ABOUT
The Desert Dolphin Skatepark was constructed as a part of the Netflix Original Feature film ‘SKATER GIRL’ which released June 2021 in 191 countries and 31 languages.
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Situated on an one acre campus, the 14,500 sqft skatepark is one of India’s largest and Rajasthan’s first skatepark. The skatepark was built with the team from 100 Ramps with the help of Indian and International volunteers, and skateboarding and acting workshops began in October 2018.
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After filming completed in April 2019, the skatepark remains a free public use skatepark, with the aim of continuing the social impact such skateparks have on rural Indian villages.
Hundreds children in and around Khempur village, Rajasthan have been positively impacted by the introduction of skateboarding. Many children from surrounding villages and schools attend daily free training workshops at the park. Since skateboarding is now an Olympic qualifying sport, the Desert Dolphin skatepark remains a training ground for future national and international champions.
We believe every child deserves an opportunity
to dream and shape their future.
Our Mission
The skatepark is like a second home for many local kids and it represents more than skateboarding for them. Skating works as an important catalyst in shaping their personality and with this in mind, we aim to create an environment where they can express freely and be empowered fiercely. The aim is not only to facilitate their raw talent and energy to enable their participation as skaters in state and national championships but also to be a positive influence in their immediate circle.
Our Vision
The founders of the skatepark are dedicated to providing a safe and inspiring environment to the local community. The collective vision is to enable growth through various activities organized at the skatepark by volunteer programs that include life lessons and overall character development.
THE TEAM
FOUNDER
Manjari Makijany is the visionary writer and director of the Netflix film Skater Girl, capturing the essence of empowerment, resilience, and the transformative power of skateboarding. She played a pivotal role in germinating the idea that led to the creation of the Desert Dolphin Skatepark.
She personally gravitates towards telling compelling human stories that transcend cultures and engage audiences worldwide to not only entertain but also inspire positive social change and empowerment.
Along with Emmanuel Pappas, she founded Skate Basti Foundation that aims to build community skateparks in unconventional spaces that create opportunity for underserved youth creating change at individual and community levels.
Manjari Makijany
CO-FOUNDER
Vinati Makijany
Vinati Makijany is the Founder and Managing Trustee of the Living Grace Foundation, a charitable trust in India that works towards education using arts and sports in rural India. As the writer and producer of the inspiring Netflix film Skater Girl, she built Desert Dolphin Skatepark, one of India's largest and Rajasthan’s first, which now runs as a free community skatepark in the village.
Vinati believes in diversity and hunts for talents from unique backgrounds to be part of her projects. For India's first skateboarding film, she trained local village kids in theatre and acting.
Her profound commitment to social change through art finds expression in her extensive work with young adults globally. She regularly conducts workshops that focus on self-expression using theatre as an active tool. Over the years, she has used the medium of performing arts to impact the lives of thousands of children and is now driven to include sports as a catalyst to change.
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CO-FOUNDER
Emmanuel Pappas is a pioneering film producer of the “Skater Girl”. Beyond his work in the film industry, Emmanuel is a dedicated advocate for social change.
As a co-founder of the Skate-Basti Foundation, he has played a pivotal role in creating an environment where children are empowered to express their ideas and dreams freely. He is committed to supporting the vision to further develop workshops and educational activities, as well as expanding the facility to enable the kids to grow into good citizens and perhaps some stellar athletes along the way.
Through initiatives that promote creativity, education, and community engagement, Emmanuel and Skate -Basti are fostering a new generation of changemakers. His commitment to making a positive impact in the world serves as a testament to his remarkable character and enduring legacy.
Emmanuel Pappas
PROJECT MANAGER
Palak Shah has been one of the key members of the Desert Dolphin Skatepark since its inception. With a background in childrens’ newspaper editorial and film production, Palak very organically became the core member overseeing the developments at the skatepark.
As the Project Manager, she oversees and executes various initiatives, activities and on ground coordination. Her strategic planning and exceptional organizational skills have significantly contributed to the park's development. Over 5 years she has consistently worked to streamline operations, improve the skatepark's facilities, and ensure a safe and welcoming environment for all visitors. You won’t miss her warm welcome if you happen to visit the skatepark. ​
Palak Shah
PROGRAM MANAGER
Jewel Paul brings both heart and experience to his role as Program Manager at Desert Dolphin Skatepark. Having previously volunteered at the park for over a year, he returns as a vital member of the team, driven by a deep passion for skateboarding, storytelling, and community transformation. A committed skateboarder and youth mentor, Jewel has played an active role in growing the skateboarding community. He has led numerous workshops in rural schools and villages, using the sport as a medium to spark joy, build confidence, and inspire change. Alongside his on-ground work, Jewel is also a gifted content creator. His storytelling brings visibility to untold journeys within the skate world, helping to spread the spirit of skateboarding to new audiences. We’re thrilled to welcome Jewel back now as Program Manager, as he continues to shape impactful programs and help Desert Dolphin Skatepark grow as a space for inclusion, creativity, and community.
Jewel Paul
ADVISORY BOARD
PHYSICAL THERAPIST
Suraj Bafna
Suraj Bafna is a highly experienced physiotherapist and healthcare practitioner with a deep commitment to community well-being. With over a decade of expertise in musculoskeletal health, he has worked across India and the UK, driving advancements in patient care, leadership, and education. Currently serving as Clinical Lead for the Oxfordshire Service, Suraj delivers innovative, patient-centered care. In the UK, he collaborated with the NHS to run community diabetes clinics, securing government funding for the initiative, and became a poster boy for his work in vaccination efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic. For it he was awarded with the prestigious Young Achiever’s Award UK for 2024.
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Beyond his clinical expertise, he is passionate about teaching and serves as Vice Chair of the Shree Navyug Jain Pragati Mandal and Treasurer of JITO UK. Suraj’s dedication to physical health and therapy and community building has led him to work with many not for profit organisations using health to drive change.
NUTRITIONIST
Khushboo Jain Tibrewala believes in the power of food to heal and transform. A Nutritionist and Diabetes Educator from Mumbai, her approach is rooted in blending modern medical science with the traditional food wisdom passed down through generations.
For Khushboo, health begins by addressing the root cause, a philosophy that has shaped her practice for over 15 years. She founded The Health Pantry, a venture that helps people build sustainable and nourishing lifestyles. She has guided thousands of individuals, families and corporations like Marico, Kotak Mahindra, Century, and Yes Bank.
An advocate for making nutrition accessible for the vulnerable communities she has supported many on their journey to recovery through mindful eating habits and lifestyle practices.
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Khushboo Jain Tibrewala
SKATE ADVISOR
Heidi Lemmon
Heidi Lemmon is a trailblazer in the skateboarding world and youth programming, based in Venice, CA. She co-founded the movement for public skateparks in 1996. Founder of the Skate Park Association (1996) and SPAI (2002), She played a pivotal role in reintroducing affordable insurance to the skateboarding industry, revitalizing competitions and events. She co-created Venice Boarding School, the first LAUSD-accredited high school for disenfranchised skateboarders, and has produced major events like the OG Jam Series and Venice Ladies Jam.
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Heidi has partnered with cities, nonprofits, and organizations to create community-focused programs, including in underserved areas like Watts, CA, and internationally in the Dominican Republic and Bangladesh. She serves on the ASTM International Skatepark Committee and has been a board member for numerous skateboarding and youth organizations. Her impact has been documented in films such as Made in Venice and Lines. Heidi’s deep expertise in skatepark development, community engagement, and youth empowerment continues to inspire global change.
SKATE ADVISOR
Abhishek is a pioneer in India’s skateboarding movement and the partner at 100 Ramps Skateparks, as well as the founder of Holystoked. Since 2011, he has been involved in the construction of nearly every skatepark across India, helping to shape the country’s skateboarding culture before it gained mainstream attention. As a Tedx Speaker, he has been able to highlight the impact of skateboarding across the country. He is on a mission to build 100 skateparks across India in the next seven years.
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Abhishek’s work also includes designing and constructing the Desert Dolphin Skatepark for the film Skater Girl. The skatepark stands as a symbol of his dedication to creating skateboarding venues across the country.​
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Abhishek "Shakenbake"
SKATE ADVISOR
Darius Cyrus Bharucha
Darius Cyrus Bharucha is one of the pioneering skateboarders of India. Hailing from Bangalore, he's one of the few individuals in India truly dedicated to advancing skateboarding and has been a pivotal figure in its growth.
He began his skatepark-building journey by constructing ramps in Bangalore, a grassroots effort to support and grow the local skateboarding community. This initiative eventually led to the formation of 100 Ramps Skateparks, a company committed to designing and building world-class skateparks across India. Over time, Darius and his team's landmark projects include Sabarmati river front sports complex skatepark (Ahmedabad) and Chandigarh sector 17 skatepark. He has been a certified skateboarding head judge for the Asian Extreme Sports Federation.
He was at the helm of the team that built the Desert Dolphin Skatepark. He has a robust build crew of Indian and International skatepark builders at 100 ramps and they have constructed some of the best skateparks in the country.
Priyanka Khimani is a globally recognised legal expert in entertainment and music rights, as well as the founder of Khimani & Associates, an India-based law firm representing some of the most prominent names in the industry. Her sharp legal acumen, paired with a keen commercial sense, has helped clients seamlessly navigate new markets, forge strategic partnerships, and secure groundbreaking deals.
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Ranked among the world’s top entertainment lawyers, Priyanka has been consistently featured in Forbes, Billboard, and Entrepreneur for her trailblazing contributions to the industry. She is known not only for her expertise in intellectual property rights but also for her ability to navigate high-stakes crises and media trials with precision.
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Beyond her legal work, Priyanka is passionate about fostering inclusivity in the music industry. She founded Women of Music India, a thriving community dedicated to uplifting and empowering women in the Indian music space. Driven by a deep commitment to creating opportunities for others, she continues to shape the future of entertainment law while championing meaningful change in the industry.
LEGAL ADVISOR
