OTHER POSITIONS HELD SOCIAL
Vice President, PBMA’s H. V. Desai Eye Hospital
Chairman Ayodhya Charitable Trust
Chairman Sable Waghire Trust
He is involved in several charities as he has a compassionate nature.
BUSINESS
Real Estate and Bidi Manufacturing.
He is also instrumental in resource mobilization for the organization.
Mr. Nanabhoy Mancherji Merchant, also visually impaired, who was designated as Finance and Development Secretary. He was responsible for raising resources for the Association, from a variety of fund-raising programmes carried out throughout the year. He expired in 1988.
He was the President of The Poona Blind Men’s Association & PBMA’s H.V. Desai Eye Hospital.
He joined the organization in the year 1966 and spearheaded its growth and development.
Various projects were started by him such as Kamla Amul Massand Technical Training Institute of PBMA; Shirdi Sai Baba Home for Aged Blind Women; PBMA’s H.V. Desai Eye Hospital; PBMA’s Kantalaxmi Shah Eye Hospital at Nandurbar.
Mr. Tukaram Sahadev Bamankar is the founder president of THE POONA BLIND MEN’S ASSOCIATION. Blinded since childhood, he was educated in Bombay studying physiotherapy. He later shifted to Pune,where he worked for several years at the Ruby Hall Clinic and the Jehangir Nursing Home.
In 1952, Mr. Bamankar rented a small room for Rs. 30/- a month in the crowded Rasta Peth area, where PBMA was registered.
Mr. Bamankar was affectionately called ‘Appaji’ by the visually challenged persons.
He was the recipient of Barrister Rustom Merwanji Alpaiwala Award for his outstanding contribution in social work and blind welfare in January, 1980.
He was also the recipient of Louis Braille Memorial Award on 25th May, 1980.
Mr. Tukaram Sahadev Bamankar is the founder president of THE POONA BLIND MEN’S ASSOCIATION. Blinded since childhood, he was educated in Bombay studying physiotherapy. He later shifted to Pune,where he worked for several years at the Ruby Hall Clinic and the Jehangir Nursing Home.
In 1952, Mr. Bamankar rented a small room for Rs. 30/- a month in the crowded Rasta Peth area, where PBMA was registered.
Mr. Bamankar was affectionately called ‘Appaji’ by the visually challenged persons.
He was the recipient of Barrister Rustom Merwanji Alpaiwala Award for his outstanding contribution in social work and blind welfare in January, 1980.
He was also the recipient of Louis Braille Memorial Award on 25th May, 1980.
OTHER POSITIONS HELD SOCIAL
President, PBMA’s H. V. Desai Eye Hospital.
Trustee, The Poona Hospital & Research Centre.
Trustee, Kanchan-Hira Ayurvedic Hospital & Cancer Research Centre, Pedhamali (Gujarat).
Trustee, Janseva Foundation
President, Katha Sattavis Mandal,Pedhamali
Joint Managing Trustee, Poona Gujrathi Bandhu Samaj
Trustee, Sakal Relief Fund Committee
Trustee, Shri Bhagyavardhak Jain Shwetamber Murtipujank-Sangh
Vice President, Shri Munishwar Swami Jain Shwetamber Murtipujak Sangh
Vice President, Katha Sattavis Vishashri Kelvani Mandal
Vice President, JITO – Pune (Jain International Trade Organisation)
EDUCATIONAL
Trustee, Shri Mahavir Jain Vidyalaya
Trustee, Pune Gujrathi Kelwani Mandal (H V Desai College, R.C.M. Gujrathi High School)
Trustee, Vivekanand Institute of Technology.
BUSINESS
Senior Vice President, FAM (Federation of Associations of Maharashtra) since 2003
President , The Poona Merchants’ Chamber in its golden jubilee years – 1997-99, when it won the prestigious “Jamnalal Bajaj Award for the Best Association”.
Vice President, FTAP (Federation of Trade Association of Pune)
President, Vandha Niwad Samiti (Disputes Committee) of Poona Merchants’ Chamber (1993-2009)
AWARDS & ACHIEVEMENTS
Jamnalal Bajaj Award in 1994, 1999 and 2016 for fair business practices.
Rashtriya Ekta Puraskar
Worked in the corporate sector for more than 40 years and has vast experience. Currently working with TTI from 2021 as Centre Head and managing the activities at the institute.
Working for training and holistic development of the visually impaired youth, at TTI from 2012, though being a doctor by profession. Currently working as Project Manager and handling all the projects at the institute.
From 24 years working in the social sector and as Senior Manager from 2014, at TTI. Looking after the rehabilitation unit, Government schemes, and overall activities of the Poona Blind Men’s Association.
I am Gaurav Kumar from Delhi and have completed my graduation in Arts.
I completed a course in Accessibility Testing & Programming at PBMAs TTI and today am employed at Exafluence with a salary package of Rs 4,80, 000 per annum.
Prior to joining this course, I could never have thought that I will be able to learn such a course. But thanks to our trainers at TTI who made our learning so effortless.
This training encouraged me to learn many more programming languages like JAVA, SQL, Javascript & python
After my training, I went in for an internship for 3 months as “Jr. Software Engineer-Trainee with a stipend of Rs 15,000/ month. On completion of my internship, my work was reviewed and offered a job in the same company.
I am very much thankful to TTI & HSBC for conducting such a useful course.
Asha Bhatkhande born with a normal vision had a dream to become a teacher. After completing her graduation and D.Ed. Asha joined B.T Shahane Government School, Pune as an assistant teacher. Her dream was fulfilled and she was overjoyed. She got married and had two children. Her family was complete. Asha was very happy with her job and family life.
But Asha’s joy was short-lived. She was diagnosed with Arthritis and lost her vision due to that. Her entire life came crashing down around her. Asha’s sudden and dramatic vision loss sent everyone reeling. She broke down. She took treatment for her eyes in many renowned hospitals but all in vain. Asha even lost her job which was her dream.
Asha was now totally dependent on her family. Due to her condition, she went into depression. But with the support of her near and dear ones she started coming out of it.
She wanted to be independent but was clueless about how to proceed. She slowly started interacting on social media with the visually impaired community. She learnt that people with visual impairment can also learn computers and get good jobs. Asha saw a ray of hope.
Her life took a turn for the better when she came across a message on WhatsApp about the course of Telecalling conducted by The Poona Blind Men’s Association supported by HSBC. Asha enrolled herself in the course.
Asha received training in all the developmental areas like Teleclalling & Communication, Computer skills, Orientation & Mobility, activities of daily living etc. She has come a long way leaving behind the traumatic experiences of her life.
Her hard work, dedication to learning new things and her confidence got her an exciting opportunity to work as a Telecalling Agent at Finolex Pipes Ltd.
Asha says she now feels empowered, and she has the tools to face the future with confidence, “I have to stop and wonder sometimes what my life would be like if The Poona Blind Men’s Association had not entered into it, I would still probably be that depressed person I was. But now, I’ve got such a good outlook. I’ve got my life back .
OTHER POSITIONS HELD
Executive Director, PBMAs H.V. Desai Eye Hospital
Mr. Bilimoria began his career as a Business Entrepreneur and over the years, added laurels, to his credit by his business acumen.
After three and a half decades, as an Entrepreneur, he has extended his expertise in corporate governance and resource mobilisation for Eye Care Services and Rehabilitation of the – Visually Impaired.
He was a former Trustee of The Poona Blind Men’s Association from 2003 to 2018.
He served in the capacity of the President of the organisation and after his term, he is currently the Executive Director of The Poona Blind Men’s Association.
Mr. Billimoria is managing the following units:
He has 18 years of experience in hospital management and management of various non-profit organisations.
He is also instrumental in resource mobilization for the organization.
He is the Past President and is an Active Member of Rotary Club of Pune Cantonment, Dist. 3131, since 1991.
OTHER POSITIONS HELD SOCIAL
Trustee, Laxminarayan Devasthan Trusts
EDUCATION
Academic Expert, Kaveri Group of Institute’s College
Chairman & Fund Manager,Purnartha Investment Advisers (Purnartha) Pvt. Ltd.
Director,Onward Technologies Limited
Director,Plastiblends India Limited
Equity Partner, Capital Metrics and Risk Solutions
Partner,Beharay Rathi Group of Companies.
Masters in Industrial Administration – Carnegie Mellon University.
Bachelors in Polymer Engineering – University of Pune.
Former President
He was the President of The Poona Blind Men’s Association & PBMA’s H.V. Desai Eye Hospital.
He joined the organization in the year 1966 and spearheaded its growth and development.
Various projects were started by him such as Kamla Amul Massand Technical Training Institute of PBMA; Shirdi Sai Baba Home for Aged Blind Women; PBMA’s H.V. Desai Eye Hospital; PBMA’s Kantalaxmi Shah Eye Hospital at Nandurbar.
He founded The Poona Blind Men’s Association in the year 1952 in Pune and was the President of the organization.
He was affectionately called ‘Appaji’ by the blind people.
He was the recipient of Barrister Rustom Merwanji Alpaiwala Award for his outstanding contribution in social work and blind welfare in January, 1980.
He was also the recipient of Louis Braille Memorial Award on 25th May, 1980.
He has been awarded:
The hospital is a quality service delivery, educational, skill transfer and research Centre.
He was President of Vision 2020- The Right to Sight, India for the period July 2011- June 2014 and President of the Association of Community Ophthalmology of India (ACOIN) and Maharashtra Ophthalmology Society.
He has been a resource person in many NGO, Govt. and National Level conferences.
He has served as an expert for the appointment of Assistant Professor, UPSC and Associate Professor, AIIMS, New Delhi. Has authorized & presented a large number of papers in various conferences.
Member hospital in West Zone for Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee fund. Mentored Government of Goa for establishing Community DR services.
He has also given technical support in starting Dharamsey Eye Care Centre in Oman, Muscat.
Has been working for Agnihotra for healing the Atmosphere and Equilibrium of mind.
He was appointed as Braille Instructor for the inmates of Yerewada Jail and after acquiring the skill, he helped the inmates in writing the ‘Dnyaneshwari’ in braille language.
He is the Editor of Antar Jyoti Bi-monthly Braille magazine run by The Poona Blind Men’s Association.
OTHER POSITIONS HELD SOCIAL
Past President, Rotary Club of Panchgani
Hon. Secretary, Panchgani Gymkhana
Trustee of few Charitable Trusts
EDUCATIONAL
President and Trustee, V.M. Kapol Boarding School, Mumbai
BUSINESS
Managing Director, Mapro Foods Pvt. Ltd.
Partner, Mapro Garden LLP
Director, Vora Products Pvt. Ltd.
Director, Purdes Radiology Pvt. Ltd.
Member, National Food Processing Development Council, Govt. of India (NFPDC)
EDUCATION
Diploma in Practising Management INSEAD
Post Graduate Diploma in Management – IIM, Bangalore
Bachelors in Economics – University of Pune.
Govt. Diploma in Commerce.
OTHER POSITIONS HELD SOCIAL
Secretary, PBMA’s H. V. Desai Eye Hospital.
He is a pharmacist and has a research bent of mind.
He had his upbringing with Shree Balkoba Bhave brother of Shri Vinobha Bhave. A guardian by heart and is a Vaishnav by behaviour.
He joined the organization in the year 1986 and helped in its development and expansion.
He was a right hand to Late Mr. N. P. Pandya, and helped in raising funds for the organisation.
He is the founder of Mapro Foods Pvt. Ltd., Panchagani.
He is also instrumental in resource mobilization for the organization.
He has been in social work for the last 50 years. He always accompanied Mr. Pandya in all the activities of PBMA will always be an asset to the organisation.
OTHER POSITIONS HELD SOCIAL
Vice President, PBMA’s H. V. Desai Eye Hospital
Founder Chairman, Lakshya Institute – an NGO for upliftment of Sports Founder Chairman, Kumar Dialysis Centre – an NGO for providing free dialysis treatment to the needy.
BUSINESS
Vice President, CREDAI, Pune
Managing Director, Kumar Properties Pvt. Ltd.– a group that has been active in the Indian Real Estate market since 1966.
Managing Director, KF Bioplants Pvt. Ltd. – The largest producer of test tube plants in India and exports plants to over 20 countries around the world
Managing Director, Futura Bioplants Pvt. Ltd. – India’s largest lab for production and exports of Tissue Culture Plants.
AWARDS & ACHIEVEMENTS
Entrepreneur’s International Award for outstanding work in the field of agriculture.
IMM – Top Management Club’s Award in appreciation of excellence in the field of Biotechnology.
Holland Award presented by the The Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality, The Hague, The Netherlands in recognition of outstanding contribution in the field of International Plant Biotech Business.
“Pune Ki Asha” Award.
EDUCATION
Masters in Business Administration – University of Southern Mississippi, USA.
Bachelor of Science – University of Pune.
OTHER POSITIONS HELD SOCIAL
Chairman, PBMA’s H. V. Desai Eye Hospital Chairman,
Promoter Director, Sahyadri Hospitals Ltd
President, Shri Poona Gujarati Bandhu Samaj
Trustee, Poona Gujarati Kelvani Mandal
Trustee, Vanarai, founded by Late Shri Mohan Dhariya, former Vice Chairman of the Planning Commission of India.
Past President, Poona Club
Past President, Poona Junior Chamber
Past Vice President, Indian Jaycees
BUSINESS
Chairman & Managing Director, Desai Brothers Limited, Pune, a leading corporate in the diversified business of manufacturing bidis and food products, finance and investments, hospitality and wind power generation
Chairman, Aquapharm Chemicals Pvt. Ltd., which is engaged in the business of specialty chemicals
Independent Director, Force Motors Ltd., Pune
Independent Director, Cadila Healthcare Ltd., Ahmedabad
AWARDS & ACHIEVEMENTS
Felicitated by the former President of India, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam for his leading role in providing comprehensive eye care.
Adarsh Vayapari Uttam Puraskar in 2004 from the Poona Merchants Chambers in appreciation of noteworthy contribution in the fields of business and social work.
EDUCATION
Masters in Environmental Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA Bachelors in Civil Engineering.
Mr Pandya was born on August 4, 1945. At the age of 17 yrs, he lost his vision while playing cricket when a ball hit his forehead. This did not deter him in continuing his studies and he completed B.A. in Sociology.
Mr. Pandya joined PBMA as the Hon. Secretary in 1966. A dynamic leader, he made the welfare of the blind and prevention of avoidable blindness his mission in life. In 1971, Mr Pandya became the Chief Executive Secretary of ‘PBMA’.
He was instrumental in launching various projects – Kamla Amul Massand Technical Training Institute; Shirdi Sai Baba Home for Aged Blind Women; H.V. Desai Eye Hospital, Pune and Kantalaxmi Shah Eye Hospital at Nandurbar.
For his dedicated and committed exemplary social work for 46 years in rehabilitation and prevention of blindness, Mr. Pandya was honored by the Government of India, in 2012, with the fourth highest Indian civilian award of Padma Shri. The then President of India, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam presented the award to him.
Mr. Nanabhoy Mancherji Merchant, also visually impaired, who was designated as Finance and Development Secretary. He was responsible for raising resources for the Association, from a variety of fund-raising programmes carried out throughout the year. He expired in 1988.