Mrs. Nandini Santhanam

Founder And Chairperson,
The Lotus Foundation

I have been associated with the children with Autism for the last 20 years. I am the Founder Director of The Lotus Foundation, a day center for people with Autism. I wrote HEARTISM, the curriculum and way of life for people with autism and their families which is practiced at Lotus. I believe that the children with autism are her to lead humanity into co-creating The New Earth. I , through my silent work with the children have come to hold the space for the evolution that is in process. I believe that autism is highest form of individualisation and that is the doorway to finding coherence in community whose members are whole and complete in themselves. And so the process continues!

Dr. K. Shanthi

Managing Trustee,
The Lotus Foundation

Dr. Shanthi holds a Doctorate in Chemistry from IIT Madras and leads the R&D division at TNQ Tech. She is a strong advocate for using technology as an amplifier of human potential and has a deep passion for applying software to solve critical challenges in the scientific research community. At Samarpan, she oversees and guides the team, bringing her keen focus on the employability of neurodiverse adults—an initiative that will soon take shape. Creative and adaptable, Shanthi’s success lies in her ability to connect with people effortlessly, making her an invaluable part of Samarpan’s journey.

Mrs. S. Kalpana

Senior Educational Enabler,
Samarpan Learning Centre

Kalpana, our senior teacher, approaches every child with love, respect, and a belief in their potential. Her perspective is always tuned toward possibilities, seeing the extraordinary resilience in children that enriches the community. She creates a nurturing space where each child feels accepted, empowered, and supported. She believes that honoring a child’s strengths not only uplifts them but also helps create an inclusive environment where every child has equal access to opportunities and resources.

Mr. S. D. Manoj

Senior Educational Enabler,
Samarpan Learning Centre

Manoj, our senior teacher, brings patience, logical thinking, and a pragmatic approach to his work with children. His strength lies in finding creative and individualized ways to support each child’s growth. For him, the journey of working with young adults is deeply rewarding, filled with moments of triumph and learning. He envisions a future where every child thrives in an inclusive environment, feeling valued, supported, and empowered to develop essential life skills. With his guidance, learning becomes a journey of opportunity, growth, and fulfillment.

Mr. Jestin Prabhakaran

Sports Coach

Jestin is a dedicated and passionate sports coach with an impressive background in Kabaddi, having participated in nine state-level matches and one national-level championship. He has also served as the coach for the junior women's Kabaddi team three times. With years of experience training neurodiverse children, Jestin brings a unique blend of love and firmness, skillfully guiding them to push their boundaries. He has a keen ability to explore various techniques to help each child develop essential skills. At Samarpan, he trains children in fitness, sports—including cricket, badminton, football, and basketball—and athletics, ensuring they grow stronger, more confident, and engaged in physical activity.

Mr. C. Newton Naveen Paul

Traditonal-Drums Trainer (Thudumbattam)

Newton trains our children in folk art, mainly Thudumbattam, bringing his rich experience as a professional theatre and folk performing artist since 2004. With a keen eye for identifying and nurturing talent, he has worked with both neurotypical and neurodiverse children, helping them develop their artistic expression. He has performed in over 1,000 street theatre shows. Beyond his expertise, Newton is a compassionate teacher who blends skill, patience, and encouragement to inspire every child he trains.

Mrs. Jayashree

Operations Enabler,
Samarpan Learning Centre

Jayashree’s natural eye for detail and strong organizational skills ensure that the center operates smoothly, creating a nurturing environment where every child can thrive. As a mother of a neurodiverse girl, she closely relates to fellow parents and their needs, bringing empathy and understanding to her role. Jayashree’s dedication to the children and families at Samarpan makes her a vital part of the team.

Mr. Srikanth

Head Enabler,
Samarpan Learning Centre

I believe in creating a learning environment where every child feels seen, valued, and supported. In my role, I strive to connect with each child’s unique abilities and challenges, ensuring they have the tools and encouragement needed to grow. My journey with these incredible children has been one of mutual learning, where together we discover the limitless possibilities within.