Open Heart Talk-4: Esther Mam

Straight from the Heart of...

Esther Mam

For some people, EKA is an educational organization working for disabled children but for me it is a place where I am molded well and shaping my personality. Some believed that as a Special Educator we would have all the skills and good personality but that is not the case. Every person has its own flaws. No one is perfect. I teach and I learn through my students and my colleagues.

EKA is a place where one can walk in as they are, and experience the best of everything. Here, we are one to help every individual to stand on their own feet and work independently. As I developed as an individual here, the same way every individual walks through the doors has been developing for a better tomorrow. 

 

Here is a picture of me with my lot from Independence Day Celebrations-2019. 

Open Heart Talk-3: Ben Mam

Straight from the heart of....

Ben Mam

Inclusion And ME! 

“Inclusion” is a word every Organization/Individual imbibe on. In my existence of 30 years on this beautiful planet, I have heard of people using this word but never implying in their actions. WALK the TALK was missing. Coming to EKA, as the core mission and value says “​INCLUSION​”, the organization works towards attaining it in every field. I am from North East India- Nagaland, we have 16 tribes and all the tribes speak different languages. Even among our tribe, we have different dialects according to villages. Hardly exposed to the outside world, born and raised in Nagaland, English language was something far foreign language to speak for me. My pronunciation of English coupled with my Ao Naga accent has been an issue in almost all of the places I have been to. I was mocked or misunderstood many times which eventually tarnished my self-esteem. In EKA neither the administrator nor any of the staff or parents gave an ounce of negative attitude towards me and accepted me the way I am. The inclusion and Me happened swiftly. I am endowed with heavenly blessings to be a part of this amazing family EKA!

Open Heart Talk-2: Chithraa Mam

Straight from the heart of ....

Chithraa mam

The meaning of this three-letter word, ' Eka' has changed my life in unimaginable ways. At Eka, I have learnt that both success and failure are important in our life. I am touched by the unconditional love and support shown to me from the founders of Eka. The children have been a source of inspiration and I have learnt so much from each of them. Being Inclusive, we have bridged the gap and made the children feel loved and accepted. I am sharing a few pictures of some of the best moments that I spent with the children at Eka.

Open Heart Talk-1: Jaishree Mam

Straight from heart of...

Jaishree mam.

When I thought of writing a blog, the first thing that came into my mind is painting and then my pet dog. My pet stands first in my priority, however I chose to write about painting because it's the most important thing that is keeping me sane during this lockdown.

Painting has always travelled with me throughout my life and has kept me at peace during most of my difficult times. I started my first painting watching a drawing show telecasted in Doordarshan. The first painting I learnt was Mickey mouse and Aladdin genie. Post that, whenever someone asks me to draw, I would draw either one of them. 

My parents were too strict and I never had the privilege to join any drawing classes back then. The love that I had for painting made me to do my own research and practice. Slowly, I started drawing God pictures which were printed in the calendar. That was the greatest achievement I had as a kid. 

Those days, I never used to participate in any competition. My skills in drawing improved because of the botany and zoology record notes drawing requirements. Getting stars for those drawings increased my confidence and I could follow with my passion for drawing. 

As the saying goes, "Once learnt it can never be unlearnt". Thus painting traveled with me all through these years as an invisible partner helping me in my career.

 

The first official award that I got for painting was in "Kalaangana", an event held for special education kids. That day, I couldn't express my feelings in words and I behaved like a kid jumping up to the sky for receiving that award. I know it sounds silly but that was the first recognition that I got for my painting. So, it will remain special to me. 

 

Even though, I loved painting I never had the urge to learn painting in a proper way. But the need to improvise my skills began after I attended a painting workshop conducted by Bangalore drawing room. It was a three hours session and it was pure 'bliss'. I just forgot about the whole world for that entire afternoon. It's just me and the painting. That was an amazing feeling and the addiction is only deepening.

After that, every weekend I started attending different workshops and one such workshop is the doodle art workshop by Mamtha Singh which was a mind blowing one. She not only took a workshop on doodling but also mentally prepared me for the ups and downs that I might face if I chose painting as my career. Right before that workshop, I had a thought to learn all forms of painting and do something on my own. But, just after attending the workshop I realized if things are supposed to happen it will happen eventually.

I actually don't know why and how I started taking painting seriously and started learning more about the different art form in this field. But I always believe in destiny. If you are destined to do something you will !!

Painting makes everyday special for me. Each painting is like a new born baby to me. It tries to teach me how beautiful and simple life is and it keeps me alive.

I am a person who gets bored of things quicker. I always look out for new things everyday. But  painting is an endless ocean which makes me think the more I know is the less I have learnt. I am trying to find my pearl in this ocean. 

Painting keeps me happy, it keeps me calm, it gives a bliss feel. I just forget this whole world when I paint. That's a beautiful feel which I love to endure each and every day.

 

Eka Superheroes

Co-founders

Ms. Sharmila Jois Vellal

With the Master’s Degree from Bangalore University (Child Guidance) and University of Northampton (Inclusive Education) and Diploma from KPAMRC (Learning disability), Sharmila has experience of working in both Inclusive and Exclusive institutes for over 14 years now. She was also co-founder of another organization. She is currently serving as a board member of SERPA. This has broadened her understanding of varied perspectives when it comes to working with children with various disabilities across the age- groups. She firmly believes that for inclusion to become a reality in educational institutes, organizations as well as in society; parents & family members, mainstream educators, Special educators, therapists, friends and the child with disabilities need to work in collaboration with each other, this means taking realistic measures that are attainable, affordable and accessible. She thoroughly believes in teamwork and follows the multiple-intelligence theory in her working methodology. Her experience of using hands-on working model with students has been a key-factor behind her success stories. She is an avid reader and keeps herself up-to-date by reading a lot of research papers & journals online. 

Ms. Santhi Karamcheti 

Santhi holds a Master’s degree in Human Genetics and a Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education. She worked with three international schools at the beginning of her career and later started a special school, EDventure Academy in Bangalore. She volunteers with a couple of organisations and is also serving as President of S.E.R.P.A. She is a guest faculty in one of the special educators' training institute in Bangalore. Santhi is one of the top-50 finalist of Global Teacher Prize, dubbed as Nobel prize for Teachers, in the year 2016 & marked India on global map from around 20,000 nominations from 55 countries around the world. She has also received extraordinary teacher award from IRC, Bangalore. Her previously founded school EDventure Academy has won 'People's Choice' award in the category of special schools from Karnataka, by BrainFeed. Her close to 14 years of experience provided her an opportunity to work across disabilities and age groups. Her work mainly comprises on increasing children’s capacities in essential areas like personality development, socio-communication skills, self-belief, academics, vocational and Pre-Vocational skills. Mainstreaming children and young adults into schools and employment are her mission in life and she intends to further her aim by making inclusion a norm. She has conducted close to 50 workshops and training for teachers, corporate offices, parents, educators, therapists etc on various special needs topic, especially on showing inclusion as an attainable concept. 

Coordinators

Jaishree Muralidharan

Jaishree Muralidharan has 8 years of experience as Special educator. Certified by KPAMRC, she has trained many students in completion of NIOS examinations & mainstreamed almost all the young students she had an opportunity to work with. Her bond with students helps them not just come out of their shell but helps them showcase their talents as well. Jaishree is our Dancing Diva as well as art expert. Jaishree is leading Eka's NIOS.

Sarika Goyal 

Sarika Goyal has Diploma in Special Education for Inclusive Education  from Spastic Society of Karnataka. She has been working towards the betterment of children with special needs for the last 7 years. She has been successful in mainstreaming young students with her talent in school-readiness. Her aim is to make her students self reliant and confident to stand out in the society. Sarika’s hobbies include listening to music, painting, playing with kids and cooking. She is leading Eka's primary academic levels.

Ashreta

With a Master’s degree from Manipal University in Clinical Psychology. With experience in clinical as well as remedial settings, Ashreta is go-to person for any challenging tasks. She has been working with students across the age group and disability. Her extremely organised and methodical way of planning and teaching has been a great inspiration for her students & colleagues. She is leading Eka's Vocational unit. 

Teaching staff

Ben

Ben is from Nagaland, she was working with Teens in Springs Buds Nagaland. She holds a Masters in Counselling Psychology, BA in Literature, Economics, Political Science and History. She has the heart to serve people and always believes in an inclusive society because of which she is here with us on board as an special educator. She is always ready to work with students and her positivity brings in smile on everyone’s face. She is training students from across the age groups and needs. She is our Math expert. 

Chithraa

Chithraa holds a diploma in Inclusive Education from Spastics Society of Karnataka and a diploma in Counseling skills from Banjara Academy. She has experience working with students across the age groups, especially in vocational & prevocational skill training. Chithra is a great dancer and is extremely empathetic. She is considered as second mother by many students. She is our culinary & housekeeping skills expert. 

Naveena

K Naveena Rao, holds a Masters (MSW) from St. Joseph's College. She has had quite a number of internships from various organisations in Bangalore and in USA. She loves to work with children and adolescents. She loves to dance, sing, art-craft, etc. Naveena has various feathers to her cap and has insatiable needs to acquire a new skill. She has been an expert in remedial classes especially in teaching academics to young students and for NIOS. She is our Music and events expert. 

Aparna Anna

Aparna a multi-talented and versatile special educator with diploma in Special Education, (LD) and Master’s degree is Biomedical Genetics, shows no stopping when it comes to being creative with lesson planning. Aparna has a talent to be accommodative and has an extreme sense of bonding with students. She works from Australia through online and is our Lesson plan expert.

Esther

Esther holds a Master’s Degree in Social work from St. Joseph’s College, Bangalore. She cares for each and every student and makes them feel like a champion. Her compassion extends to being excellent in planning co-curricular and hands-on activities. Esther is consistent with her work and intends to touch one soul at a time. She has been rendering amazing developments in students with severe needs. She is our Music expert. 

Shraddha

Shraddha Modi is from Gujarat. She has a bachelors in Psychology and a certification course in Autism and Behavioral Science from George Brown College, Toronto. She has 3 years experience working with individuals with autism. Shraddha has been working with students across age groups. Her peaceful nature makes students fall in love with her & bond at various levels. She is our theatre expert.

Vidushi

Vidushi hails from Darjeeling and has done her master's in Counselling Psychology. She has 4 years of experience in working with persons with disability. She is an India Inclusion Fellow. She has been Vlogging on Sign language and aims at making Sign language as a norm. She is good at building lasting relations. She has been our expert in socio-emotional-cognitive development.

Sreeji S

Sreeji holds a masters degree in Disability studies & Rehab sciences & a bachelors degree in Psychology from MG University. She has done paper presentations at international and national seminars on various topics. she has also done internships from various National organizations including NIMHANS & RCI. She has worked as a special educator in mainstream schools and is now Eka's Science expert. 

Non-teaching staff

Nivedita

Nivedita holds a degree in Computer Applications (BCA) from Christ University. She is our admin & is a steadfast at work. She is versatile and multi talented. She is a budding musician & photographer with her own YouTube channel. She is Eka’s Administration Head, Tech Advisor & social media expert.

Teresa Shankar

Teresa Shankar, is an English Literature graduate. After a long stint in the corporate world, she decided to pursue a career in teaching. She holds a Diploma in Modern Methods of Teaching from ‘The International School Bangalore’.  Her passion to teach children with special needs was realised when she worked and volunteered at EDventure Academy for two years. She was able to combine her passion for baking and teaching, when she got the opportunity with children with special needs. She is our volunteer & baking expert.

Therapists & trainers

Therapists & trainers

Therapies for young adults are often neglected. Eka understands the need for holistic development & readiness & hence has arranged for the therapist to be available in-house for helping students attain their best possible self. Working along with therapist assist in planning and providing required support in the growth of the student.

Mr. Roval Thomas, Consultant Speech Therapist -

I am from Bangalore. I have completed Graduation and Post Graduation in Speech Pathology and Audiology from Bangalore University. I have experience of 8 years working with children and adults with speech and hearing concerns. I have done internship during graduation and post-graduation at some of the most prestigious hospitals in Bangalore like St. John's Medical College Hospital, NIMHANS, Indira Gandhi Institute Of Child Health etc. to name a few. I have worked at Spastics Society of Karnataka, Bhagwan Mahaveer Jain Hospital and Columbia Asia Hospital at Bangalore. Currently, I am having private practice at HSR Layout, Bangalore. I am proficient in English, Kannada, Malayalam, Tamil and Hindi.

Ms. Vasundhara, Consultant, Arts Based Therapist-

I have always enjoyed working with children using art and have been an Art Facilitator at Prakriya Green Wisdom School for 8 years. It was here that I gained a lot of experience in art education and child behaviour which led me to pursue a course in Art Therapy. I am a certified Arts-based practitioner having completed the course at World Center for Creative Learning, WCCLF, Pune in 2014. Since then I have worked with children living with HIV at Snehadaan, migrant and out of school children at Gubbachi Learning Center, and also with children and young adults with behavioural and other issues. I truly believe that art in any form can help a person heal, express and work on themselves, and I am happy to be able to provide this safe space for those who may need it.

Ms. Achuta Nadapana, Consultant, Arts Based Therapist-

I'm Achuta Nadapana & I believe that healing through the Arts is a beautiful, compassionate and miraculous process. I'm a certified Art Based Therapy (ABT) practitioner from WCCLF, Pune. I have worked as an ABT facilitator for special needs children in Snehadhara Foundation from 2013-16. I'm currently a freelance therapist and educator. I hold a Master’s Degrees in Environmental Science from JNU, Delhi and Master’s in Tourism Administration from DAVV, Indore.

I have discovered that Arts in its myriad forms is not just an unencumbered teaching and training tool, but a process of self-discovery and healing. It is my deepest desire to see every child and adult live their pure, true radiant magnificent selves. I live in Bangalore with my son who has autism and enjoy studying mind-body-spirit healing modalities.

Ms. Kamala Srikrishna, Consultant, Counsellor -

I'm Kamala Srikrishna & I hold a degree in Master Of Science (Counselling and Psychotherapy) from Kuvempu University. I'm also a certified student counsellor from Banjara Academy, Bangalore. I have a Bachelor's degree in Pharmacy from the prestigious College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal. I have 6+ years of experience in student counselling, parental guidance and counselling. I have worked with EDventure Academy as a counsellor and in disability awareness drives. Also, working with Apta Salaha Kendra (Samadhana, a unit of NIMHANS, B'lore) as a Counsellor. In addition to Counselling support, I have been very active in the field of upliftment of society. Currently, I'm associated with Mitra Jyothi foundation to assist visually challenged individuals to learn about curriculum, academics etc via audio media. Also as a Life skill teacher with Rachana Foundation, in assisting Govt school children by empowering them in life skills, value education, and leadership using Indian cultural foundation.

Ms. Sheetal Kulkarni, Consultant Art Teacher -

I hold a graduate degree in science and have worked in diverse fields which includes IT, Insurance, Education and Fine Arts. Having immense passion in Fine Arts started small group classes which later transformed into an academy. A belief that anyone can draw and paint triggered the foundation of Shades Art Academy in 2011 and since then have taught and helped more than 100 students every year to explore the world of art. Shades annual exhibition " Avishkaar " gives a platform to many budding artists. I have worked with students with different capabilities and understand the need for the inclusion to help them become successful in life.

Ms. Bhoomika Shah, Consultant Yoga Therapist

I hold a graduation in Bachelor of Engineering in computer science. Later, I have started working for Tech Mahindra, worked there for 6 months and then got recruited for Thomson Reuters, worked there for 3 years and I quit that company and took some time off to follow my passion for yoga. Then I did my first level of certification from Bharat Shetty in Mysore and then did certification from Prafull Oorja on how to teach yoga to special needs since then I worked with special kids in few schools in HSR Layout and willing to continue to work with them as it is very satisfying.

Mr. Ravi Valdiya - Consultant Photography teacher.

I'm Ravi, an accomplished photographer & my preferred genre has been travel photography & Nature. Although from an IT background, I could not contain my enthusiasm about photography as a mere hobby. Inspired by many photographers, I have started with travel photography, but my passion and skill soon took notice by people around and I have started photography as his full-time profession. Along with photography, I have also began to spend time volunteering in NGO’s. I began clicking pictures for them, documenting videos and photos and started showing the issues using photography. I have done many workshops for adults with hearing and speech impairments, Cerebral palsy and other interested beginners. For special needs, Photography is a perfect way to showcase their vision and perception of the world they see. It enables special needs individuals to see the different angels of life and a means of expression of the emotions and feelings. The lines, curves, horizons they see which is invisible to normal eyes will assist them to find patterns and be fluid or remain within the framework. Through the photography course, we not only intend to teach a hobby time activity and a vocational skill but also expressive skills. I intend to bring not just the camera, but the science behind the camera in sessions. 

Mr. Nataraja - Consultant - Sign Language Trainer.

I'm R.Nataraja, a Sign Language Trainer with around 8+ years experience in training different People with Disabilities, motivating them, building strong communication and presentation skills especially for Hearing Impaired. I'm involved in doing lots of disability sensitization workshop in different companies, schools, hospitals, and regular Sign Language interpretation during Job Fairs, Interviews, Seminars, and Conferences. I'm the key trainer on facilitating Hearing Impaired on their communication Skill and I exclusively do domain-based workshop for Hearing Impaired like Photography, Testing. Having 11+ years of experience as a techie, my main motive is to facilitate inclusiveness into work-culture.

Mr. Abhay Sharan, Consultant-Theatre Expert -

I'm Abhay Sharan is an Actor, Model, Theatre Director, Facilitator, & Singer trained professionally in Forum Theatre, Play Back & Improv Theatre, Proscenium Theatre & Oppressed theatre. He is been trained on leadership acumen by BWW (USA) and certified Diploma in NLP. He is the founder of Rangmanch Bangalore.

He started his professional career after acquiring his BA. Hons In Economics & Masters in Business Administration & Management and Master in Humanities and worked for more than a decade with giant corporate conglomerate at a senior leadership level.

As a performing Artist, I have a very rich experience of more than 21 years in performing arts & conducting theatre based training programs in institutions like NIFT, Christ University, NGOs, Kumaran’s Children Home & Corporate. I have written & directed many plays & worked with various eminent artists in the field of performing arts & had a privilege of judging more than 100 plays nationally. I have been successfully associated with Indian Television and Film Fraternity and Ad film world for most of the top major brands Nationally & Internationally. Some of his work as Ad Commercials is Pepsi IPL for Star Plus, Britannia, TVS Suzuki, Airtel, ABN Amro Bank, Joy Jet Airways, Go Rapido etc. I have also been associated with Ekta Kapoor’s Balaji Tele films & Director’s Cut Bombay, for their prestigious Hindi serials/ soaps for Star Plus. I have been invited as Guest of Honour by institutions like IBMR Business School, Pearson Educations, CTC Engage 4 More (world largest talent Hunt Company), BEML Public School, Tattva Public School and many more. I have been closely associated with music and showered with many appreciations and accolade.

Mr. Aditya KV, Consultant & Collaborator, Sports-

I'm Aditya, the founder and CEO of Umoya Sports, a non-profit based out of Delhi NCR. I'm an engineer by education but found my passion in education very early in my career. I quit my cushioned corporate job as a Technology consultant to work in the social sector as a full-time educator in a low-income under-resourced school in the slums of Mumbai, India. Experiencing and learning about the complex social challenges in fields of disabilities and education, I chose to become an entrepreneur to start ‘Umoya Sports’ with an aim to leverage the power of sports and education to develop life-skills among students with disabilities. I steered Umoya Sports to also become the first UNESCO Sports and SDG Task force member from South-Asia. I loves to watch (and occasionally play) multiple sports, travel and often when not thinking about sports, I love to catch up on my sleep.

Mr. Temsulong, Consultant Music teacher-

Mr.Temsulong is more than just your typical man from the State of Nagaland, India. He is also quite possibly the best Rock & Pop Guitar player today. Music has always been an integral part of his life. Growing up, he was an active member of the church praise and worship team. He was previleged to be trained by highly experienced music experts and also took part in many Musical Tours in Nagaland State which helped him a lot in grooming his passion. Going further, he was also appointed as Music Committee Member in Alempang Baptist Church Mokokchung District, Nagaland which is considered as one of the finest talent producers in terms of music in Nagaland. With continuous hard work and dedication, he has earned Merit certificate in Rock & Pop, Grade 8 from Trinity College London. Today, He works as a Trinity Certified Western Music Teacher which includes Guitar, Piano & Vocal in “Geetanjali Harmonica Institute of Music” Bangalore, Holy Spirit School Bangalore & Eka Charitable & Educational Trust Bangalore. He is always thankful to God for the gift of Music and is trying his best in imparting to the upcoming passionate learners. For him, it’s just the beginning as best is yet to come. His motto in life is ‘Hard Work truly pays off’.