The late Mr Gerry Pinto was the Founder President of MASHAL (Maharashtra Social Housing and Action League) and a former Senior Programme Officer with UNICEF. He was based in New Delhi and actively supported a wide range of development initiatives across India. With extensive experience in social development, he dedicated his life to improving the living conditions of underprivileged communities, particularly those living in informal settlements.<br /> He had a deep commitment to the development and welfare of women and children, especially among weaker and marginalised sections of society. His work emphasised community participation, inclusive development, and access to basic services such as housing, health, and education. He strongly believed that sustainable development must involve people at the grassroots level and empower communities to take part in decision-making processes.<br /> As the founder of MASHAL, he guided the organisation in promoting in-situ slum development, social housing, and community empowerment. His vision helped shape MASHAL into a people-centred organisation working towards dignity, equality, and improved quality of life for the urban poor.<br /> Even after years of service, he remained an active mentor and supporter of development initiatives. His dedication, leadership, and values continue to inspire MASHAL’s work. Though he is no longer with us, his vision and legacy live on through the organisation and the many communities whose lives have been positively impacted by his efforts.

Late Sharad Mahajan was a visionary architect-planner, social activist, and one of the founding members of MASHAL (Maharashtra Social Housing and Action League). He dedicated more than three decades of his professional life to advancing the rights of marginalised urban communities and promoting inclusive approaches to urban development.<br /> A practising architect and planner based in Pune, Sharad Mahajan firmly believed that people living in informal settlements should be active participants in shaping the decisions that affect their lives. He championed the idea that sustainable urban development can only be achieved when communities are empowered to identify their needs, articulate their aspirations, and collectively work towards solutions.<br /> A landmark achievement during his leadership was the implementation of the In-Situ Slum Housing Project under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) by the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) in partnership with MASHAL. Through this pioneering initiative in Yerwada, Pune, 2,301 houses were constructed under an in-situ slum rehabilitation scheme. The project demonstrated that community participation, technical expertise, and collaboration between citizens, civil society, and government institutions could successfully deliver dignified housing solutions while minimising displacement and preserving community networks.<br /> Under his leadership, MASHAL emerged as a respected organisation working on issues of housing rights, slum improvement, urban governance, and social justice. He combined technical expertise with a deep commitment to grassroots engagement, ensuring that planning processes were informed by the realities of the communities they intended to serve. His work emphasised the importance of dignity, participation, and equity in addressing urban poverty.<br /> Sharad Mahajan made significant contributions in the areas of slum mapping, thematic surveys, GIS-based data collection, housing studies, and policy advocacy. He guided numerous initiatives aimed at improving access to secure housing and basic services for vulnerable populations. His expertise was sought by local authorities, development agencies, and civil society organisations for evidence-based planning and community-focused urban interventions.<br /> He also played an instrumental role in strengthening community institutions and promoting participatory methods of development. Through training, mentoring, and advocacy, he inspired professionals, social workers, and community leaders to adopt people-centred approaches in their work. His leadership extended beyond organisational management to building partnerships and creating platforms for dialogue among communities, government institutions, and development stakeholders.<br /> Throughout his journey, Sharad Mahajan remained committed to the principles of social justice and human dignity. His ability to bridge professional knowledge with grassroots realities enabled MASHAL to address complex urban challenges with innovation and compassion. He believed that every individual, regardless of socio-economic status, deserved the opportunity to live in a safe environment with access to essential services and a meaningful voice in governance.<br /> The legacy of Sharad Mahajan continues to guide MASHAL’s work today. The values he upheld—community participation, equity, accountability, and inclusive development—remain at the heart of the organisation’s mission. His vision of creating cities that are just, humane, and responsive to the needs of all citizens continues to inspire MASHAL’s efforts toward building stronger and more inclusive communities.<br /> Late Sharad Mahajan’s life and work stand as a testament to the transformative power of combining professional excellence with a deep commitment to social change. His contributions have left an enduring impact on urban development practice and on the lives of countless individuals and communities across Maharashtra.

The late Mr Ashok Kulkarni was a valued Board Member of MASHAL (Maharashtra Social Housing and Action League) and a steadfast supporter of the organisation’s mission for many years. Based in Pune, he was deeply committed to social causes and actively contributed to initiatives aimed at improving the lives of marginalised communities.<br /> Mr Kulkarni had a distinguished professional career at Walchand Industries Ltd., where he held senior positions and gained extensive experience in managing diverse projects and organisational systems. His rich professional expertise, practical approach, and leadership qualities enabled him to provide valuable guidance and strategic support to MASHAL’s programmes and institutional development.<br /> Beyond his professional accomplishments, Mr Kulkarni had a deep interest in promoting art and culture. He was actively involved in non-governmental initiatives that encouraged and supported emerging stage theatre personalities across Maharashtra. He believed in nurturing talent and creating opportunities for young artists to flourish, recognising the important role that culture and creativity play in building vibrant communities.<br /> As a Board Member, he brought wisdom, integrity, and a strong sense of social responsibility to MASHAL. He consistently encouraged community-centred approaches and supported efforts aimed at empowering vulnerable groups through sustainable and inclusive development initiatives. His experience and commitment helped strengthen the organisation’s work and its engagement with diverse stakeholders.<br /> The late Mr Ashok Kulkarni will be remembered for his generosity of spirit, dedication to social development, and unwavering support for MASHAL. His contributions continue to inspire the organisation in its pursuit of equity, dignity, and community well-being.<br /> MASHAL gratefully acknowledges the guidance, encouragement, and enduring legacy of the late Mr Ashok Kulkarni, whose commitment to both community development and cultural enrichment left a lasting impact on all who had the privilege of working with him.