Bija Team
Trond Thorrud
Founder and CEO
Trond has his background from sales and finance. He has started up several call centers in different cities and companies in Norway. He worked with management, recruiting and training as well as coaching of sales people, team leaders and managers. In 2011 Trond shifted from working in Finance to humanitarian work. He spends most of his time working with the organization. Trond is a certified yoga teacher with a RYS 200 teacher training certificate. He believes that helping others is one of the most important values in life. Follow Trond on Facebook LinkedIn and Twitter
Sharanan Kulam
Volunteer
Sharu holds a MSc in computer science and cares about using technology for the greater good. He works in software engineering, currently full-time at Airthings and volunteering at Bija. Being adventurous, curious and constantly striving for a purpose, he uses his skillset to develop sustainable solutions for a progressive world, be it poverty alleviation, improving health and environment or other social causes. Sharu aims to lead by example, inspire others to follow, be more creative and open-minded in the process, learn and have fun while doing so.
His interests include technology and innovation, photography, investing, music (and piano!), travelling, arts and whatever new things he explores, lately being sustainable agriculture and hydroponic systems.
In the end, Sharu lives by three ever-changing principles; strive for a purpose, change yourself for the better and give when you can. Enjoy the dance of life while it lasts, and make it a good one.
Lalitha Esakki
Project Manager India
Lalitha has completed a Diploma in Yoga for Human Excellence and is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in English Literature. She is a regular Yoga practitioner and trainer. Lalitha has, for a long time, involved herself in social service activities. She has worked with underprivileged farmers and orphan children, and she has been training with the Philanthropy University to strengthen her social impact. Lalitha is the “engine” of our organization and she makes certain our aquaponics system work properly. She believes ‘service to mankind is the service to God‘.
Dorothée Houry
Volunteer
Dorothée came to Norway to complete a Ph.D. in Molecular Biology at the University of Bergen. She offers her analytical thinking and competencies to help Bija Organization in raising funds. Dorothée also volunteers in another organization, where she plans activities to promote Norwegian practice and the social integration of foreigners. She is interested in women's rights, educational equity, animal welfare, and also concerned about the impact of conflicts and climate change on the affected population. Her motto is the one from the city of Paris where she comes from « fluctuat nec mergitur », meaning « tossed by the waves but does not sink ».