Born: September 27, 1931

Dr. Praveen Nair is a Founder Trustee of Salaam Baalak Trust (SBT). Didi as she is lovingly called in her Organisation, since childhood has been passionate about doing well for the less privileged children. Her daughter, Mira Nair’s film Salaam Bombay brought forth the harsh life of children living on the streets and motivated Dr. Nair to bring a difference to the lives of children living on the streets. Dr. Nair and Mr. Sanjoy Roy established the Trust with three staff and 25 children in 1988 in a small space provided by Ground Reserve Police (GRP) in New Delhi railway station.

SBT has six residential centres viz. Aasra, Apna Ghar, Old Delhi Railway Station Open Shelter and DMRC Children's Home (for boys); Arushi and Rose Home (for girls). The children are provided shelter and care, healthy and happy environment, nutritious food, clothes, education, healthcare, counselling, recreational facilities, etc. The children go to formal schools and also receive non- formal education. SBT regularly conducts health check-ups and camps for its children. Sports activities, educational tours and cultural events attribute to the holistic development of the children.

SBT contact points are like day care centres which are located near railway stations, bus stops, market areas and in the slums. Presently there are 21contact points. It reaches and protects over 5,000 children annually, wherein several team members who work at these points are former SBT children / beneficiaries.

Dr. Nair's strongly believes that education linked with life skills and livelihoods is the answer for transforming the lives of street children. Hence vocational training is a critical link of SBT to mainstream their children. Some of the popular choices have been multi-media animation, film editing, theatre, music, dance, photography, graphic designing, etc.

Due to her compassionate nature and passion for child welfare, Dr. Nair is closely bonded to these children. In the last 29 years, over 80,000 children have benefited through SBT’s program.

Dr. Praveen Nair's passionate advocacy of street and working children’s rights in various policy and legislative forums of Delhi and her extensive involvement in SBT’s operation, has helped in formulation of child-centric policies and programmes.