Empowering Rural Communities. Shaping Brighter Futures.

Founder & Managing Trustee of Akanksha Charitable Trust (R.), Puttur, leading initiatives that transform learning opportunities for rural students in Dakshina Kannada. Through innovative programs in science education, FLN, youth development, and school transformation, the Trust works to nurture curiosity, confidence, and lifelong learning while creating sustainable impact through partnerships, CSR initiatives, and community-driven educational programs.

Punit Ravindra is a tax professional with extensive experience in US individual taxation and currently works with KPMG. He is an Enrolled Agent with the Internal Revenue Service and brings strong expertise in taxation, financial processes and professional services. He is also an alumnus of Mangalore University. As a Trustee of Akanksha Charitable Trust, Punit contributes his professional expertise and analytical perspective towards strengthening the organisation’s systems, financial discipline and long-term institutional development. His experience in the corporate sector adds valuable insight to ACT’s efforts to build sustainable and accountable social-impact initiatives. Punit believes in using professional knowledge to contribute to meaningful community development. Through his association with ACT, he supports the organisation’s mission of expanding access to education, skills and opportunities for children and youth.

Smrithi Hebbar is an educator and dedicated social-impact professional with over six years of experience in teaching undergraduate students. Her passion for education and student development has been closely connected with her association with Akanksha Charitable Trust since its early years. As a Trustee of Akanksha Charitable Trust, Smrithi plays an important role in advancing the organisation’s educational initiatives and supporting its work with children and youth. Her experience in teaching gives her a strong understanding of students’ learning needs, challenges and aspirations. She is particularly passionate about using education as a means to build confidence, curiosity and opportunities among young people. Through her continued involvement with ACT, she contributes to the organisation’s efforts to make quality learning and meaningful opportunities accessible to students from diverse backgrounds.

Ganesh Hegde is a Tax Manager at Deloitte India with professional experience in the UK corporate tax domain. A postgraduate of Mangalore University and graduate of SDM College, Ujire, he brings strong corporate and financial expertise to the leadership of Akanksha Charitable Trust. As a Trustee, Ganesh contributes his professional knowledge, strategic perspective and corporate experience towards strengthening ACT’s initiatives in education, youth development and community empowerment. He has been actively associated with ACT’s efforts to connect young people with industry perspectives, career opportunities and meaningful mentorship. His commitment to social impact reflects his belief that professional expertise can be channelled beyond the workplace to create opportunities for students and communities. Through his association with ACT, he continues to support the organisation’s efforts to empower young people and create pathways towards education, skills and sustainable growth.

Shivakumari B. is a homemaker, BA graduate and agriculturist who brings a strong connection to rural life, family and community values. Her understanding of agriculture and grassroots communities gives her a practical perspective on the challenges and opportunities faced by rural families. As a Trustee of Akanksha Charitable Trust, she supports the organisation’s efforts to create better educational and developmental opportunities for children and youth. Her association with ACT reflects her belief in the importance of education, community participation and creating opportunities for the next generation. Balancing her responsibilities as a homemaker and agriculturist with her role as a Trustee, Shivakumari contributes a grounded and community-oriented perspective to the Trust’s work. She believes that meaningful social change begins by strengthening families, communities and opportunities at the grassroots level.

Former Trustee, Akanksha Charitable Trust; currently serving as a Scientific Officer at the Forensic Science Laboratory, Government of Karnataka.

Former Trustee, Akanksha Charitable Trust; Currently working as a School Teacher.