R Sundar is the co-founder of Mastek Ltd., one of India’s early global tech solution companies and Executive Director of Majesco Ltd, the U.S. subsidiary of Mastek. He is also a board member of Sankara Eye Foundation, a US-based non-profit organization that works toward eliminating curable blindness in India.
His love for basketball and interest in helping underprivileged children right from the grassroot level were instrumental is the founding of Hi 5 Youth Foundation. He strongly believes that underprivileged children lack the infrastructure, direction and opportunity to play and excel in sports in India. ‘Play’ is also a great medium to nurture young talent, inculcate values in them and encourage the strive for excellence. At Hi 5, Sundar is responsible for the overall direction, scaling, funding and financial sustainability of the organisation.
Having been an instructor and volunteer at various social sector organizations involved with children, youth and adult education in India and US, Usha Sundar took up the role of Director of Operations at Hi 5 Youth Foundation. She was keen on co-founding Hi 5 Youth Foundation because she has always been involved in helping out other NGOs that nurture lives of underprivileged children and basketball is a sport that’s close to her and family’s heart.
Apart from managing the daily operations of all the centers at Hi 5 and functioning of the programs, she is also personally involved in designing and rolling out the life-skills training to the children with a special focus on empowering girls at Hi 5.
P Ramaswamy, (known as Ramesh and Ramu Sir in basketball circles) has been actively associated with the game the last 35 years—as a student, player, captain, referee and coach. He has represented University of Mumbai and Mumbai North District at state championships and as a captain, he has led his team to famous wins during his time!
His inspiration and love for the game comes from his father Shri G. Parameswaran (GP sir), who was the coach of the Indian Women’s Basketball team as well as an international referee. At Hi 5, he is responsible for the high quality structured coaching program, that aims to nurture and develop coaches and young players with strong emphasis on fundamentals and a drive to excel. He currently works as the Associate Director, Banking and Fin. Services, at Cognizant Technology Services, one of India’s leading IT companies.
Leadership
Anshul leads operations at Hi 5 Youth Foundation, where he helps run one of India’s largest free grassroots basketball programs reaching over 4,000 children across 8 states. Over the years, he has focused on building strong teams, improving program quality, and expanding Hi 5’s reach to more communities.
With a background in sports management and engineering, Anshul has earlier worked with organizations like KOOH Sports, Box8, and the American School of Bombay. He enjoys spending time on the ground with children and believes in the power of sport to build confidence, and opportunities for every child.
Farheen has over 6 years of experience in finance and accounts, with the last 4 years dedicated to Hi 5 Youth Foundation. In her role as Senior Finance Manager, she oversees the organisation’s financial planning, compliance, and day-to-day operations. She ensures that every resource is effectively utilised to maximise the impact of Hi 5’s programs for children and communities.
Passionate about driving efficiency and sustainability, Farheen plays a vital role in strengthening the organisation’s financial health and long-term growth. She finds her work deeply rewarding, knowing that her efforts behind the scenes directly support Hi 5’s mission of creating meaningful change for kids and coaches on the ground.
Beyond her professional expertise, Farheen is also a table tennis player, which adds a unique sports dimension to her journey and strengthens her personal connection to Hi 5’s mission of using sports as a medium for empowerment and education.
Vignesh has been associated with the Hi 5 Youth Foundation for over a decade, during which he has witnessed remarkable growth alongside the organization. In his role as Program Head, he works closely with coaches, children, and schools to ensure that every child receives the best possible experience in basketball and life skills.
For Vignesh, basketball represents more than just a sport—it is a powerful medium to instill confidence, teamwork, and discipline. What he values most is witnessing children realize their potential, both on and off the court.
With over a decade of experience at Hi 5 Youth Foundation, Kevin has been instrumental in transforming the organisation’s basketball program from reaching a few hundred children to now impacting thousands across multiple centers. As Program Head, he oversees program strategy, implementation, and partnerships, ensuring alignment with Hi 5’s vision of changing young lives through play. His leadership focuses on driving measurable impact, fostering life skills in children, and building sustainable collaborations with stakeholders to expand the foundation’s reach and effectiveness.
Arti Agarwal works as the Head of Pathways to Success at Hi 5. In this role, she mentors teachers and coaches to help students continue their academic journey while balancing their passion for basketball. She has over 20 years of experience in education, which includes leadership roles in International schools in China and India. She is an active WASC accreditation visiting committee member for schools in Asia. She loves traveling, trekking, cooking, and, above all, teaching math to middle school students.
Mausami is a marketing and communications professional with over 12 years of experience turning ideas into impact. At Hi 5 Youth Foundation, she leads the marketing and communications efforts — helping shape the brand’s voice and ensuring campaigns are clear, consistent, and impactful. Known for a collaborative approach and strong project management skills, she has played a key role in building visibility and engagement across initiatives. Passionate about purpose-driven work, Mausami is excited to contribute to Hi 5’s mission and be part of creating a positive impact. When not crafting comms plans or brainstorming taglines, she’s enjoying a chai break, fueled by good vibes and Hi 5 energy.
Staff
Begun basketball career in 5th grade and progressed to the U‑13 State Championship (Thane) within two years, later participating in 4 State Championships and 2 School State Championships. A dislocated wrist in 2013 ended competitive play, leading to a coaching start at AVS Basketball Club, Dombivli. After two years as a Safety Engineer, joined Hi 5 Youth Foundation as Center Coach at Sant Gadge Maharaj Ashram Shala, Vajreshwari; within 1.5 years, 17 participants represented the district and the team won four tournaments. Currently serving as Regional Manager of Operations and overseeing the Hi 5 Basketball Academy project, continuing to develop basketball opportunities for underprivileged children.
Madhusudhan leads Operations and Program Delivery across Telangana at Hi 5, supporting the mission to empower underprivileged children through basketball. With 10 years of experience across NGO and startup sectors and experience in agriculture, education, skill development, and environmental projects, he brings a strong understanding of CSR project management and training, having worked closely with students, rural communities, government officials, and teams on the ground. At Hi 5, Madhusudhan focuses on making basketball a meaningful platform for learning, life skills, and social development across the region.
He is committed to building programs that are effective, inclusive, and focused on long-term impact.
He is committed to building programs that are effective, inclusive, and focused on long-term impact.
With an MBA in Marketing from D.Y. Patil College and over seven years of experience in the Ed-tech industry, Arpan brings a strong background in education-focused marketing. His belief that education is a lifelong gift has guided his career path and now, at Hi 5, he’s excited to support a mission that combines education with the transformative power of sport for underprivileged children.
Arpan is passionate about creating impact through meaningful work, and he values Hi 5’s commitment to holistic development. Outside of work, he enjoys traveling and trekking, always eager to explore new places and perspectives.
Harshada has been working with Hi 5 Youth Foundation for the past 10 years in the capacity of an Accountant, handling Finance and Office Administration. Since childhood, she always wanted to extend her professional efforts in the NGO sector, and she chose Hi 5 because she believes the organization is brightening the lives of underprivileged children and securing their future by training them in basketball.
She strongly believes that basketball can be played by anyone in many different ways; it builds friendships and connections both on and off the court. For her, teamwork is the only way to succeed and win. She values sportsmanship and believes that having a positive attitude makes playing the game enjoyable.
Through her 10 years of dedication at Hi 5, Harshada has combined her professional expertise with her personal passion for social impact, contributing to an organization that empowers children and helps them build a brighter future through sport.
Shubhangi was an accountant/data coordinator before joining Hi 5 in 2018 as a data coordinator. Apart from work, she likes to read books in her free time.
Asfa Siddiqui is a postgraduate in Management from the Institute of Management Technology with over 13 years of experience in the social development sector. She has successfully led cross-functional teams on large-scale projects, working extensively with children in education, skill-to-livelihood programs, and health and sanitation initiatives.
At Hi 5 Youth Foundation, Asfa is deeply committed to advancing a mission that combines education with the transformative power of sport for underprivileged children. Her focus is on enhancing operational efficiency, ensuring quality standards, and fostering strong partnerships with communities and the BMC Department.
Roshan Ramaswamy is a seasoned sports management professional and accomplished athlete, currently serving as Center Manager, Operations at Hi 5 Youth Foundation. With a strong educational foundation from the Global Institute of Sports Business (GISB), Roshan has advanced through various roles, including part-time coaching at Hi 5 Youth Foundation, and positions at Decathlon, E Coach Sports, and Sporjo. A state-level basketball player, qualified referee, and trained coach, Roshan brings a unique combination of technical expertise and leadership skills to his current role, making a significant impact on the foundation's operations and initiatives.
With a Master's in Sports Management, Prakalp brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table. Their diverse interests include traveling, reading, and playing basketball, reflecting a well-rounded and dynamic personality.
Having accumulated 2.5 years of experience as a Junior Associate at Sportz Interactive, where he worked with D11 on fantasy sports operations, Prakalp has honed their skills in the sports industry. His deep passion for basketball has led them to the Hi 5 Youth Foundation, where they can fulfill their dream of being involved in basketball grassroots development programs. Prakalp is dedicated to helping the younger generation achieve their dreams through basketball, making a significant impact on their lives and future.
Bhakti Ingale holds a Master's degree in Sports Management. Throughout her studies, she participated in various internships, gaining practical knowledge in operations, event management, and sales. Bhakti is also a national-level basketball player, having played since the 5th grade. She interned with Khelo India, enriching her experience in sports management. Outside of her professional pursuits, Bhakti enjoys exploring her adventurous side through trekking and finds solace in music, making her a well-rounded individual passionate about both sports and personal enrichment.
Chinmay Jadhav’s journey in basketball began with the Hi 5 Youth Foundation, where he gained a comprehensive understanding of the sport. Originally from a football background, he gradually developed a strong appreciation for basketball. He holds a Master’s degree in Sports Management and thrives on being actively involved on the field. A former district-level football player with a passion for outdoor activities, Chinmay is committed to promoting sports across India. His focus lies in inspiring and nurturing young talent, creating meaningful opportunities for children to realize their potential, and fostering a lifelong love for sports.
A dedicated Social Work professional with a Master’s in Social Work from VIT Vellore, Jayasurya brings over two years of hands on experience in oncology, psychiatry, and community-based settings. As a former Programme Coordinator at Make-A-Wish Foundation, he led impactful initiatives with a focus on child welfare and operational excellence.
His core strengths lie in programme planning, cross-functional coordination, stakeholder engagement, and grassroots execution. Known for his empathy and people management skills, he is passionate about youth development and believes in creating equitable opportunities through sport.
At Hi 5 Youth Foundation, he is focused on enhancing operational efficiency, ensuring quality control, and strengthening community ties. With a deep commitment to child-centric work, he is excited to contribute meaningfully to Hi 5’s mission of changing lives through play.
Neha Gurav is an IT professional with over three years of experience across the IT services sector and the textile industry. Prior to joining Hi 5, she worked at a tech startup and a textile machinery sales company. She holds a B.Tech in Textile Technology from VJTI, Mumbai.
As a scholarship recipient and alumna of Avanti Fellows and Kotak Education Foundation, Neha strongly believes in the power of higher education and the role of mentorship in shaping young lives. Introduced to Hi 5 through her mentor, she is proud to be part of an organization that combines sports and education to create opportunities for underprivileged children.
Curious by nature and always eager to learn, Neha enjoys exploring new ideas, and in her free time, she loves watching anime.
With a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and a Master’s in Sports Management, Mahek combines academic insight with practical experience in the sports field. A former athlete who represented her school in various tournaments, Mahek’s passion for sports is profound. Over the past two years, she has worked throughout the sports industry and has been involved with several high-profile leagues, including the Indian Premier League (IPL), Tennis Premier League, and the MI Junior Tournament, among others.
Suraj Sharma has completed a Master’s degree in Sports Management and brings three years of experience in the sports industry. With a deep passion for sports, particularly football, he finds a strong sense of belonging when engaged on the field and witnessing the game firsthand. Since joining Hi 5 Youth Foundation, he considers himself fortunate to contribute to an organization that has a meaningful impact on the lives of young children.
Rukhsar Shaikh holds a BBA degree and brings seven years of experience in the teaching field. Throughout her career, she has earned various certificates from live sessions, including Teach A Class, Nerapod, Digital, and Storytelling. Rukhsar's passion for education extends to publishing children's books on digital platforms, where she aims to inspire young readers. Recently, she was honored with an award for Community Impact in recognition of her dedicated service to society over the past seven years.
Pramila is a dedicated professional who recently joined the Hi 5 Youth Foundation as an ESL Teacher in March 2024. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com) and a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) degree, bringing nine years of teaching experience at the primary and middle school levels. Previously, she played a pivotal role as a teacher and Coordinator at Kotak Education Foundation, where she excelled in supporting classroom functions, lesson planning, and enhancing both individual and group learning environments.
Passionate about education, Pramila is committed to creating engaging learning experiences that empower students, whom she views as the builders of tomorrow's society. Outside of her career, she enjoys activities such as shopping, dancing, listening to music, and playing chess, which contribute to her balanced approach to life and work.
Genevieve holds an MA in Sociology and English Literature, a BA in Sociology, and a B.Ed in History and English, showcasing her strong academic foundation. With practical experience as Assistant Professor at Reena Mehta College, Primary Section Supervisor at God's Angels School, and Class Teacher at DSRV School, she brings a diverse perspective to education. Genevieve also contributes to digital content creation at Edozo and serves as a private tutor for HSC girls at Snehasadhan Girls Orphanage, reflecting her commitment to both educational innovation and community support.
A passionate and driven young professional with a Master’s degree in Business Organization and a year of experience as an MIS Executive. Alongside her professional role, she has been actively involved in tutoring, where she discovered a genuine joy in working with children. She thrives in positive work environments and values being surrounded by good people and meaningful work. Known for her sincerity and willingness to learn, she is eager to grow both personally and professionally.
For over eight years, Hi 5 Youth Foundation has been more than just a workplace for Edward Paul; it has represented a purpose, a passion, and a journey of meaningful growth. He initially believed the role was primarily about teaching basketball. However, through his experience, he discovered that winning games is only a small part of the Foundation’s mission. The true impact lies in the transformative moments—when a shy child develops confidence, a struggling adolescent discovers hope, or a young player begins to dream beyond existing limitations.
Edward shares the Foundation’s profound belief that every child deserves the opportunity to rise, to grow, and to build a life beyond the basketball court. Each day reaffirms for him the privilege of contributing to that transformation.
Driven by a deep respect for resilience, Snehil left a series of international school coaching roles in 2018 when he discovered a hunger to win and persist among underprivileged and tribal youth. Holding a Bachelor of Commerce alongside specialized training in animation and VFX, he blends analytical rigor with creative problem-solving to design programs that uplift both coaches and players.
At Hi 5 Youth Foundation, Snehil leads the development of a vibrant coaching community. He collaborates one-on-one with local mentors, delivering periodic workshops and hands-on sessions that sharpen technical skills, foster new methodologies, and cultivate leadership on and off the court. His six years of prior experience across schools and academies inform every drill, feedback loop, and curriculum update he champions today.
Looking ahead, Snehil envisions a self-sustaining network of coaches who continuously learn from one another, innovate together, and drive transformative change for countless children. Fueled by an unquenchable passion for learning, he’s constantly scouting fresh approaches in coaching theory, technology, and pedagogy—lifting the entire Hi 5 ecosystem toward a future where every coach feels empowered and every child believes in their own potential.
With over four years of experience in digital marketing, Shifa Shaikh has worked as a content writer, copywriter, and social media strategist across diverse industries, including health, fashion, technology, education, and automobiles. She is currently serving as the Marketing Manager at Hi 5 Youth Foundation, where she actively contributes to advancing the organization’s mission. She strongly believes in the transformative power of sports as a medium to provide underprivileged children with healthier lives and empowered mindsets. Outside of her professional commitments, Shifa enjoys reading books in her leisure time.
Taslim Sheikh, from Mumbai, is a graduate in Bachelor of Management Studies from Prahladrai Dalmia Lions College. He was part of Hi 5 Youth Foundation’s programs Hope Thru Hoops and Pathways to Success, where he trained and developed as a basketball player for over a decade. Today, Taslim is an employee of the organization’s Operations team, continuing his association with Hi 5 Youth Foundation in a professional capacity.
Coaches
Dattaraj Bramhnekar holds an MA and B.P.Ed, bringing extensive experience to the basketball field. With 9 years of playing and 5 years of coaching, his passion for basketball has always been his life and mission. Dattaraj dreams of being a good, helpful, and hardworking coach, believing that coaching is a service through which we can serve future generations by imparting good role models, thoughts, and many interesting life lessons. He is thankful to Hi 5 Youth Foundation for providing the opportunity to cultivate his interest and develop his coaching skills.
Karanti Bhupathirao joined Hi 5 Youth Foundation in 2019 as a coach in Telangana at the Krushi Home center. Over the past five years, he has been immensely grateful for this journey. He believes that he has provided him with an incredible platform to pursue his passion for coaching, significantly shaping both his professional and personal life. He has learned valuable lessons that have been essential for his growth, particularly from the motivation and guidance of his seniors. They have taught him important life skills, including professional development, addressing personal challenges, and maintaining a positive demeanor. Bhupathi is deeply thankful to Hi 5 Youth Foundation for this life-changing experience.
Ajinkya Dayme brings 18 years of basketball and field experience, complemented by 8 years of coaching. As a state-level national camp participant and a state gold medalist, his accomplishments reflect his dedication and skill in the sport. Hailing from Nagpada, a locality renowned for its rich basketball history, Ajinkya's passion for the game runs deep. He loves working with kids and aims to ensure that every child experiences the thrill of victory. His ultimate dream is to coach a national team, sharing his expertise and love for basketball on a grand stage.
