About Us – Dignity Academia

Our Team

Skill, Effectiveness, and Proficiency are the trio of attributes inherent in every member of our team.

Despite the wide spectrum of our individual expertise, we are unified by a common objective: to forge an inclusive and equitable social system.

Our Board Members

Anjali Maydeo

Founder & Director Academics

Ms. Anjali Maydeo served as a social work educator at Pune’s Karve Institute of Social Service from 1981 until her retirement in 2018. In addition to teaching and guiding research for MSW and M.Phil students, she played a vital role in shaping field action projects and the B D Karve Research and Consultancy Cell. With over 35 years of experience, she contributed as a consultant, evaluator, and trainer on numerous projects. Currently, she holds trustee positions at Rashtra Seva Dal, Samjavadi Mahila Sabha, Maharashtra, and Snehaalay, Pune.

Vandana Apte

Founder & Executive Director

Vandana Apte, a senior development professional with over 25 years of expertise, has primarily operated within Academic and Social Sector Research and Development Sector. She has undertaken diverse projects for governmental and non-governmental entities, encompassing accreditation, research, evaluation, and more. Her proficiency extend to CSR projects management, actively addressing HIV/AIDS prevention, environmental awareness, village development and rural women’s engagement in watershed development. Adept as a versatile trainer, she has directed her own project teams and managed volunteer-oriented initiatives.

Our Team

Digambar Birajdar

Programme Manager

Digambar Birajdar is a seasoned Development Sector Professional, also excelling as an art-based therapist and master trainer. His vast field experience encompasses children in conflict with the law, child rights, child protection, child marriage prohibition, POSCO Act, and Anti Human Trafficking. As a master trainer, he imparts expertise in child rights, gender issues, and organizational development.

Sayali Atre

Senior Coordinator

Sayali Atre holds an MSW degree along with a PGDCM (Post Graduation Diploma in Counseling and Mental Health). Her extensive fieldwork as a social worker and case worker has provided her with valuable practical experience. She serves as a Life Skill Trainer in schools, conducting awareness sessions on CSA (Child Sexual Abuse) and POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) issues. Additionally, she imparts knowledge on Gender and Child Development to MSW and BSW students and possesses specialized expertise in managing cases related to sexual abuse.

Manoj Gupta

Accountant and Data Management

Manoj has over five years of experience in accounting and financial management. He ensures accurate bookkeeping, financial reporting, and compliance for the organisation, supporting smooth administrative functioning.

Gopi Patil

Coordinator

Gopi has over three years of experience in the development sector, including working as a school social worker. He has worked closely with children, parents, schools, and communities, focusing on child safety, education, and life skills. A skilled facilitator, he holds an MSW from Karve Institute of Social Service.