About PBMA
Transforming darkness into light since 1952.
The Poona Blind Men’s Association (PBMA) started in October, 1952 by Late Mr. Tukaram Sahadeo Bamankar (visually impaired), and a small group of visually impaired people.
The office consisted of a small room, where welfare activities for the visually impaired were carried out on a small scale. The organization was registered under The Bombay Public Trust Act, 1950 and The Societies Registration Act, 1860.
Late Mr. N. M. Merchant joined the organization and helped in the employment of visually impaired people in industries and also assisted in self-employment opportunities. Late Mr. Niranjan Pandya, joined the organization in the year 1966, as Hon. Secretary. He spearheaded a number of projects of The Poona Blind Men’s Association, to be one of the best charitable organizations in India as well as internationally.
Board of Trustees
Meet the dedicated leaders guiding our mission to provide quality eye care and rehabilitation services.
Mr. Nitin Desai
Chairman
Mr. Nitin Desai is a civil and environmental engineer with a master's degree from the University of Michigan, USA. He is the Chairman and Managing Director of Desai Brothers Limited, Pune, a leading corporate in the diversified business of bidis and food products, finance and investments, hospitality and renewable energy.
Key Achievements
- Certificate of Excellence - India's Best Employer, Sensitive to the Cause of Social Security (2003)
- Adarsh Vayapari - Uttam Puraskar by Poona Merchants Chambers (2004)
- Honored by former President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam for eye care role
Dr. Rajesh Shah
President
Dr. Rajesh Shah is a prominent leader and philanthropist who has dedicated his life to serving various social causes and promoting fair business practices. He is the President of the Poona Blind Men's Association and a Trustee of several hospitals and foundations.
Key Achievements
- Managing Trustee of Poona Gujarathi Bandhu Samaj
- Vice-President of JITO-Pune
- Senior Vice-President of FAM (Federation of 750+ trade associations)
Mr. Sudhir Sable
Vice President
Sudhir S. Sable is a vice president and an expert in community eye health and public health. He is a commerce graduate and Director of Sable Waghire And Co Private Limited, a company registered with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA).
Key Achievements
- Trustee and Vice President of The Poona Blind Men's Association
- Trustee and Chairman of Ayodhya Charitable Trust
- Trustee and Chairman of Sable Waghire Trust
Mr. Manish Jain
Vice President
Mr. Manish Jain is a business leader and social innovator with a vision for creating positive impact. He holds a Bachelor of Science from Nowrosjee Wadia College and a Master in Business Administration from the University of Southern Mississippi, USA.
Key Achievements
- Managing Director of Kumar Properties Pvt Ltd
- Vice President of CREDAI, Pune and H. V. Desai Eye Hospital
- Founder Chairman of Lakshya Institute (NGO for sports development)
Mr. Rahul Rathi
Secretary
Mr. Rahul Rathi is the founder and leader of Purnartha Investment Advisers, a company that helps investors achieve long-term wealth creation. He has a master's degree from Carnegie Mellon University and a bachelor's degree from the University of Pune.
Key Achievements
- +15 years experience with global financial institutions in New York, London and Asia
- Board member of Onward Technologies Limited and Plastiblends India Limited
- Partner of Beharay Rathi Group of companies
Mr. Mayur Vora
Treasurer
Mr. Mayur Jaykumar Vora is a successful entrepreneur and social activist with a passion for rural education and youth development. He is the Director of Mapro Foods Pvt. Ltd., a family-owned business that produces high-quality fruit products in Mahabaleshwar region of Maharashtra.
Key Achievements
- Trustee of V.M. Kapol Boarding School
- Former President of Rotary Club of Panchgani
- Supports various charitable trusts and causes
Mr. Chandrakishor Vora
Trustee
Mr. Chandrakishor Vora co-founded PBMA's H.V. Desai Eye Hospital in 2000, along with Mr. N. P. Pandya, to offer quality and affordable eye care services to the needy. He is a pharmacist and entrepreneur who founded Mapro Foods Pvt. Ltd.
Key Achievements
- Co-founder of PBMA's H.V. Desai Eye Hospital (2000)
- Founder of Mapro Foods Pvt. Ltd (leading fruit products manufacturer)
- Dedicated social worker and Trustee of The Poona Blind Men's Association
Mr. Dhanraj Patil
Trustee
Mr. Dhanraj Patil is a trustee and a braille instructor who works for the welfare of the visually impaired. He is associated with The Poona Blind Men's Association and PBMA's H.V. Desai Eye Hospital.
Key Achievements
- Braille instructor for the visually impaired
- Taught braille to inmates of Yerewada Jail
- Helped write 'Dnyaneshwari' in braille