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 the following email address: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Ing. Raja Reddy
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 has a strong reputation as a very reliable mediator, advisor and conflict management expert in both professional and family areas. He writes a column in Deccan Herald on Education Abroad, trains teachers, counselors and executives, and spends almost all his remaining time offering free counselling to anyone who needs him. He is a popular invited speaker, in English, Kannada and Telugu, and gives his time freely to advisory and ethics committees of various educational institutions. He is 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.

Raja Reddy can be contacted at the following email addresses: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

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.

Indu

Overall in-charge of administration.

Arun

In-charge of RTN premises hospitality, and is always available.

Venu

Provides office liaison, keeps records, and is ever ready to oblige.

Anees

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

Nisha

Very quiet (unless provoked), systematic one-person EDP department.

Raghu

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

Chandu

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