Our trustees bring together decades of leadership in special education, business, engineering, finance, and technology in service of our mission.
V. G. Raman
Managing TrusteeMr. V. G. Raman is an Electronics and Communication Engineer with a postgraduate degree in Computer Science and over 35 years of experience in the manufacturing and IT industries. He has held senior leadership roles at Tata Motors, HCL, Hewlett Packard, U.S. Sprint, Xerox, and SAIC. He is the founder of Visharad Consultancy Services Pvt. Ltd., a boutique consulting firm specialising in operations, program, and manufacturing management. A Certified Six Sigma Sponsor and Green Belt, he also completed the General Management Program at XLRI, Jamshedpur. An active Rotarian since 2005, he contributes to vocational development initiatives and partners with the Project Management Institute (PMI) to strengthen project management practices for NGOs and CSR programmes.
Jayashree Ramesh
Founding TrusteeMs. Jayashree Ramesh holds an M.A. in Special Education from San Jose State University, California, and is one of the founding members of Nav Prabhuthi Trust. She has contributed extensively to policy and advocacy as a former Board Member of the National Trust, Government of India, and as Founder Secretary of the Disability NGOs Alliance (DNA). She is the founder director of the Academy for Severe Handicaps and Autism—a premier organisation providing education and therapy services to individuals with autism—and played a key role in establishing the Information and Resource Centre for Autism and Developmental Disabilities (IRC). An active Rotarian, she has served as Past President, Rotary Bangalore West, and Assistant Governor, District 3190. Her work has been recognised nationally with the Leo Kanner Award (2008) and the Lifetime Achievement Award (2024).
Jyoti Rajappa
Trustee — FinanceJyoti Rajappa has been associated with NPT since its inception in 2013 and, as a board member, oversees the finance processes at the Trust. She holds an MCom and a Postgraduate Diploma in Autism and Learning Disabilities from the Karnataka Parents Association of Citizens with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (formerly KPAMRC). With prior experience at CDOT and Airtel, she has also been associated with the Academy for Severe Handicaps and Autism as Head — Admin and Finance for over 24 years, bringing a deep understanding of how NGOs work.
Sethuraman Ramaswamy
TrusteeSethuraman Ramaswamy is a Chartered Engineer with more than three decades of experience in the Rail Transportation sector.
Satyamadhava L.V. holds BSc and MSc degrees in Horticulture from the University of Agricultural Sciences, Bengaluru, along with qualifications in CAIIB, a PG Diploma in Management, and a Diploma in Journalism. He served for over 21 years across the Karnataka Horticulture Department and Indian Overseas Bank in roles including Agricultural Officer and Branch Manager. After taking voluntary retirement in 2001, he moved to the development sector with NGOs such as ADITI and IDF, leading initiatives that supported over 35,000 farmers and farm women through training in agriculture and financial inclusion. He currently serves as Chairperson of Swavalambana Trust.
Mahendra Pyati is a senior management professional with over 20 years of experience in business transformation, risk management, and process excellence. A Six Sigma Black Belt practitioner with an MBA in International Business from the University of Wales, he has led large-scale strategic initiatives across North America, Europe, and Asia within the finance, technology, and aerospace sectors. A dedicated social entrepreneur, he champions sustainable development and Corporate Social Responsibility, and has long volunteered with disability empowerment organisations.
Chetan Prabhakar is an IT professional with over 20 years of experience in technology infrastructure, cybersecurity, and digital transformation. As a board member, he provides strategic technical guidance and strengthens the organisation's IT systems, data management, and technology initiatives, bringing expertise in cloud technologies, automation, and enterprise IT solutions.
Mr. Yathish is an accomplished Electrical Engineer with over 35 years of experience in the design, development, and integration of complex engineering systems. He has extensive expertise in Control System Integration and has contributed to several large-scale technology and innovation projects throughout his distinguished career. As a Trustee of Nav Prabhuthi Trust, he brings valuable experience in leadership, systems thinking, and organisational development, supporting the Trust's mission of empowering autistic individuals through skill development, vocational training, and opportunities for meaningful inclusion.
Mr. N. Krishnappa is a retired government officer with extensive experience in public administration and rural development. He served in five districts across Karnataka in various leadership and administrative capacities, contributing to the implementation of key development initiatives and welfare programmes. He retired as Director of Rural Development, where he played an important role in strengthening community-focused programmes and promoting sustainable development practices. Since his retirement seven years ago, Mr. Krishnappa has been actively engaged in farming, and as a Trustee of Nav Prabhuthi Trust, he brings valuable insights in community development, governance, and rural outreach.
Mrs. Sangeetha is a parent of an adult with autism and holds a Master's degree in Commerce as well as a Bachelor's degree in Special Education. Driven by her personal experiences and commitment to supporting families of children with special needs, she has been actively working with parents and caregivers over the past two years. She played a key role in forming and strengthening a Self-Help Group for parents of individuals with special needs, creating a platform for mutual support, empowerment, and community engagement. As a Trustee of Nav Prabhuthi Trust, Mrs. Sangeetha brings valuable perspectives as both a parent and a special educator, contributing to the Trust's mission of empowering autistic individuals and supporting their families through meaningful programs and opportunities.
Mr. Umesh Karanth is a Science graduate with over 37 years of professional experience in the banking sector. He served with Karnataka Bank Ltd. in various roles of increasing responsibility and retired as Chief Manager. Throughout his career, he gained extensive experience in banking operations, administration, customer relations, and financial management. As a Trustee of Nav Prabhuthi Trust, he brings valuable expertise in governance, financial oversight, and organizational management, supporting the Trust's efforts to create meaningful opportunities for autistic individuals and their families.
Mr. V. Ramadasan is the Centre Head of Nav Prabhuthi Trust, leading production and training activities. With over 35 years of professional experience across sales, administration, and production, he oversees day-to-day centre functioning, mentors trainees, and ensures smooth execution of both production and skill-development initiatives.
Prabha S. Iyer
HR & FinancePrabha S. Iyer holds a Master's degree in Economics and is a certified Special Educator (RCI registered, KPAMRC). With over 25 years of experience in autism and special education—and personal insight as a parent of a young adult—she has been with Nav Prabhuthi Trust since its inception, currently overseeing Human Resources and Finance.
Lavanya R.
Production OperationsLavanya oversees production operations at Nav Prabhuthi Trust, managing order processing, customer relationships, and end-to-end coordination of production. With a background in commerce and experience in accounting and vendor management, she ensures quality control and timely delivery while maintaining efficient communication with clients.
