Menu
In the late 1980s, Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) educators Jeroo Billimoria and Lata Narayan were troubled by the social divide among children of different economic backgrounds. They questioned why children in India were segregated based on family income and sought to foster inclusivity beyond class, caste, and gender barriers. Their vision led to the creation of the Child Interaction Program (CIP) in 1991, a field action project under TISS that later evolved into MelJol.
MelJol officially launched in December 1991, focusing on children’s rights and fostering social awareness. Initially guided by the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (1990), the organization quickly expanded to address broader societal issues, including poverty, financial literacy, and gender inequality.
The 1993 Mumbai riots reinforced MelJol’s mission, highlighting the urgent need to combat discrimination and promote unity. The organization extended its efforts to rural areas, where the migration of entrepreneurial children to cities often led them into street labor. In response, MelJol introduced savings groups in 2001, empowering children to manage resources and prevent displacement. Recognizing that financial literacy was key to breaking the cycle of poverty, MelJol developed the Aflatoun program—integrating social education with financial management. Teaching children about rights, savings, and entrepreneurship, the initiative helped reshape societal norms around financial decision-making.
By 1999, MelJol had formally separated from TISS, registering as an independent NGO. Its success inspired Aflatoun International, founded in 2005 by Jeroo Billimoria, to take MelJol’s financial and social education model worldwide. Today, MelJol continues to empower children and communities, fostering financial independence and social equity.
To create a fair and inclusive society where different cultures coexist harmoniously.
To empower children, youth, and women to be community change agents through participatory learning methods and sustainable use of community resources.
Governing Board Member
Governing Board Member
Governing Board Member
Governing Board Member
Senior Manager, Programs & Operations
Regional Manager
Regional Manager
Assistant Manager – Account & Admin
Project Manager
Project Manager
Project Coordinator, Palghar District
Project Coordinator, Palghar District
President
Rishad Byramjee serves as the President of the Governing Body of MelJol and is also a Board Member of Aflatoun International in the Netherlands. Since 2003, he has been the Managing Director of the Casby Group of Companies, a position in which he has spearheaded the diversification and expansion of the group’s business portfolio.
Mr. Byramjee holds a Master of Science degree with a specialisation in Logistics and Supply Chain, obtained in 2002. Under his leadership, Casby has successfully ventured into new areas such as Solution Design, Warehousing, and Refrigerated solutions. In addition, he plays a pivotal role in the growth and development of the group’s other offerings, which include Construction & Real Estate Development, Financial Advisory Services, Digital Security & Surveillance, Telecommunications, and Software Development.
His strategic vision and commitment to innovation have been instrumental in driving Casby’s success across multiple industries. As a leader in both the corporate and non-profit sectors, Mr. Byramjee continues to contribute significantly to social and economic development initiatives.
Dr. Roshni Nair-Shaikh is the Secretary on the Governing Body of MelJol and an Assistant Professor at the Centre for Criminology and Justice, School of Social Work, Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai Campus. With a career spanning over 30 years in social work, Dr. Shaikh holds an MA in Social Work with a specialisation in Criminology and Correctional Administration (TISS, 1993) and a Ph.D. in Social Work (TISS, 2015), focusing on Fieldwork in Criminology and Justice.
Since 2006, she has been associated with the Centre for Criminology and Justice at TISS, where she contributes to teaching, research, and fieldwork. Dr. Shaikh began her career as a social worker addressing the issues faced by children of prisoners at Prayas, a Field Action Project of the Centre. After a two-year teaching stint at TISS, she co-founded an NGO dedicated to pioneering work with street-living youth and runaway girls, where she worked for ten years.
Throughout her career, Dr. Shaikh has been involved in networks, advocacy programs, curriculum development, and training initiatives. Her expertise includes designing and conducting sessions focused on self-awareness, personal and professional effectiveness, child and youth rights, work with victims, and criminal justice social work.
In recognition of her contributions, she was awarded the Indian Society of Criminology (ISC) Fellowship Award at the 41st All India Criminology Conference in February 2019. Apart from MelJol, Dr. Shaikh also serves on the board of Urja Trust furthering her commitment to social justice and child and youth welfare.
Gaurav Doshi serves as the Treasurer on the Governing Body of MelJol and is the Principal Officer & Fund Manager for Discretionary Portfolio Management at 360 ONE Wealth. His journey in the stock markets began shortly after his graduation, leading to a distinguished career in finance.
Mr. Doshi has held key positions at Mahico Private Limited, DSP Merrill Lynch, Morgan Stanley, and Standard Chartered Bank. During his time at Merrill Lynch, he became a recognized voice in the finance community, addressing numerous conferences. At Morgan Stanley, he represented the firm on television for over four years, further establishing his expertise. Additionally, he contributed a daily stock market column for a financial newspaper, sharing insights with a broader audience.
An alumnus of MET Education Trust, Mr. Doshi holds an MBA in Finance, following his undergraduate degree in Commerce (B.Com). His contributions to the field have been recognized with the Principal’s Special Award at the Stock Market Club, reflecting his deep understanding and impact in the financial sector.
In his role at MelJol, Mr. Doshi brings his extensive financial acumen to support the organisation’s mission, blending his professional expertise with a commitment to social impact.
Governing Board Member
Dr. Lata Narayan is a Board Member on the Governing Body of MelJol and an active member of its Programme Committee. A distinguished academic, Dr. Narayan has had a long and impactful career at the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), where she has been a faculty member since 1984.
Her journey at TISS began with the Unit for Child and Youth Research, where she focused on issues related to children and youth. In 2006, she transitioned to the School of Social Work, specifically within the Centre for Equity for Women, Children, and Families, further deepening her engagement with social work and human rights. Since 2011, Dr. Narayan has been affiliated with the Centre for Lifelong Learning at TISS, where she continues to contribute to the fields of social work education and practice.
Dr. Narayan’s research and teaching interests have spanned various thematic areas, including children, social work, and human rights. Her current focus includes social work education and practice, youth development, lifelong learning, and the innovative field of dance movement therapy. Throughout her career, she has been dedicated to advancing knowledge and practices that promote equity and well-being for marginalised populations.
As a board member of MelJol, Dr. Narayan leverages her extensive experience and expertise to guide the organisation’s efforts in empowering children and youth through social and educational initiatives.
Mohan Tanksale is a seasoned banker with over four decades of experience in the Indian banking industry, having led three major Indian public sector banks during his distinguished career. He retired as Chairman of the Central Bank of India, one of the top 10 banks in the country, in 2013. Following his retirement, Mr. Tanksale was appointed as the Chief Executive of the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA), where he successfully represented the entire banking industry from December 2013 to August 2016.
Throughout his career, Mr. Tanksale has made significant contributions across all areas of banking, earning him recognition as “Person of the Year” for his contributions to financial inclusion by the SKOCH Foundation. He is also a proud recipient of the Golden Peacock Lifetime Achievement Award.
Mr. Tanksale has served on various high-profile committees, including the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), where he played a key role in drafting the National Voluntary Guidelines for Responsible Financing in collaboration with GIZ. His expertise is further recognized through his advisory role at SWIFT India, a majority-owned subsidiary of the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication, Belgium, which supports global financial messaging services.
In addition to his professional achievements, Mr. Tanksale holds a Bachelor’s degree in Science, a Master’s degree in English Literature, and is a Fellow Member of the Institute of Cost Accountants of India (FCMA). He has also completed the Professional Course of Company Secretary (Inter) from the Institute of Company Secretaries of India and is a Certified Associate of the Indian Institute of Banking and Finance (CAIIB).
As a Board Member of MelJol, Mr. Tanksale brings his extensive experience and leadership to support the organisation’s mission of empowering children and youth through financial education and social initiatives.
Dr. Denzil Saldanha is a Board Member of MelJol and a retired Professor from the Centre for Studies in Sociology of Education at the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai. With over three decades of experience in academia, Dr. Saldanha has made significant contributions to the fields of social movements, voluntary social action groups, development organisations, and education, particularly in elementary, non-formal, and adult education.
His extensive research and teaching have informed policy decisions at both state and national levels. Dr. Saldanha has been an active member of the National Literacy Mission Authority and has served on various committees dedicated to policy-making and planning in education and social development. His expertise has also been sought after by governments, funding agencies, and multilateral organisations, where he has provided consultancy services.
Throughout his career, Dr. Saldanha has been deeply committed to advancing education and social justice, influencing both academic thought and practical policy. As a board member of MelJol, he brings his vast knowledge and experience to support the organisation’s mission of empowering children and youth through education and social initiatives.
Rewati Bhagwat is a seasoned development professional with over thirty years of global experience in directing social services at macro, regional, and local levels, focusing on women, child, and youth welfare. She has held significant leadership roles, including serving as a team leader at the Children’s Aid Society in Canada, where she advocated for child welfare and led efforts to achieve excellence in the protection of children.
Ms. Bhagwat is the former CEO of MelJol, where her expertise in program design and management, organisational governance, and the development of policies and procedures played a crucial role in shaping the organisation’s mission and impact. Her leadership extended globally as a task force member for Child Participation in the Aflatoun Program, where she contributed to advancing child rights and financial education worldwide.
In addition to her work in the nonprofit sector, Ms. Bhagwat has collaborated with corporations to help create organisational cultures that emphasise diversity, inclusion, and women’s safety. Her commitment to social justice and child welfare continues through her service as a Board Member of Abhivyakti Media for Development in Nasik.
As a Board Member of MelJol, Ms. Bhagwat leverages her extensive experience and leadership skills to further the organisation’s goals of empowering children and youth through education and social initiatives.
Governing Board Member
Pankaja Kshirsagar is the Chief Executive Officer of MelJol, bringing nearly two decades of experience in social work and a deep commitment to the organisation’s mission. She holds a postgraduate degree in Social Work from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, class of 2001, and is also a qualified teacher.
Throughout her career, Pankaja has gained extensive experience in project management, capacity building, fundraising, and donor management. Her specialised skills in program strategy, design, and development have been instrumental in advancing MelJol’s initiatives. Pankaja has worked extensively with grassroots organisations focused on child rights and education, reflecting her unwavering dedication to social welfare.
In addition to her role at MelJol, Pankaja serves as a Global Master Trainer for Aflatoun International in Southeast Asia and as an advisor to grassroots environmental organisations. Her influence extends across various social and environmental causes, demonstrating her ability to integrate different aspects of social work and advocacy.
Under Pankaja’s visionary leadership, MelJol has achieved significant progress in empowering underprivileged children, youth, and women. The organisation’s innovative child-centred active learning methods foster resilience, citizenship values, and essential 21st-century skills. Pankaja’s leadership ensures that MelJol’s programs are not only effective but also sustainable, driving long-term personal and societal development.
Pankaja embodies the principles of social justice and equity in all her work, relentlessly pursuing socio-financial inclusion for the underprivileged. Her vast experience and unwavering dedication continue to propel MelJol toward a future where every individual, regardless of their background, has the tools and opportunities to thrive.
Rajiv Viegas is Development Sector Professional with over 12 years of experience in Strategic Management and M & E, specialising in education, health, livelihood, and holistic rural development. He has contributed significantly to organisations like Kotak Education Foundation (KEF), Tata Motors – CSR Team, Maharashtra Jan Vikas Kendra, ALERT India and PRIDE India across various programs, enhancing community well-being through data-driven decision-making and stakeholder engagement.
Rajiv holds an MBA (part-time) from Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies and a Master’s in Social Work from College of Social Work – Nirmala Niketan. His key skills include Strategic Management, program design, project management, capacity building, research, and stakeholder engagement, adding value and impacting millions of lives.
Senior Manager, Programs & Operations
Krishna Gangaram Zugare is a dynamic Regional Manager at MelJol, bringing over seven years of impactful experience in the social sector. Armed with a Master’s degree in Arts (M.A.) and a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.), Krishna combines academic rigour with practical expertise, making him a cornerstone of MelJol’s mission.
Krishna’s mastery in project planning, implementation, and team management has been instrumental in driving the success of MelJol’s initiatives. His commitment to curriculum design and training support reflects a deep passion for elevating the quality of education and empowerment programs. With a keen eye for budget management, Krishna ensures that every project is not only effective but also sustainable, maximising the organisation’s impact.
A natural leader, Krishna’s ability to inspire and motivate his team is matched by his hands-on approach and deep connection with the communities he serves. His strategic mindset and profound understanding of the local context in Palghar allow him to tailor programs that address specific regional challenges, turning opportunities into success stories.
Krishna’s extensive experience, coupled with his unwavering dedication to social work, positions him as a driving force behind MelJol’s continued growth and influence. His leadership is pivotal in shaping the organisation’s vision, leaving a lasting impact on the communities he passionately serves.
Senior Manager, Programs & Operations
Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry’s standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book. It has survived not only five centuries, but also the leap into electronic typesetting, remaining essentially unchanged. It was popularised in the 1960s with the release of Letraset sheets containing Lorem Ipsum passages, and more recently with desktop publishing software like Aldus PageMaker including versions of Lorem Ipsum.
Senior Manager, Programs & Operations
Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry’s standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book. It has survived not only five centuries, but also the leap into electronic typesetting, remaining essentially unchanged. It was popularised in the 1960s with the release of Letraset sheets containing Lorem Ipsum passages, and more recently with desktop publishing software like Aldus PageMaker including versions of Lorem Ipsum.
Senior Manager, Programs & Operations
Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry’s standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book. It has survived not only five centuries, but also the leap into electronic typesetting, remaining essentially unchanged. It was popularised in the 1960s with the release of Letraset sheets containing Lorem Ipsum passages, and more recently with desktop publishing software like Aldus PageMaker including versions of Lorem Ipsum.
Project Manager
Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry’s standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book. It has survived not only five centuries, but also the leap into electronic typesetting, remaining essentially unchanged. It was popularised in the 1960s with the release of Letraset sheets containing Lorem Ipsum passages, and more recently with desktop publishing software like Aldus PageMaker including versions of Lorem Ipsum.
Project Coordinator, Palghar District
Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry’s standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book. It has survived not only five centuries, but also the leap into electronic typesetting, remaining essentially unchanged. It was popularised in the 1960s with the release of Letraset sheets containing Lorem Ipsum passages, and more recently with desktop publishing software like Aldus PageMaker including versions of Lorem Ipsum.
Project Coordinator, Palghar District
Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry’s standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book. It has survived not only five centuries, but also the leap into electronic typesetting, remaining essentially unchanged. It was popularised in the 1960s with the release of Letraset sheets containing Lorem Ipsum passages, and more recently with desktop publishing software like Aldus PageMaker including versions of Lorem Ipsum.
Project Coordinator, Pune District
Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry’s standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book. It has survived not only five centuries, but also the leap into electronic typesetting, remaining essentially unchanged. It was popularised in the 1960s with the release of Letraset sheets containing Lorem Ipsum passages, and more recently with desktop publishing software like Aldus PageMaker including versions of Lorem Ipsum.
Project Coordinator, Pune District
Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry’s standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book. It has survived not only five centuries, but also the leap into electronic typesetting, remaining essentially unchanged. It was popularised in the 1960s with the release of Letraset sheets containing Lorem Ipsum passages, and more recently with desktop publishing software like Aldus PageMaker including versions of Lorem Ipsum.
