooking for residential programs, and keeping the Grampari staff hydrated with Chai.
Prathmesh Murkute
Deputy Director
Prathamesh has worked in the education technology sector for over 8 years and was a research fellow with Ministry of Rural Development between 2018-2020. He joined Grampari as Deputy Director in 2020. He currently leads multiple programmes of Grampari's including Watershed, Nabard, Trust Building Programme an initiative for high school children to bridge the urban rural divide. He did his MTech from CTARA, IIT Bombay and is married to Shirali.
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Sagar Bhilare
Sagar is an agricultural graduate with expertise in sustainable farming. He has worked with Grampari since 2013, overseeing sustainable farming activities. Sagar looks after the development of Grampari's farm, coordinates an indigenous seed bank, and promotes sustainable farming in the villages.
Shashikant Khandagale
Shashikant has been working with Grampari since 2011, and oversees the work done on Grampari's farm. He has developed a banana and lemon garden and also maintains the medicinal garden.
Jayashree Rao
Jayashree is the founder and director of Grampari. She completer her diploma in Business Management and ran a successful machine tool trading organization in Bangalore for 30 years. Learn more about her story here.
Archana Rao
Archana Rao is currently the Country Director for Global Citizen Year, India a US based educational social enterprise and works as a consultant on the Grampari team. Previously she worked with Grampari for 3 years as an Associate Director primarily managing the Springs Protection Project. Her experience includes 8 years as an International Sales Manager and 5 years experience in Social Housing in the UK. She holds an Msc in Development Economics..
Dipak Jadhav
Deputy Director
With a total of 14years grassroots work experience in Rural Development Dipak has been with gramapri since 2012. His experience has spanned, Governance, School Hand Washing with Soap Programme, youth and leadership training. He has initiated and led several interesting community building programmes including 'Grampari Adopted Villages' and has inspired people to take personal steps of change. He has a Masters in Social Work and is Married to Manisha and has a daughter,Garima
Shoba Beloshe
Shoba joined Grampari in 2017 and helps manage activities on the farm. She also takes care of 'Gowry,' Grampari's cow.
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Vishal Bagade
Vishal has completed his MSW and joined Grampari in 2015. His communication and community mobilization skills make him an excellent leader of our Youth programme, which includes implementing eco-friendly annual Ganesh festivals and organizing residential programmes.
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Vijay Bade
Vijay has completed a Diesel Mechanic course. After participating in a Grampari one month residential programme, he joined the team in 2015. In addition to utilizing his many skills ranging from plumbing to electrical work to film making where needed, he plays a large role in the Youth programme. He also helps maintain the Grampari training and livelihood centre.
Our Contributors
It is important to aknowledge the work of past employees, volunteers, and interns, who have contributed greatly to Grampari's growth and development.
Jared Bueno: One of Grampari's first employees, Jared worked at Grampari from 2009-2014. He completed a PhD in hydrogeology in the US. He designed the springbox that was implemented in numerous villages and was instrumental in developing Grampari's watershed programme.
Sowmya Somnath: Sowmya also worked at Grampari from 2009-2014. A civil engineer from Canada, Sowmya introduced the Tippy Tap and set up Grampari's school hand wash programme.
Anandi Gandhi: Anandi came from Pune to work at Grampari for six months in 2012. She played a large role in setting up Grampari's garden and farm.
Dipak Burkule: Dipak joined Grampari in 2014. A retired civil engineer, Dipak now works for Grampari as a full time volunteer, assisting with engineering projects in waste management and watershed.
Arthur Adams: Arthur came all the way from Arizona, USA to spend two months at Grampari in 2013. He started planting coffee crop at Grampari and AP farm.
Aparna Shrivatsav: Aparna worked at Grampari from 2011-2013. She contributed greatly to Grampari's livelihood programme, as she taught how to make smokeless chulas.
Yoni Maltsman: Yoni is from Illinois, USA and spent two months as an intern for Grampari, helping address the impacts of technology and mobile phones in schools and villages. He also built this website, so send your complaints his way.