About Us
Empowering Youth Through Skill Development
Anara Skills Foundation is a Section 8 Company incorporated on 14th October 2024 in Bengaluru, Karnataka, to establish a robust ecosystem that identifies and addresses skill gaps among unemployed youth, particularly those from the underprivileged, marginalized and economically weaker sections of the society.
This initiative aims to improve livelihoods and create a highly skilled and future – ready workforce for the nation.
Our Vision
To identify and continuously bridge the skill gaps of unemployed youth across the country, enhancing their employability and positioning India as a global leader in skilled workforce.
Our Mission
To establish a robust ecosystem that identifies and addresses skill gaps among unemployed youth, particularly those from underprivileged, marginalized, and economically weaker sections of society. This initiative aims to improve livelihoods and create a highly skilled workforce for India.
Meet Our Dedicated Team of Change-Makers
About Our Founder & CEO
(CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER)
Subodh was born in Lucknow (U.P) and after primary education at Lucknow, completed B.Tech. in Mechanical Engineering from Dr A P J Abdul Kalam Technical University, Uttar Pradesh in 1985.
He worked in Bharat Electronics Limited at Hyderabad and Ghaziabad for over 16 years and contributed significantly in the design, development and productionisation of the ground support system for the Prithvi missile under the prestigious Integrated Guided Missile Development Program of the country.
Subodh joined Hindustan Aeronautics Limited in the year 2007 and worked there for over 17 years till he superannuated as Additional General Manager(Skill Development), Corporate Office, Bengaluru in July 2024.
He contributed significantly as Head of Marketing Department at HAL, Lucknow and was involved in the development and implementation of a unique Skill Development process for the employees of HAL.
In HAL, he has spearheaded programs that have received 3 Copyrights in the field of Skill Development from the Registrar of the Copyrights Office of Government of India.
Subodh has attended Executive programs on Leadership Management and Operations Management at IIM,Calcutta and IIM,Bangalore respectively. He has also received many Suggestion Awards.
Subodh is passionate about India’s Skill Development Program and the skill upgradation of youth from the underprivileged,marginalized and economically weaker sections of the society. He aims to create a positive and long lasting impact on their lives and benefit the nation at large through Skilling programs.
About Our Founder & CPO
(CHIEF PEOPLE OFFICER)
Sumita holds a Masters of Arts Degree ( History) and a Bachelor of Education Degree, bringing a strong academic foundation to her teaching career. With experience teaching in schools and offering private tuition since 2018, she is dedicated to nurturing students to achieve a holistic growth . Passionate about education and skill development, she focuses on identifying and honing the unique abilities of each individual. Her personalized approach aims to empower learners to achieve their fullest potential through ASF. She is deeply passionate about reading and actively engages in writing, art, and music .
About Our Founder & COO
(CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER)
Driven by a passion for social work since the age of 16, Dipa Padmakumar began her journey by offering free tuition to underprivileged children in her school.
Born and raised in Mumbai, she earned a B.Com degree from SIES College of Commerce. She briefly taught at St. Xavier’s School in Nerul, Navi Mumbai, before embarking on a journey across cities, countries, and continents. Living in Mexico for six years broadened her cultural and social perspective. There, she co-founded the Indian Women’s Association of Mexico in collaboration with the embassy, with the goal of raising funds for underprivileged communities in Mexico City.
Upon returning to India, she dedicated 15 years as a full-time volunteer with CMCA (www.cmcaindia.org), serving as a Coordinator for their Civic-Friendly Initiative, which developed products to promote civic habits. She continues to support the organization through fundraising and project collaborations while also actively engaging in community initiatives, such as providing scholarships to deserving students and welfare support for domestic workers.
While in CMCA, She has also completed the Experiential Management Training course from Common Purpose, further enhancing her leadership and collaborative skills.
Deeply committed to empowering lives, she wants to focus on skill development and training, creating meaningful opportunities for those in need.
About Our Founder & CTO
(CHIEF TECHNOLOGY OFFICER)
With over 26 years of experience in the IT industry, Baiju K J has grown from a trainee engineer to the CEO of a thriving tech company.
A seasoned technologist, he started his career writing code on IBM mainframes and has since transitioned into leading innovative projects in mobile and AI applications.
Known for his expertise in resurrecting failed projects, BAIJU K J brings a unique combination of technical excellence and visionary leadership.
His approach is centered on “winning together,” ensuring that both customers and employees succeed.
About Our Founder & CLO
(CHIEF LEGAL OFFICER)
Ms. Shruti Lokre is a qualified lawyer with 20 years of work experience (corporate & litigation) as an in-house counsel in various law firms, banks & financial institutions in India. She has been recognized for excellent legal drafting skills and astute legal advice. She believes in highest degree of work ethics and integrity as non-negotiable part of any given work. As a learner of law, she maintains that the purpose of law is to achieve justice. The sense of social justice that is at the foundation of Anara Skills Foundation (‘ASF’) aligns with her purpose of lawyering for social justice in society. She aspires to use her skills and experience as a lawyer to focus on equity and access to through ASF. She’s a steadfast animal lover and enjoys reading & writing, watching documentaries and a bit of gardening.
