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Creating a Warm Chain of Support for breastfeeding mothers –  International Breastfeeding Week update

World Breastfeeding Week went with a bang and kept our team at toes. The 7 days of World Breastfeeding week (1 – 7 August) have been very focussed and in line with the International theme of “Breastfeeding: Foundation for life”. The FMCH team participated with great enthusiasm and made sure that they were able to reach maximum members of community through rallies, nukkad nataks, awareness sessions, support group meetings and various other field events. Their efforts reached in all to 3000 people.

Since the major decision-making power in Indian families is mostly limited in the hands of a husband in a nuclear family and with elders of the house in joint families. Several events focused on engaging with grandmothers and fathers and sensitize them for importance of breastfeeding for not only for mother and child but for society at large also. Fathers and Grandmothers shared that they had never thought how a breastfeeding child can break the cycle of poverty for family. The community organsier’s motivated fathers and grandmothers on how can they support breastfeeding mothers not only in family but in their neighbourhood and community also, thereby creating a warm chain of support for breastfeeding mothers. This was not only limited to fathers and grandmothers but also shared with support group mothers.

The efforts of team resulted in World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action recognizing efforts of FMCH and awarding us with certifications.

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Ankita Boral

Product Manager
Ankita is a qualified dietitian/nutritionist with a Master of Science in Dietetics and Nutrition. She is also a Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE), demonstrating her expertise in managing diabetes. Ankita brings a wealth of experience from her previous roles in hospitals and corporate wellness sectors. Additionally, she completed an internship at FMCH, solidifying her commitment to community health. Driven by a passion for helping others, Ankita thrives in environments that allow her to make a positive impact.

Laxmi Nair

Consultant
Director of Technology and Impact

Laxmi, an engineer turned educator is a Tech Consultant at FMCH. She’s a Teach For India Fellow, with over a decade of experience in education. She was an Associate Director at 321 Education Foundation; handling the Program Design and Training Function to improve foundational literacy for children. 

Prasad Baji

Board Member
FMCH India

An alumnus of IIT (Mumbai) and IIM (Calcutta). With over 22 years of work experience at corporates such as JSW, Edelweiss & ICICI –  he’s equipped with corporate & investment banking, business planning & evaluation, financial analysis/budgeting and project finance skills. In July 2018, he transitioned to the social sector as an Advisor and Philanthropist to Non Profits. He’s a founding member of IITians for Influencing India’s Transformation.

Mohit Shukla

Board Member
FMCH India

With over 20 years of work experience, Mohit is a Managing Director, and Head of Legal & Compliance for India at Barclays. He’s responsible for the general oversight of legal and compliance services to all the Indian businesses and Barclays entities, and for general legal and compliance risk management in India. Previously, he was with Citibank for 9 years as Citi’s Country General Counsel for South Asia, covering India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Nepal for all of Citi’s commercial businesses.

Lakhan Jain

Board Member
FMCH India

Lakhan Jain has a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce, FCA and he is a practicing Chartered Accountant. He has been associated with FMCH since 2008. In 2013, he joined the Board of Trustees.  Being a Treasurer and Trustee, he looks after the financials and taxation part of the organisation.

Khushnuma Ferzandi

Board Member
FMCH India

Khushnuma Ferzandi has been an active member of the American School of Bombay (ASB) for the past 23 years. Her current role at ASB is Head of Internal Partnerships and Events. Her primary role as part of the school’s Advancement Team is to expand and align ASB’s social and community initiatives with the intent to boost morale and build a stronger and deeper sense of community with all of ASB’s stakeholders.

Geetanjali Jha Chakraborty

Board Member
FMCH India

Geetanjali has been associated with the non-profit sector through her various roles at Concern India, Childline and Armman. At present, she is the Co-Founder and Senior Director of Centre for Social & Behaviour Change Communication. She joined the FMCH Board to guide the team with her expertise in maternal and child health and behaviour change.

Dr. Rajeev V. Punjabi

Board Member
FMCH India

Advanced Endoscopic Gynaecologist & Obstetrician – Consultant at Hinduja Healthcare Hospital Khar, Mumbai & Partner – Tulip Women’s Healthcare Centre, Khar (W), Mumbai. He is the Pioneer of Waterbirth in India and has expertise in the field of Minimally Invasive Surgery and Advanced Laparoscopy for Women. He has a special interest in Maternal and Child health Programmes and Pregnancy Nutrition.

Dorothy Wagle

Chairperson
Managing Commitee

Dorothy Wagle has had a long career in product development and manufacturing in both the USA and India. During early retirement, Dottie was able to fulfil her life-long ambition to work with an NGO. Starting with Salaam Baalak for street children in Mumbai, she then moved to FMCH and served as Chairperson of the Managing Committee for over 6 years. She’s currently the Executive Board Chairperson.

Durgesh Sharma

Associate
Project Poshan

Durgesh has recently completed Gandhi Fellowship program in Piramal Foundation. For 2 years, he worked in the Education and Health system of Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan around Leadership Development and policy advocacy. He is also a Taekwondo player passionate about travelling, and music.

Vishwa Patel

Senior Manager
Program and Impact

With a B. Tech in computer engineering, Vishwa worked for 4 years as a software engineer in IT, mainly at TCS and Accenture. To contribute to the social sector, she switched her career and joined Antarang Foundation after YIF. With a keen interest in history, mythology, art, and literature, she joined FMCH to use her skills for the society and her contentment.

Asma Khan

Associate
Project Poshan And Wadia Intervention

Asma is a high school graduate who is currently pursuing further studies. She discovered FMCH during an orientation session at Dhobi Ghat and wanted to join the team in 2017. She finally got an opportunity to work for Project Poshan at Kurla-Jarimari a year later.

Sheila Malaney

Board Member
FMCH India

Sheila Malaney has a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Delhi. She is the retired Chairperson of Vulcan Engineering. Sheila serves on various Boards in both the Profit and Non-Profit sectors. Sheila is the longest serving Board Member of FMCH.

Komal Kamble

Program Associate
Partnerships and Trainings

Komal, with her Masters in Social Work has also completed a short-term course from NN College in Laws and social work. She brings work experience in Children and Institutions and a nuanced understanding about rural and urban setup work.

Sarah Khokhawala

Associate
Project Poshan and Partnerships and Training Vertical

Sarah, with her Masters in Food Science and Nutrition from SNDT Women’s University, Juhu, Mumbai is an intern turned employee. She is keen on exploring and learning about various roles in health and nutrition in the development sector.

Amar Yadav

Manager
Finance

Amar is a B.Com graduate who has also completed Government Diploma in Cooperation and Accountancy (GDCA). Currently pursuing Inter CA & Final CS, he brings 6 years of experience working with CA firms in Accounting & Audits. He has also worked as a college teacher in accounts & taxation.

Bhagyada Jamsandekar

Senior Manager
Program and Impact

Bhagyada Jamsandekar is a nutritionist by profession. She has been working in the maternal and child health care management sector for the past 7 years in both rural and urban areas across India. She has progressive experience in developing protocols for sustainably managing the burden of malnutrition in communities. Her expertise is in nutrition in the First 1000 Days, Infant and Young Child Feeding Practices and Social Behaviour Change Communication.

Preethi Mutta

Manager
Community Nutrition Initiative II

Preethi, with a Masters in Social Work from Mangalore University, brings over 13 years of working experience in the development sector managing Adolescents Education, Sexual and Reproductive health, Maternal and Child health care programmes.

Sharad Thakare

Manager
Community Nutrition Initiative

Sharad, with a Masters Degree in social work, brings over 13 years of experience in child rights, education, health and nutrition. At FMCH, he focuses on  supervising programme implementation, reporting, organising training and large scale community events.

Shubhangi Bhoite

Manager
Project Poshan And Wadia Hospital

Shubhangi, with a background in social work, brings 8 years of experience in addressing maternal and newborn health. At FMCH, she specifically focuses on the issue of malnutrition and working with SAM and MAM children.

Jesmina M Sangma

Operations Lead
FMCH India

Jesmina, with her Masters in Social Work from Dibrugarh University, Assam is passionate about working in the social sector. She previously worked as Senior Associate-Recruitment & Operations in Mentor Me India, handling 360-degree recruitment and operations. She also worked as a Program Manager with Apne Aap Women’s Collective, on a project for adolescent girls.

Poonam Kashyap

Director of Operations
FMCH India

Major Poonam, an alumnus of AFMC, Pune is a graduate in Nursing, a double post graduate in Applied Psychology, and MSW (Livelihoods and Social Entrepreneurship) from TISS, Mumbai. The founder of LetshareIndia Foundation, an AI-based Donation platform is a retired Indian Army officer, with more than 10 years of work experience. She has worked with many NGOs and research organizations as a Project Lead.

Ratan Kapadia

Board Member
FMCH India

With over 35 years experience as a Practising Company Secretary, Ratan handled Company Law and Secretarial matters of public listed Companies, Pvt Companies Section 8 Companies, Public and Private Trusts. He represented Companies for Company Law, FEMA, SEBI, Stock Exchanges collaborations, liquidation and closure of Companies, Amalgamations etc. Also provided advisory services to the Board of a public Limited Company in Strategy, Public Relations. HRD etc.

Sunita Agarwal

Board Member
FMCH India

Sunita Agarwal lived in Bangkok for 28 years and moved to India in 2016. With a Bachelor’s degree in clinical nutrition, she persevered her passion for nurturing young talent by teaching in different international schools in Bangkok and Mumbai. Her over 20 years of experience has firmly reinforced her belief that education is about developing responsible citizens who will be successful by being effective, passionate, creative and critical learners.

Shivam Tiwari

Program Associate
Shivam has been working in social work for more than five years. He has done graduation and post graduation in Mass Communication and worked in many reputed media houses. After this, he completed Master of Social Work. Apart from children, youth, women and elderly people, he has experience of working with all sections of society in education, health, safety, agriculture and livelihood. He is the recepient of the state-level real hero award-2022, given by the then Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh for his commendable work in the field of child and women safety.

Shreya Pandey

Associate
Program and Impact
Ms. Shreya Pandey brings a wealth of experience to her role as a Trainer & Content Developer at Nourish 1000 Days. She holds an MSc in Clinical Nutrition & Dietetics and a Postgraduate Diploma in Sports Science Nutrition and Fitness from Dr. BMN College of Home Science, Matunga. Shreya is also a Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) and a certified Maternal, Infant & Young Child Nutrition expert by IIT, Madras, where she not only completed the course but also topped it. Her expertise extends to IYCF counseling skills, honed through training by Sahayata – Nutrition, Education & Research Foundation. She is committed to combating malnutrition to ensure a healthier future for the next generation.

Smita Shilpi

Program Associate
Anganwadi Accelerator Program Chhatarpur, Madhya Pradesh

Smita a public health professional who holds Masters degree in Social work, my main objective is to identify the major public health problems and contribute to community improvement My primary area of interest as a public health professional s reproductive, maternal health, neonatal, and child ealth Along with public health as a major interest of work,nutrition-related issues in somely and bring a positive change in people’s lives.

Shivani Purushottam

Program Associate
Shivani Purushottam has done a bachelors in Home Science with a specialisation in food and nutrition from Lady Irwin college, Delhi University, and holds a Masters in Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics from SNDT Women’s University, Pune. She has worked as a health and wellness coach in Goqii and as a clinical dietitian in Kanchan’s House of Health and Nutrition clinic. She recently did an e-course in Maternal, Infant, Young Child and Adolescent Nutrition (MIYCAN), and interned with FMCH for one month. She also has a diabetes educator certification.

Satish More

Program Associate
Satish has about 17 years of work experience in the social sector, having worked with organisations like CORO, TISS, Sankalp and SNEHA. He has had different roles as program officer, project coordinator and manager in various fields of education, child nutrition, maternal health, TB, HIV/AIDS, and has also worked with migrants. He is currently pursuing a Masters in Social Work.

Kalindi Joshi

Director – Programs
After spending 12 years in the IT sector, Kalindi decided to pursue her passion for Social Impact as a career. She did the Teach For India fellowship from 2016 to 2018. Since 2018, she has worked in various roles driving product strategy, design and development in the field of Early Childhood Education. She strongly believes in the transformative power of education, the enabling power of technology, and the collaborative power of communities to create positive changes that are scalable and sustainable. When not in office, she is busy raising and caring for her 2 daughters along with her husband.

Raghunandan Hegde

Director – Products

Raghu has close to two decades of experience, 15 of which have been in the development sector. Prior to joining FMCH, Raghu led technology and Monitoring and Evaluation (M & E) teams in Apnalaya and Magic Bus. His experience has been in leadership, organisational strategy and impact measurement. Raghu is deeply committed to social justice and democratic principles. Raghu was selected as an Acumen Fellow in 2021.

R Thanreimung Konghay

Development & Partnership Manager
Konghay stands for compassion and service for himself and for others. He holds a Master degree in Social Work in Mental Health from TISS, and a Postgraduate Diploma in ‘Development Management’ from the Indian School of Development Management. He is an ex-fellow of “The Hans Foundation” Fellowship. Konghay has experiences in implement projects (School Projects, Community health and Livelihood projects). He has also served as the interim Vice Chairman of the voluntary youth organization “”UTBCYFI”.

Shiva Kumar B

Program Associate
Bengaluru
Shivakumar is an accomplished explorer, He has a Master`s degree in public health and a certified course in biomedical research. he has more than two years of professional experience in institutions that prioritize community health. he has a keen interest in public health research,evidence-based practice and strengthening the health system with a specific emphasis on Non commnicable diseases, Maternal & Child health. He is passionate about working towards equitable health for all.

Ashwini Prakash Kudlekar

Program Associate
Bengaluru
Ashwini Prakash Kudlekar, a proud resident of Gokarna in the Uttara Kannada district, with a Master’s in Public Health and a B.Sc. in Operation Theatre Technology as a foundation. During my educational journey, I participated in educational field trips, worked as an enumerator for the Impact Study of the Mission Mid Day Meal Scheme in Karnataka, and interned at the District Surveillance Unit and District AB-Ark Department Gadag. As a Programme Associate at FMCH, i have started a new and exciting chapter in my life. Being passionate in public health, My varied interests keep me actively involved in my creative process. I can express myself aesthetically through drawing, painting, and crafting, and my passion of singing and dancing gives rhythm to my life. In addition, gardening allows me to have fun and feel more connected to nature.

Suman S Huddar

Program Manager
Karnataka
Suman holds a Masters degree in Social Work from Mysore University, Karnataka. In her previous role as a Senior Program Officer at Careworkers Foundation CSR division of Quess Corp Ltd, she have managed school projects and Anganwadi projects. She specialized in providing training and creating manuals for life skills, psychosocial care, and early childhood care education. In all her works Suman strive to create a joyful learning environment for children and stakeholders that promotes their well-being. Suman is also a former professional hockey player representing at the level of universities, Junior, senior and national level tournaments.

Shraddha Gurav

Program Associate
Project Poshan, Kurla, Mumbai
I received my Master’s in public health from MIT-WPU Pune. As an intern at the National Institute of Public Health Training and Research, I’ve been worked to combat the stigma related to leprosy. I have a bachelor’s degree in paramedical technology from Seth G. S. Medical College and KEMH with a focus in operational theatre technician, as well as a one-year internship. As a public health specialist, my main objective is to identify the major public health problems and contribute to community improvement. My primary area of interest as a public health professional is reproductive, maternal, neonatal, and child health. Along with public health as a major interest of work , I have my own tutorials and teaching and educating children is my hobby.

CHANDRIKA RAO

Director
Program and Impact

Chandrika has been a development sector professional for the past 20 years. With a masters degree in Clinical Psychology and has grassroots-level experience in working with children and women, programme design, implementation and evaluation with a special focus on life skills, education and advocacy. In the past, Chandrika has worked with organisations such as Sahayog Foundation, Apnalaya and Magic Bus in various leadership roles. She also has experience in content creation and curriculum development for training, life skills and e-learning. A writer, passionate about collaboration and creating collective impact, Chandrika is an aspiring improv artist and has a channel on YouTube.

Pratiksha Shetty

Program Associate Community Nutrition Initiative, Ulhasnagar, Mumbai
Pratiksha a public health professional who holds Masters degree in Nutrition and Dietetics specialising in Public Health Nutrition from Symbiosis International University, Pune and bachelors degree in Human Ecology and consumer services from SNDT University, Pune. She has trained and mentored Nutrition and Dietetics graduate and postgraduate students from Symbiosis International University on Reseach and Development topics associated to public health. Her expertise was acknowleged by the Chief Program Officer IAPEN, India (NSI) for her adept counselling on significance of nutrition for preventing and treating hypertension and diabeties within vulnerable communities.

SHRUTI CHOUDHARI

Board Member
FMCH

Shruti Choudhari is Director, Projects & Strategy at B L Kashyap, one of India’s renowned listed civil construction companies. She has studied Architecture from the University of Minnesota and Sushant School of Art & Architecture, Gurgaon. Shruti founded Chrysalis Design Studio as the Principal Architect in 2007. She has a Master’s degree in Strategic Planning from MIT & Columbia University and a Master certification in Construction Engineering from University of Michigan. She has received the “Women in Excellence” award at the WEF in 2017 and in 2021, she was inducted as WICCI Construction Council – National Director.

MALA SRIVASTAVA

Board Member
FMCH

Mala Srivastava has a background in Engineering and Marketing. She was previously Director of Product Management at Numenta, an AI startup and has also worked at Cisco Systems. Mala has been actively involved in local communities. She served on the board of SPARK, a non-profit mentoring middle schoolers in the USA. Mala has an MBA from UCLA, MS from Purdue University, and a Bachelors from BITS Pilani. After living abroad for several years, she moved back to Mumbai.

NARENDRA LOLGE

Manager

Narendra, has been working in the development health sector with an experience of over 22 years in various healthcare programs. He has proven expertise in operational management, strategic initiatives to startup any program, advocacy and networking. Narendra has worked with different organizations earlier such as Population Services International, DKT India, SNEHA & Americares India Foundation

Iram Ansari

Program Associate
Community Nutrition Initiative II

With a Bachelors in Commerce, Iram Ansari was a Field Officer with FMCH for seven years before joining us as Program Associate for Community Nutrition Initiative-II, Bhiwandi. She is currently pursuing a Masters in Social Work from IGNOU and is working towards creating a positive impact on society.

Shahajahan Ansari

Program Associate
Community Nutrition Initiative I

With a Bachelors in Commerce, Shahajahan Ansari was a Field Officer with FMCH for 5 years before joining us as Program Associate for Community Nutrition Initiative-I, Bhiwandi. She is currently pursuing a Masters in Social Work from IGNOU and is working towards making India malnutrition free.

PURVA BAHADKAR

Program Associate
Community Nutrition Initiative II

With a bachelor’s degree in Food Science and Nutrition and a masters degree in Public Health Nutrition, Purva Bahadkar is the founder of a successfully running small business called GrabHealthy, which provides a variety of healthy snacks that track the calories you consume. In the past, Purva has worked as a community nutritionist in Udaan Welfare Foundation, Thane  – she planned and handled their ‘Project Annapurna’, which provided support to the community to fight against malnutrition. Purva calls herself a captivating communicator and her goal is to inspire each and every individual of India to eat and live well.

ANIMISH JOSHI

Program Associate
Community Nutrition Initiative I

Animish is a graduate in Food Processing Technology from Pune University and post-graduate from Symbiosis International University in Nutrition and Dietetics with a specialization in Public Health Nutrition. Born and brought up in Pune, he is a devoted public health nutritionist with a mission to contribute in tackling nutrition-related issues in society and bring a positive change in people’s lives.

Satyaprakash Vishwakarma

Program Associate Community Nutrition Initiative I
Satyaprakash, a dynamic healthcare professional, holds diplomas in General Nursing and Midwifery, and a Post Basic BSc in Nursing. With extensive experience as Regional Nursing Coordinator at Williom J Clinton Foundation and Program Coordinator at IPE Global, he showcases outstanding leadership and program management. Pursuing an MSW, he aspires to play a vital role in Public Health, reflecting his passion for healthcare excellence and community involvement. Satyaprakash’s drive to transform healthcare, coupled with his future MPH plans, establishes him as a visionary influencer in global accessible healthcare.

SHRUTHI IYER

CEO
Project Poshan And Wadia Hospital

Shruthi, an engineer from VTU has been an independent consultant in the development space – focusing on strategy, fundraising and business development. Prior to FMCH, she was the Executive Director at Mentor Me India, a Mumbai-based NGO. She has 10 years of experience working with organizations such as Infosys, Hippocampus, Teach for Bangladesh, Masoom and Sukhibhava. She is a Teach for India and Acumen Fellow.