In line with their vision, DEEP’s work encompasses education and training related initiatives to help the economically and socially disadvantaged. As a central coordinating agency DEEP Foundation has been able to leverage their network and relationships to synergize the efforts of other developmental agencies, citizens, bureaucracy and politicians in order to help the marginalized sections of our society.

Our efforts at DEEP have been humble, yet very meaningful. We believe that in today’s day when technology is to our advantage collectively we can achieve several lofty milestones in making a difference to those who are less fortunate. Our initiative doesn’t call for high level strategy, capital or resources. It’s a simple effort which can be multiplied manifold if the power of the collective is leveraged. DEEP welcomes anyone who shares the same spirit and passion for its goals. No member of DEEP Foundation receives financial gain of any kind but the true satisfaction of knowing that, at the very least, they are attempting to make a difference.

In the last three years some of the projects the team has implemented successfully include the following-

NEEV – DEEP Foundation’s education initiative for the underprivileged children, is not about conventional education. All the children attend conventional Government run schools. NEEV is like a second school where the children come in for 2 hours in the evening to learn life skills and get support on their functional literacy skills, while also having a lot of fun. DEEP aspires to make these two hours the ones that they look forward to the most, every single day.

The first class of NEEV was attended by 35 children of age groups ranging from 5 years to 15 years. The first ‘school’ is located in Vasant Kunj, New Delhi. Today, the group has grown to over 55 students annually. NEEV is now ready to take wing as and get duplicated at another location.

The focus at NEEV is to provide functional literacy skills and equip these children with the necessary life skills that would help and motivate them to build their self confidence and self esteem, develop good values and create a space for themselves in this fiercely competitive world. Young teens are sensitized on gender issues and the girls and the boys share mutual respect and camaraderie.

Henny Penny Libraries– Henny Penny Libraries is a modest effort to ensure that book reading is still kept alive among our children. We believe that a well read child always contributes effectively and positively towards nation building. DEEP Foundation aspires to make books accessible to children across India, especially those who are less fortunate.

Over the last 10 years, Team DEEP been instrumental in setting up 53 libraries by collaborating with our partner agencies/ NGOs with the help of several committed volunteers. On an ongoing basis they conduct story telling sessions and teacher training programs to strengthen a culture of book reading.

The biggest measurable reward has been in inculcating a reading habit and a love for books among the less privileged Primary School going children that encourages them to further their education, thereby lowering the dropout rates at the Secondary level.

A combined effort of mainstreamed children under project NEEV, who have an access to a Henny Penny Library has seen the children develop good personalities and get admission to Delhi University regular courses.

Mobile School empowering the Bakkarwal community in J&K – DEEP has also started a mobile school for the extremely marginalized Bakkerwal Community (nomadic shepherds) in Jammu & Kashmir. Support is rendered from time to time in the form of a portable classroom, books, stationery and other learning material, supporting the resource and recommending him for the Govt’s SSA programme.

Help is also extended by liaisioning with the Govt Departments and assisting the Community to have better access to health-care, veterinary care, electricity and water. Special counseling and ideas sharing sessions are held with the women of the community in an effort to empower them about opportunities, their rights and help them navigate society better.

After successfully helping one community in Block Kakalote of Rajouri District of J&K, DEEP is now poised to duplicate this model in another block, Draal.

DEEP Agroliance : Self reliance through Integrated Agricultural Development

1. Dairy Entrepreneurship Development Scheme – Our goal is to bring the beneficiaries, The Animal Husbandry Department and the Bankers on the same platform to facilitate Dairy Clusters in the District.

2. Integrated Development of Small Ruminants – DEEP Foundation is implementing the project in 2 key districts of Jammu & Kashmir State – Rajouri and Budgam. Working with NABARD and The Ministry of Agriculture(Dept. of Animal Husbandry, Government of India), in promoting sheep and goat rearing/breeding as a viable business opportunity amongst the weaker sections of society in Jammu & Kashmir. The project entails capacity building and training of farmers, forming Self Help Groups(Micro Financing) and act as guardians for the new rearers/growers. Through our efforts, the scheme is being extended to more than 120 beneficiaries,mostly consisting of Unemployed Youth and also women.

Abhay Sapru – President and Chairman

Abhay graduated from Delhi University in 1986 and subsequently joined the prestigious Indian Military Academy. Comissioned in 1989, he joined the elite Special Forces Unit and his first assignment was in Sri Lanka, where he was decorated with the Sena Medal for bravery.

He served in almost all the insurgency ridden nerve centres in the Sub-Continent  during his decade long stint with the Indian Army. He is a successful author of three books – A trilogy that is set in the backdrop of insurgency ridden Kashmir and Sri Lanka.

Abhay currently works in a prominent Multinational Bank, responsible for their Facilities and Infrastructure Management across India.

Sujata Suri – Secretary and COO

Sujata graduated in 1986 from St. Stephen’s College, Delhi University with a Post Graduate specialization in Computer Applications. After a 3 year stint in the IT industry developing applications software, she changed directions to specialize in Marketing and Communication.

Sujata has a vast experience in Event Management and has successfully conceptualized, managed and executed many events and promotions for key Corporates across India. Subsequently, she moved on to the real estate sector and was responsible for corporate marketing, brand building and profiling of the largest real estate developer in the country.

An avid trekker and a health freak, she ultimately followed her passion and is today an Internationally accredited Health Coach & Rehab Trainer, running a successful Fitness Consultancy venture.

Aparna Mathur – Treasurer and CFO

Aparna has over a decade long experience in Business Development and account management in the media, engineering, training and consultancy sectors. A graduate in psychology and a post graduate in marketing management, she brings with her diverse experience of having worked in large and small organizations such as the Times of India, Schindler, iDiscoveri and Mahindra Special Services Group.

Initiating sustainable positive change at an individual, organizational and societal plane is where she has now found her personal calling. Additionally she holds a diploma in Indian Art and Vedic Literature, dance therapy, ICF accredited course in Intensive Coach Training, Results Coaching, Australia.

Aparna has also served as a volunteer at Sanjivini, Society for Mental Health, Janaagraha Bangalore and some teaching assignments at a local school in Chattarpur, Delhi.

Abid Hussain – Founder Member

Abid is an educator and runs his a school for underprivileged children in the Handwara district of J&K State.

He is a passionate biker and trekker and has also been trading in Kashmiri handicrafts for over three decades.

Kapil Mathur – Founder Member

Kapil is an architect and has graduated from the School for Planning and Architecture, Delhi University. His innovative design ideas have been successfully implemented by various organizations and institutions both in India and abroad including the world famous illusionist, Franz Harary’s Shows.

Kapil is also a Visiting Professor at reputed institutions like the School for Planning and Architecture and NIFT.

Gaurav Bhatnagar – Member

Gaurav has over 15 years of professional experience in the manufacturing and service industry. He has a PG Degree in Computer Science, UG Degree in Business Administration and a Diploma in Electrical Engineering. He has worked with brands like Gillette, Honeywell & FIAMM in manufacturing vertical ans with Jones Lang LaSalle in Real Estate Management and consulting space. He is currently working with A Multinational Insurance Company in their Infrastructure section, managing their office setups across India. He has a strong experience in plant engineering, project management and in managing building/office spaces.

Along with managing his professional commitments, Gaurav has a strong instinct for teaching and counselling. He has been teaching at Delhi University as a Visiting Faculty since the past 8 years, lecturing the UG/PG students on Corporate Real Estate.

Col. Ramakrishnan CM – Member

Ramakrishnan CM served in the Indian Army and has dedicated his time to serving the less privileged post retirement from active service. He is a Trustee of Srijan Foundation that has been instrumental in helping underprivileged children with remedial classes. A strong background in Mathematics and Political Science along with his years of experience in the Armed forces naturally allows him to be a key mentor for our children and the volunteers. He has been associated with DEEP Foundation since the past 11 years.