DAHHAR is a registered NGO (under the West Bengal Societies Registration Act, 1961) dedicated to the holistic development of communities in the Dooars tea plantation region. Originally founded as Hamar Prayatn, an Adivasi youth collective, we evolved into DAHHAR to formalize and scale our mission. Our work focuses on the vital pillars of education, community development, and sustainable livelihoods. To date, we have successfully guided over 200 students into India’s premier universities. We remain steadfast in our commitment to expanding educational pathways and empowering the next generation of leaders.
TEAM DAHHAR
Priya Ekka
Priya Ekka serves as the Leeds Finance at DAHHAR. She brings with her a strong academic background and a commitment to sustainable development. She holds a Master’s degree in Ecology, Environment, and Sustainable Development from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Guwahati.
Priya has professional experience working with Seva Sadhan Organisation, where she contributed for one year, gaining valuable exposure to grassroots development work and community engagement
Runal Toppo
Runal Toppo is the Leeds Administrative of DAHHAR. He completed his Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering from Burdwan University. He pursued his Master’s degree in Development (MA in Development) from Azim Premji University, Bangalore. He began his career at Gram Vikas as a Young Management Trainee and later served as a Project Manager. He has experience in documentation and communication, program design and monitoring, and liaison work. At Gram Vikas, he also worked as a Thematic Coordinator in the Safe and Dignified Migration Program. He has been actively engaged in volunteer work in education, working with children and youth in the tea-plantation areas of North Bengal.
Sabit Oraon
Sabit Oraon serves as the Associate Administrative of DAHHAR and brings over a decade of experience in the social development sector. He holds a Master’s degree in Development Studies from Azim Premji University, Bengaluru. Sabit has been actively engaged in advancing community-led development initiatives, with a strong focus on rights-based approaches. He previously worked with Vasundhara in Odisha, where he contributed to efforts supporting forest rights and strengthening the livelihoods of forest-dependent communities.
Bishal Karhar Operational Leeds
Bishal Karhar serves as the Operational Lead of the organisation, bringing a strong academic foundation and extensive field experience in the development sector. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Mangalore University and a Master’s degree in Development Studies from IIT Guwahati. Currently, Bishal works as a Block Lead with The/Nudge Institute, collaborating with the Government of Jharkhand under the State Rural Livelihoods Mission (SRLM). In this role, he contributes to the Economic Inclusion Program, focusing on strengthening livelihoods and enhancing socio-economic opportunities for Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) and ultra-poor communities.
Roshni Ekka, Executive Board Members
Roshni has a basic understanding of early childhood education and community-based learning. She holds a Master’s degree in Education (Early Childhood Education) from Azim Premji University, Bangalore Campus. She is currently working as a Resource Person with the Azim Premji Foundation. She has hands-on experience in rural Anganwadi Centres and crèche settings, where she works closely with young children, Anganwadi Sevikas, caregivers, and families. Her work reflects a deep commitment to improving early learning environments, strengthening the practices of Sevikas and caregivers, and supporting the holistic development of children. In addition, she is working to inculcate constitutional values among the youth.
Kabita Munda, Executive Board Members
Kabita Munda is an education professional with a strong commitment to inclusive and child-centred learning. She holds a Master’s degree in Education with a specialisation in Early Childhood Education from Azim Premji University. She firmly believes that education has the power to transform individuals, and that such individual transformation can lead to meaningful change within communities.
Currently serving as a Program Lead at Involve Learning Solutions Foundation, she plays a key role in improving learning outcomes, strengthening school systems, and advancing quality education initiatives at the grassroots level. Her work reflects a deep dedication to equity in education and the holistic development of young learners.
Suraj Oraon, Executive Board Members
Mr. Suraj Oraon is a committed community development professional with over a decade of experience in empowering and uplifting communities. He holds a Master’s degree in Education from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai.
Throughout his career, he has been actively involved in grassroots initiatives focused on strengthening education and advancing community development. He also spent four years with Eklavya Foundation, where he gained valuable experience in educational practices and community-based interventions.
Neha Kujur, Executive Board Members
Neha Kujur is an education practitioner with a keen interest in language development, early childhood education, and children’s literature. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work and a Master’s degree in Education (MA in Education) from Azim Premji University.
She is currently associated with Eklavya Foundation, where she works in the areas of foundational literacy and numeracy, technology-enabled education, and school library development. Her work reflects a strong commitment to improving learning experiences for children.
Raj Oraon, Executive Board Members
Mr. Raj Oraon has a strong background in peacebuilding and child protection. He holds a Master’s degree in Peace and Conflict Studies from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Guwahati.
He is currently associated with SOS Children’s Villages, Khajurikalan, where he continues his work in child care and protection. His commitment to safeguarding vulnerable children and promoting social justice adds significant value to the organisation.