Meet the Changemakers Shaping Our Mission
We are a growing community of volunteers, educators, and dreamers dedicated to healing childhood trauma through the magic of storytelling.
A flashback to our founder Seena Jacob's TEDx talk, "Can Cinderella Heal Children of Trauma?" She shares her personal journey and the core belief that fairy tales can save lives, which is the foundation of our entire organization.
A birthday tribute to our founder, Seena Jacob. Her vision and tireless dedication have created lifelines for thousands of children, building an empire of hope where stories heal and dreams are rediscovered.
Our founder, Seena Jacob, speaking at MahaCollab 2025 at the World Trade Centre. She shared the profound impact of stories on children who have experienced trauma, highlighting how they serve as a lifeline of comfort and hope.
We are excited to introduce Olivia Moraes as a new member of our Board of Advisors. A dedicated educator and principal, Olivia has been part of the Bookwallah journey for over a decade, helping launch our East-West Library and championing our cause.
Please join us in welcoming Aarati Ravi Mahamuni as our new Program Manager in Pune. With over 15 years of experience as a psychologist and educator, her leadership, warmth, and expertise are a wonderful addition to our growing family.
"It's more than an organization; it's a home." Bakhita Pereira, a project leader in Mumbai, shares her heartfelt journey from volunteer to leader, and how the gratitude and resilience of the children inspire her every day.
It takes a village to raise a child, and our 'Sea of Stories' library is a testament to that. This video features the voices of our partners, volunteers, and staff who came together to bring this magical space to life.
Every entry counts. Our NEP Changemakers from RJ College in Mumbai are contributing their time and skills to help maintain our library inventory, ensuring the right stories reach the right children.
Student volunteers from RJ College hard at work in our library. Their behind-the-scenes effort in creating a comprehensive book database lays the foundation for a deeper impact on the ground.
What's it like working with the incredible women at Bookwallah? We asked the men on our team. Their words on resilience, inspiration, and kindness are a tribute to the heart and strength that drive our mission.
About Our Mission & Our People
We believe that behind every thriving library is a community that truly cares. Whether it is our core team, our program managers in cities like Pune and Mumbai, or the students from local colleges helping us catalog books, our work is defined by the people who show up. If you are looking to get involved, you are not just signing up for a partnership; you are joining a circle of Changemakers who believe that with the right stories, every child can find a braver ending.
Bookwallah is more than an organization; it is an 'Imagination Haven' built by a dedicated team. Our mission began 15 years ago when our founder, Seena Jacob, realized that fairy tales were not just stories but lifelines that could heal the trauma children experience in shelters and care homes.
Today, that vision is carried forward by a diverse group:
- Our Core Team & Leadership: From our founder to board members like Olivia Moraes and program managers like Aarati Ravi Mahamuni, we bring a mix of psychological expertise, educational background, and a relentless focus on child wellbeing.
- The Changemakers: We rely on volunteers—students from institutions like RJ College and NMIMS interns—who do the quiet, essential work. Whether it is organizing library databases, maintaining inventory, or setting up reading corners, their behind-the-scenes effort ensures that the right stories reach the right children.
- Our Collaborative Spirit: We operate across Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore, and Ahmedabad. Our programs, from the S.T.O.R.Y. method to our intensive library setups, are designed to be hands-on. When you partner with us, you aren't just reading a report; you are working alongside the very people who facilitate these sessions, seeing the impact on the ground in real-time.
We don't just build libraries; we build communities. We invite you to meet the team, understand our approach, and see how your skills can help us take the story forward.
Bookwallah
Stories saved me, and I started Bookwallah so we could offer that same escape to kids who needed it most. Today, we are a family of volunteers and leaders who believe that a library is more than just books—it is a safe space where children can rediscover their own power.
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