Impact Stories
Mahesh Deokar
Alumnus 1984
Mahesh is presently Professor and Head of Department of Pali and Buddhist Studies, Savitribhai Phule University, Pune. He obtained a Masters Degree in Sanskrit, a Masters Degree in Pali and PHD (Pali) University of Pune.
His academic achievements are outstanding. He has undertaken and completed several research projects and has co-ordinated study programmes with Salisbury University U.S.A., Kanazawa University, Japan and Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies, Sarnath, Varanasi U.P.. His brilliance and outstanding academic experience is admirable.
We were privileged and proud to have Mahesh as our Chief Guest for the Centenary Celebration on 05.11.2025.
Meet Mahesh
From our classrooms to global academia, a scholar shaping minds across the world.
Mahesh is presently Professor and Head of Department of Pali and Buddhist Studies, Savitribhai Phule University, Pune. He obtained a Masters Degree in Sanskrit, a Masters Degree in Pali and PHD (Pali) University of Pune.
His academic achievements are outstanding. He has undertaken and completed several research projects and has co-ordinated study programmes with Salisbury University U.S.A., Kanazawa University, Japan and Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies, Sarnath, Varanasi U.P.. His brilliance and outstanding academic experience is admirable.
We were privileged and proud to have Mahesh as our Chief Guest for the Centenary Celebration on 05.11.2025.
Meet Ketan
A lifelong advocate, breaking barriers to create a more inclusive world for the visually impaired.
Currently Ketan is a Managing Consultant at the Xavier’s Resource Centre for visually challenged at Xavier’s College Mumbai. Ketan has over the years worked in the field of Advocacy and inclusion for persons with visual impairment. He has been actively involved in creating awareness programmes involving lives of visual impairment to address attitudinal barriers which even exist today. Ketan was instrumental in setting up Asia’s first Cyber Café for visually impaired in partnership with Microsoft in 2002.
As a student of Happy Home & School for the Blind, Ketan was privileged to meet and interact with Mr. & Mrs. Ali Yawar Jung, Governor of Maharashtra, Mr. & Mrs. Hidayatullah Vice President of India, Mr. Morarji Desai, P.M. of India.
Meet Kishor
Using the arts to uplift lives, empowering disabled artists with dignity and opportunity.
Kishor’s professional expertise is phenomenal. Kishor has founded and launched several organizations to assist persons with special needs. Kishor organizes and performs shows with professional ensembles and has led outreach social cause programmes for eye donation drives, fund raising events and community support.
Kishor is an experienced arts entrepreneur and motivational speaker with a twenty five year track record of empowering disabled artists through performance training and inclusive programme development. Founder and driving force behind the National Organization of Disabled Artists (NODA) – committed to skill development and livelihood creation for people with disabilities.
Kishor started his Drama career at school and played roles in theatre activities directed by our very own volunteer Sanjana Kapoor.
Meet Chandra
From humble beginnings to becoming indispensable a journey of trust, resilience, and growth.
Chandra belongs to a family of five visually impaired members who were all treated by our Ophthalmologist Dr. Keki Mehta for congenital cataract. Chandra worked as a humble office boy at the age of 18 with a leading Law firm in Mumbai. Chandra has now risen to an Office Manager who efficiently manages all trustworthy and important matters in the Law firm. Chandra’s employers state frankly that they would be lost without “Chandra Sir”.
Meet Jaydeep
A champion who turned adversity into strength, proving that limits exist only to be broken.
Jaydeep is a dynamic, focused, active, self-motivated, determined individual eager to learn and deliver the best practices to the aspirants of Judo. With a fierce determination and unwavering passion, Jaydeep has been breaking barriers and shattering stereotypes in the world of Judo. As a visually impaired athlete, he has proven that vision is not a limitation, but rather a catalyst for greatness.
Jaydeep has participated in several International competitions and Asian Para Games over the years. Jaydeep is a gold medalist at the 1st Para Commonwealth Judo Championships 2016, South Africa, gold medalist at the 2nd Para Commonwealth Judo Championships 2018, India.
Meet khandu
From a remote village to driving accessibility, enabling others to learn, work, and thrive.
Khandu has two older siblings who are visually impaired. From humble beginnings in a remote village he has now received a graduate degree, Diploma in Software Programming. Khandu is a dedicated accessibility and training professional with over a decade of experience in the banking and CSR sectors. Proven expertise in training employees with disabilities, designing inclusive learning programmes and promoting digital accessibility in the BFSI domain. Skilled in programme management, sensitization and assistive technologies, he is currently serving as Deputy Manager- Training and Accessibility Specialist at SBI Foundation’s Center of excellence for Persons with Disabilities.
Meet nitesh
From tragedy to triumph, using music to heal, inspire, and uplift countless lives.
Nitesh has been with Happy Home & School for the Blind since the age of five, after losing his vision in an acid attack during the 1993 Mumbai riots. Despite this, he has excelled in music, training in Jazz, Classical, and Indian genres. A gifted musician and mentor, he has nurtured the talents of hundreds of visually impaired students through workshops and training.
Nitesh is a lead performer in multiple bands and has toured internationally, including the USA, UK, UAE, Uganda, and Kenya. He continues to teach at his alma mater, leading choirs that have performed before eminent dignitaries and at prestigious venues across India and abroad.
Meet Rahul
Blending global learning with creative expression, inspiring through music and meaningful work.
Recently returned from Aston University, Birmingham after completing Master of Science Degree in Human Resource Management, Rahul has numerous credits. He is an HR professional with a strong background in Digital Content Creation and Communication Skills. An accomplished pianist, composer, music producer for Zee Entertainment Enterprise Ltd. Rahul has taught music to visually impaired children through auditory based training techniques. Rahul has attained distinction marks in Grade VIII from the Trinity School of London U.K.