Currently, a resident of Loni in Ghaziabad, Aamir has been studying and working the social sector since quite a few years now. He lives where majority of the population belong to Muslim community. In this area, laborers, street vendors, daily wagers, and other groups of minorities reside whose lives were negatively impacted during the pandemic. They struggled to earn any food or money for their living. Aamir enabled 5 young fellows to initiate providing support to the pandemic-impacted families and reduce the impact of Covid-19.
Aaradhaya is an emerging learner with a Bachelor’s degree in History and Spanish and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Economics. Just beginning their journey in the social development space, Aaradhaya carries with them a sense of curiosity, openness, and commitment to learning from every experience.
Rooted in Patna, Bihar, Aaradhaya aspires to explore how youth, society, and inclusive progress can come together to shape meaningful change. Outside of academics and work, they find joy in reading and music, which nurture reflection, imagination, and a creative spirit.
A software engineer in the making, Adinath has been associated with Magic Bus India Foundation from an early stage of his life as a Community Youth Leader and has been passionate about social work since a very young age. In recent years, he has found his interest lean towards climate action and knew he needed to actively contribute to the cause.
Aditya has been recognized as a Successful Young Entrepreneur and Achiever on various National and International platforms. He has been invited to speak and deliver guest lectures at 250+ institutions globally and has won many prestigious awards for his work.
Aijaz Ahmad, is a courageous and inspiring youth leader from Badgaum in Srinagar, Kashmir. As a trans person, Aijaz has faced significant challenges and marginalisation within his community, yet they have emerged as a powerful advocate for social change and inclusivity. Their journey of self-discovery and empowerment began during college years, where they found the freedom to embrace their identity and build confidence. Driven by a deep-seated desire to create a positive social impact, Aijaz has dedicated themselves to addressing critical issues related to gender, health, and climate change.
Ajay is a social entrepreneur who has been working in the field of green energy, environment advocacy and climate change issues for the last seven years. Right from childhood he got lucky in life to have amazing people like friends, teachers and mentors who always supported and helped me to become a better human being. He has worked on leading different projects on solar smart grids set up and innovations during the fellowship in SBI-Youth for India and India Fellow Leadership Program.
Ajay Pandit, an experienced Chief Executive Officer has a demonstrated history of working in the non-profit organisation management industry. As one of the founding members and Executive Secretary of Synergy Sansthan, he has played a pivotal role in driving the organisation's mission forward.
Demonstrating exceptional proficiency in business development, Pandit's expertise is underscored by his extensive experience in the field. His skill set encompasses a diverse range of competencies including research, Microsoft Excel, management, customer service, and Microsoft Word.
Akhina Mohan VK is a dedicated environmentalist and community leader based in Kannur, Kerala. With a lifelong passion for nature and plants, Akhina pursued a master's degree in environmental science to deepen her understanding of ecological issues. Her commitment to environmental protection was further solidified during her involvement in relief work following the devastating floods in Kerala in August 2018, which served as a transformative experience for her.
Passionate about systems thinking, ecosystem building, visual storytelling, and Climate Action, Akshit brings 8 years of quality experience in the social development space. In his current role as Associate Director at ComMutiny, Akshit is co-anchoring the Climate Action vertical where he is building the ‘Nourishing Now’ approach to make climate action a priority for youth engagers and young people. He is leading the process of nurturing 200 youth leaders to build climate positive communities through Changelooms: Youth Leaders in Climate Action.
Alok is a passionate advocate for rural development and local governance, residing in Sitamarhi, Bihar. With a deep interest in understanding the cultural, political, and ecological significance of rural India, Alok has dedicated his efforts to empowering local communities and asserting the relevance of grassroots governance. Inspired by the Anna Hazare Movement, he made a significant career shift from engineering to community engagement, where he designed a learning journey focused on understanding the realities faced by rural populations.
Ambika is a dedicated person who loves to travel and explore the world. She enjoys listening to music and discovering new experiences. Finance is something she truly enjoys working with, as it keeps her motivated and curious to learn more.
My name is Amit Kumar Sinha, one of the founders of Jamghat. I was born in Siwan, Bihar, and have been living in Delhi since 1999. I am an alumnus of Delhi University, where I pursued a Bachelor's degree in Arts with Political Science, History, and Economics in 2003, excelling in my subjects. I have been an active student since my school days, participating in various extracurricular activities at both school and inter-school levels.
Associate Director (Narratives,Fundraising and Partnerships)
ComMutiny - The Youth Collective
Amlan is a development sector professional previously having worked in the Impact space, with government systems and in the field of political consulting. Currently leading the Visibility, Fundraising and Partnerships vertical, Amlan has pursued his Bachelors in Economics from Jadavpur University and Masters in Public policy & Governance from Tata Institute of Social Sciences.
"Amrita Sunita Anand leads Growth & Innovation at VPL, network partner of Video Volunteers. Amrita's expertise lies in synthesizing data from government and ground to strategise interventions that lead to ground solutions. She has 17 years of experience and 14+ years in the social impact sector, she has worked with communities to devise solutions for various social issues. In her previous role at Video Volunteers she has trained community correspondents on using media for change, conducting talks & creating community based action plans to end human trafficking at their villages.
He is working with Jan Sahas for the last 5 years, his work focuses on ending sexual violence against women and children. Currently, he is leading a team of over 200 members to end sexual violence against women and children with a multi-prolonged approach such as Prevention, Response, Rehabilitation and Systemreform. He has played a crucial role in designing, planning and implementation of national campaign called ‘Dignity March’, a campaign to end sexual violence against women and children. Amu has completed M.A. in Social work from Tata Institute of Social Sciences.
Anand Chitravanshi, a young executive and dedicated women's rights activist, has immersed himself in the realm of girls' education since 2008. As one of the few male advocates for women's rights, Anand's commitment to fostering change is evident in his extensive efforts to introduce a rights-based, critical feminist pedagogy into government-run schools. Leveraging technology, he has successfully disseminated quality pedagogical practices and established community transformation centres to facilitate the enrollment of out-of-school children.
Ekta Parishad is a mass-based peoples' movement for land rights with an active membership of 250,000 landless poor and is regarded as one of the biggest people’s movement in India with an iconic status globally.
Since inception (1989) as a Gandhian organization - Ekta Parishad is constantly promoting nonviolence as a way for the struggle, dialogue, and constructive actions towards building a peaceful and just society.
Anil Hebbar had business by profession but social work is his passion. He participated in Baba-Amte Bharat Jodo Andolan in 1985-86, covering Northeast India, West Bengal, Orissa, Rajasthan, UP, Gujrat. He was also associated with Dr. S N Subbarao, the Father of youth work. He Works with and sponsors a lot of youth campaigns. During COVID, he worked extensively in Maharashtra (Mumbai). Providing medicines, bedding and ration to those in need. He also took upon himself to mobilize the youth and create youth volunteer forces.
Anjali is a social worker currently pursuing her Masters in Social Work from University of Lucknow. With a history of volunteering spirit as a part of the NCC and for other organizations, Anjali has been an active member of the civil society since a young age.
Ankit retired when he turned 30 and stopped exchanging his time with money. He now lives his life in service with an intention to grow in compassion and equanimity in every moment.
He is a student of the wisdom traditions of India. The core of his work includes creating space for people to look within and see the connection between their inner and outer lives. He feels that when one starts living with an experience of harmony and abundance it naturally leads to systems which are inclusive and adaptive.
Ankush, is a passionate young leader dedicated to social change and community development in New Delhi. His journey began in 10th grade when he initiated a clothing drive to support a Pakistani refugee community, which opened his eyes to the challenges faced by underprivileged children in his vicinity. This experience ignited his desire to make a tangible impact in the lives of those around him. Ankush's involvement with Pravah, an organisation focused on youth engagement and social action for Clean Air Fellowship, further fueled his commitment to community service.
At Dream a Dream, Ansar plays a key role in hosting and organising Dream a Dream’s annual conference “Change the Script”. In the past, Ansar managed 10 learning centres for the holistic development of young people and the training facilitators at Makkala Jagriti for 6 years. He was also responsible for executing a research on 'Traditional Occupations by Minority Groups'. This report was presented to Justice Rajendra Sachar, an honourable Supreme Court judge for the rehabilitation of minority communities.
Special Projects at Dream a Dream since 2012. In the past, Ansar managed 10 learning centres afor the holistic development of young people and the training facilitators at Makkala Jagriti for 6 years. He was also responsible for executing a research on 'Traditional Occupations by Minority Groups'. This report was presented to Justice Rajendra Sachar, an honourable Supreme Court judge for the rehabilitation of minority communities. At Dream a Dream, Ansar plays a key role in hosting and organising Dream a Dream’s annual conference “Change the Script”.
Anurag, the co-founder and CEO of Delhi-based band and music non-profit Manzil Mystics, oversees a dynamic role of training and development, fundraising, partnerships, accounts, and monitoring and evaluation. He has a decade-long tenure in both the music and development sectors. His proficiency in operations management, communication, event management, team building, and fundraising underscores his dynamic skill set and commitment to organisational success.
Ariba Naim has a Postgraduate degree in Social Work from Jamia Millia University, and brings over five years of extensive professional experience to the table. During her tenure with the Sanjivini Society for Mental Health, she served as a counsellor for four years, offering invaluable support to individuals navigating a spectrum of emotional and mental health challenges.
Arjun Shekhar, a prominent figure in the vartaLeap Coalition, stands as a co-founder of Pravah and ComMutiny – The Youth Collective, alongside being the visionary founder of Vyaktitva, a distinguished performance support consulting firm. Renowned for his expertise in designing structured experiences, Arjun possesses a diverse range of interests and engagements in the realm of human development. His impactful contributions span both social and corporate sectors, where he has crafted innovative learning and leadership interventions tailored to nurture individual potential
Arjun is a third generation entrepreneur. He sees his life shaped by three entrepreneurial experiences. His grandfather founded a tribal development non-profit. Growing up, Arjun saw the personal challenges of running a non-profit, the financial challenges the family faced, and the conflicts within the family due to his grandfather’s unconventional choice of work.
Arty is a Post Graduate in Economics from Patna University. She has over 12 years of experience in various organizations. She has worked at the grass roots with PRADAN with tribal women from Jharkhand, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh on various themes such as, livelihood, health, gender issues. Arty has worked as the Program Manager for Landesa inBihar where she worked for ensuring land rights of land less families. She was engaged with NITI Aayog for the policies on tenancy in the state so that women share croppers can be benefitted.
Arun's journey in the social sector began in 2005 with a transformative project focused on education across 40 villages in District Rajgarh, Madhya Pradesh. This early experience laid the foundation for his subsequent endeavours, shaping his expertise and passion for community development. He has also embarked on a significant collaboration with UNICEF, serving as a consultant for two years to address education and nutrition challenges in villages within Chhatarpur District, MP.
Arunavha, originally from Guwahati, Assam, now makes his home in Samsing, West Bengal. His extensive travels through the remote villages of Northeast India ignited his passion for sustainable, community-driven tourism, which led him to co-found the Muhaan Collective. Arunabha prioritises sustainable, community-led tourism that empowers locals, conserves cultural heritage, retains community land ownership, and creates sustainable youth livelihoods to combat outward migration and foster community development.
Ashif Shaikh (born 18 October 1982) is a social entrepreneur and activist from India and founder director of the community and survivor focused non-profit organisation Jan Sahas. He is also the founder and current national convener of Rashtriya Garima Abhiyan (National Campaign for Dignity) for eradication of the practice of manual scavenging.
Ashik Krishnan seamlessly blends into the roles of a traveller, venture socialist, and community weaver. As the co-creator of Travellers' University, he orchestrates transformative experiential learning journeys, fostering deeper self-awareness and global understanding. At Travellers' University, Ashik channels his creativity into designing and leading travel-based educational programs aimed at envisioning a more inclusive and equitable world.
With a background in Information Technology, Ashok started his professional journey as a Network Security Engineer at Tata Consultancy Services from 2015 to 2018. However, his inclination towards social change surfaced during his college years when he participated in the Community Connect Fellowship with the Blue Ribbon Movement in 2013, marking the inception of his volunteerism. Since then, he has remained actively engaged with the organisation, leveraging his skills and passion for community development.
At the heart of Ashraf’s journey is her deep belief in the power of people, and that unlocking their potential, and thereby society’s, is possible through collective action. A key contributor to the evolution of the inside-out youth leadership field, Ashraf is the Co-Founder of Pravah, ComMutiny The Youth Collective, Adaptatva and an incubating member of the vartaLeap Coalition. vartaLeap is a cross-sectoral community of 150 key stakeholders working toward the mission: Every Youth a Jagrik, Every Space Nurturing Jagriks.
Ashu Tiwary is the Principal of Motilal Nehru Public School. She has worked for mental health and well-being during COVID times. She has run programs and arranged mental health sessions for the teachers and students.
Being a source of inspiration in the school community, she also made a group of young teachers to capacitate them. She organized programs for adolescent students of her school on mental health and well-being with People For Change.
Ashutosh has been working with young people and adolescents since 2010. Through his work, he has made an outreach to more than 10000 young people with some of his work being featured by Gulf news and the Ministry of external affairs. Ashutosh is also a 'Changeloomer'
Ashutosh Nandwana Founder/chairman Share A Smile Foundation India. He is also a 'Changeloomer' (Changelooms is the flagship program of Pravah where budding entrepreneurs are selected from PAN India and taken through an Organizational Development Journey. He has been working with young people and adolescents since 2010. Through his work, he has made an outreach to more than 10000 young people with some of his work been featured by Gulf news and Ministry of external affairs.
Ashutosh Singh, is a passionate community leader and change-maker based in Mumbai, with over eight years of experience in grassroots activism and social engagement. He is deeply committed to addressing the pressing issue of climate change and has been actively involved in community action through the Magic Bus Foundation, where he has built strong trust and influence within his community. With a PhD in Education, Ashutosh’s notable achievement in career was winning the Water Hero Academy competition, which led to an invitation to Manchester City to receive recognition for his contributions.
Asim Siddiqui, a faculty member at Azim Premji University in India, specializes in Philosophy and Development Studies. His research focus centers on humanizing access to education and health to foster democracy and nurture a compassionate society. Asim actively collaborates with various youth-focused organizations, facilitating critical thinking and emotional capacity-building workshops while addressing issues of social justice.
Astha Agarwal, serving as the Director of Youth Interventions at Pravah, brings a wealth of expertise in youth development and leadership. Holding postgraduate qualifications in International Politics from Jawaharlal Nehru University and Conflict Transformation and Peace Building from Delhi University, Astha's journey into the realm of youth development was sparked by her transformative experience as a participant with Pravah.
Ayesha Sinha is the founder-director of Talash Society, engaged in working with adolescents & youth for working towards a gender equitable world by focusing on inner work. The organization's aims to transform individuals, leading to united social nations.
Ayeshna works with rural communities in Haryana, North India on exploring solutions for quality teaching-learning in schools, advocating equal access to opportunities for all genders through leadership and skill-building and working with rural youth on self-led development. Prior to co-founding her non-profit, Varitra Foundation in 2018, Ayeshna worked as a CSR professional with Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai - an experience that marked her passage to ‘the other side’. Ayeshna completed her graduation in mass media from St.
Baljeet is the Founding Director of Varitra Foundation. Born in a small agrarian family, he has experienced the challenges faced by children in rural areas. Baljeet has grown with a keen interest towards improving of government school as a quality learning space, the thought of which has stemmed out of his personal experiences during childhood. He started missing classes from class VI onwards due to the inability to pay fees and to avoid the ensuing embarrassment by teachers.
Bappaditya Mukherjee serves as the Founding Secretary of Prantakatha, an esteemed organisation dedicated to fostering deep self-awareness for social transformation among youth. With a rich history spanning 18 years, Prantakatha operates as an intersectional youth space in Kolkata, West Bengal, impacting over 5000 youth from diverse backgrounds, with a focus on marginalised communities.
Barkha has been in the development sector for over 13 years. She has previously worked with TERI for implementing renewable energy technologies in rural areas of Jharkhand, Orissa and Madhya Pradesh; with PRADAN on collectives and livelihoods of Gond and Baiga tribal women and youth in villages of Madhya Pradesh for 7 years; and with SOS Children’s Villages International as a Programme Advisor – Youth for Asia focussing on India, Vietnam, Bangladesh, Laos, Sri Lanka and Indonesia. She is from Delhi with a graduation in Physics and post-graduation in Environment Science.
Founding Editor at The Logical Indian and verification trainer of the Google News Initiative Trainer Network in India, Bharat currently heads the fact-check division at The Logical Indian and conduct training at journalism colleges and newsrooms to fight online misinformation and also train journalists on tools that can help them do better report on fake news.
Mrs. Carmel Tripathi is an accomplished professional serving as the Director of Public Information at the Baha'i Office of Public Affairs, located at the Baha'i House of Worship. With a fervent dedication to her work, she has traversed numerous countries, enriching her experiences and insights.
Having done his bachelor’s in economics, Dabhi Gaurav Kumar has been involved with the Adivasi Sarvangi Sangh, which focuses on saving water and tribal development. He has an in-depth understanding of climate issues that relate to agriculture and believes that the world needs to and is turning its attention towards organic farming and aims to educate the people of his community about such organic practices
Deepak Kumar, hailing from Samastipur, Bihar, brings a diverse background and a wealth of experiences to his work in the social sector. Graduating in English literature from St. Xavier's College, Deepak delved into street and stage theatre, focusing on pertinent issues such as rape culture, menstrual hygiene, and masculinity. Through his involvement in theatre, he discovered his knack for connecting with people and found his passion for working with young individuals, particularly in the realms of caste, gender, class, and development.
Deep Jyoti Sonu Brahma emerges as a seasoned professional dedicated to reshaping youth attitudes toward agriculture by integrating hands-on farming experiences into the education system. With over two decades of experience in education and youth development, Deep has played instrumental roles in envisioning, designing, and implementing various educational initiatives. His expertise spans school development, community capacity building, and youth interventions, garnered through leadership positions at organisations like Pravah and The American India Foundation.
Dhruv Arora is the Advocacy and Communications lead for YuWaah, and manages all of YuWaah's public facing communications ensuring wide reach for its interventions among young people, as well as leveraging relevant advocacy efforts to ensure YuWaah's messages and impact reaches the relevant stakeholders. An alumnus of the University of Sussex, Dhruv has previously worked with various Delhi-based organisations over the past 9 years, including the Centre for Policy Research, Youth Ki Awaaz, CREA, as well as Commutiny.
I am a 21-year-old young blood from Ratlam, Madhya Pradesh. I completed my schooling in Ratlam up to the 10th standard, and then pursued my 11th and 12th in Doon. Coming from a family business background, I decided to pursue a BBA in Entrepreneurship from Bennett University, Greater Noida. While I found business and management exciting, the traditional MBA path seemed dull to me. Discovering the ISDM website sparked a new interest in me to explore something different and yet undecided.
Dimum Pertin, is a passionate young social entrepreneur based in Dambuk, Arunachal Pradesh, dedicated to empowering women from tribal communities through her initiative, Gepo Aali. An Agro-ecology scholar , she is dedicated to empowering local women farmers by building a network of "Agripreneurs." Her motivation stems from personal experiences, particularly the challenges her grandmother faced in accessing native healthy food in her old age. Dimum's work focuses on promoting indigenous varieties of millets, aiming to preserve traditional farming practices and enhance local food security.
Dinesh is a Catalyst and Executive Director at Audacious Dreams. He is a Global youth policy maker by passion and profession, he had been served with many influential youth led policy making agencies including Commonwealth Secretariat as Asia Regional Representative for Commonwealth Youth Sports for Development and Peace (CYSDP) and Commonwealth Students Association (CSA), Asia Focal point for Commonwealth Youth Council, Global Youth Ambassador for A world at School initiative founded by UN envoy for Global Education.
Before joining ComMutiny - The Youth Collective, Dipanshu worked as a Program Officer at Accountability Initiative, Centre for Policy Reseacrh where he led PULSE for Development, an online community bringing together over 110 organizations and 230 practitioners to share knowledge and collaborate across sectors.
Dipantri is a very active partner of People For Change and she is the mukhiya of Tetla Panchayat. Dipantri has done exceptional work in COVID relief. She provided ration to people in need. She took the responsibility of connecting to all the migrant workers and bringing them back home. Dipantri worked for providing vaccines to all the people living in her village, also distributed PPE kits. She acted as an efficient leader by encouraging the women and youth of her village to work for COVID relief.
Divya is a mother, bibliophile, foodie, citizen environment activist and marketing strategy consultant. An alumna of IIM Kozhikode, she worked as a marketer in large MNCs such as Reckitt and GSK. As she took a break from her corporate career to spend more time with her child, she saw first hand how the pollution in Delhi impacted the health of its children. That prompted her to jump into her first stint in public work with Warrior mom's- a pan India advocacy group of mothers working towards environment action.
Divyanshi was born and brought up in Alwar, a district in Rajasthan that is urban geographically but requires elevation socially. She was highly disappointed by the prevailing conditions of the society, the lack of basic health facilities, the poor state of education, and the demeaning living standards of the poor, women, and underprivileged. A quote that she lives by is, "be the change you want to see". Thus, she tries to smash the patriarchy and help the needy in the little ways she can. She is empathetic, has a keen interest in research, and is currently majoring in Economics.
I have over 30 years of experience of working at the grassroots of social issues. My area of expertise is education. And other area of keen interest has been in various sectors : gender, education, health and reproductive rights and life skills. Established Jatan in 2001 and has nurtured it till date expanding work into many districts of Rajasthan and pan India.
Dr Manu Gupta is an important figure in fostering resilient communities across the Asia Pacific region. With nearly three decades of experience, he has been a leading advocate for citizen-led initiatives on a global scale. As the Co-Founder of SEEDS, a non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting community resilience, Manu spearheads innovative solutions in disaster readiness, response, and rehabilitation.
Eva Wallensteiner is a seasoned theatre anthropologist with a specialisation in the popular performing arts of India and extensive experience as a dramatic advisor. Since 1987, she has made regular visits to India for her studies and research on the influence and significance of performing arts. Additionally, Eva has served as a project coordinator in the social field, leveraging her expertise to contribute to various initiatives aimed at social development.
Fahad Khan, as the Director of Antraal Theatre based in Delhi, leads initiatives aimed at advancing inclusive theatre and theatre-based education. He is recognised for pioneering the concepts of "theatre for all" and "theatre for education," notably collaborating with government schools in Delhi to integrate theatre into their academic curriculum. With over a decade of experience, Fahad has also devoted his efforts to empowering blind women through theatre, forging partnerships with organisations like NAB India.
Fr Jerry Thomas is the director of Bosco in Jorhat (Assam) Institute affiliated with Dibrugarh University. The institute offers a Masters program in Social Work to prepare professionally sound and socially committed social workers in and around India’s North East.
गौतम सागर पछले 22 वष से सहयोगनी संा से जुड़े ह। और युवा के नेतृव वकास एवं महला सशकरण पर काय करते ह । अपने इस काय के दौरान उह एहसास आ क युवा क मता वकास एवं कौशल वकास क अयंत आवयकता है और इसके लये सघन प से काय कया जाना जरी है । जस को आधार मानकर सहयोगीनी संा के मायम से युवा एवं कशोर के नेतृव मता वकास को लेकर काय कर रहे ह । जसके परणाम वप े म युवा , कशोरय का मता वधन आ है । साथ म समान वचारधारा वाले संा के साथ इस मुे पर काय कर रहे ह।
Gobinda is presently the Mentor and Co-founder of Yuva Vikas, a youth led development organisation which leverages collective experience of young visionaries and development workers to fast track development processes among low income neighbourhoods/ communities.
गुलनार पठान है, सर्वोदय महिला जागृति सेवा ट्रस्ट 1995 से रजिस्ट्रेशन कराकर ग्राम्य और शहरी तक वंचित समुदाय की महिलाएं ओर बच्चों संवैधानिक अधिकारों, एज्युकेशन, स्वास्थ्य और अवरनेस पर कार्यरत है। उन्होंने असंगठित मजदूर परिवारों ओर खेत मजदूर महिलाओं के साथ काम करते हुए पांच हजार से भी अधिक महिलाओं का संगठन बनाकर उनकी समस्याओं ओर खास टीबी की बीमारी नाबुद करने के लिए काम किया हैं। उन्हें इंटरनेशनल ह्यूमन राइट्स फेडरेशन की ओर से इंदौर मध्य प्रदेश ने मानव गौरव रत्न से सम्मानित किया गया।
I am a library educator and have been working with children from rural and forest dwelling communities in the space of education. I personally believe in learning from children and believe in youth as someone who can be strong mobilizers and motivator for their communities.
Have over 30 years of experience in different industries and functions. Have held Healthcare CEO positions for the last 13 years. Am very intrapreneurial and comfortable handling and driving change I believe that focusing on wellness, building healthy communities and early intervention is the only sustainable solution to catering to India’s healthcare needs.
Harsh has been a fellow with Pravah and has shown exemplary leadership and ownership towards his community throughout and especially during COVID times. He was extremely active in only supporting relief work but also organising and bringing many more young people together from different organisation, colleges, communities, etc. He is from Bhopal and is doing his MA in social work.
Hiba is a distinguished professional with a master's degree in Social Work, specialising in Women-Centred Practice from Tata Institute of Social Sciences in Mumbai. Her career choices have been centred around the dynamic intersection of gender, sexuality, and gender-based violence.
Indrajit is currently the Chief Executive Officer at the We Are Young Foundation. He has studied Food Science from the Assam Agriculture University and has completed an M.A. in Youth Empowerment from the Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Youth Development. He is a certified life-skills trainer from RGNIYD. He is a Pravah Changelooms fellow and a Professional Fellow of the US State Department of Cultural Affairs. He has also participated in a cross-country solo bicycle ride for charity which ran across 7 states and 2 union territories.
Child Protection Specialist (Social Norms)- UNICEF Middle East & North America
A development practitioner with 10+ years of experience in child rights programming in development and humanitarian settings and shaping public policy and advocacy focussed on child protection.
With over 25 years of experience in mentoring teachers, youth leaders, and adolescents, Shani Sen has been an integral part of Pravah for the past 16 years. Her extensive expertise includes curriculum designing and facilitating mindset change learning programs for educators and young individuals across various states in India. Ishani has played a pivotal role in implementing conflict-positive curriculum and mentoring teachers to navigate their personal and professional roles, contributing to whole-school transformations for leadership development and inclusivity.
Jenpu Rongmei could complete only matriculation and could not continue higher education. He grew up helplessly seeing his mother being tortured by his alcoholic father. During his teenage years, he lost his brother to drugs. The pain of losing his brother to a sickness which could be cured landed him in despair. The trauma coupled with financial constraints was more than what he could bear. He had to stop going to school to help the family.
After completing his master’s in social work from Loyola College, Chennai, Joel is currently working at the Information and Resource Centre for the Deprived Urban communities (IRCTC) as a program manager. He actively works with restelled communities.
Joyhind is from East Karbi Anglong, Assam and is a Green Hub Fellow ( Batch 2018-19). He is a Karbi, an indigenous tribe of Assam, and works extensively with his community especially in the rural areas. He works in collaboration with multiple organisations - being a connecting point for community outreach and conservation work. He regularly works with 4 season Foundation, North East Network (NEN), and the Green Hub team ( NEN-Dusty Foot Initiative), apart from others.
Currently pursuing her bachelor’s from Government College, Kishangarh, Jyoti works as a community leader at Magic Bus Foundation. Belonging to a farming family and community, she sees extreme importance and value of that work and wanted to bring that to the children too.
Convener, ComMutiny - The Youth Collective Anchor, The vartaLeap Coalition
ComMutiny - The Youth Collective
Kanika has over 19 years of experience in the youth development sector. At ComMutiny, Kanika supports the facilitation of the community of collective of over 85+ org. spread across 18 states. She is a part of the core team that facilitates the vartaLeap Coalition. She is entrusted to build partnerships and alliances towards amplifying the 5th Space approach to youth-centric development. Under her leadership, the #Saathnirbhar campaign has also been recognized by the World Economic Forum’’s COVID Response Alliance for Social Entrepreneurs.
Karan Kumar Nagaar, currently pursuing Bachelors of social work & Arts, belongs from Haryana and embodies the principles of restorative justice and serves as a powerful example of personal growth and redemption. As an ex-prisoner himself, Karan’s experiences have fueled his passion for advocating for the rights and rehabilitation of prisoners, emphasising the importance of second chances and societal reintegration. He is actively involved in the Eco Reform initiative, where he focuses on creating awareness and inspiring action among local communities regarding environmental issues.
A management professional turned education enthusiast, Khushboo is the Chief Operating Officer of ShikshaLokam. She also co-founded Mantra4Change in 2013. Khushboo has 12+ years of diverse experience in education and healthcare domain across product development, project management, program design, community engagement and technology. She is the recipient of Women Transforming India Awards 2021 instituted by NITI Aayog to celebrate women contributions towards a ‘Sashakt Aur Samarth Bharat’, is part of BW Education 40 Under 40 Power List 2022.
My name is Krishnali Hazarika working as a program co-ordinator for Farm 2Food Foundation.I am a creative and ambitious young girl because I have a lot of ideas about my future.This is my believe, my dream depends upon my hard work that how much is my hard work. Just keep hard work in our whole life for our success and dreams.
Kuldeep an avid learner. Have been part of multiple Educational and Youth initiatives and at present leading Educational and youth initiative in my Present organization. Love doing creative things be it theater, Art, Poetry, etc. Always in pursuit of learning new things.
Kuldeep embarked on his journey as a volunteer three years ago with Had-Anhad, where he found his passion for making a difference in education. Inspired by his experiences, he transitioned into a full-time role with the organisation after completing his graduation. His dedication to working with adolescents in education led him to take on the role of state manager, leading the Madhya Pradesh Collective group of 12 organisations.
Lakshya, is a dedicated neurodivergent professional deeply engaged in the realm of social impact. Based in New Delhi, they focus on addressing intersectional issues with a strong emphasis on fostering kindness and nurturing youth leadership. Lakshay is passionate about the urgent need for collective action to combat the Climate Crisis, believing that collaboration among diverse groups is essential for creating meaningful change.
Laldawnpuii is a Mizo living in the state of Tripura. After setting up Zamzo, a non-profit organization in 2019, plantation and awareness drives on organic farming have been a regular feature at the organization.
Lalitha Iyer boasts a rich and varied career spanning over four decades, with expertise in commercial banking, organisational planning, leadership development, and executive training. After serving as an officer in SBI for over two decades, she transitioned to the education sector, where she led Vidyaranya, a progressive school in Hyderabad, for three years. Following this, Lalitha worked as a consultant at Thinksoft Consultants in Hyderabad before relocating to Bangalore in 2009 to pursue independent consulting.
Experienced Child Rights and Protection Specialist with a demonstrated history of working in the non-profit organization management industry. Skilled in Nonprofit Organizations, Disaster Management and Risk Reduction, Program Management , Humanitarian Assistance and conflict management, and Young People participation in decision making process. He was instrumental in setting up child protection mechanism in Odisha state, and conceptualised many pathbreaking social innovation program with both field demaotraion and high level policy advocacy work.
Layne Robinson serves as the Head of Social Policy Development at the Commonwealth Secretariat, headquartered in London, UK. Leading a dedicated team, Layne spearheads initiatives aimed at supporting the 54 member countries in areas crucial to human development, including youth development, health, education, and sports. Through collaborative efforts, the Commonwealth's social policy work aims to foster cooperation and implement policies and programs that enhance the lives of individuals, especially those from marginalised or vulnerable groups.
Madhusmita is the Project Manager for the North East Circle at Barefoot College International. She has been very much passionate about what she has been doing, she has a background of Masters of Arts in Social Work, and have absolutely used her expertise in the domain.
Currently pursuing her master’s in social work from Lucknow University, Mahak has been an active participant in the climate action movement having organized a workshop involving young people to raise awareness on micro-plastics and their disposal. Through this initiative, she reached out to 50 young people on alternative methods of plastic disposal that are safe, effective and help the environment.
Mahamaya Navlakha is a social impact professional with over 15 years of experience building platforms, programmes, and narratives that drive dialogue and action. Their journey began with Christian Children’s Fund – India, where they supported child development programmes across six states, and grew through diverse roles that combined creativity, strategy, and facilitation.
Associated with Pravah since 2011, Malavika is currently the Director, Fundraising and Partnership function at Pravah. She is a designer and facilitator of instructional design and learning journeys for youth development professionals and has led Pravah's flagship programme Big Ticket and Ocean in a Drop and associated with more than 40 organisations from sector. She has also supported the journey of 70 young changemakers under the Changelooms program.
Manak is a dedicated feminist queer activist and serves as the Executive Director of The YP Foundation (TYPF). His commitment lies in empowering young people to take on leadership roles in advocating for gender justice, sexuality rights, health equity, violence prevention, and inclusive education. With a background in Literature and Mass Communication, Manak has curated and led various training programs, social media campaigns, digital storytelling interventions, and leadership development initiatives.
Manasi Saxena, Founder, enCOMPASSion; Certified Trainer with the Center for Nonviolent Communication, is a learning facilitator and entrepreneur whose focus lies around the intersection of spiritual/personal growth and social change/community development.
Manish Saini, is a dedicated and proactive young leader from a rural community in Jaipur, Rajasthan, with over nine years of experience in the social sector. His journey into social activism was inspired by his father's work in the field, which instilled in him a strong sense of responsibility towards his community from an early age. Manish with double masters in commerce and social work and a PhD in rural development, has actively participated in various initiatives focusing on sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), life skills, and climate change.
Manisha began her career as a journalist before transitioning into the social entrepreneurship sector, where she has made significant contributions over the past 24 years. Notably, she served with Ashoka: Innovators for the Public for a decade, holding positions as the India Country Representative and International Director for Ashoka’s youth programs. During her tenure, Manisha played a pivotal role in fostering a collaborative community of social entrepreneurs nationwide and spearheaded the launch of media and communication campaigns to promote social entrepreneurship in India.
Masto, the founder of Bewajah, embarked on his journey fueled by over a decade of immersion in the realms of arts and theatre. Transitioning from a conventional career path as an engineer, he delved into the world of theatre and discovered his passion for writing, crafting numerous scripts, plays, and lyrics. Recognizing the profound impact of arts on personal growth, Masto envisioned utilising creative expression to curate meaningful experiences for young individuals.
"With a wealth of experience exceeding 14 years in development sector, I have been instrumental in leading a multitude of initiatives encompassing livelihood enhancement, public health, financial inclusion, climate change mitigation, and gender equality.
Meenu Venkateswaran, an esteemed alumnus of Delhi School of Economics and IIM Bangalore, boasts over 30 years of rich experience spanning both corporate and social sectors. As a founder member and board member of Pravah and Community—The Youth Collective, Meenu has played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of youth development in India. Additionally, she serves as a Trustee of Spanda, a performing arts Trust established by Ms. Leela Samson.
Program Director - Mercy Mission Fellowship Program
Mercy Mission Association
With over 15 years of experience in the education and social space, Misbah is currently involved with leading social interventions in the area of youth development and skill based education.
Zeeshan, the founding member of Yeh Ek Soch Foundation, boasts over a decade of dedicated service in the development sector, with a particular focus on gender, youth, and adolescent issues. Armed with a postgraduate degree in Social Work and a Diploma in Electronic Media & Film Production, Zeeshan initially honed his skills in the corporate sector for over four years before transitioning to his true passion for social impact.
Founder of volunteer-based non-profit ‘Pahchan Foundation’, Siraj leads a group of young volunteers in cleaning the Ganga River near Titagarh and has been appointed IN India YuWaah Advocate for climate change of the very first cohort of UN India of six young people.
Society for Agricultural and Environmental Sustainability
I, Mohan Tomar work social development expert and Executive Director of society for Agricultural and Environmental Sustainability (SAgESt) driving positive change through sustainable agriculture, Women Empowerment, youth engagement and environmental initiatives. With a Master`s in Social Work and certification in Indian CSR, having over 15 years of experience in program planning, implementation, and fundraising to the table.
Mohd Tarique, an Ashoka Fellow, is a graduate in Political Science from Hindu College and Masters in Social Work from TISS. He founded Koshish, TISS Field Action Project on Homelessness and Destitution in 2006. Tarique has been part of several committees, at Central government including Member, Special Committee constituted by Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Govt of India; Member, Working Group, National Urban Health Mission and Planning Commission’s Sub committee on Strengthening Community Engagement in Higher Education Institutions.
Having done their master’s in social work from Bosco Institute, Dibugarh University, both Momee and Tulika have been active in climate action. Momee’s course took her towards organic farming, where she learnt how farming can address health, environment and sustainability-related concerns of her village. A project coordinator at RIGBO, Tulika is of the belief that we must know the roots of our food chain and how we impact it.
Monisha Vemavarapu is a seasoned Development Professional and Youth Social Entrepreneur, boasting 14 years of experience as a facilitator. Her diverse portfolio includes working with adolescents, youth, teachers, police staff, NGOs, government entities, and corporate employees. Through her facilitation expertise, Monisha spearheads mindset and behavioural change initiatives, empowering young individuals to understand themselves within the context of prevalent social issues.
Monuwara Begum is a 23-year-old social activist and environmental advocate based in Dakhingaon, Guwahati, Assam. With a strong commitment to instigating positive change within her community, this young post graduate in social work, has dedicated herself to promoting climate action and sustainable practices. After completing her graduation, she became actively involved with YUVA, where she has worked on various initiatives aimed at fostering social change, work rights, women empowerment and environmental awareness.
Programme Manager at Azim Premji Philanthropic Initiatives
Moxada is Programme Manager at Azim Premji Philanthropic Initiatives, where she is responsible for grant making and management across verticals, with focus on youth engagement for strengthening constitutional values, and building active citizenry.
22 year old Mudita Jagota is currently pursuing Masters in Applied Psychology from Jamia Millia Islamia university, New Delhi. She is also an alumna of Lady Shri Ram College for Women, Delhi University.
Murari Jha, a government school teacher in Sarvodaya Vidyalaya, RK Puram Delhi is one of the six Delhi govt school teachers who were selected for a Fulbright Teaching Fellowship in Jan 2018. Learning is an integral part of Murari’s life. With master degrees in History, Education and Business, currently he is pursuing a PhD in Education.
A graduate from Anna University, Rajeshwar had been a part of the relief effort by Makkal Pathai when Ockhi cyclone had hit his district in 2017, providing food and other necessities and helping fix damaged roads. Having been turned towards social work, and becoming more and more aware of organic farming and renewable sources of energy, he eventually quit his job and started practicing sustainable living and raising awareness.
Nageshwar Panchal is an entrepreneur from Ujjain. He is passionate towards building sustainability in village through decentralized model of leadership and service. He has been among the founder members of Go-On India and Sanima. Nageshwar is a poet at heart and a movie-enthusiast. He loves to connect with people, groups, and organizations and has an eye of an explorer.
Narendra Pawar, also from Seoni district of Madhya Pradesh, is a passionate individual who has been actively involved in teaching sports and dance to young children at Agrini Public School for the past 10 years. He is very geographically rooted in Seoni and possesses a deep understanding of the local geography & context, informing his work and engagement with the community. His passion for imparting his knowledge of the natural & geographical ecosystems has driven him to contribute significantly to the development of the young, through the organization.
PhD in Sociology and at present associated with ICRW working in the capacity of Chief of Project for Umang project for empowering girls to end child marriages in Jharkhand, supported by IKEA Foundation. Has been working in the development sector for over 20 years on issues like Women empowerment, Child protection, Sexual & Reproductive health, Education & Social Inclusion and Livelihoods.
My name is Nasrin Hussain working as a Program Co-ordinator for Farm 2 Food Foundation, Assam since October, 2021. Previously, I worked as a Public Relations Specialist in a local P.R agency based in Assam for 1year. Personally, I am ambivert with more conversations in my mind than in my everyday life. I love deep conversations, written words and is a sapiosexual. Puritan with my beliefs I believe whatever happens in our lives have a reason and at the end everything works out.
A young farmer from a marginalized community in Jharkhand, Naveen understands the impact of climate change, especially on poor farmers since his own crops have been previously adversely affected by changes in rainfall patterns and extreme heat in Jamshedpur. After an accounts honors degree from Kolhan University, Naveen led young people in his community to work towards cleaning and desilting ponds in the area.
Naveen Kumar Mahato (23) is a young farmer from a marginalized caste background who identifies as a pansexual. Despite facing caste, class & gender barriers, he sees prosperity in what he has and believes that irrespective of their circumstances, everyone, especially young people have a lot to give to their communities. An active volunteer with People For Change, Naveen has been leading the distribution of ration and medicine kits for the transgender communities and delivery of oxygen cylinders to COVID-19 patients across Jamshedpur, Jharkhand.
Neha works on partnerships and fundraising, with a focus on thoughtful storytelling and building long-term relationships. When she’s not working, you’ll usually find her around animals, dancing, or just chilling and enjoying the moment.
We’re excited to have Neha on board and to learn from her perspective as we continue our work with young people and partners.
Neha Buch, currently serving as an Advisory Board Member of Pravah, brings over 20 years of invaluable experience in youth development. Formerly the CEO of Pravah, she made significant strides, leading flagship interventions and fostering innovation within the organisation. Starting her journey as a volunteer in 2000, Neha's dedication and leadership skills propelled her to become the first and youngest non-founder CEO of Pravah.
"Nevish is a trainer, educator and holistic counsellor.
Climate, leadership, mindfulness, gender and constitution are the key areas of their work.
They are a firm believer in equal rights for all.
They are the founder of We EmbrAce Trust, a nonprofit that works on human rights, animal rights, and climate justice using an intersectional lens of feminism.
They are trying to democratising leadership on ground.
They are state coordinator for Fridays for Future's Uttar Pradesh chapter which is a global movement on climate justice.
Nidhi Gupta, a Commerce graduate from Lady Shri Ram College, University of Delhi, and a Business Management alumna from Xavier Institute of Management, Bhubaneshwar, embarked on her entrepreneurial journey after a brief stint in the corporate sector. Co-founding Dhriiti – The Courage Within, a non-profit organisation dedicated to inspiring entrepreneurship and fostering impactful enterprises, Nidhi has amassed over 18 years of experience in designing entrepreneurship models for social impact.
A bachelor’s in science graduate from Swami Vivekanand College, Ujjain, Nidhika currently works at Mera Gaon, Meri Duniya as a Sparsh Leader and is extremely enthusiastic about contributing to the fifth space.
Nikita Sahu, is a passionate and dedicated young leader from Rajgarh, Madhya Pradesh, who has devoted her efforts to advocating for child rights and promoting constitutional values in rural areas. Coming from a humble background, with her father working as a street fruit vendor and her mother as a homemaker, Nikita understands the challenges faced by marginalised communities and is motivated to make a difference.
Nilakshi Rajkhowa is currently serving as the Director of the Office of Public Affairs of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of India. She has also served as the Director, Advancement of Women and Youth Affairs of the Office of Public Affairs from 2010-2014.
She is a Trustee of India Alliance for Child Rights (IACR), an alliance of NGOs, think tanks,
activists, academia and concerned individuals working for the realization of rights of children.
Azad Shiksha Kendra (ASK) – Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh is a non- political and non-profit organization engaged in the socio- economic upliftment and welfare of poor and deprived sections of society with an explicit focus on most backward and minority-dominated regions of the state. it has brought together a dedicated group of professionals like doctors, lawyers and social workers to address the developmental issues emerging in focal regions. Besides, there is a team of dedicated workers guided by voluntary spirit and social commitment.
Omen Pertin, a dedicated 22-year-old agriculturist and co-anchor of the Gepo Ali initiative hails from Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh. Deeply rooted in her community, Omem possesses a profound understanding of local issues and geography, which informs her commitment to creating climate-resilient farming practices. Growing up in the region, she has witnessed significant changes in food practices and is passionate about preserving traditional agricultural knowledge.
Pankati is a Computer Science Engineer by education. She started her journey in 2018 as a fellow of a Civic Leadership Program - Community Connect Fellowship. Since then she continued to volunteer with the Blue Ribbon Movement. She is a part of the fellowship core team and co-anchors partnerships for the movement. She had also co-facilitated journeys with Vimukt Shiksha Yatra on alternative education. She loves interacting with new people and learn and explore new things.
Paramita established Diksha in Kolkata. She is encouraging the children of sex workers to take charge of their own lives in order to make their communities a safe place for them to grow up and live. She does this in order to inspire children and youth to be change agents. During pandemic, Paramita kept a close eye on the situation of the communities living in the red light district. She assisted families in communities by organising ration kits, sharing information on pandemic, and raising vaccine awareness.
As part of her GreEntrepreneur journey, she decided to get into the formal educational spaces in her community and start engaging with teachers, students and management to inspire them to set up nutrition gardens. During this period, she reached out to 2 schools, and convinced the authorities to set up nutrition gardens she calls ‘Nutri Clubs’. That didn’t stop there, she also galvanized the members of her community to come together and hold dialogues on effects of climate change in their lives and the ways to mitigate that.
I am Partha Protim Bordoloi and I am the program coordinator of Farm2food foundation. I have completed my masters of social Work (MSW) from Assam Kaziranga University. Apart from that I am energetic and hard working and I always try to stay with people who need help.
With over 25 years of senior-level experience in Human Resources roles across the globe, Pavan has embarked on a new journey in the startup world. His primary objective is to foster inclusivity by bridging socioeconomic gaps among teenagers. Previously, Pavan held the position of Senior Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) for the AMENA Sector at PepsiCo, headquartered in Dubai.
Currently pursuing his master’s in sociology from University of Lucknow, Pawan has always been passionate about the climate crises and was a part of the Clean Air Fellowship, under which he reached out to more than 2,500 people and trained them in vermicompost preparation.
Piyush Ghosh is a young social entrepreneur and Founder and CEO of The Optimist Citizen - India’s First Purely Positive Newspaper. He is the youngest to win the Mathan Award South Asia Pacific and a Runner-up of Queen's Young Leaders Award 2018. Piyush is also an Ashoka Youth Venturer and a Changelooms Fellow. Piyush has authored a paper on 'Alternative Social Security models for the Unorganised Sector in India' and has been published in several international journals. Piyush recently got listed on the Forbes Asia 30 Under 30 List.
मेरा नाम पीयूष कुमार , मेरा जन्म बिहार के बांका जिले में हुआ , और सारी उच्च शिक्षा झारखण्ड के धनबाद से हुआ , वही से शिक्षा के दौरान धनबाद के कई क्षेत्रों में अपने साथियों के साथ बच्चों से जुड़ कर उनके शिक्षा एवं स्वास्थ्य के विषय बिंदु पर कार्य करना शुरू किया और हमने टीम मीमांसा की शुरूवात की , लगातार 2012 से साथियों के साथ सामाजिक कार्य में लगे रहे इसी क्रम मास्टर इन सोशल वर्क (MSW) किया , 2019 से देवघर जिले महिला एवं बाल विकास के साथ कार्य करना आरम्भ किया और 2021 में किशोरी स्वास्थ पर 2022 तक कार्य देवघर जिले में ही किया , कोविड 19 के दौर के बाद हमलोगों ने अंततः 2022 में मीमांसा फाउंडेशन क
Working as an Associate Co-ordinator in the Media & Visibility team with ComMutiny-vartaLeap, Pooja tries to be an avid reader. True to her 5 years journey with Literature, she now depends on the written word to understand the spaces she inhabits – public, private, and the in-between. She believes that kindness is the key and that it is as important to be kind to oneself as it is to others.
Poonam is a development professional with experience spanning nearly four decades. As an educator and practitioner, she has worked with UNHCR, Nehru Yuva Kendra Sanagthan, Springdales Schools, Delhi School of Social Work, National Institute of Design and TISS, Mumbai . She has also published articles in national and international journals on issues related to field practicum, student mentorship and community engagements.
I am feminist activist who strives for nurturing feminist leadership spaces with youth centrality at their core. I have my keen interest in creating spaces to talk about normative and social behaviour change campaigns and action and have done that for the last ten years in different spaces including colleges, communities and informal spaces which adolescent and young people occupy.
Currently pursuing her Bsc from Isabella Thoburn College, Lucknow, Prachi found a deep connection to nature when she was younger because of her brother. She joined her brother’s NGO, Paryavaran Society where she acquired skills required to rescue animals, especially reptiles.
Pradeep Ghosh, an Ashoka Fellow since 2004, serves as the Founder and Advisor of OASiS- A Social Innovations Lab, established in 2003. With a focus on developing new models for the social sector, Pradeep's innovative solutions have addressed a wide range of issues including social security, education, community livelihoods, and volunteering.
Pradeep Kumar, the founder of Learning by Locals, has a deeply personal connection to his mission. Having faced challenges in accessing quality education himself, particularly in English proficiency, he embarked on a journey of self-improvement. After graduating from a government school, he sought assistance from the NGO Manzil, where he learned English and subsequently found employment in the tourism industry.
Head campaigns for Save the Children in India. Over the years she has contributed to various internal and external media space including CNN-IBN, NDTV and Youth Ki Awaaz. Recognised among ‘top 50 Indian women to follow on twitter’
As a student at Delhi University, Prakhar is the coordinator of Eco-Club, the Environment Society of his college where he conducts plantation drives in and around the college campus. He started ‘Young Influx’ which is an online youth-focused platform, where he publishes stories of youth working in the climate sector.
Pranami Garg, the current Executive Director of the ant, boasts an extensive 18-year tenure as a seasoned development professional. Throughout her career, she has left indelible marks in the sector, notably spearheading the School and Adolescent Health Program in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Her breadth of expertise spans across various domains, where she has served as a Trainer for initiatives encompassing Water Sanitation and Hygiene, Adolescent Reproductive Sexual Health, and Behaviour Change Communication, among others.
Prarthana sharma is a counselling psychologist by profession. She is practicing psychology since past eight years now. She is also the Director and Co-founder of a mental health organization named Aatma Prakash (https://www.aatmaprakash.com/). The foundation works towards co-creating empathetic and safe communities for youth in India. In the past she has worked with reputed institutes like IIM-Indore, TISS Mumbai and TISS Tuljapur. She has completed her studies from Christ University, Bangalore and Sophia College, Mumbai.
Living up to her name, Prasanna has sought joy in the field of arts and performing. She is a multifaceted artist who has a keen interest in theatre and Kathak. She has pursued her Madhyama Purna in Kathak from Bhatkhande Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya
To promote arts and culture, especially among children and young people, she leads many ventures through "Bewajah" in Lucknow and "Himalaya Study Centre & Retreat" in Kausani, Uttarakhand. These are platforms for creative expression, learning and collaboration.
Pratap Kumar Deo, hails from Chhamunda village, a tribal-dominated rural area in Jujomura block of Sambalpur district, Odisha. He is an enthusiastic young leader with a strong passion for community work, particularly in the fields of climate change and sustainability. With a post graduation degree in Rural development & extensive active citizenship experience through his involvement with the organisation Patang, Pratap has been dedicated to grassroots initiatives for many years. He is a self-starter who embraces responsibility for his community and learns through hands-on experiences.
Prarthana Sharma is a counseling psychologist by profession. She is practicing psychology for the past eight years now. She is also the Director and Co-founder of a mental health organization named Aatma Prakash. The foundation works towards co-creating empathetic and safe communities for youth in India.
In the past, she has worked with reputed institutes like IIM-Indore, TISS Mumbai, and TISS Tuljapur. She has completed her studies at Christ University, Bangalore, and Sophia College, Mumbai.
Priyanka Kumari is a dedicated youth community leader and advocate for women's empowerment based in Sitamarhi, Bihar. As the first woman in her family to complete her 10th-grade education, Priyanka has always been driven by a desire to create opportunities for herself and others. Her educational journey led her to Miranda House at Delhi University, where she was inspired by the culture of freedom and empowerment for women.
Priyanshi, Program Manager, Plustrust is based in Udaipur. She has built up the network anchors who are spreading the Plustrust model.. She has managed the fellowship program in Plustrust working across 6 states and has been part of the journey of more than 50 women changemakers. Healthcare in rural India has always been the core interest areas of her and she managed the pilot of Plustrust's CHE (Community health Entrepreneurs) program, and is doing the next batch with two more collaborators reinventing the program as "Jansehat".
I've been with Bosco Institute for 11 years. Prior to this engagement, I worked with a number of organizations in Assam, especially those dealing with the Adivasis who migrated to this region during the colonial period. I am still involved with those organizations on a variety of levels.
As a member of the Bosco Institute, I spend the majority of my time mentoring social work students and getting involved with specific startups launched by the institute.
I've been with Bosco Institute for 11 years. Prior to this engagement, I worked with a number of organizations in Assam, especially those dealing with the Adivasis who migrated to this region during the colonial period. I am still involved with those organizations on a variety of levels. As a member of the Bosco Institute, I spend the majority of my time mentoring social work students and getting involved with specific startups launched by the institute.
Rachita is an educator with immense passion for nature. She firmly believes that education must be reimagined inclusive of nature and not in independent manner. Hailing from Jharkhand, a place which is a combination of lush forests, rich minerals and a state where un-employment and poverty is so high, she understands how holistic education is the missing block.
Rahul is the Co-founder of Swatantra Talim, a non-profit organisation dedicated to nurturing the inventive and creative capacities of children, with a focus on rural development. He plays a pivotal role in shaping the organisation's strategy, overseeing implementation, and monitoring performance. Prior to his involvement with Swatantra Talim, Rahul served as a bursar cum teacher at Sahyadri School, Pune (KFI India), where he gained valuable experience in education and community engagement.
Rahul is a dedicated youth leader whose journey into the social development sector began after completing his Masters in Social Work in 2018. His active involvement in various youth forums has enriched his perspective and fueled his passion for youth development and leadership. Drawing from these experiences, Rahul now spearheads a youth-led social development organisation based in Jorhat, Assam.
Rajesh is co-building and co-nurturing collectives and coalitions of youth focussed and youth engaging institutions in India by bringing youth centric development practices as the driving norm in the sector. His work contributes to creating a pipeline of wholesome youth leaders (aka Jagriks- self awakened, proactive citizens) who are championing and addressing the most pressing needs of our times. He is Chief Operating Officer at ComMutiny- The Youth Collective, Delhi. He has led, designed and executed many successful campaigns at ComMutiny, such as Bas!
Raju Kendre, as the Founder and CEO of Eklavya India Foundation, exemplifies the spirit of social entrepreneurship through his remarkable journey. Coming from a nomadic tribal family in Vidarbha, where access to education was limited, Raju's personal experiences serve as a profound source of inspiration. In 2017, he established the Eklavya India Foundation with a clear mission: to promote higher education and leadership among first-generation learners.
Rameez is a firm believer in unravelling the mysteries of human nature through the lenses of history and philosophy. Engaging with works such as Berger’s “Hold Everything Dear,” Steinbeck’s “Of Mice and Men,” and Harari’s “Sapiens” has provided him with profound insights into these mysteries.
Dr. Ramnarayan Syag, affectionately known as Syag Bhai, holds a prominent role as a member and co-founder of the Samavesh Society for Development and Governance. With over two decades of experience, he has been a pivotal figure in the organisation's efforts to promote inclusive development and effective governance practices. Additionally, Dr. Syag plays an active role in the coordination team of the MP Swashasan Abhiyan, a civil society organisation dedicated to strengthening local self-governance bodies such as Gram Sabhas and Panchayati Raj institutions.
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Ranjan is a postgraduate in Business Development from Pune University, with over a decade of experience across diverse sectors with organizations such as Oxfam, Christian Aid, and PHIA Foundation. With close to15 years of experience in international development, he brings a wealth of expertise in fundraising, campaign management, and humanitarian programs. He has successfully raised and managed projects with a cumulative grant sum of around USD 5.5 million in India and Bangladesh.
After starting work with Patang, Rashmita, who is from Nua Adhapara village in Sambalpur, got to know the relationship between forest conservation and its impact on climate change. Passionate about forest conservation, she wanted to uphold community and individual forest rights and that’s how her journey as a changemaker started.
Ravi Dhanuka is a co-founder of i-Saksham. He strongly believes in inclusive growth and envisions a fair, equitable world. At i-Saksham, he is primarily looking after program strategy to develop young women leaders, and leads partnerships.
Ravi has done Post Graduate Diploma in Rural Management from Institute of Rural Management, Anand (IRMA). He is a Bachelors in Economics (H) from Hans Raj College, Delhi University.
I am the founder member of Neev Shiksha Jankalyaan Samiti and currently I am the head of the organization. I was born in a Dalit community. I have done Bachelor of Education and Master of Social Work. I have a long experience of working with women, children and youth of underprivileged communities. Recently I have won the campaign for free pad demand in government schools of Madhya Pradesh.
Empathy and love are my ground values. I love exploring new possibilities with my own experiments of learning. Engaging and connecting with different individuals is a beautiful journey for me. Passionate to work in education, with childrens, and to work for change at local level. I am into volunteering from past 3years. Dancing and writing poems are my favorite hobby.
Rishabh Lalani is a seasoned independent fundraising strategist renowned for his expertise in mobilising financial resources for diverse organisations. With a career spanning nine years, he has collaborated with a spectrum of entities, ranging from prominent institutions like Wipro Foundation, Michael and Susan Dell Foundation, and Tata Institute of Social Sciences to niche organisations such as Sangama, Shiksharth, and Agami.
With a dedication to addressing complex challenges at the nexus of technology, society, and ecology, Rishabh is driven by the aspiration to steer personal and societal choices toward socially and ecologically positive outcomes. His previous collaborations with philanthropies and non-profits focused on various facets of climate change, including localising food supply chains and facilitating knowledge-sharing networks.
Ritesh, a dedicated MSW graduate with over 10 years of experience in the field of social work, focuses on serving tribal and underprivileged communities, as well as children and youth. Alongside his social work endeavours, he showcases his passion for music as a music director and sound engineer. Ritesh actively engages with youth on topics related to the constitution, citizenship, and overall personal development, aiming to empower them and foster a sense of civic responsibility.
With over two decades of experience in the development sector, Ritikaa Khunnah has played a pivotal role in advancing youth development initiatives. Serving as the CEO of Pravah since 2008, she has demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication to empowering youth. Ritika's contributions extend beyond organisational leadership; she has been an influential member of the UNWomen multi-country civil society advisory group, advocating for gender equality on a global scale.
Myself Rolly Shivhare. Working with Youth and Constitution. I am the Founder of Youngshala. I am the working committee member of National Campaign for Peoples Right to Information. Also a state coordinator of Madhya Pradesh working for Association for Democratic Reforms.
Ruben did work individually providing COVID relief and then through his youth led initiative Khaana Chahiye in Mumbai. The response was both for immediate needs (hospital beds, cylinders etc) as well as food kits extensively across Mumbai. Ruben's work tapped into various samaj-sarkar-bazaar networks to make things happen in Mumbai. He was at the heart of the city response team.
Rubi has always had an interest in social work, and has had a special interest in topics relating to the environment. From a low-income family, Rubi has done her bachelor’s and is passionate about mobilizing young people to affect change.
Rumjhum is a passionate, and budding development professional with an interest in creating an intersection between her expertise in human resources management, industrial relations and her passion for youth centric development, and curating spaces that foster agency and collective development.
Faculty and Academic Dean Undergraduate Students- Srishti Institute of Art Design and Technology,Bangalore
Rustam Vania, an esteemed Art and Design professional, serves as the academic Dean at Srishti Institute of Art Design and Technology in Bangalore since 2005. With a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Applied Arts) degree, he boasts a multifaceted skill set spanning various disciplines such as Editorial Design, Information Design, Typography, Illustration, and more. As a seasoned practitioner, Rustam has made significant contributions to both print and digital media, particularly in Editorial and Publication Design.
A graduate from Anna University, Rajeshwar had been a part of the relief effort by Makkal Pathai when Ockhi cyclone had hit his district in 2017, providing food and other necessities and helping fix damaged roads. Having been turned towards social work, and becoming more and more aware of organic farming and renewable sources of energy, he eventually quit his job and started practicing sustainable living and raising awareness.
Currently pursuing his bachelor’s, Saddam Husain belongs to the extremely marginalized Van Juggar community of Uttarakhand. He got associated with team Maee in 2019, where he learnt the importance of environmental protection and works twice a week with the local youth and team Maee towards the protection of wild animals.
A dreamer, a reader, and a Delhite, Saloni is a Young India Fellow, Class of 2020 and an Economics graduate from Indraprastha College for Women, University of Delhi. She is someone who is always looking out for new things to try out, ideas to work on and finding people crazy enough to try them out with. From very early on, she has always been very firm on creating and walking on her path.
Sangam Kumari, is a young and enthusiastic environmental advocate from Jamui, Bihar, with a deep-rooted connection to her agricultural heritage. Coming from a farming family in Simultala, Sangam has witnessed firsthand the impacts of climate change on her community, including rising temperatures and changing weather patterns. She has actively participated in initiatives aimed at conserving natural resources and empowering local farmers to adopt sustainable agricultural methods.
Sanjay Hari T is a dynamic young development professional from Kerala, currently engaged with ComMutiny Youth Collective since 2022. He co-anchors the VartaLeap coalition, bringing his expertise in youth engagement and community development to the forefront. Sanjay holds a degree in Chemistry from Calicut University and a Masters in Social Work from Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Youth Development. Beyond his dedication to youth work, Sanjay is deeply passionate about theatre, a pursuit he has cherished since his school days.
Sanjina Gupta is a seasoned Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights Consultant with nearly a decade of experience in the field of health and education. With a background in Menstrual Health facilitation and sexuality education, she has made significant contributions to promoting gender equity and inclusive sexual and reproductive health rights. Sanjina's expertise spans various regions across India, including rural Bengal, Kolkata, rural Bihar, Mumbai, and rural Maharashtra, where she has collaborated with numerous not-for-profit and research-based organisations.
Sarita Anita Arun completed her MSW in Pune and is now working as a 'Program Executive' in CYDA (Centre for Youth Development and Activities) organization. She is a nature lover/artist/activist/social worker and Table tennis player. She believes in change, love, humanity, and peace. She follows the mantra, "When things change inside you, things change around you."
Satyendra Kumar, as the Co-founder and Strategic Consultant of CSEI and National Convenor of NYEF, plays a pivotal role in advancing equity and social inclusion for marginalised communities, particularly Dalit, Tribal, Muslim, and Nomadic Tribes children and young people. Through his leadership, CSEI focuses on promoting their social, economic, and cultural rights, thereby deepening democracy and fostering social inclusion.
"I am a Development Professional having 15 years of experience. Gender Equality is my area of expertise. I'm also the Founder and Secretary of a Kolkata based organization 'Madhabilata The Fight for Her Justice'. I have a Masters in Social Work from IGNOU and pursuing another Master Degree in Psychology from IGNOU. Although most of our work has been around the issue of Child Marriages, I/we have also worked on various issues like acid attack on women, menstrual hygiene, domestic violence, pre and post natal care, career counselling and LGBTQIA+ etc.
Shabaz is a master’s in social work graduate from IGNOU and has been engaged in social impact work since 2012. Having witnessed grave injustice and issues such as domestic violence, gender discrimination, malnutrition and child labour, he decided to start Sky Trust with Zahida for the betterment of marginalised communities.
A local from Ahmedabad, Yasar has been working on the issue of climate change for the past two years and has worked with various youth groups and has led campaigns with a local organization Urja Ghar.
Principal Advisor (Hon) to the Director Education, Govt. of Delhi
Shailendra Sharma is Principal Advisor (Hon) to the Director Education, Govt. of Delhi. An alumnus of the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai, Shailendra started his career with Pratham in 2002 and has been a part of its Senior Leadership Team. He has worked in the area of community based early childhood education and school based learning enhancement program for children. In his current role as Principal Advisor, he works with the Education Minister and Directorate of Education of Delhi Government in shaping the education reforms of the Government.
Shankar's work career of about 40 years has been almost equally divided between mainstream business consulting, social development and business sustainability. Since retiring as the head of sustainability of the Tata group in 2017, he has been involved in several activities in the larger development and business space. He is a part of the founding team of ECube Climate Finance which is setting up a lending platform to address adverse climate change impacts.
Sharad is the founder of Badlav. He is a young & passionate social entrepreneur, from Hardoi, Uttar Pradesh, associated with various social movements. He is working for the Marginalized, vulnerable and Missed Out community of the society in order to link them in the mainstream society. He completed his Master of Social Work in 2015 from Dr. Shakuntala Misra National Rehabilitation University, Lucknow and is currently pursuing Ph.D. in Social work.
Sheena Gandhi is a communications specialist with more than 14 years of experience and has played an integral role in shaping the reputation of blue-chip brands and companies. Her core areas of expertise are influencer engagement, partnerships and strategy. She believes in passion with a purpose and continuous learning as key drivers in her career choices. She transitioned to the social sector in 2018 and is an advocate of partnerships. She is a co-founder of Sahayog Foundation, which focusses on fostering collaborations in the social sector.
Shibasis is currently working as a Core Team Member at Diksha Foundation, and he looks into the operation and Programs. A development professional by heart with experience of over nine years across thematic such as Education, Youth Development across agencies in India like BRCL, ASORD, NABCONS, and SAMPARK FOUNDATION. He is dreaming about making a difference in the world with social inclusion. He is a lifelong learner with a bachelor's degree in Electronics and Communication engineering.
Shirish Chouriya is a dedicated youth leader committed to inspiring grassroots environmental protection through Wild Roots Nursery & Nature Community Resource in Kurai village, Madhya Pradesh. He aims for environmental conservation by nurturing rewilding, agroforestry, and promoting forest-based livelihoods. He has also recognised gaps in the public education system and has leveraged his international exposure to enhance educational opportunities at Agrini Public School.
Shirisha Yeotikar has done her Masters in Social work specializing in Medical and Psychiatric Social work from Pune. She has an experience of around 12 years working in the field of Gender, CSR and Mental Health.
She has worked in Psychiatric hospitals, half way homes, Rehabilitation centres, NGOs and CSR. She is a certified trainer and conducts sessions on POSH, Gender Sensitization and Diversity and Inclusion.
मै शिव कुमार नागरिक अधिकार मंच से शुरूआती समय से जुड़ा हुआ हूँ | संस्था के साथ मै शहरी गरीबी के मुद्दे पर कार्य करता रहा हूँ जिसमे प्रमुख रूप से विश्थापन के बाद उनके पुनर्वास , असंगठित क्ष्रेत्र के कामगारों की सामाजिक सुरक्षा , सरकारी स्कूलों में आधारभूत ढ़ांचा और किशोरों के साथ संविधान और संवैधानिक मूल्यों पर कार्य कर रहा हूँ |
Shivam Kumar is a dedicated wildlife conservationist and passionate advocate for biodiversity based in Rohtas, Bihar. With a background in Mathematics, Shivam initially pursued a career in banking but made a pivotal decision to redirect his efforts towards wildlife conservation after witnessing the cruelty and neglect faced by animals. This life-altering experience ignited his commitment to protecting wildlife and promoting environmental awareness.
Shivani Kumari is a passionate advocate for sustainable agriculture and women's empowerment, hailing from Jamui, Bihar. Growing up in Bokaro, Jharkhand, she witnessed the adverse effects of industrialization on rural communities, including pollution and health issues. This experience ignited her commitment to promoting sustainable farming practices and improving the livelihoods of marginalised communities, particularly women.
Shobhit is basically from Raipur and has been in Delhi since 2007. His professional journey spans over 15 years working with International NGOs, National level and grass root level NGOs, NBFC and private companies; also as an independent consultant working with individuals, corporates and industry stakeholders undertaking various profiles within the social development sector. With core expertise in resource mobilisation and fundraising, Business Development & Relationship Management, Facilitation, Training, Field operations & program implementation, Microfinance and livelihood Conc
Shraddha, is a passionate community leader from Kurai village of Seoni, Madhya Pradesh, who has transformed her personal challenges into a driving force for change. Despite facing obstacles that prevented her from pursuing higher education, she emerged as a strong advocate for climate action and environmental conservation. As the sole earning member of her family, Shraddha has taken on significant responsibilities while nurturing her love for education and community service.
Shreyansh Srivastav, also from Delhi, is an emerging young leader committed to social justice and community empowerment. He has demonstrated his commitment to social causes by organising blood donation camps and, in partnership with an NGO, a job fair for people with disabilities. Passionate about his work, he is also eager to integrate climate initiatives into their organisation.
Shubhra is a trained social worker who has worked with and for children for decades. Their journey in the development space began as a volunteer with Make a Difference, and they later worked in the space of intellectual disability with Jai Vakeel Foundation. They were previously associated with Pratham Education Foundation where they supported teams implementing school and community-based learning programs and scaling them through government partnerships. Shubhra is currently a Senior Program Officer at YLAC.
Shubhra, a Political Science postgraduate from Delhi University, harbours a profound interest in delving into the intricate connections between justice, community, and healing. Their keen observational skills, coupled with a critical engagement with the world, enable them to navigate complex societal issues with insight and empathy. They possess a natural inclination towards fostering free-flowing conversations that spark the exchange of diverse and colourful ideas.
Having undergone the challenging experience of transitioning between schools due to a financial crisis, Shweta's life was profoundly shaped by this event. Moving on from her role as a healthcare architect in the corporate sector, she felt a deep calling to contribute to the education sector. Her passion was to ensure access to quality education for all children.
Drawing from his personal experiences, Siddhant co-founded Mind Piper, an impact-first social enterprise dedicated to addressing mental health inequity in India. With over a decade of experience in mental health advocacy and community engagement, Siddhant brings a deep understanding of the challenges individuals face in accessing quality mental healthcare.
For 18 years, Sidharth has been a theatre activist raising awareness among his community to empower young girls and boys to develop agency and find livelihood sources suited to their interests. As a member of the chara community that sells liquor for a living, Sidharth began his career at the age of 8, beginning with street plays on child pornography and women's empowerment. As a youth leader in his community today, Sidharth mobilized funds to buy and use sanitizing machines in his attempt at relief work during COVID-19 in his district.
Smita has over a decade of experience in development sector in the field of gender, sexuality and child protection and has been involved in national & international organisations, with special expertise of working with adolescents & youth.
Sneha Chauhan, is a dynamic and passionate young leader from a remote village in Sheopur district, Madhya Pradesh. Coming from a farming family, she has demonstrated resilience and independence from a young age, supporting her education through part-time jobs while actively engaging in community service. With a strong background in social activism and masters in sociology, Sneha has been an active member of the National Service Scheme (NSS) during her college years, where she honed her leadership skills and commitment to community development.
Sneha leads content development and curation at IDR. Prior to IDR, she worked at Dasra and EdelGive Foundation, across research and diligence verticals, on issues such as health, sanitation, gender, and strategic philanthropy. Sneha also worked at AIESEC—the world’s largest youth-run nonprofit organisation, and was a founding member of a language training company in Budapest, Hungary. She has an MA in Development Studies from the Institute of Development Studies, University of Sussex and a BA in Economics from St Xavier’s College, Mumbai.
Snobin Prakash K, is a certified safety engineer and passionate advocate for climate action, residing in Kannur, Kerala. With a strong background in risk assessment and hazard prevention, Snobin has developed a keen understanding of the environmental challenges facing communities today. Having left his job to focus on climate action, Snobin has been actively involved with Alarmo since its inception, working alongside Akhina to engage the community in environmental initiatives.
An Ecologist, Author, and Educator, currently serves as the Director of WildTales, a sustainability collective operating under Spoondrift (OPC) Pvt. Ltd. Previously, he held the position of Assistant Director at the Bombay Natural History Society in Delhi for over a decade. His notable achievements include the planning and development of North India's largest butterfly park within Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary, showcasing his commitment to biodiversity preservation.
Sonal Kapoor (@ArtForCause) is Founder Director, Protsahan India Foundation (@NGOProtsahan), an organization that works critically on child protection (from a healing and psychosocial lens) and encouraging young girls from difficult backgrounds of violence & abuse to heal and reach their full potential with access to education, healthcare and gender justice. She is a World Bank fellow, Vital Voices Lead fellow, Australia India Youth fellow and an alumnus of Indian School of Business.
Sonal Roshan and is a Professional Life Skill Trainer. He has developed good knowledge and skills over working with underprivileged children and young people. He is currently mentoring youth groups to design and develop social action and learning projects. He has a strong ability in English writing and communication. He believes no matter how difficult is the target, motivation, and trust in oneself to achieve it determines its success, that’s the work of a facilitator, to show that a dream is not just about dreaming, but also to believe that it can be achieved.
Currently working at Sundarban Green Environment Association in the mangrove plantation and conservation project, Soumya is passionate about preserving the biodiversity and ecosystem of the Sundarban delta.
Born and brought up in Calcutta, Souradeep is a Communications Specialist with almost 8 years of experience in print and online media as well as in the development sector. Being trained in both visual and written mass communication skills, he has worked on both writing and photographic assignments for magazines as well as YouTube channels. He has also worked with several Non-Profit organisations and corporate houses.
Souvik Saha, the founder of People for Change, demonstrates a profound commitment to youth development in Jharkhand. With a background in instructional design and facilitation, he has spearheaded initiatives to empower adolescents and youth with critical skills for personal and social transformation. Through People for Change, Souvik has impacted the lives of over 30,000 adolescents and 10,000 young people, catalysing journeys of self-discovery and societal change across the region.
With over three decades of experience in rural development, Sudarshan brings a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience to his work. His journey has been dedicated to advocating for the rights of the poor and holding the state accountable while actively engaging in rural management and economic empowerment initiatives. As a first-generation farmer, Sudarshan has embraced a learn-by-doing approach, continually seeking innovative solutions to address the challenges faced by rural communities.
Suneel Sagar is a dedicated youth leader from Khetrajpur village in Sambalpur region of Odisha. He has faced significant challenges throughout his life, including poverty and marginalisation. Despite these obstacles, Suneel has demonstrated remarkable resourcefulness, passion, and determination. A self-taught individual, he has continued his education through scholarships and has worked part-time jobs since the 8th grade to support his family. Suneel has volunteered with an organisation called ABCD (Any Body Can Develop), where he ran free tuition classes for children in his slum.
Surender is an engineer turned social worker. An alumnus of prestigious VIT University Vellore & a Gandhi Fellow. He co-founded Self Reliant India (SRI). SRI is a non-profit organization with a mission to make historically under-resourced communities self-reliant by enabling access to quality education. He has more than eight years of experience in the education development sector. He believes that until skilled youth do not join the development sector, the energy and innovation will not come at the same speed as compared to the corporate and other sectors.
में गावं नलु ,तहसील किशनगढ़ जिला अजमेर राजस्थान का रहने वाला हूँ I मेरा परिवार खेती ,पशु पालन से जुडा है I में अपने परिवार का पहला सदस्य हूँ जिसको स्कूल जाने का मोका मिला I 18 वर्ष में मेरी शादी हुई कमला के साथ जो उस समय 13 वर्ष की थी , 5वी कक्षा तक पढ़ी रात्रि स्कूल में I 23 वर्ष में गोना हुआ I मेने M.COM .तक पढाई की I मेरे तीन बच्चे है 2 लड़के और १ लड़की I बड़े बेटे ने मॉस कमुनिकेशन में M.A. किया और वो अब एक संस्था में काम कर रहा है I बेटी ने M.A.
Tuhin Sen is the Co-Founder of The Optimist Citizen - India's first purely positive newspaper. Starting his career as a Trainee Nautical Officer, Tuhin eventually changed his tracks to start The Optimist Citizen in 2014.
Tulika has been associated with the development sector in India since 2001. Most of her work has been with underserved youth living in urban slums and villages in India.
She had been supporting NIIT Foundation’s vision of providing skills for employment to underserved youth since 11 years.
Passionate about encouraging positive change, I'm dedicated to empowering youth and fostering environmental sustainability. With a commitment to youth engagement, I've facilitated programs encouraging leadership and skill development. Working with youth on their capacity building and understanding SELF is something that fascinates me the most. My focus on environmental initiatives involves advocacy and practical solutions for a greener world. Beyond my professional endeavours, I find joy in capturing moments through my lens, allowing me to express creativity.
Pursuing his master’s in social work from University of Lucknow and working with an organization called Climate Agenda, Uday has always been an enthusiastic participant in the climate action space. He has been a part of ‘signing an oath’ campaign where 5,000 people had signed an oath to work to stop climate change and wants to work at a policy level to get to the goal of zero emissions.
Urvashi has extensive experience in health, nutrition, sanitation, gender & public policy. Over the last 4 years, Urvashi has been working as a Public Policy Specialist in the Office of the Vice Chairman at NITI Aayog, the premier policy think tank of the Indian Government. She is currently part of the core team supporting the work of the Government of India’s Empowered Group 1 for managing the Covid-19 Pandemic.
Vandana is an applied theatre practitioner and founder of Rang Kaarwaan. She's a passionate advocate for community development, hails from multiple small towns in India.
Her early years were marked by limited exposure, and the pursuit of a successful career seemed like an unattainable dream. Despite these challenges, Vandana's innate curiosity and creativity propelled her forward.
Varun Sethi works in the climate change space, focusing on engaging young people and building awareness through learning and real conversations.
He brings 3.5 years of experience in the education sector, where he has worked closely on career guidance, soft skills, and experiential learning. Varun enjoys breaking down complex ideas and helping people find meaning in what they do, believing that small, well-understood actions can create lasting impact.
Vasudha Kapoor is a youth leader and social innovator with over eight years of experience empowering rural youth in Madhya Pradesh through educational. As co-founder of Mera Gaon Meri Dunia, she has contributed improving the educational landscapes by fostering youth leadership, community ownership, and parental involvement, resulting in a remarkable 80% increase in parental engagement in schools.
Vicky, a self-taught visual artist and social entrepreneur from Kalimpong, leads Muhaan with a vision to connect communities through tourism. As a founding member of the Neora Valley Sustainable Ecological Society, Vicky collaborates with forest communities to promote sustainable practices and raise awareness about ecological issues. His artistic endeavours not only highlight the beauty of the region but also emphasise the importance of preserving traditional knowledge and cultural heritage.
In 1985, Vijay initiated the Young Experimenters Group (YEG) in Ahmedabad, marking the beginning of his journey in youth empowerment. With a career spanning over three decades, he currently serves as the Director of the South Asia Peace Alliance (SAPA) since 2008 and has played a pivotal role in promoting initiatives like the Navyug Youth Centre and serving as a member of Jai Jagat International. In 2021, he co-founded We The Yuva, further extending his commitment to empowering young people and fostering positive change in society.
Vinod is a software engineer with a strong interest in Kerala’s cultural heritage and traditional knowledge systems. Computers are his profession and folklore his passion. His native village is Arangottukara (Kerela), a little hamlet on the banks of the river Nila that’s rich in culture and steeped in tradition. Right from childhood, he had a keen interest in assimilating local knowledge and in observing and absorbing the local ethos.
Vipul Mudgal is a distinguished figure in the realms of activism, journalism, and academia. As the Director and Chief Executive of Common Cause, renowned for its impactful interventions, he spearheads initiatives aimed at promoting social justice and advancing democratic values. Additionally, he serves as the head of Inclusive Media for Change, a platform dedicated to amplifying the voices of India's marginalised communities through information dissemination and advocacy.
Vishakha embarked on her journey from a volunteer to a core team member within a mere span of four years, showcasing her dedication and commitment to social causes. With a post-graduation in Journalism & Mass Communication, she honed her skills in communication and storytelling, laying the foundation for her impactful work ahead. Engaging in exchange programs like SMILE rural In-turn-ship and ICJA Germany for a year each broadened her perspective and deepened her passion for addressing issues related to education and gender equality.
Vishal Bhadri is the Senior Associate Coordinator for the Active Citizenship vertical at ComMutiny the Youth Collective. He possesses a master's degree in International Studies with a thematic specialisation in violence, conflict and justice from SOAS, Univeristy of London. His previous professional experiences have consisted of humanitarian aid work on migration routes and refugee shelters in South America, and human rights research and protection work in Thailand among others.
Zafreen Neha is a development professional, currenting working as Programme Coordinator in CSEI. She had been leading and engaging with more than 500 socially excluded adolescents and young people in five districts of Bihar along with being leader of the secretariat team at Bihar Ambedkar Students' Forum (BASF) - a membership based youth led forum of socially excluded young people (Dalit, Adivasi, Muslim, Nomadic Tribes) in Bihar.
From an underprivileged family in Baramulla, Kashmir, Zahida faced several challenges as a young person. Youth Groups of IGSSS gave her the chance to discover herself and a space to engage with the community and in 2017, she registered for an organization under the name of Stand for Kashmiri Youth Trust (SKY Trust), where she is now the president.
Belonging to a family of farmers, Tushar has done master’s in social work and volunteered throughout college through NSS on tree plantation, education of children and floor relief in areas like Kolhapur, Satara, Sangli and Raigad.
