People Behind the Banjara Academy

Dr. Ali Khwaja, B.Tech (IIT), MIE, Ph.D.
Chairman, principal faculty and general busybody, jack-of-all

A Montessorian, a graduate of Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), a qualified ISO quality assessor, a Ph.D holder, with a string of half a dozen other qualifications he has forgotten -- he has never earned a salary cheque in his life. A thoroughly confused person, who guides others primarily because he could not guide himself.

Officially on the Boards of two universities, visiting faculty or advisor to Defense, Central Government and some of the most prestigious National institutions, he prefers spending time with children, learning rather than teaching, walking into the sunset rather than sitting in an air conditioned room.

A true Banjara, he has no profession. He runs one of the most appreciated and least “recognized” courses in counselling, he motivates and keeps together 200 volunteers working in 10 major hospitals, he is deeply involved in causes as wide as adoption, disability welfare, “true” education, life skills, and counselling.

He has made a name by presenting papers in national workshops, having written thirty books on human behavior, life, children & counselling, and still writes regular columns in reputed publications like Deccan Herald, etc., even editing a unique newsletter on human dynamics called Banjara Life.

Not withstanding all that, he loves all human beings alike, and his prime focus is on improvement of quality of life. He believes in a mission of helping others to help themselves, and makes himself available to anyone who seeks emotional support or counselling.

Dr. Ali Khwaja can be contacted at: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Late Ing. Raja Reddy (18 Oct 1945 - 17 Oct 2011)
Director, motivator and chief mentor

Ing. K Raja Reddy, a qualified agricultural engineer from Holland, served a nationalized bank before he launched off on his own as a consultant to agriculture and industrial ventures. He had a strong reputation as a very reliable mediator, advisor and conflict management expert in both professional and family areas. He wrote a column in Deccan Herald on Education Abroad, trained teachers, counselors and executives, and spent almost all his remaining time offering free counselling to anyone who needed him. He was a popular invited speaker, in English, Kannada and Telugu, and gave his time freely to advisory and ethics committees of various educational institutions. He was also the prime mover of Live Well Leave Well Society, dedicated to a better quality of life and to facing the end with a smile.

Service is not as much as good actions, as it is about feelings; creating them in others and experiencing them within. It is not so much about 'doing', as it is about 'being', being one's best and being one's higher self. Love is the only true doer. Good deeds, like good works, are but priceless opportunities to experience and share our being's deepest nature: Joy.

Mrs. Nalini Reddy
Coordinator

Mrs. Nalini Reddy, a science graduate with three decades of experience managing a home,  plunged into counselling when her children grew up and flew the nest. Subsequently she acquired a Masters in Counselling Psychology. Having trained herself with a Diploma and an Advanced Diploma in Counselling, she has the uncanny knack of being able to touch the hearts, from small children to senior citizens. She also takes meaningful sessions for school children, adolescents and young adults in life skills and interpersonal relations.

The backbone of our office is our full-time staff who work relentlessly and with complete commitment 6 days a week, 9 to 5:30 and beyond. They are, in sequential order of their service with Banjara:

Indu

Overall in-charge of administration.

Arun Kumar Jana

He has come all the way from West Bengal, and made Bangalore his home for the last two decades. He has been completely in charge of the premises, the assets, the housekeeping and the services. One of the most responsible and committed persons that we can come across.

His colleagues recognize the following sterling qualities in him:
• Forgives and forgets, does not bear grudges
• Non-interfering
• Very diligent in money matters
• Guides in distress, helpful
• Committed to his work
• Fully devoted to Ali and the Academy

Venugopal (Venu)

A self-made man, he has worked his way up from an entry level job more than a decade ago, taking up one responsibility after another, learning very efficiently, and discharging his duties to complete fulfillment.

His colleagues recognize the following traits he has built up over the years:
• Has leadership qualities
• Hard-working and loyal to the organization
• Maintains perfect records, is committed to any task given to him
• Guides in distress, helpful
• Has ability to delegate,while taking responsibility
• Handles all visitors and students with warmth, making each person feel comfortable

Anees

The smiling face in the front office, genuinely concerned about students.

Nisha (Marina)

A tiny bubbly girl who joined Banjara when she was barely out of school, learnt quickly, took responsibility, become very efficient and meticulous in her work – and ensured that she could become assertive even to the most daunting colleague !
She handles the EDP (computer) department independently, and fills in at the front office and admin whenever required. We maintain her confidentiality so we will not tell you that she has already chosen a life partner.

Her colleagues recognize the following traits she has built up in the past 5 years:
• Sweet smile, is responsible despite her young age
• Clearly knows what she wants and what is wanted of her
• Very assertive
• Emotionally strong, yet she is child-like
• Very meticulous in her work, and executes systematically
• Tries to be a perfectionist

Raghu

Young, responsible, and committed. Makes good tea, serves with a smile.

Chandu

The RV road "Man Friday," will take good care of you.