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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.

Map of India, showing the state of Kerala in the Southwest position

Beginnings: Kannur District, Kerala

Our Leadership

Dinesh Nair

President

Dinu Jacob

Treasurer

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Dinesh Nair, President
Dinu Jacob, Treasurer

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.

Thomas Jacob, Secretary
Aju P Daniel, Vice President
Barbara Nelson, Web Producer/Design
Reji Kumar, Advisor
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Education is the key to unlocking the world, a passport to freedom.

Anita Desai

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