Our Story
Our journey began in Kannur, North Kerala, India, inspired by Mr. Thomas Jacob, a primary school headmaster who helped a girl with cerebral palsy continue her education by assisting her family in building a house closer to her school. Many families in the area needed safe and secure housing, so we initially provided financial assistance to build or renovate homes, supporting 23 families.
Through Mr. Jacob's efforts, we also learned about numerous students from underprivileged families who faced challenges in affording education, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, which required smartphones or tablets for remote learning. Their stories motivated us to make a difference. We shifted our focus to helping families educate their children, as we believe that education is a powerful tool that can empower individuals to achieve their full potential and create positive change in their communities.
Our Leadership
Dinesh Nair
President
Dinu Jacob
Treasurer
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Dinu and Dinesh's commitment to social justice, instilled by their parents, fuels their passion for educating underprivileged children. After assisting over 150 children in Kerala, they founded Saranyam to support even more children across India. Inspired by their daughter Ammu's advocacy for health equity, they also support Partners In Health's mission for quality healthcare worldwide. They reside in Belmont, MA, where Dinu is a Software Engineering Manager at Microsoft and Dinesh is a Neurologist at Mass General Brigham, Harvard Medical School.
Secretary
Thomas Jacob
Thomas Jacob, a retired headmaster in Kannur, Kerala, supports various charities. He funds children's education and helps poor families secure housing. His work spans education, culture, arts, and sports. Honored with an "Excellence in Charity Work" award, he recently founded the Twenty Plus Charitable Trust.
Vice President
Aju P Daniel
Aju Daniel, based in Sharon, MA, supports various charities including HelpSaveLife and World Peace Mission. He and his wife, both children of teachers, are passionate about education and women's empowerment. A nature enthusiast and active in church, Aju works as an Infectious Disease specialist in Fall River, MA.
Barbara Nelson
Web Producer/Designer
Barbara Nelson, based in Seattle, WA, has created impactful digital experiences for non-profits, Fortune 100 companies, and the travel industry. She blends storytelling with innovative web development and visual design. As an avid traveler, her global inspirations shape meaningful, dynamic designs tailored for diverse audiences.
Reji Kumar
Advisor
Reji Kumar is a dedicated advocate and supporter of non-profits in education and health, including Goodwill, Pacific Science Center, and Pallium India. An engineer with extensive experience at Fortune 100 companies in Puget Sound, WA, he has also held leadership roles at philanthropic organizations such as the Pierce County Library Foundation.





Education is the key to unlocking the world, a passport to freedom.