Vision-Aid, a US based non-profit focused on the visually disadvantaged in India has appointed Nirmala Garimella to its Board of Directors, effective July 1, 2019.

A firm believer in the power of philanthropy and social change, Nirmala Garimella is not new to the Boston Indian community. She has been actively engaged in the development, outreach and building of the New England chapter at the American India Foundation for more than 10 years. Besides , she has played key roles and has served on the Board of other non-profit organizations in Lexington as well as in town governance for  some time. In 2017 she co-founded AIF’s Circle of Hope, a women’s Giving circle in New England that works on issues impacting women and girls in India.

Syed Ali Rizvi, President of Vision-Aid in his welcome message stated "There could not be a better fit than you for Vision-Aid". Founder & Executive Director Ramakrishna (Ram) Raju in his welcome message stated "Nirmala brings many valuable skills, talents and capabilities which will complement our current Board of Directors  Her passion for service and energy are infectious and we are sure she will help to contribute much to the organization as a new Director" 

“I have always admired Vision- Aid for its commitment to the visually impaired, and I’m honored to be joining their board,” said Nirmala. “I have tremendous respect for its founders, President and other board members, and I look forward to working with them. I join Vision-Aid at an exciting time as the organization continues to drive their program strategy forward and build deeper relationships with donors and beneficiaries to fulfill its purpose of helping people who are visually disadvantaged in India.

Nirmala Garimella is also the co-founder of the bi-weekly South Asian e-magazine, Lokvani.com that has over 40,000 subscribers. Nirmala has a certification in non -profit management from Boston University and is an avid traveler.

Vision-Aid, a Lexington based non- profit provides a range of devices, training and services which aim to enable, educate and empower the visually impaired in India. Vision-Aid programs have won national and international awards,and brought positive impact to many. Its mission is to enable, educate and empower the visually impaired to live with independence and dignity. Currently Vision-Aid offers services in ten locations in India, with more being added to its network each year. In addition Vision-Aid runs an online Academy that offers free or highly subsidized skills training programs in a range of areas including Spoken English, Programming and Accessibility Testing.