As Chairperson and Managing Trustee of AIM for Seva and Swami Dayananda Educational Trust (SDET), Ms. Sheela Balaji has directed her efforts towards grassroots level societal transformation through education.
An ardent student of Pujya Swami Dayananda Saraswati, she is committed to carrying forward the vision of Pujya Swamiji. Ms. Balaji has worked to create opportunities for rural communities to learn, find employment and adopt sustainable living practices. She has been instrumental in AIM for Seva’s efforts in setting up 133 projects across India. Ms. Balaji has also helped to successfully revive and cultivate over 270 heritage rice varieties through Spirit of the Earth.
Ms. Sheela Balaji was recently made a non officio member of the Council of the National Culture Fund, Ministry of Culture, Government of India for a three year period till March 2025.
Ms. Sheela Balaji received the ‘Nari Shakti Puraskar 2017’, from the Ministry of Women & Child Development for her contribution to the field of education, community development and sustainable living that has touched more than 20 million lives pan-India. This award is the highest civilian honour and is presented to empowered and iconic women in cognizance of their exceptional leadership skills and exemplary achievements.