About Saswati Arora
Founder, Health Energy and Rehabilitation Trust (HEART)
Visionary Educator | Social Reformer | Advocate for Inclusive Education
Saswati Arora’s journey is a powerful narrative of resilience, compassion, and purpose. With a career in education that began in 1989, she started as a primary school teacher and later took the reins of her mother’s institution, Infant Jesus' Junior School. It was here that she witnessed a troubling pattern—children dropping out due to financial hardship. This realization became a turning point in her life.
Determined to break the cycle of poverty and educational exclusion, Saswati opened a free school within the same premises, starting with just five students. However, attendance remained low, as children were drawn to government schools offering mid-day meals—affectionately referred to as “Khichidi School.” Recognizing the deeper socio-economic barriers at play, she knew she needed a more structured and sustainable approach.
In 2005, with the encouragement and support of her brother, Shantanu Chowdhury, she founded the Health Energy and Rehabilitation Trust (HEART). Under this banner, Basha—meaning “home” in Bengali—was born. What began as a modest initiative has since blossomed into a vibrant educational space for nearly 100 children from marginalized communities.
Saswati’s work goes beyond academics. She is deeply committed to nurturing dignity, self-worth, and opportunity in every child she serves. Her efforts have transformed lives, offering not just education but hope and a future.
As a single mother navigating personal challenges, Saswati’s unwavering dedication to social upliftment is nothing short of inspiring. Her story is a testament to the power of one individual’s vision to create lasting change.
Leadership & Impact
Saswati Arora has built Basha from the ground up, creating a powerful support system for women and children through education, health, hygiene, and livelihood initiatives. Her work has transformed hundreds of lives across urban and rural communities and earned her numerous awards and commendations.
Leadership & Supporters
Debaditya Chowdhury
President, Basha Governing Body Founder & MD – Chowman, Oudh 1590, Chapter 2 | Founder – Lakkhichhara Band
A visionary entrepreneur and creative powerhouse, Debaditya Chowdhury brings unmatched energy and leadership to Basha. As the President of the Governing Body, he offers year-round moral, financial, and strategic support, helping shape Basha’s growth and outreach. His multifaceted career—from hospitality to music—serves as a source of inspiration for the entire Basha community.
Indrajit Bhalotia
Professional Golfer | Author | Champion for the Underprivileged
Indrajit Bhalotia has been a staunch supporter of Basha, using his platform to uplift young lives. As the author of Champ for Life and founder of Protouch Golf Academy, he identifies and trains golfing talent among Basha’s students. A hands-on educator, he teaches multiple subjects and actively supports the Basha Mid-Day Meal initiative, ensuring children receive both nourishment and mentorship.
Tejeswita Bose
Trustee, Basha | Founder & Director – Unificare Consulting Ltd
Tejeswita Bose is the driving force behind Basha’s Stay and Play initiative, focusing on early intervention and ecosystem support for vulnerable children. With her expertise in building sustainable models of care, she leads impactful interventions that foster resilience, local capacity, and long-term change. Her work ensures that every child at Basha receives the nurturing and structure they need to thrive.
Avisek Arora
Trustee, Basha | Ad Film & Theatre Director
Avisek Arora brings a rich creative legacy to Basha, having worked in ad film direction in Mumbai and as the theatre director of Night and Fog in Kolkata. Currently, he is deeply involved in shaping Basha’s academic and curriculum development, while also leading its vibrant co-curricular programs. From theatre and singing to extempore, debates, and quizzes, Avisek is the driving force behind activities that build confidence, creativity, and communication skills in every child.
MID DAY MEAL
Charging Up The Young Minds By Feeding Nutritious Meal. It is critical to offer nutritious meals to school children on a consistent basis.Our mid day ...
GOLF LESSONS
A passionately determined girl, Suparna wants to keep acting and golf as a part of her life for ever. She takes acting lessons at Kolkata Film & Telev...
SELF DEFENSE CLASSES
Self Defense and Self Discipline go hand in hand in MIKEs Martial Arts training session. A new beginning for Basha Children
ONLINE CLASSES
Inauguration of our Online Classes that promises to elevate the overall education of our students. We thank Indrajit Bhalotia Sir and his team for thi...
SREEJONI SILAI SCHOOL
Women have always been marginalized and neglected to the status of subjugated class in the Indian society. Especially in the rural areas, women have n...
KHEL KHEL MEIN
BASHA (Health Energy and Rehabilitation Trust) has launched a stay and play session for children between the ages of 0-5 years and their main carers.
SHAKTI SILAI SCHOOL
Shakti is a Singer affiliated Silai School which has been running since August, 2021. Women from marginalised background learn sewing from a Singer Af...
