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Our Team

Empowering Lives Through a Committed Workforce
MBA Foundation has a team of competent, trained and professional staff catering to the rehabilitation and other allied activities of the Trust.

The team is led by a Chief Operating Officer. The other members of the team comprise of Rehabilitation Head, Social Worker, Head of Accounts, Administration and Compliance, Special Educators, Assistants, Care Givers, House Master, Matron, Therapists, both internal and external, other support staff and volunteers.

THE FOUNDERS
Founder Chairman - Mr. Balasubramanian
Shri C R Balasubramanian (Late),

Founder Chairman

A Chartered Accountant cum Cost Accountant by profession, Mr. Balasubramanian worked in many reputed Organisations such as Union Carbide, ICI, Ashok Leyland, and Smith Kline Beecham. His last position was that of an Executive Board Director of Finance & Systems in Times Of India Group.

Driven by a strong will to give back to the Society, Mr. Balasubramanian took a Voluntary Retirement and started MBA Foundation to serve the differently-abled Persons with Rehabilitation Care Services – Training, Occupation and Residential Life Care. The Foundation was started in 2002.

Your Unflinching Integrity and Clear Crystal Vision of Empowering People with Disabilities has created GODs’ Abode. Bless us to carry your torch forward.
Founder Chairman - Mr. Balasubramanian
Smt. Meenakshi Balasubramanian

Chairperson Emeritus

"He Who Looks Outside, Dreams. He Who Looks Inside, Awakens." — Carl Jung

Meenakshi Balasubramanian is a distinguished social entrepreneur and the Founder of the Mutually Beneficial Activities (MBA) Foundation. Her journey began not with a career plan, but with a mother's determination. When her son, Akhil, was diagnosed with dyslexia and Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), Meenakshi chose to see his disability not as a roadblock, but as an opportunity to create new pathways for countless others facing similar challenges.

Academically qualified with an M.Com., B.Ed. and a Diploma in Computer Applications, Meenakshi began working in the field of disability rehabilitation in 1983–84 while training her son. In 1992, she joined the Spastics Society of India as Director of its Computer Centre, where she successfully created employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities through vocational and computer training.

A trained Bharatanatyam dancer, Meenakshi has balanced artistic excellence with an unwavering commitment to social service throughout her life. As a mother of a Special Child, she recognised the challenges faced in the rehabilitation and meaningful employment of young adults with disabilities despite adequate training and the trauma of their parents, which formed the genesis of MBA Foundation in 2001 with the steadfast support of her late husband, Shri C.R. Balasubramanian.

In 2016, Meenakshi realized her long-cherished dream with the inauguration of GODS Abode in Airoli—a modern five-storey rehabilitation centre that consolidated all services required for the rehabilitation of persons with disabilities under one roof. Her greatest source of inspiration continues to be her son, Akhil. Guided by the encouragement of Dr. Mithu Alur, Chairperson of the Spastics Society of India, Meenakshi successfully rehabilitated Akhil, who today serves as the Social Marketing Manager at the Self Esteem Foundation for Disabled and leads a happy married life with his wife, Sujatha.

For over four decades, Meenakshi has been a passionate advocate for disability inclusion. She has organized and facilitated numerous workshops, seminars, and awareness programmes while working closely with parents, educators, and communities to promote rehabilitation, self-reliance and dignity for persons with disabilities.

In January 2027, the MBA Foundation celebrates 25 years of dedicated service with all compliances in place providing direct support to 130 beneficiaries while positively impacting the lives of more than 3,000 persons with disabilities and their families.

Major Awards and Honours
National Helen Keller Award
(Year 2000)

For Employment of Persons with Disabilities

Sadguru Gnanananda Award
( Year 2003)

Presented by Manav Seva Dharma Samvardhini

Samaj Shakthi Award in Social Work
(Year 2007)

Presented by Shree Harihara Putra Samaj

Harmony Silver Award
(Year 2009)

For Outstanding Contribution to Disability Rehabilitation

Swami Vivekananda National Award for Social Work and Philanthropy (Year 2011)

Presented in New Delhi by the Sri Ramakrishna Vivekananda International Foundation

Vision
Meenakshi Balasubramanian envisions an India where every person with a disability has:
  • Equal access to rehabilitation services, education, healthcare, public infrastructure, vocational training, and employment.
  • Equal opportunities in every sphere of life, enabling independent and dignified living.
  • A society where empathy replaces sympathy, empowering persons with disabilities to realize their full potential and participate as equal members of the community.

Board of Trustees

Mahadev R Iyer
Mahadev R Iyer
Our Current Chairman
since 27th April 2024

He is one of the Founder Trustees of MBA Foundation. He is a qualified Chartered Accountant, Cost Accountant and Company Secretary by profession. He has worked for over 38 years in the Corporate field in various capacities. He has now retired from Corporate Service and is actively involved in the management of MBA Foundation under the guidance and support of the Chairperson Emeritus , Mrs Meenakshi Balasubramanian and also the support and involvement of the other Trustees.

Mahadev R Iyer
Akhil B. Sriram
Trustee
Since 2002 till date

HSC and PR & Social Marketing Executive in MBA Foundation’s associate organisation Self Esteem Foundation for Disabled, Akhil has experience of 2 Years in running his Own Advertising Agency and 18 years in Social Marketing.
Akhil is the special child of MBA Foundation’s Founder and Chairperson Emeritus Smt. Meenkashi Balasubramanian and his journey is a remarkable story of resilience, determination and purpose. Born with developmental challenges due to birth complications, he was later diagnosed with ADHD, dyslexia and learning difficulties. His early years were marked by delayed milestones, multiple therapies, and continuous efforts by his family to help him overcome physical, academic and behavioural challenges.

Despite these obstacles, Akhil's perseverance, combined with the unwavering support of his family and dedicated educators, transformed him from a child who believed "I can't" into a confident young man who lives by "I can." He completed his Class 10 through the National Institute of Open Schooling and later earned his Higher Secondary Certificate with Economics and Business Studies.

Family and educators discovered that Akhil’s greatest strength lay in communicating with people. Whether marketing products made by persons with disabilities, promoting investment and advertising services or interacting with customers, his enthusiasm and interpersonal skills helped him gain confidence and independence. He was therefore appointed PR & Social Marketing Executive in MBA Foundation’s associate organisation Self Esteem Foundation for Disabled in 2011, where he is doing a commendable job of creating opportunities for persons with disabilities by actively organising awareness programmes, exhibitions, seminars, corporate events, school interactions, cultural programmes and recreational activities that celebrate abilities rather than disabilities. His tireless efforts have helped build greater acceptance and inclusion within the community.

What makes Akhil truly exceptional is his selfless commitment to others. He has never sought personal recognition; instead, his greatest satisfaction comes from empowering his differently abled friends and helping them lead fulfilling lives. His optimism, creativity and unwavering dedication continue to inspire his family, colleagues and everyone who meets him. Akhil is not only an inspiration to persons with disabilities but also a powerful reminder that determination, compassion and service can transform lives and exemplifies the spirit of a true Karma Yogi.

Mr. Shivaji S. Desai
He is a Trustee from 2004 till date.
He is B.COM, PG In Business Management. He is Associate General Manager, Finance, in Times of India with 39 Years Exp In Admin Accounts. In MBA Foundation he oversees Accounts Co-ordinator.
Mrs. Uma Mahadev
She is a Trustee (Founder Trustee) from 2002 till date.
She is B.COM and Social Activist. In MBA Foundation she helps in Day care activities.
Mrs. Jayashree Viswanathan
She is a Trustee from 2018 till date.
She is BA in Sociology from Mumbai university, Diploma is social service worker program from Canada. She earlier worked with an Asian Government Organisation with the Head Counsellor & Senior Citizens Development Programme in Canada and also in a hospital for 10 years. In 2013, she joined MBA Foundation as a volunteer and started working with beneficiaries, parents and staff. Presently she oversees the rehab. Activities with special emphasis on Parents counselling.
Captain Siba Patnaik
He is a Trustee from 2nd November 2023 till date.
He is Post Graduate in Mechanical Engineering with specialization in Noise & Vibration Engineering, MBA from Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management. He had 25 years of illustrious career in Indian Navy. 15 years of corporate tenure at Larsen & Toubro. Presently working honorarily in IIT Bombay.
Mr Ravi Jaswani
He is a Trustee from 2nd November 2023 till date.
He is Masters in Nautical Sciences . He is a Brand Consultant, in the areas of Digital architecture.
Mr. Augustine John Rodrigues
He is a Trustee from 2nd November 2023 till date.
He is B.Sc, & B Sc Tech, MMM from JBIMS. He has worked extensively in the area of dyes & chemicals first in companies and then on his own for the last 23 years. His son, Noel is a beneficiary in our Lifecare facility.
N.R. Venkitachalam
A strong, active, handholder to GODS of MBA Foundation
N.R. Venkitachalam

(Hon .Director)

A retired Senior Corporate Executive, Venkat has been associated with MBA Foundation since its inception. His contribution especially in ensuring continuous resource generation has been invaluable. His musical outfit Klub Nostalgia has greatly supported us not only to raise funds but also to enhance awareness of our services.

N.R. Venkitachalam
Arise! Awake! Stop Not Till The Goal Is Reached
Mrs. Shobha Patnaik

Social Activist

Shobha Patnaik is born on the 5th of June 1961 and hails from Bhubaneswar Odisha. She has done her B Sc Honours in Biology (Zoology) followed by B Ed. and M Ed. She has also done a Certification Course on Special Children from Spastic Society of India. She was devoted to Education throughout her professional career.
Since 2003, She started working with Special Children. In 2009, she joined MBA Foundation and started working with Special Children from under privileged community. She is passionate about handling Special Children.

Samavesh Podcast

The Samavesh Podcast is a platform that highlights inspiring stories of inclusion, accessibility, and social impact. Through conversations with changemakers, it explores initiatives that empower persons with disabilities and promote a life of dignity and self-esteem.

Our reach

Starting with 7 adults in 2002, at present (2025), we have been able to serve more than 2500 differently abled & their parents, in the areas of consultation, assessment, counselling, inhouse admission & training, therapy, employment facilitation, referrals to other institutes, etc., as the need may be.

Life long residential care is provided to those who need it.

SELF ESTEEM FOUNDATION FOR DISABLED
(A Non Profit company under section 25 of companies act 1956)

This organization was born in 2011, due to the need for taking care of awareness building, marketing of products, helping more People with disabilities through supporting other NGOs like MBA Foundation, etc.

A brain child of our Founder Chairman, Late C.R. Balasubramanian
with a Vision, ‘Empowerment of persons with Disabilities'
a Mission, ‘Exploring all possibilities For Making them Self Sustaining’ through
Positive Attitude

Professional Training

Opportunities & Employment

Develop a strong network towards An Inclusive Community

This Organisation is headed by Mrs. Meenal Mandlik since the year 2011. She is a Professional—Ex Banker, a Science graduate, worked as a banker with State Bank of India as a marketing executive, resigned in 2007(After24 years of service). Since then been associated with the cause of betterment of differently able. Served as a volunteer in MBA Foundation. Has done a diploma in Social Entrepreneurship. She is also a member of some other social organisations like inner wheel club and Maharashtra Chamber of commerce. She has been appreciated and awarded by some social and cultural organisations for her efforts in the social cause.