Leading the Vision
The Founders
S. Henna
Founder
An educator and a social entrepreneur, Henna has dedicated her life to transforming the education landscape. A graduate and master’s degree holder in Mass Communication and Journalism, she began her career as a reporter, later pursuing her passion for writing. However, it was her experience as a Teach For India Fellow working with the Akanksha Foundation in Pune that unearthed her true potential in education. She excelled in building innovative pedagogies, driving exemplary student performance, and fostering community partnerships, particularly with low-income families. Drawn to her roots, she returned to Manipur, working with a non-profit where she led a community-run school in a remote hill region, integrating indigenous practices into the curriculum. Her journey continued with Star Education, Manipur’s state government flagship program, before culminating in the establishment of Tandan Charitable Trust, a testament to her unwavering commitment to give access to quality and contexualized education to underserved children from marginalised communities.
Samuel Luis
Founder
Over 16 years of working in the Social Sector both in India and in other countries, driven by the desire to contribute meaningfully to the lives of under-privileged and marginalized communities. Worked in the music industry as a music educator for 11+ years, topped India as a Classical Guitarist for two years in a row and represented India at concerts and festivals abroad. Worked at Jankalyan trust at Mahad in Maharashtra, towards the upliftment of the Katkari Tribal Community. Also, part of the Trappist Abbey in USA working and providing for the homeless and under privileged. Was School supervisor of St. Thomas Academy Mumbai before moving to Eden Garden Orphanage, a charitable institution at Kohima District of Nagaland as Asst. Director, Administrator & Music Director & later to Sunbird trust as Program Co-ordinator, before starting Tandan Charitable Trust.
Prashanth Pereira
Mentor
A seasoned banker, entrepreneur, and secure tech evangelist with over 30 years of global experience across banking, mutual funds, insurance, NBFCs, securities, records management, and technology. Currently serving as the Regional Director—APAC, Africa & ME for Strategic Alliances and Product Development. Previously held key ascending roles at Citizen Credit Bank, IndusInd Bank, ICICI Bank, Reliance AMC, Reliance Capital, Edelweiss Securities, Finmax Group, and Manipal Technologies. A renowned quality professional known for his innovative thinking and versatile skill set in business development, Setting up & managing of large scale Back office & Voice operations, CRM, quality management, Technology and IT security. As a co-founder and business growth advisor to multiple global fintech ventures, he has led award-winning solutions. An acclaimed speaker on disruptive and secure technologies at global forums. An alumni director of St. Xavier’s High School, Mumbai.
Leadership Team – The Driving Force
Behind the Scenes – The Guiding Lights
Board of Advisors
Brig. Neil John
Brig. Neil John
An analytical & operationally astute military professional, Deputy General Officer Commanding, Brig. John has 33 years of experience in the Indian Armed Forces. A recipient of the prestigious
Sena Medal for Gallantry, he has spearheaded military organizations including multi-million-dollar budgets, managed high value assets in the Indian defense sector, and created a performance culture that focuses on goal-oriented achievements in dynamic situations.
Khaidem Mani
Khaidem Mani
Khaidem Mani is a vanguard of social justice and a human rights activist in conflict affected state of Manipur. He is a senior advocate and former chairperson of Manipur Human Rights Commission. Khaidem Mani is an advisor to several Civil Society Organizations and a member of High Court Bar Association.
Mrinashree Mairembam
Mrinashree Mairembam
Mrinashree is a connoisseur who has worked over two decades in the field of history of art and culture. She is now the Joint Director of Art and Culture, Government of Manipur. Mrinashree is an advocate of promoting indigenous artisans from different tribes of Manipur and their work . she has also extensively looked after Manipur state museum as a curator.
Ashutosh Vaidya
Ashutosh Vaidya
Ashutosh Vaidya is a business leader who represents and promotes companies across India + SAARC, APAC region. He has been in the field of business and consulting for over 22 years and worked in nationwide renown brands in the role of chief managing officer at Kurl-on and Deputy Director of Samsonite,. Ashutosh is former CEO of American Vision Pvt. Ltd and took sales leadership roles in IFB home appliances. He is a high performance motivator. Ashutosh is currently the country manager and Managing director of Safilo group.
Akuvan Thiyam
Akuvan Thiyam
Akuvan is an innovative entrepreneur who is working towards creating social impact through cutting-edge technology. Having worked as an Avionics engineer with UTC Aerospace systems, Boeing, Lufthansa and Airbus, he now heads his own Artificial Intelligence company called Akumen Artificial Intelligence Pvt. Ltd which design smart-wearable AI glasses for visually impaired people.
Thingpui Rewarthang Kom
Thingpui Rewarthang Kom
Thingpui Rewarthang Kom is a highly enterprising tribal leader who has been serving as a village chief for more than 20 years. Rewarthang often partners with government diplomats in taking infrastructure projects to bring about development in many villages. He is driven to ensure that children in remote and under-developed villages get access to quality education. Rewarthang is a young energetic leader who brings people together in executing community-led projects. He also helps and encourages tribal women in forming self-help groups and explore their handicraft skills.