Urvashi Sahni

Dr. Urvashi Sahni is a distinguished social entrepreneur, women’s rights activist, and educationist with a wealth of experience spanning over three decades. Renowned for her expertise in school governance, curriculum reform, and teacher training, she has dedicated her career to advancing girls’ education and promoting gender equality. Dr. Sahni's notable achievements include founding Suraksha, a women’s rights organisation, DiDi's, a social enterprise focused on sustainable livelihoods for women, and the Study Hall Educational Foundation (SHEF).

As the founder president and CEO of SHEF, Dr. Sahni has made significant contributions to education and empowerment, impacting the lives of over 100,000 teachers and 5 million children, particularly girls from marginalised communities. Her pioneering work has earned her recognition as an Ashoka Fellow and a non-resident fellow at the Center for Universal Education at The Brookings Institution, U.S.A. She has also been honoured as the Social Entrepreneur of the Year India by the Schwab-Jubilant Bhartiya Foundation and is a co-creator of Catalyst 2030, a global network of social entrepreneurs committed to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Dr. Sahni's influence extends beyond her organisations, as she actively contributes to policy formulation and implementation. She serves on the Steering Committee for the Implementation of the National Education Policy of India 2020, appointed by the Government of Uttar Pradesh. Recognized for her impact and leadership, she was named in Asia’s Most Influential: The Impact List 2020 by Tatler Magazine, highlighting her role in shaping the future of Asia through her groundbreaking initiatives and advocacy efforts.