Our Story
New Leaf Foundation was born from a deeply personal journey. Kalika Mujumdar-Gandhi, a special educator with over 20 years of experience, and Nikhil Gandhi, a musician and music therapist, witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by children with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.
Their journey began with informal sessions at their home in Pune, where a small group of children would gather for music, art, and life skills activities. Kalika's expertise in special education and Nikhil's therapeutic approach to music created a unique environment where children could express themselves freely and develop at their own pace.
Inspired by the transformative power of music, Nikhil formed "The Africanian Band" — a unique musical group where children with special needs performed alongside neurotypical peers. The band became a powerful symbol of inclusion, breaking barriers and challenging perceptions about what children with disabilities can achieve. Their performances at local events and festivals brought immense joy to audiences and instilled deep confidence in the young performers.
However, the path was not without challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented setbacks. Physical sessions had to be suspended, and many families — already under financial strain — struggled to continue their children's development at home. The foundation faced funding shortages and uncertainty about the future.
But Kalika and Nikhil's resolve never wavered. They adapted quickly, moving to online sessions, creating home activity kits, and maintaining regular contact with families. The pandemic, in many ways, strengthened the community's bond and highlighted the critical importance of the foundation's work.
In 2020, New Leaf Foundation was officially registered as a nonprofit organization, marking a new chapter of growth and formal recognition. What started as a handful of children in a home setting has now grown to serve 18+ children through structured programs in cooking, handicrafts, gardening, music, outdoor activities, and daily life skills.
Today, New Leaf Foundation stands as a testament to what love, dedication, and unwavering belief in every child's potential can achieve. Each child who walks through our doors is a new leaf — unique, beautiful, and full of promise.
Our Founders
Kalika Mujumdar-Gandhi
Co-Founder & Special EducatorWith over 20 years of experience in special education, Kalika brings deep expertise in child development, therapeutic teaching methods, and an unwavering commitment to inclusive education. Her gentle, patient approach has helped hundreds of children discover their strengths.
Nikhil Gandhi
Co-Founder & Music TherapistA passionate musician and certified music therapist, Nikhil harnesses the healing power of music to connect with children on a profound level. He founded The Africanian Band, bringing together children of all abilities to perform and express themselves through rhythm and melody.
Mission & Vision
🎯 Our Mission
To empower children with intellectual and developmental disabilities through holistic, therapeutic programs that nurture their physical, emotional, cognitive, and social development — enabling them to lead more independent, fulfilling lives.
🌟 Our Vision
A world where every child, regardless of ability, is valued, included, and given the opportunity to reach their full potential. We envision communities that celebrate diversity and embrace the unique gifts that every individual brings.
Our Philosophy
At the heart of everything we do is a simple, powerful belief: every child is like a new leaf.
Just as each leaf on a tree is unique in its shape, size, and pattern, every child has their own unique path of growth. Our approach draws from the developmental theories of Piaget and Vygotsky, recognizing that children learn best through hands-on experience and social interaction within their zone of proximal development.
We create environments where children feel safe to explore, make mistakes, and grow — knowing that every small step forward is a celebration worth honouring.
Support Our Mission
Your generosity helps us continue this vital work. Every donation makes a tangible difference in a child's life.
* Illustrative figure — to be updated with actual data