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Founder, Director and the team that built CHORD.
Led by people who have spent decades in classrooms, slums and skill centres — not in short-term charity.
Founder & President, CHORD
Mr. Suman C. Malladi
When I began my grassroots journey over three decades ago, my intent was not to build an organisation, but to stand with communities whose voices were unheard and opportunities limited.
I have always believed that development is about dignity, access, and lasting change, not short-term charity. Working closely with children in labour, unemployed youth, and women without economic agency shaped my conviction that real progress happens when communities are empowered.
This belief led to the founding of CHORD in 1998, with a vision to integrate education, skill development, and community engagement. Over the years, CHORD has evolved into a strong ecosystem of formal schools, bridge education programmes, skill centres, and grassroots initiatives.
At CHORD, we remain guided by a simple principle: every child deserves quality education, every youth dignified livelihood, and every woman economic agency. Our work across underserved communities continues to be rooted in integrity and grassroots realities.
As we look ahead, our focus remains clear-to reach more children, skill more youth and women, and strengthen communities-while staying true to the values on which CHORD was founded.
This journey continues as a collective movement towards equity, opportunity, and lasting social impact.
Awards & Recognition
CHORD and its Founder have been recognised for sustained contributions to education, child protection, and skill development.
These recognitions reflect the credibility, integrity, and values-driven leadership that guide CHORD’s work.
Co-Founder & Director
Manjulatha Malladi: A Catalyst for Change – CHORD Director
Manjulatha Malladi, a visionary social entrepreneur, is the Co-Founder and Director of CHORD, a non-profit organization based in Hyderabad. For over two decades, she has been relentlessly dedicated to uplifting the lives of the marginalized through education, training, and awareness programs.
Educationalist
A seasoned educationalist with a postgraduate degree in English Literature, Manjulatha’s career has been marked by a profound commitment to social justice. She has played a pivotal role in rescuing and educating thousands of child laborers, skilling vulnerable youth, and empowering marginalized women.
Under her leadership, CHORD has forged strategic partnerships with leading corporations and international agencies to scale its impact. Manjulatha’s innovative approach to education has led to the development of child-centric curricula, state-of-the-art pre-schools, and teacher training programs.
Significant Milestones
A significant milestone in CHORD’s journey was the acquisition of a million-dollar building in the heart of the city, providing a safe and nurturing environment for children. Additionally, Manjulatha championed the “Empower Her” program, a collaborative initiative with the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation, which empowered over 3,000 women with tailoring skills and livelihood opportunities.
Awards
Her unwavering dedication to social change has earned her immense respect and recognition. CHORD’s transformative work has been acknowledged with numerous awards, including the Meritorious Services Award from the Government of Andhra Pradesh and the CSR Implementing Agency of the Year award.
Vision
Manjulatha’s vision for the future is ambitious. She aims to expand CHORD’s reach, impacting even more lives through innovative programs and strategic partnerships. Her legacy is a testament to the power of human compassion and the transformative impact of education.
The wider team
Educators, trainers and organisers on the ground every day.
CHORD’s schools, skill centres and field offices are run by people who work with children, parents, employers and local institutions. For partnership or volunteering enquiries, write to contact@chordindia.org.