GHARA is a volunteer based not-for-profit organisation. 100% of your donations go directly to our clients.
Athelia Dias
Founder and Hon. Chairperson
A special educator whose commitment to people of all ages with a disability and whose passion to make a difference in their lives, led her to join the New South Wales State Government’s, Department of Family and Community Services, Ageing, Disability & Home Care.
She then went on to start Links2Community, a reigstered NDIS provider, to provide NDIS funded disability and mental health services. She works extremely hard to ensure a fair distribution of and access to support systems for all in need. She has a wealth of knowledge and experience in the field of intellectual disability which she is pleased to tap into, to help the Indian community support their most needy. Athellia’s vision for GHARA began over 17 years ago with a ‘wish and a want’ to meet the needs of those who had no support, and it’s fruition in 2011 has her rearing to go. Having seen so much desperation in the midst of poverty, makes her even more determined to fulfil her mission with the help of her team of dedicated and committed volunteers. People often say to her “you and Kelvin must blessed to have started GHARA”. Her response…. “ No! actually we are blessed to have been called to serve those less fortunate than us”.
Kelvin Dias
Hon Secretary
Kelvin is Athellia’s husband, who has had a personal experience living with a disability and fully understands and supports Athellia’s vision and dedication to GHARA. Initially, when proposed by Athellia about starting a charity, he was opposed to her idea. But after a number of years, when due to some divine intervention, he changed his mind, giving in to Athellia’s long time dream. Kelvin started his career in the field of engineering, manufacturing pharmaceutical machinery, dabbled in event management and finally settled in the insurance business. With over a decade experience in various roles within the insurance industry, he is well known for his intergrity, professionalism, knowledge and experience which has earned him a reputation that issecond to none. Currently, a marine specialist for one of Australia’s largest and specialist insurer NTI-Marine Protect, servicing brokers, intermediaries and clients nationally and internationally within the Maritime Insurance Industry. His commitment to detail is evidenced in his exemplary efforts, that hasn’t gone unnoticed and earned him many an award for dedication and commitment over the years. Kelvin is a huge asset to GHARA’s daily running operations, with a special focus on strategic direction and an entrepreneurial flair, having the ability to communicate and negotiate at all levels to get GHARA to meet our commitments.
Mohan Monteiro
Hon. Treasurer
Mohan is a Chartered Accountant; CPA and holds a Masters in Tax from Sydney University. He has over 25 years of corporate and consulting experience with Arthur Andersen (India) and Ernst & Young (Australia). Besides this, he has served as president of the Australia India Business Council in New South Wales. Mohan now operates an accounting and consulting business in Sydney. He is passionate about helping the disadvantaged in India and is certain that with a little assistance we can collectively make a positive change in the lives of these individuals and their parents. He has been inspired by the rest of the team at GHARA, that give of their time and energy despite having full time jobs themselves to reach out to the needy in our communities. This has compelled him to get directly involved with us. He is aware of the challenges that GHARA constantly faces and considers himself privileged to be able to assist. We at GHARA are absolutely elated to have Mohan on our team, knowing well that all his good-will and experience will be put to good use to help us grow.
Shibani Motha
Member Trustee, GHARA India
Shibani, fondly known as Israella, has been with GHARA since its inception in 2010 and seen it grow in serving the community in Bangalore. Once a much sought after secretary of The Indian Tobacco Company (ITC), since retirement she has pledged commitment to her Faith calling, “to go wherever she was needed and love beyond measure”. Loved by all who know her, Israella never says no to anyone in need of care and support and is ‘only ever a phone call away’. She began her days with GHARA as a project officer, creating awareness and establishing early operations. In 2014, when asked to be on GHARA’s Board in India, Israella, in true missionary spirit said “YES” to working on the ground and providing assistance to the staff and families who access GHARA’S services.
Richard D'Souza
Member Trustee, GHARA India
Richard is a Marine Engineer by profession and worked for TWO Decades for AP Moller Singapore – MAERSK as a Chief Engineer until his retirement in 2010. Since retirement he has been involved in the Hotel/Hospitality business in Bangalore and utilising his time to reach out to the marginalised in society. That’s how he has got involved with GHARA. To him, doing some Social work is some way of giving back to society some of his blessings in his own life. Richard & his wife Judith are currently the “National President Couple” of Christian Family Movement (CFM India). He has held position of the Chairperson of Education Scholarship Committee for “Maria Seva Sangha” and is currently a member of the Parish Finance Committee of Annunciation Church, Bangalore.
Valery Nazareth
Member Trustee
Valery has spent several years as a Senior Administrator at Transport for NSW in Sydney. She has been involved in charitable work, since primary school starting with volunteer efforts at Mother Teresa’s Asha Daan in Mumbai, India. During her four years in Perth, she felt a calling to support individuals with intellectual disabilities and joined the Personal Advocacy Service, offering companionship and advocacy through the Catholic Church’s initiative. This role brought her deep personal fulfillment, providing a consistent, compassionate presence in the lives of those who faced isolation.
Valery is thankful for her involvement with GHARA, an organization focused on helping people with intellectual disabilities and their families. She is inspired by their impactful work and honoured to contribute to their mission of supporting and uplifting those in need.
Anil Fernandes
Member Trustee
Anil Fernandes has been a Merchant Navy Officer, finally retiring as Captain having served with German and Canadian Companies. He is married to Anita Fernandes for the last 46 years and has 2 children settled in the USA and Canada. While serving in the Merchant Navy he and his wife have always tried their best to help the less fortunate especially educating female children, with a great bit of help from the Sisters and Priests from their children’s schools. Settled in Bangalore since 1978 he is now with time on his hands to increase his social work and has found a suitable medium in GHARA with a great bit of help and guidance from his good friend Richard Dsouza who is a India Trustee with GHARA. His guiding force is that God has given him and his family so very much and its time to give back to the less fortunate.