Basavaraj Shali began his work with SATHI in 1993, initially based in Raichur. With over 30 years of experience, he has been dedicated to supporting children at risk, including runaway children found at railway stations, street children in slums, trafficked girls, children affected by addiction, and those living in government childcare institutions. His work has focused on the rescue, restoration, and rehabilitation of these children, along with connecting them and their families to essential social protection schemes.

Since the organization’s inception, Basavaraj has been a key contributor, advancing to the role of Secretary in 2014. His leadership has successfully guided SATHI’s expansion, elevating its programs to a national level. Under the tutelage of Basavaraj, SATHI has demonstrated family restoration model successfully and widely accepted by the government and other civil society organization those who are working for the runaway and vulnerable children in India.