About Us

Our Mission

The Deepam Initiative was formed with the idea of analysing, evaluating and fixing some of the gravest problems faced by India’s rural population. Over the years, our team of young, talented individuals have always served with the philosophy of making a positive difference in the world we live in. By partnering ourselves with institutions that share our ideologies, we have had the opportunity to serve thousands, while showing them that we truly care about the lives they lead. Our mission is to not only continue the work but also to break barriers through innovations in the social entrepreneurship sector.

Core Team

Dr. M R Jayaram

Mentor and Chief Advisor

Dr. M.R. Jayaram is not only an educationist, but also a businessman and industrialist of repute. He is the Dharmadhikari (head) of Kaiwara Kshetra, a centre for religious activities located around 60 km away from Bangalore. This Kshetra is into rejuvenation of old temples in and around Kaiwara, providing health and education to the villagers around Kaiwara, daily feeding the poor and needy, conducts annual mass marriages and many such socially relevant activities. Dr. M.R. Jayaram is the Managing Trustee of M.S. Ramaiah Charities Trust, which has a number of well defined social objectives. The Trust awards scholarships annually to the financially backward meritorious candidates for pursuing higher education. He was also into politics for a short stint and was elected Member of the Legislative Assembly of Karnataka State. Dr. Jayaram is also associated with professional associations. Presently, he is Honorary Secretary, Karnataka Private Medical & Dental Colleges Association; Honorary Secretary, Karnataka Unaided Private Engineering Colleges Association; Vice Chairman, Consortium of Medical, Engineering & Dental Colleges of Karnataka (COMED K). In November 2006, Dr. M.R. Jayaram was awarded Honorary Doctorate by Coventry University, UK for his contribution to education and business.  

Aditya Srinivas Prasad

Founder and Managing Trustee

Aditya founded the organisation in 2015, while trying to figure out how to implement a social project for the people of the Chintamani District in Karnataka. Being an aspiring economist, he has always led the organisation with the objective of finding efficient solutions to complex socio- economical issues. He currently serves as a partner in ‘House of Nareyani’, an organisation that is set to become South India’s largest hydroponic company. He is also a Purdue University Economics & Public Policy student and has been closely associated with the Ramaiah Institute of Public Policy.

Karantaj Singh

Founder, Trustee, Head of Operations and Policy

Karantaj Singh is a co-founder of the organisation and has been an integral part of it since 2015. He conceptualises Deepam’s vision into policy initiatives and ensures their timely and cost effective execution. Karantaj has always had a flair for helping those in need, he has showcased this by actively volunteering for NGO’s such as AMBA and Colours for Life where he worked with specially challenged adults and underprivileged people respectively. He also worked with the Embassy Group CSR team where he undertook projects that involved increasing sanitation and hygiene awareness in government schools the company had adopted. Karantaj completed his undergraduate education at Ashoka University where he studied History and International Relations, and now plans to expand his interdisciplinary education by studying political science and media during his time at the Ashoka Scholars Programme. He aspires to work in the policy and development sector, and dreams to improve the lives of people across the world through his efforts.

Vaishakh Dutta

Founder, Trustee, Chief Advocate

Vaishakh Datta is a final year law student. An enthusiastic member of the Deepam Team, he has been handling all the legalities and communications for the organisation since its inception. An avid debater and an entrepreneur, social change is something he is enthusiastic about, and is constantly aiming to help add to the positive effect of the organisation’s work. In the past, he has handled procurement and planning for previous iterations of projects.

Eshaan Bhandari

Founder, Head of Planning and Development

Eshaan Bhandari is a co founder of the organisation. He looks for new initiatives that the organisation can work towards. Having graduated from NMIMS, Mumbai with a BBA, Eshaan is going to go abroad for higher studies in the near future and aspires to become an Industrialist.

Nihal Harve

Founder, Head of Public Relations

Nihal Harve is a student currently pursuing a degree in Finance and Information technology at the University of Pittsburgh. Outside of college, he is an avid golfer, passionate about giving back to the community and is highly interested in sports, travel, debate, and music.

Testimonials

“I still remember the first time I actively went and saw what difference and impact such an initiative had on the many under privileged people. I was so thankful for everything I had that it made me want to help out in anyway that I could. This initiative specially helped me realise that even the smallest bit of help amounts to something so big. Hats off to the entire team!”
Hetvi Shah
"Volunteering at TDI was my first experience with an organisation, and I am so grateful for it. It taught me how much a single person can help in making such a big difference. The team was so hardworking, fresh and genuine. They opened my eyes to the small essential things that are unavailable to so many, and how important is it for people like us to do something about it.”
Tanve Agerwal
I had the most fulfilling experience volunteering at TDI. It felt incredible to help execute fresh ideas which would truly make many lives brighter. In a fast and ignorant world, we need people who will stop and give for the love of giving. The culture within the organization is unmatched!”
Niharika Mahadeshwara
“I had a great time volunteering for the Deepam Initiative and I am proud to be associated with a group which is uplifting rural communities through such meaningful initiatives!”
Pratheek V
“My experience volunteering with The Deepam Initiative was very fulfilling. I had the opportunity to work with a very dedicated and warm team that made me feel like family. Deepam’s vision and drive towards helping those that need it what was most clear to me as a volunteer in their fundraiser. It was a privilege for me to work with TDI and I hope they continue to change the world for the better!​”
Sharan Goklaney

Our benefactors

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