Who We Are
A group of crazy, committed, innovative and reflective youth from Bihar and Odisha with diverse backgrounds, reimagining the purpose of education in their home states to bind everyone with the string (‘Dor”) of Love in the 21st century.
Board of Trustees
Tanya Pandey
Tanya holds a master’s degree in development studies from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Guwahati. With over four years of experience in inclusive education and community development, she has worked with NGOs like Koshish, Praxis, and Pratham. Prior to joining LIFI, she served as the fundraising and communication lead at Diksha Foundation. Tanya now leads the people, communication, and fundraising efforts at LIFI, focusing on creating inclusive education opportunities that support holistic development for children.
Shibasis Sahu
Shibasis, an engineer by degree, has dedicated over 10 years to social entrepreneurship, working in education and youth development. His professional experience spans reputable organizations such as ASORD, NABCONS, Sampark Foundation, and Diksha Foundation. He co-founded the Pyar Ki Dor Foundation, which focuses on education and holistic development in rural areas of Odisha and Bihar. At LIFI, Shibasis serves as the Director of Programs and Partnerships, driven by a deep passion for social inclusion and community empowerment.
Aryan Kumar
Aryan Kumar, a budding filmmaker from Patna, Bihar, India, is currently pursuing studies in Mass Communication at Patna University. His passion for storytelling was ignited during two years in children's theatre, where he developed creative thinking and an appreciation for diverse perspectives. Interestingly, he transitioned from performing on stage to directing short films, earning recognition at various film festivals, including being named one of the "75 Creative Minds of Tomorrow" at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa. Additionally, he empowers aspiring filmmakers through workshops, sharing the skills he has gained throughout his cinematic journey.
Samridhi Sinha
Samridhi Sinha is pursuing a Master's in Social Work from Amity University, Noida, after completing a Bachelor's in Social Work. With over seven years of experience volunteering with grassroots organizations in Patna during her school years, she has developed a strong foundation in social work and community engagement. Amrita Kumari
Amrita Mandal
Amrita Mandal, from Chautarwa village in West Champaran, Bihar, is a Geography Honours graduate dedicated to grassroots development. She has two years of experience with Diksha Foundation in Patna, empowering underprivileged youth through education, and six months with Green Vasudha Foundation in Samastipur, promoting sustainable agriculture. Growing up in a remote border village, Amrita has a deep understanding of rural challenges, driving her commitment to holistic community development.
Advisory Board Members
Raman Bahl
Raman is a social entrepreneur with a background in engineering. His journey in education began by volunteering at a blind school, which later led him to join the Teach For India Fellowship in 2012. At just 23 years old, he became a school principal, significantly increasing student enrollment. However, he also witnessed children who either didn’t enroll or dropped out, which made him question the effectiveness of formal education in addressing all children’s needs. In 2018, Raman led a project in Haryana, serving 2,000 children of migrant construction workers. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted this work, inspiring him to establish LIFI in July 2020. Raman continues to serve as the Executive Director of LIFI.
Dr. Bijaya Kumar Behera
Dr. Bijaya Kumar Behera, based in Sambalpur, Odisha, is a seasoned consultant and researcher with a Ph.D. in Psychology. With over 27 years of experience, he has worked on key projects with NITI Aayog, UNFPA, and The World Bank, specializing in socio-economic surveys, migration studies, and urban redevelopment. A member of several advisory committees, Dr. Behera has published extensively in journals and contributed to impactful policy reports.
Team
Shibasis Sahu
Shibasis, an engineer by degree, has dedicated over 10 years to social entrepreneurship, working in education and youth development. His professional experience spans reputable organizations such as ASORD, NABCONS, Sampark Foundation, and Diksha Foundation. He co-founded the Pyar Ki Dor Foundation, which focuses on education and holistic development in rural areas of Odisha and Bihar. At LIFI, Shibasis serves as the Director of Programs and Partnerships, driven by a deep passion for social inclusion and community empowerment.
Jayashree Kumura
Jayashee, a dedicated educator from the tribal community of her village, holds an MBA from Sambalpur University and is currently pursuing a B.Ed. With over 5 years of experience teaching children through home tuition, she is deeply committed to nurturing young minds. Ayashee has also enhanced her skills by attending an educator workshop at Abhiskar in Himachal Pradesh, focusing on innovative teaching practices.
Arati Khamari
Arati Khamari, a determined community leader, has resumed her education after 20 years, currently pursuing her graduation. An active member of her village's Self-Help Group (SHG), she has been at the forefront of community initiatives for over 5 years. Arati has also participated in a residential training program for community educators by Learning Initiatives for India, enhancing her ability to drive positive change through education and grassroots engagement.