Families that have children with neurodevelopmental disabilities are often confronted with the question: ‘What after us?’. In recognition of the real time anxieties arising in thousands of homes across the country, India Autism Center was founded in 2019 as a Section 8 Company with operations in Kolkata. As a non-profit organisation, the aim is to work towards the empowerment of individuals with neurodevelopmental disabilities like Autism Spectrum Disorder.
India Autism Center is currently being designed to be a larger-than-life solution to ensure a paradigm shift in the way with neurodiverse people are looked at and cared for. Consequently, a culture will set in where autism awareness is built in a wider spectrum of society, and individuals can confidently live up to their fullest potential.
This will help derive data and insights from lived examples that will immensely help in building a global knowledge base for best practices in Autism and other related conditions.
Our Vision is to create a world class ecosystem that provides holistic care, and enables the neurodiverse community to be self-reliant.
India Autism Center aims to be a leading global player in disability support services in the following ways:
India Autism Center is a culmination of a dream that has been long in the making. The founder and Managing Trustee of India Autism Center, Mr. Suresh Somani, is a parent to a person with a neuro-developmental disability. The many challenges that both he and his wife faced while bringing up their son solidified their resolve to do better by children like theirs. In 2008, Mrs. Namita Somani, wife of Mr. Suresh Somani founded the Amrit Somani Memorial Center. ASMC, as we call it, has been providing dedicated, one is to one, intervention to individuals with Autism and other neurodevelopmental conditions for over 15 years and has touched the lives of over 100 individuals. But the pressing needs of the community far outweighed what ASMC could alone address. The most pressing of all the needs was the need for an answer to the question, ‘What after us?’ India Autism Center owes its genesis to this very question and has grown into an answer that addresses it and much more. It aspires to create an entire eco system where care will be readily available and accessible.
Managing Trustee and Member of Board of Governors
An investment business co-owner, Suresh Somani founded the India Autism Center inspired by his son and his needs. A business leader who promotes value-centric practices he believes that wealth must be used for greater good. This philanthropic pursuit is among others efforts he has undertaken; and is closest to his heart.
Chairman & Managing Director
Infinity Group
Armed with invaluable life experiences, a passion for enterprise and a panache for crafting winning collaborations, Ravindra Chamaria is more than a de rigueur businessman. As a serial entrepreneur, he has scripted several highly successful businesses, with the Infinity Group being his banner for sustainable and green real estate. Under his captaincy, Infinity has come to be known as a credible real estate firm that has delivered several pioneering projects such as Infinity Think Tank, Infinity Benchmark, Godrej Waterside, Infinity Heights, Infinity IT Lagoon & AdventzInfinity@5. Krishna Bhumi in Vrindavan is an upcoming, iconic residential project being developed by the group.
Ravindra Chamaria also dons the hat of Vice Chairman on the advisory board of Akshaya Patra and serves as Chairman of the Board of Trustees in Akshaya Patra UK, the world’s largest NGO-run school meal program which is now feeding approximately 1.8 million children studying in 19,000+ schools. His efforts in setting up Anant Education Initiative, a scholarship program, successfully extended merit scholarships to students who aspired for higher education despite financial constraints.
Ravindra Chamaria is also deeply associated with Vidya Bharati, an NGO that is engaged and committed to the cause of making education available to the last girl or boy standing and reaching out to the poorest of the poor across the length and breadth of our nation. Vidya Bharati currently has a network of about 15,000 schools with more than 1.5 lakh teachers, reaching out to nearly 35 lakh students.
He is also attached to several other social and philanthropic organizations and initiatives such as Institute of Neurosciences – Kolkata, The Jaipur Foot, Udayan Care and India Autism Center amongst others and continuously strives to give back to society in meaningful ways.
Member of Board of Governors
Meet Ujjal Sinha, an advisor at India Autism Center with experience spanning several decades in copywriting, advertising, and communications. As the visionary behind Genesis, the leading advertising agency in East India, he passionately advocates for social impact, focusing on autism awareness and other pressing issues. Through the art of storytelling, Ujjal breaks barriers and drives positive change, empowering lives and fostering acceptance in the autism community and beyond.
CEO, Member of Board of Governors
With expertise ranging from Corporate Finance to Vedic Philosophy, Jaishankar, a qualified Chartered Accountant and Lecturer (by choice) has spent more than three decades in general management and corporate finance. He has served in such weighty sectors like manufacturing, education, contracting and property development.
Across the past twenty years, Jaishankar has been a volunteer at two eminent not-for-profit organisations. He loves his tea, and enjoys reading on philosophy.
Clinical Services
With eleven years of working as a Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Specialist in the UK, Dr. Ram returned to Kolkata to serve as the Senior Consultant Psychiatrist at Apollo Gleneagles Hospital in Kolkata. As the current co-founder of Mental Health Foundation, Dr. Ram continues to devote his life towards enabling and liberating troubled minds.
Educational Services
A writer and a peace movement organiser, Jo Chopra McGowan is an American but has been living in India since 1981. Parent to three, of whom one has special needs, Jo is personally invested in supporting mental health upliftment in children. In addition to being a columnist for digital newsmagazine The Wire and the Commonweal Magazine, Jo has authored five books and hundreds of articles for Indian and international newspapers and journals. She is also a co-founder of the Latika Roy Foundation – a voluntary organization for children with special needs in India.
Educational Services
Merry Barua began her journey championing Autism rights, and her activism has fittingly enough led her to reforming national policy. In addition to raising awareness and successfully convincing the Indian government to include Autism in the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, her organization ‘Action for Autism’ builds systemic support and understanding for the children affected, their parents and educators.
Educational Services
Aparna Das is the founder of Project Arunima, one of the best known residential care facilities in India. Having completed her undergraduate studies in Psychology at the prestigious Lady Sriram College for women, Aparna went on to pursue a degree in Specialist Education from AADI Delhi, and then joined the organization as a staff member. Aparna has received the Winterline Award for Excellence in Education and has also helped set up Woodstock’s Learning Disabilities Program.
Clinical Services
Dr. Roshandeep Bagga is an expert in pediatric occupational therapy with over fifteen years of experience. He is a graduate of the Santosh Medical College and has also pursued a Masters in Occupational therapy. He has lectured both nationally and internationally and has also spearheaded government projects. His approachable personality and sunny disposition make him an ideal fit for his work.
IAC – Open Space Development
The open space development of the campus is rooted in the regional ecology. This is reflected in the passive water management network developed to structure the built and unbuilt spaces of the campus, reduces flooding risks and enabling a safe and resilient campus for the residents. To strengthen the regional characteristics, the campus is designed as a biodiversity-rich space with extensive and exclusive use of native and indigenous species. All planting specimen – ground covers, shrubs, climbers, and trees – are indigenous without any exotic or invasive specimens. This is specifically designed to ensure non-deployment of industrial fertilizers and to achieve a chemical-free campus. This strategy allows the residents to engage with the land and vegetation freely and actively, with no fear of chemical contamination. Most importantly, the external space takes into cognizance the needs and safety of people under the spectrum. This is done by a careful segregation of vehicular and pedestrian traffic, designed to ensure easy and conflict-free access for pedestrians and people with limited mobility. Given the critical need for development of physical and cognitive skills of users under the spectrum, low level planting with varied colours, textures and fragrances are planned across the campus. These indigenous plants will allow users to touch, feel and experience the varied qualities of foliage, berries and fruits to reinforce sensory skills development. All open spaces are mindfully designed to ensure easy integration with indoor spaces. This includes addressing thermal shock and mitigating urban heat island effect, thereby encouraging use of outdoor spaces most months in the year.
Research
A Neuro Psychiatry Consultant from West Bengal, Ranjan is also a designated Assistant Professor for the Government of West Bengal. He has a decade worth of experience in this field, and continues to consult those who stop by at his clinics in Remedy Polyclinic (Kolkata), Ranibagan Medical Center (Berhampore), Sonoscan Clinic (Malda), Chikitsa Clinic (Baruipur), and Doctor’s Clinic (Bagbazar, Hooghly).
Architecture
The overall project is envisioned as an ecologically balanced integrated village community spread across three zones – controlled zone, residential zone and the public edge. While the controlled zone houses the school, its allied intervention centers and creates a village with market-place for the residents with ASD, the residential zone earmarks clusters of village for the parents of residents or visiting students; the public edge, a nodal district in itself, evolves with a central dining, a neuro-typical school, culture-and-craft block, auditorium and a neuro-development center. Other than a strip of Phase II high-rise development at a corner, low-density and low-to-mid-rise structures in clusters (mostly in repeat module nature) – as a derivative of the settlement patterns of rural Bengal, bind all these zones within a generous expanse of landscape. In-order-to complement the program, the proposed masterplan mirrors a rhythm between building architecture and landscape with an interplay of foreground – background and vice-versa. The pre-defined language of architecture is towards minimalism and functional.
Research
Dr. Chattarji is a Professor at the National Center for Biological Studies, Bangalore, India. His expertise lies in the research areas of neural mechanisms of stress, neurodegenerative and autism spectrum disorders; synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus and amygdala. He is having a large number of publications in various international journals and awards to his credit.
Clinical Services
Sue has a background in psychology, mainstream and special needs teaching and residential care experience with 25 years spent in the field of autism.
Since she joined Prior’s Court nearly 20 years ago, she has worked as a class teacher and training consultant, before becoming a member of the senior management team.
Sue completed her headship in 2011 and as the Director of Learning she oversees the learning for all young people across the provision.
Sue continues to train others in her capacity as an Advanced Consultant TEACCH Trainer and has spoken at international conferences in the USA and China.
Clinical Services
For the past eleven years Mike has specialised in the Education sector managing large, complex organisations which include education, care and special needs. He was Managing Director of Cambian Education which has seven residential special schools for children with autism. During his time with Cambian he increased the capacity of their schools with two new facilities and three campus extensions.
He was also Managing Director of Acorn Care Schools and Care Division where he introduced a new quality assurance and improvement system, increased Ofsted ratings from one to five outstanding schools and opened an award winning new school and two new children’s homes. He has also worked as a consultant on projects which include special needs services in the Middle East.
Mike was awarded an OBE in the 2022 New Year’s Honours List in recognition of his services to children and young people with autism.
Advisory Expert, Training Academy
Dr. (Prof.) Mallika Banerjee Emeritus Professor of Sarojini Naidu College for Women Dean, Department of Psychology, Techno India University, WB Ex. HOD, Department of Psychology, University of Calcutta
Founder and Director of WeCAN. Psy.D BCBA
Dr. Gita Srikanth is a veteran in the field of disability care and support. She is the founder and chairperson of WeCAN Resource Center for Autism in Chennai and the co-founder of Pro-ACT, India’s first acceptance and therapy clinic run by behaviour analysts. She has a Doctorate in Psychology and is a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst. Incidentally, she did not begin her career in this field and was formerly a Chartered Accountant. Dr. Srikanth has also co-authored a book titled “A world of Difference: The ultimate autism handbook for mindful parenting”. She has also been the co-host of the Autism Everyday Podcast. The most wonderful thing about Dr. Srikanth, her countless qualifications and accolades aside, is her warm, infectious energy and gentle sense of humour. In her free time, she lays down the path that most of us walk on.
CFO
Rakesh Pandya is the CFO of India Autism Center. He has nearly thirty years of experience in Accounting ,Budgeting, Finance, Forex management, MIS, Audit, Law, Merger and Banking. His juniors look up to him for his affability and sincerity. He loves sports and sweets.
Head of Projects
Nishant Shah’s dynamic experience ranges from Manufacturing, Insurance, Financial services, Technology Implementation to Project Finance. His palpable passion, commitment, and boundless ambition make his management of India Autism Center, a success. A proponent of cutting-edge technologies, he never flounders to ensure sustainable progress in every aspect of the project. He has a special place amongst his colleagues for his managerial excellence and contagious energy. When not at work, you will find him playing badminton – a hobby turned passion!
Head of Research
Professor of Neuroscience and Mental Health, and Research Director of the Center for Autism at the School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences, University of Reading – are only a few accolades that precede Professor Chakrabarti’s name. As an honorary Senior Researcher at the University of Cambridge where he conducted his doctoral and postdoctoral research, Dr. Bhismadev will be spearheading the research conducted at IAC.
Head of Architecture
Prithwis Kumar Banerjee is a passionate architect investing his time and energy in making complex plans into simple architectures, combining ideas from different disciplines. With 3 decades of experience in this field, he has spearheaded many private and government projects in & and outside Kolkata including Forum Courtyard Mall, Lake Mall, Technopolis, to name a few. His passion for social causes and autism has tied him with IAC. His sunny disposition and vibrant energy coupled with strong work ethic brings out the best from his team members too.
General Manager Accounts
In addition to being a Chartered Accountant, Raunak Agarwal also holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Law and a diploma in Information Systems Audit. He has over a decade of experience in Accounts, Finance, Taxation, Mergers & Acquisitions, Auditing, Company Law, and Banking. He enjoys traveling and engaging in community service activities.
Project Coordinator
Sincere, friendly, curious and ambitious, Sakhi is the driving force behind every complete picture, segment and masterpiece at the IAC. An outshining and resourceful coordinator, she enjoys meaningful conversations and purposeful work, as little as she enjoys giving pointers for her third party bio.
Assistant Project Coordinator
Curator and Manager at IAC, Sreerupa is a Sociology post-graduate from Jadavpur University. From writing research and policies to capacity building and architecture planning, she lets her inner Monica unveil at work. Her meticulous organization skills and attention to detail have led her to wear multiple hats. When she isn’t at her desk you will find her travelling to the mountains or devouring cuisines from around the world.
Research Coordinator
Ipsita is a post-graduate in Psychology from the Banaras Hindu University. Immensely passionate about Research, Ipsita brings her wisdom quietude to configuring the future of research at IAC. When not at work, she can be found reading Freud, James, and all the stalwarts from psychology and philosophy. She is always open to intriguing discussions ranging from literature to sports.
Senior Engineer, Projects
Barnali Sardar is a civil engineer with over 16 years of experience in the field of construction. She is responsible for ensuring that our architectural designs transition from paper to the ground smoothly. She has, in the past, worked with renowned names such as Mani Group, Forum Group, and Space Group. She specializes in construction engineering and techno-commercials. In her free time, you can find her trying her hand at a new recipe or finding an excuse to throw on a bright, colourful saree.
Manager, Projects
Mukut Mukherjee is a manager in the projects team. To put it simply, he does anything and everything that is needed to get the wheels of speedy execution turning. Some roles that fall under this purview include coordinating between the architecture and construction team, procuring construction materials, managing the team at the construction site, and handling the legal formalities for construction. Mukut ensures that he puts in 367 days of work and has no free time. But on the few, rare occasions that it crops up, he can be found watching anime, reading about mythology, or cooking.
Assistant Project Coordinator
Shamim Akhtar is an IT professional with nearly a decade of experience. He has a Masters in Computer Applications and is responsible for managing data, maintaining the website, maintaining all in house software, and implementing tech-based solutions to all problems. In the past, Shamim has worked for Ideal Insurance and CRY. When he isn’t solving our tech problems, he can be found solving our life problems, usually through food. He’s a whizz at both.
Outreach Coordinator
Divya Somani handles Outreach for India Autism Center. She is primarily responsible for communications with parents and fellow organisations working in the field of disability and mental health. She has a Bachelor’s in English Literature from Ashoka University. On most mornings, she can be found sipping on a cup of roadside tea served in the way characteristic of Kolkata_ in a bhar and over adda.
Sr Project Manager
Animesh Chakraborty is a Licenceate Civil Engineer with over 39 years of experience and the Site Head and In charge at India Autism Center. He has, in the past, worked with L & T (ECC) Group, Globecin Weble Limited, and Toshiba. He has occupied senior positions in projects that culminated into some of the most well-known buildings in the city- Urbana, South City Residential, South City International. Aside from his skillful leadership and knowledge, he has other talents. He is a trained theatre practitioner and dancer.
Senior Executive Account
Project Manager
Shuvodeep Dey is a Manager in the Projects Team. He is a master at speedily executing pretty much any task that is handed over to him. He handles procurement of materials, legal formalities with regard to land acquisition and construction, and management of the on-ground team at the site. He is known amongst the team for his unquestionable reliability, dry sense of humour, and ability to function seamlessly without food or sleep.
Sarmishtha Bhattacharya is a certified Rehabilitation Psychologist with over 20 years of experience in the field of mental health and disability support. She has worked in the capacity of a senior psychologist and special educator at Riddhi Society for Remedial and Integrated Education. She has also worked on several research projects conducted by the Department of Psychology in the University of Calcutta. In her free time she can be found, reading, listening to music, and spending quality time with her daughter.
Senior Manager Account
Govind Joshi is a Senior Accounts Manager at India Autism Center with over ten years of work experience. He is responsible for accounts management, MIS Reports, and compliances. In his free time, he enjoys travelling, listening to music, and playing sports.
Executive Project
Lead HR
Bhumika Bhagwanani is an experienced HR Professional with nearly a decade of experience in HR Business Partnering, HR Policies & Procedures, Talent Assessment & Acquisition, Employee Engagement, Grievance Management, Manpower Planning, Career & Succession Planning, Organization Development & Culture besides others. Having obtained an MBA from IBS Ahmedabad and an Executive Post Graduation in HRM from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, she has worked with leading organisations like eBay, Airtel, ExxonMobil, and Metropolis Healthcare. She is a staunch believer in the power of hard work and agility and always strives to consciously drive interventions that help organisations cultivate a culture of change, inclusion, and continuous learning. She wished to pursue a classical dance form in the near future.
Education Director
Professor Ujjwal Anu Choudhury has held and continues to hold several prestigious posts in Academia. He is the Senior Academic Consultant at India Autism Center, the Executive Director of International Online University, Dubai, Strategic Advisor and Professor at Daffodil International University, Dhaka, and the Vice President of the Global Media Education Council. He was till 2021, the Pro Vice Chancellor of Adamas University and has earlier been the Dean of Symbiosis and Amity Universities as well as Pearl Academy and Whistling Woods International. He enjoys travel and in his free time, can be found setting up institutions of higher education in far flung parts of the country and the world whilst vacationing simultaneously.
We believe that the devil lies in details. To this end we have drafted comprehensive policies for every aspect of our services. All our policies are publicly available for those who are interested in knowing about our decision-making ethos and our governance.
Chief Executive
Puja believes that children are the very foundation of every nation’s growth and development aspirations. It was this belief that fuelled her passion for children’s rights and inspired her to become a full fledged part of the social sector in 1994. A post-graduate in Human Resources from XISS Ranchi, Puja has worked with Citicorp in her previous avatar and joined IAC to set up the HR function. She went on to become the Chief Executive in 2010 and, over the past 25 years, has helped build a solid organizational framework for IAC which reflects the values of justice and equity for all children. Awarded the Olga Alexeeva Memorial Prize in 2018 for social innovation, she currently also serves on the board for VANI (Voluntary Action Network India) in an endeavor to strengthen public mobilization for social causes.
