SAMA Foundation is a community-based non-profit committed to empowering marginalized groups, including persons with disabilities, slum dwellers, and migrant laborers. Dedicated to eliminating discrimination and exclusion, SAMA promotes inclusion through education, empowerment, accessibility, and advocacy, ensuring equal opportunities and dignity for all.
SAMA Foundation was founded on December 28, 2005, by Paul Ramanathan and a group of committed young individuals with disabilities. Inspired by his work at EveryChild-UK, Paul recognized the urgent need to support suppressed communities, especially persons with disabilities, urban poor, and slum dwellers. With limited access to education and employment, many faced societal stigma and dependency. SAMA Foundation was established to break these barriers through education, livelihood programs, and inclusive development, fostering dignity and opportunity for all.
Visionary & Guiding Force
G. Sriramappa, a visionary in the development sector, has worked with esteemed organizations like Oxfam, EveryChild, VSO, and ActionAid International. Currently the Country Director at United Purpose, Bangladesh, he played a key role in founding SAMA Foundation during his tenure at EveryChild. Under his guidance, SAMA has thrived, inspiring community-based organizations like READ in Sathyamangalam. His lifelong commitment to positive change continues to inspire many to take action in their communities. Leaders like Sriramappa Gonchikara remind us of the power of dedication in transforming lives and creating lasting impact.
Mr. Paul Ramanathan, while working at EveryChild-UK, played a key role in expanding its focus to children with disabilities through the Inclusive Development Approach. With support from EveryChild-UK, he, along with young people with disabilities, founded Sama Foundation on 28th December 2005. He also revived Karnataka Rajya Angavikalara Okkuta to advocate for disability rights. Leading SAMA as Executive Director for 18 years, his efforts have empowered countless marginalized children.
“It’s not the person who is handicapped, it’s their environment that is handicapped.”
Mr. Paul Ramanathan
Our Teams
Mr. G Ramanathan
Managing Trustee
Mrs. Dhakshayini
Member Trustee
Mr. Jacob Swaminathan
Member Trustee
Miss Sampritha
Member Trustee
Mr. Anand
Member Trustee
Mr. G Ramanathan
Executive Director
Mrs. Tanuja M.D.
Finance, HR & Admin Manager
Miss Prathibha P
Communication, CSR Partnership & Volunteer Manager
Mrs. Elizabeth
Public Relations & Outreach Lead
Project Staff
Staff Wellness
At Sama Foundation, we believe that our team is our greatest asset. Working in the social sector comes with its own set of challenges, and we strive to ensure that our employees feel valued, supported, and empowered in their roles.
SAMA Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to stopping discrimination in the name of disability and fostering inclusion through education, empowerment, accessibility, and advocacy, ensuring equal opportunities and dignity for all.
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