Management of Operation Shanti in the U.S. and in India come from diverse backgrounds. We share a common desire to contribute our resources, knowledge, and experience to help the poorest and neediest through our work.
Operation Shanti directors contribute their time voluntarily and do not receive or expect to receive any form of compensation for our efforts.
Charitable work in a foreign country presents numerous challenges. Success requires patience and perseverance and, most importantly, assistance and guidance from knowledgeable and well-respected members of the local community. Our people in India are such individuals. They generously give their time and energy to our efforts, and are integral to the success of our work in India.
U.S. Officers and Directors
+ James Edison
+ Tracy Kunichika
+ Matt Lord
+ David Nienhuis
+ Jack Raines
India Officers and Directors
+ Anuradha Ganesh, Director and Chief Executive Officer
Anuradha Ganesh, Director and Chief Executive Officer of Operation Shanti in India (Akhanda Seva for International Shanti), has been an active and dedicated volunteer in our programs almost since our inception in 2005.
Anuradha is an advocate for the poor in India and has great compassion for and sensitivity to their needs and the issues they face in society. She has been active with destitute children in and around Mysore and gives selflessly of herself to help improve their lives. She believes that the suffering can be alleviated if each person contribute in some way, even if in just a small way, to helping someone worse off than themselves. Anuradha ("Anu Aunty", as the children fondly call her) holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, Botany, and Zoology, and has called Mysore her home since 1998. Previously, she worked abroad in Muscat in Oman for several years before returning to Mysore, where she also operates a very popular cafe.
+ Mr. Narendra Deo Tiwari, Director
Mr. Narendra Deo Tiwari, Indian Forestry Service, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, manages Jungle Lodges & Resorts Ltd., the premier government-owned ecotourism organization. Mr. Tiwari has held various positions in the Karnataka Forest Department.
His main areas of interest are rural development, environmental management, forestry, and eco development. He was closely associated with the Western Ghats Forestry Development Project assisted by the Overseas Development Agency in the UK and developed the Joint Forest Planning and Management modules for the management of forests. Mr. Tiwari takes the lead in the upliftment of the poor and needy.
Mr. Tiwari holds two master degrees, one in Physics from Banaras Hindu University and the second in Economics from the University of Wales in the UK.
+ Priya Shashidharan, Director
Ms. Priya Shashidharan has been with Operation Shanti as a teacher since 2008. She is a dedicated and experienced professional with more than 30 years of expertise in social work. Priya is particularly focused on:
- Counselling and motivation
- Personality development
- Self-employment and empowerment
Priya is very passionate about nurturing the growth of children, adolescents, and women and supports them during their transformational and overall development.
Priya has been associated with numerous NGOs and charitable organisations that reach out to deprived and marginalized sections of society.
Priya holds a post-graduate degree in Commerce. She currently works at a one of the top colleges in Mysore as a member of their faculty.