Founder - AASHA Infinite Foundation

Meera Raman’s story would have followed the typical route of an urban, middle-class woman but for her longing to accomplish something in life. Her inborn communication and language skills led her to work in print media, radio, television and teaching. At every stage of her life, through all her various roles and responsibilities, she kept her passion for language alive.

Among other things, Meera taught her maid’s daughter English. As a direct result of this, the young girl landed a dream job in a swanky office. This completely transformed her family, opening up new horizons. She became a role model in her neighborhood, inspiring her friends and siblings to take more interest in their studies. The seeds of AASHA were sown when its founder saw first-hand the impact that learning English had on a young girl’s life. Acquired English skills helped her land a job that transformed her life and opened new horizons. Clearly English skills could be life-changing for the disadvantaged. This was the first in a series of events that changed the course of Meera’s life.

The other event was Prime Minister Modi’s rousing speech on Teacher’s Day about the paucity of teachers in the country. He called out to educated citizens to help in nation-building by sparing at least an hour a week to teach the disadvantaged. It moved Meera to action and gathering a few like-minded friends she began classes in a neighborhood park in Mumbai. They began with 3 students and 2 teachers but soon the scope of their work grew and AASHA was born.