Upadhyaya Foundation, based in Mumbai, was established in 2022. It is a family philanthropy committed to catalyzing lasting change for the most underserved towards a brighter and more equitable future.
Ajay Upadhyaya boasts over three decades of corporate and entrepreneurial experience, including ownership of an enterprise dedicated to international marketing of the Indian market. He is also a seasoned private equity investor in India. His strategic acumen, honed through years of experience, positions him as a thought leader in his field. In 2022, along with his wife Brinda Upadhyaya, Ajay’s philanthropic passion led to the establishment of the Upadhyaya Foundation. A BITS Pilani graduate with a master’s degree in finance from the Bajaj Institute of Management, Ajay enjoys unwinding with golf and table tennis outside his professional endeavors.
Brinda Upadhyaya is a retired Senior Lecturer of History at Raheja College, Mumbai. Her academic journey is complemented by freelance journalism and decades-long dedication to running Asha for Animal, an NGO committed to animal welfare. Alongside her husband Ajay Upadhyaya, she established the Upadhyaya Foundation in 2022, to continue and advance her philanthropic endeavors. Brinda’s unwavering commitment to service extends to tending to stray animals, aiding individuals with disabilities, and mentoring underprivileged students. Classical music serves as both solace and inspiration, infusing her philanthropic endeavors with harmony and purpose.
Siddharth’s journey seamlessly intertwines corporate and social sector experiences. He started his journey at Stryker, a Fortune 500 medical device company, where he was instrumental in launching the orthopedic implant segment in India. Simultaneously, his volunteer work with Make A Difference (MAD) exposed him to the adversities faced by underprivileged children, leading him to transition into the social sector. Joining MAD as Director of Operations, he oversaw operations spanning 16 states towards impacting the lives of 3500 children. He also worked with Dasra, a leading strategic philanthropy organization as part of the Adolescents Collaborative Team. He has co-founded Evolverance, a social impact consultancy, where he offers pro-bono consulting to grassroots NGOs.
He holds a degree in Life Sciences from Delhi University and MBA from Coventry University, England. At Upadhyaya Foundation, he spearheads the overarching vision, strategic partnerships, building systems and long-term strategy. If you love music, sports, food, traveling, or non-fiction books, Siddharth is someone you’ll connect with right away.
Anushka Tandon is a dynamic professional with a robust background in public policy, community service, and research, holding a Master’s in Public Policy from St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai, and completing her undergraduate studies in Economics at Wilson College, Mumbai. She’s been actively involved in volunteer work, including with CRY India and as Public Relations Director at her college Rotaract Club, spearheading various community service projects. Anushka’s internships at Project Baala and Dasra have honed her skills in research, partnership building, and advocacy. Currently at the Upadhyaya Foundation, she leads advocacy initiatives, oversees documentation processes, and manages operations. Beyond work, Anushka enjoys Bharatnatyam dancing, reading, exploring cuisines, and traveling. She’s also a passionate Harry Potter fan and enjoys watching Netflix murder mystery docuseries, praying for Ferrari’s wins, or engaging in fitness activities like running or swimming.
Hailing from Kolkata, Mithu draws inspiration from her roots for her interdisciplinary art journey spanning over two decades. With postgraduate diplomas from Mumbai University and Film Appreciation study at FTII Pune, she enriches her understanding of Indian aesthetics, comparative mythology and visual storytelling. Mithu’s contributions extend to editing and research for “Akbar Padamsee: Work in Language” and collaborations with Beacon TV on documentary projects. At Upadhyaya Foundation, she spearheads arts and culture initiatives, bridging sectoral gaps and promoting contemporary art. Outside work, Mithu finds solace and inspiration in reading and traveling, broadening her perspectives.
Prajakta, with over two decades in the visual art realm, brings extensive experience and expertise to her practice, showcasing her creations both nationally and internationally. Beyond her dedicated studio pursuits, she contributes to art education, nurturing creative minds and engaging in research-based projects. At Upadhyaya Foundation, she integrates art education into existing NGO programs and shapes in-house projects promoting contemporary art preservation and promotion. Being an alumnus of JJ School of Art, her commitment to art’s transformative potential is evident in her community-driven projects and research-oriented endeavors.
