OUR TEAM
SMT. VIJAYA KHARE
Trustee
Trustee
Smt. Vijaya Khare is a degree holder and a trained teacher and a neighbour of Smt. Athalye (founder of our organization). The frequent contacts with Shakutai made Smt. Khare totally inspired with a dream to work in the field of Mental Retardation. Inspired by Shakutai’s dedication, Smt. Khare started to work in this field with five special children from the vicinity where a small school was established in 1978, which was named Pragati Kendra. Smt. Vijaya Khare has been taking care of all the financial accounts of our organization since its inception by serving as a Treasurer for long years. Vijaya Tai is physically and emotionally attached to our organization as one of the Trustee now.
SMT. SAVITA GOKHALE
Trustee
Trustee
Smt. Savita Gokhale holds a Commerce degree. She helped blind college students by actually reading books and recording the books on audio cassettes, so that students can listen them anytime they want. She also arranged writers to write their answer papers in examination for almost 20 years.
Smt. Savita joined “Bharathiya Stree Shakti”, a voluntary women’s organisation, initially as a member and later on worked in the capacity of its treasurer for about 10 years. She joined Pragati Kendra in 1998 as a member then became a committee member. Worked as Treasurer from 2007 to 2019. And helped to improve financial status of Pragati Kendra to a great extent by bringing in major part of donations. Savita Tai became the Vice President in 2019 and now she is working as one of the Trustee by encouraging students.
SMT. SHUBHADA GODBOLE
Trustee & President
Trustee & President
Smt. Shubhada Godbole was inspired by her nephew who was mentally challenged and decided to get herself trained in this subject. After completing her Diploma in Mental Retardation, she joined Pragati Kendra in 1979. Smt. Shubhada was the first principal of Meera Vidyalaya. She later took on the responsibility of Secretary till 2000 and is currently working as one of the Trustees of Pragati Kendra organization.
Her expertise allowed her to contribute immensely towards the holistic development of these children and their parents by organizing various seminars all over city and country. With special efforts, she formed an Association of Principals working in Special Education Schools in Mumbai. She was also appointed as a committee member and treasurer of ‘Maharashtra Rajya Apang Shala Ani Karmashala Mukhyadhyapak Sanghatana’ and ‘Mumbai Jilha Apang Seva Manch’ for several years.
Having worked in this field for a long time, Smt. Shubhada published a book- ‘Matimand ani Mi Shubhada- Mi Yashada’ which documents her experiences and dedication in this field.
