Balaji Shinde is a development professional, disability inclusion practitioner, and social entrepreneur with over five years of experience in NGO leadership, CSR initiatives, and grassroots development. Having served as a Regional Lead and Centre Manager, he brings experience in programme management, team leadership, community mobilisation, and stakeholder engagement. He completed his master’s degree at the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) in 2021.

A first-generation learner from a Dalit family in rural, drought-prone Maharashtra, Balaji’s journey reflects the intersecting realities of caste, disability, and socioeconomic marginalisation. Following a right above-knee amputation during adolescence and witnessing his father’s experience of mild disability, he draws on lived and family experiences to advance inclusive, equitable, and sustainable solutions.

In 2020, during his master’s studies, Balaji initiated the DivyangHitay Information & Guidance Centre (DIGCP) through a grassroots WhatsApp community initiative to connect persons with disabilities with essential information, guidance, and opportunities. This initiative laid the foundation for what later evolved into DivyangHitay Foundation. Drawing on his educational journey and broader perspectives, he envisioned community-led solutions that move beyond charity to advance disability rights, accessibility, inclusive education, skills development, livelihoods, and meaningful participation.

Balaji has contributed to disability inclusion initiatives with Rise Bionics, Youth4Jobs Foundation, and GiftAbled Foundation. He is a Youth Innovation Fund Awardee of Lighthouse Communities Foundation and was recognised among the top 19 youth leaders from GOYN communities worldwide. He has also volunteered with Volunteers for India, Eklavya India Foundation, and Anamprem Sanstha, contributing to community development and social impact.

His advocacy and public engagement include speaking at a national webinar on disability sector initiatives organised by Shivaji University, Kolhapur, and participating as a guest speaker at a Vidarbha-level conference organised by Amhi Amchya Arogyasathi. He has been invited by Shivaji University Kolhapur and the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS)  to deliver lectures and guide students on global higher education opportunities. Through engagements with Sankalp Foundation and Deepstambh Foundation, he has shared his personal journey of resilience. He has also participated as a panel guest speaker for Khule Bol, an initiative of Lighthouse Communities Foundation.

Beyond formal engagements, Balaji writes for local newspapers and shares reflections on LinkedIn to raise awareness about disability, sexuality, intersectionality, and social exclusion. His work and personal journey have been featured in BBC Marathi, Loksatta, Sakal, and Aawaj India TV, among other media outlets.

Balaji is currently pursuing an MSc in Education (Inclusive Education) at the University of Bristol, United Kingdom, with support from the Government of India’s National Overseas Scholarship. His journey from rural Maharashtra to higher education in the UK reflects his continued commitment to learning and advancing inclusive societies.

Tukaram Gaikwad is a development professional, social work practitioner, and rural development advocate committed to advancing inclusive and sustainable development for persons with disabilities and other marginalized communities. Hailing from a rural background in Maharashtra and being a first-generation learner, his journey is rooted in a deep understanding of the barriers faced by underserved communities in accessing education, employment, opportunities, and social inclusion.

With professional experience spanning government and grassroots development, Tukaram has worked with the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Government of India, as a Consultant in its Central Project Monitoring Unit (CPMU). His work has involved supporting the implementation and monitoring of national scholarship schemes, skill development initiatives, and programmes promoting accessible learning for persons with disabilities. He has also contributed to field assessments, programme monitoring across multiple states, policy recommendations, and the development of accessible, technology-enabled information services for persons with disabilities.

Holding a Master’s degree in Social Work specialising in Rural Development from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Tukaram brings together field experience, programme management, and a strong commitment to community-led development.

Working with DivyangHitay Foundation, he is dedicated to translating this experience into meaningful action by expanding access to education, skills, employment, self-employment, and livelihood opportunities for persons with disabilities, particularly those from rural, economically disadvantaged, and underserved communities.

He believes that inclusion must go beyond access to create opportunities for dignity, independence, participation, and empowerment. Through DivyangHitay Foundation, he aspires to contribute to a more equitable and sustainable society where every individual, regardless of disability or social background, has the opportunity to realise their potential. His guiding vision is work From Multiple Margins to Empowerment and sustainable development with people’s participation.

Anjali Suryavanshi is a social sector professional, disability inclusion advocate, writer, anchor, and digital content creator with 16 years of experience in the social service sector. She previously worked as Personal Assistant to the Founder of Aakanksha Rehabilitation Centre, Ahmednagar, supporting its work with persons with visual disabilities and diverse communities.

As a woman with dwarfism, Anjali brings lived experience and a strong commitment to disability rights, accessibility, and equal opportunities. She is a founding member of the DivyangHitay Information & Guidance Centre (DIGCP) and contributed to its WhatsApp community initiative before the formal registration of DivyangHitay Foundation. Through grassroots outreach, awareness programmes, information sharing, and guidance, she has helped connect persons with disabilities across Maharashtra. She maintains strong community networks and dedicates her time to supporting those seeking information, guidance, and opportunities.

As HR Manager at DivyangHitay Foundation, she oversees and supports intern and volunteer onboarding, HR documentation, team coordination and engagement, policy support, and efforts to create an inclusive and accessible workplace. She also coordinates organisational activities and reports to the Foundation’s founders.

Passionate about creative communication, Anjali writes poetry and articles, anchors events, and creates digital content to promote awareness and disability inclusion. She has won prizes in extracurricular competitions involving poetry, writing, and anchoring. She has also developed skills in Canva graphic design, basic mobile video editing, and social media marketing, and completed an Entrepreneurship Development Programme through NEDAR Foundation.

Anjali envisions an inclusive society where persons with disabilities have equitable access to education, information, digital skills, employment, entrepreneurship, and opportunities for growth. Through her community engagement and organisational work, she strives to advance dignity, confidence, independence, and meaningful participation for persons with disabilities.