Indian Rural Colloquy 2024
Aug 1 –Flourishing Rural : Strategies for Regenerative Growth and Prosperity | Bhopal
Mr. R Parasuram, Retd IAS
Former- CS, GoMP
Mr. R Parasuram, Retd IAS
Former- CS, GoMP
R Parasuram, a distinguished former civil servant, retired as Chief Secretary of Madhya Pradesh in 2013. He then served as State Election Commissioner for over five years before becoming Director at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Good Governance and Policy Analysis (AIGGPA) in Bhopal. An electrical engineering graduate, Parasuram's career was enriched by a fellowship at International Development Research Centre (IDRC) in Ottawa. Throughout his tenure in the Indian Administrative Service, he developed a profound interest in rural poverty alleviation, sustainable livelihoods, and the intricate relationship between rural development and natural resource management. Parasuram served as Collector in multiple districts and held key roles in departments like Agriculture, Panchayat & Rural Development, and Technical Education & Skilling. He also represented India at international organizations like FAO, IFAD, and WFP in Rome. At AIGGPA, Parasuram coordinated work across various domains including natural resource management, rural and urban livelihoods, and public health. He also established a new Centre for Urban Governance at the institute.
Ms. Sufiyah Faruqui, IAS
Commissioner, WCD, GoMP
Ms. Sufiyah Faruqui, IAS
Commissioner, WCD, GoMP
Ms. Sufiyah Faruqui Wali is an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer from the 2009 batch of the Madhya Pradesh cadre. She currently holds multiple significant positions in the state government. Ms. Faruqui serves as the Managing Director of the Handicraft & Handloom Development Corporation and the Khadi & Village Industries Board. Concurrently, she holds the position of Commissioner for Handicrafts & Handloom in Madhya Pradesh. These roles reflect her focus on promoting traditional crafts and supporting local industries. Her previous assignments include serving as the CEO of the Employment Guarantee Council in Bhopal and as Managing Director of the Civil Supplies Corporation. Throughout her career, Ms. Faruqui has demonstrated a strong commitment to ensuring that government policies and programs effectively reach those in need.
Ms. Rama Pandey
SPA
Ms. Rama Pandey
SPA
Dr. Rama Pandey is a prominent academic and professor at the School of Planning and Architecture (SPA) in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. She completed her Bachelor's degree in Architecture from MANIT Bhopal, followed by a Postgraduate Diploma in Planning with a specialization in Environmental Planning from CEPT, Ahmedabad. Dr. Pandey further enhanced her expertise with a PhD from MANIT Bhopal, focusing on the livability performance of residential built environments. At SPA Bhopal, Dr. Pandey holds dual leadership roles as the Head of the Department of Landscape and the National Center for Spatial Rural Development Planning. Her research interests encompass sustainable development, climate-informed settlement planning, integration of environmental concerns in spatial planning, socio-ecological resilience, and the interplay between urban heat islands and pollution. Dr. Pandey has made noteworthy contributions to the field, particularly in understanding the influence of environmental and climatic factors on urban and rural planning.
Ms. Joyatri Ray
UN Women
Ms. Joyatri Ray
UN Women
Joyatri Ray is a social development professional with over 22 years of experience in child protection. Her work primarily focuses on child trafficking, child sexual exploitation, and online child abuse in India and across South Asia, with a special emphasis on the travel and tourism sector. Throughout her career, Ms. Ray has collaborated with government bodies and various non-governmental organizations to promote child protection as a priority across countries. Her efforts in addressing child protection issues within the context of travel and tourism have been recognized by multiple government entities. Ms. Ray's professional experience includes a tenure with UN Women (formerly UNIFEM), where she concentrated on human trafficking in travel and tourism. She has also served as the Director of Corporate Social Responsibility for ING entities in India. Currently, Ms. Ray works as a freelance consultant, partnering with diverse organizations and corporations to develop child protection mechanisms as part of their policies and practices. She mentors small and medium-sized organizations on advocacy actions, strategy formulations, and result-oriented implementation plans to combat human trafficking. Ms. Ray extends her expertise to the unorganized sector, raising awareness about gender relations and child protection issues. She guides these entities on ensuring their operations are not exploited for the abuse of women and children. Presently, Ms. Ray holds the position of Director at Equitable Tourism Options (EQUATIONS), a research, campaign, and advocacy organization focused on tourism and development issues in India.
Mr. Rajendra Singh
Water Conservationist and Environmentalist
Mr. Rajendra Singh
Water Conservationist and Environmentalist
Rajendra Singh, widely known as the "waterman of India," has dedicated his life to developing and promoting water conservation and management systems across the country. His tireless efforts have played a significant role in reviving numerous rivers and water bodies, utilizing traditional methods of water conservation and spearheading community-led initiatives. Singh's approach combines time-honored techniques with modern conservation needs, emphasizing the involvement of local communities in managing their water resources. Singh's work has been widely recognized and honored, both in India and internationally, with numerous awards for his contributions to water conservation and management, including the Ramon Magsaysay Award in 2001, the Jamna Lal Bajaj Award in 2005, and the Stockholm Water Prize in 2015.
Mr. M Selvendran
Commissioner, GoMP
Mr. M Selvendran
Commissioner, GoMP
Mr. M. Selvendran is an IAS officer from the 2002 batch of the Madhya Pradesh cadre. He currently holds the position of Commissioner and Secretary in the Government of Madhya Pradesh. He has also been entrusted with additional responsibilities as Secretary to the Chief Minister, Secretary of Aviation, and Inspector General of Registration and Superintendent of Registration and Stamps
Mr. Malay Shrivastava, IAS
ACS, GoMP
Mr. Malay Shrivastava, IAS
ACS, GoMP
Malay Shrivastava is an IAS officer from the 1990 batch, serving in the Madhya Pradesh cadre. He currently holds the position of Additional Chief Secretary in the Department of Panchayat and Rural Development and serves as Chairman of the Madhya Pradesh Professional Examination Board (MPPEB). With a career spanning over three decades, Shrivastava has handled diverse roles at both state and central levels. His expertise covers areas such as transport, commerce and industry, communications and IT, power, urban development, agriculture, cooperation, and land revenue management. A gold medalist in mechanical engineering, Shrivastava has enhanced his skills through mid-career training at institutions like the Indian Institute of Management and the Arun Jaitley National Institute of Financial Management. His contributions have significantly impacted policy implementation and administration in Madhya Pradesh.
Dr. Mohan Yadav
Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh
Dr. Mohan Yadav
Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh
Mohan Yadav was born on 25th March 1965 to Poonamchand Yadav and Lilabai Yadav in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh. Yadav graduated from Ujjain University with a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) degree after finishing his higher secondary. He further pursued his academic interests and completed LLB, Master of Arts (MA), Master of Business Administration (MBA), and Doctorate of Philosophy (PhD) degrees from the same university. In 2013, he entered electoral politics and contested from the Ujjain South constituency. After that, he was re-elected in the 2018 Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly elections, taking the seat of MLA for Ujjain South. In 2020, he was sworn in as a cabinet member of the Madhya Pradesh government under the former Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. He was Minister of Education till 2023. In the 2023 Madhya Pradesh State Assembly Elections, he ran from the Ujjain South constituency and won again. After winning the election, BJP selected him as their Chief Ministerial candidate and made him the 19th Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh.
Dr. Kunwar Vijay Shah
Hon Cabinet Minister - Tribal Affairs, Public Asset Management and Bhopal Gas Tragedy Relief and Rehabilitation Department, Government of Madhya Pradesh
Dr. Kunwar Vijay Shah
Hon Cabinet Minister - Tribal Affairs, Public Asset Management and Bhopal Gas Tragedy Relief and Rehabilitation Department, Government of Madhya Pradesh
Dr. Kunwar Vijay Shah is a seasoned politician affiliated with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Madhya Pradesh, India. Born on November 1, 1962, in Makdai, Harda, he has served as the Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from the Harsud constituency since 1990. Vijay Shah holds a postgraduate degree in History from Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya, Indore. Throughout his political career, he has been a prominent figure in Madhya Pradesh politics, having held various ministerial positions. He is currently serving as Cabinet Minister of Tribal Affairs, Public Asset Management, and Bhopal Gas Tragedy Relief and Rehabilitation Department. Shah is married to Bhawna Kushwaha and has one son, Divyaditya.
Aug 1 – Fuelling the Rural Economy with Climate Smart Green Growth | Raipur
Ms. Niharika Barik
IAS, Principal Secretary, Dept of Panchayat and Rural Development, Govt of Chhattisgarh
Ms. Niharika Barik
IAS, Principal Secretary, Dept of Panchayat and Rural Development, Govt of Chhattisgarh
Niharika Barik Singh is an accomplished IAS officer of the 1997 batch, currently serving in multiple key roles within the Government of Chhattisgarh. She holds the position of Principal Secretary for both the Department of Panchayat & Rural Development and the Department of Electronics & Information Technology. Ms. Singh also holds the crucial position of Development Commissioner in the Government of Chhattisgarh. With an academic background in Sociology, Ms. Singh has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership and governance skills throughout her career. Her expertise spans various crucial sectors of public administration, reflecting her versatility and comprehensive understanding of governance challenges. Prior to her current appointments, Ms. Singh served as the Secretary of the Department of Public Health and Family Welfare and Medical Education. In this capacity, her dynamic leadership contributed significantly to advancing Chhattisgarh's health sector. Ms. Singh's illustrious career includes a diverse array of important positions. She has served as the District Magistrate of Mahasamund, Director of Technical Education, and Divisional Commissioner of Bilaspur. Her portfolio also encompasses roles such as Secretary of Tourism and Culture, Secretary of Rural Industries, and Resident Commissioner of Chhattisgarh, showcasing her broad administrative experience. Beyond her state-level contributions, Ms. Singh has served as Director in the Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, and as Joint Secretary in the Department of Food & Public Distribution in the Government of India.
Mr. Vijay Sharma
Hon'ble Deputy Chief Minister, Govt of Chhattisgarh
Mr. Vijay Sharma
Hon'ble Deputy Chief Minister, Govt of Chhattisgarh
Vijay Sharma currently serves as the Deputy Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh alongside Arun Sao in the Ministry of Vishnu Deo Sai. Born on July 19, 1973, Mr. Sharma has established himself as a prominent figure in Chhattisgarh's political landscape. Representing the Kawardha Assembly constituency in the Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly, Mr. Sharma has built a career marked by dedication to public service and regional development. Within the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Chhattisgarh, he holds the crucial position of General Secretary, playing a key role in shaping the party's strategies and initiatives in the state. Mr. Sharma's political journey includes significant leadership roles, notably his tenure as the president of the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha in Chhattisgarh. This experience underscores his commitment to youth empowerment and grassroots activism. Throughout his career, Mr. Sharma has held several important portfolios in the Chhattisgarh government. His responsibilities have encompassed crucial sectors such as Home and Jail Administration, Panchayat and Rural Development, Technical Education and Employment, and Science and Technology. In these roles, he has contributed substantially to the state's governance and developmental efforts.
Mr. Sreenivasa Rao
IFS, PCCF, Govt of Chhattisgarh
Mr. Sreenivasa Rao
IFS, PCCF, Govt of Chhattisgarh
Sreenivasa Rao is a distinguished Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer who currently holds the position of Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) for the Government of Chhattisgarh. As the head of the Chhattisgarh forest department, Mr. Rao has played a pivotal role in advancing forest conservation and wildlife management initiatives throughout the state.
Throughout his career, Mr. Rao has demonstrated unwavering dedication to environmental stewardship. His leadership is characterized by innovative approaches to critical areas such as afforestation, community engagement, and environmental governance. These efforts have been significant to preservation and sustainable management of Chhattisgarh's rich natural heritage.
One of Mr. Rao's key strengths lies in his ability to balance ecological preservation with the socio-economic needs of forest-dependent communities. This nuanced approach has been instrumental in developing sustainable strategies that benefit both the environment and local populations.
Under his guidance, the forest department has implemented numerous initiatives aimed at promoting biodiversity preservation and sustainable development. These programs have not only enhanced the state's forest cover but have also improved the livelihood opportunities for communities living in and around forest areas.
As PCCF, Mr. Rao remains at the forefront of shaping environmental policies and practices in Chhattisgarh, ensuring sustainable growth for future generations.
Mr. Shraman Jha
CEO, Hindustan Unilever Foundation.
Mr. Shraman Jha
CEO, Hindustan Unilever Foundation.
Shraman Jha is a seasoned management professional with over three decades of experience spanning multiple industries across emerging markets in India, Bangladesh, Africa, and the Middle East. Currently, he serves as the CEO of the Hindustan Unilever Foundation, where he focuses on ensuring water security in India. Mr. Jha's career is marked by significant achievements in various sectors, including consumer goods, media, and education. His expertise encompasses sales and distribution restructuring, brand marketing, supply chain management, finance, and human resources. He has demonstrated particular skill in transforming organizational structures and leading innovative marketing initiatives. Mr. Jha has made notable contributions to food productivity advocacy through animal health initiatives in South Asia. His efforts in enhancing nutrition security have led to the development of influential networks across governments, international organizations like Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and World Health Organization (WHO), the food industry, and media. He holds an MBA from the Indian Institute of Management Calcutta, an MA in Economics from the University of Pune, and a BA (Hons) in Economics from St. Stephen's College, Delhi. His commitment to continuous learning is evident in his selection as a British Chevening Senior Scholar at the London School of Economics and as a fellow of the Salzburg Global Seminar-21st Century Trust. Beginning his professional journey with Unilever in 1993, Mr. Jha has held various key positions throughout his career. His passion for environmental causes led him to work with the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), where he played a crucial role in advancing their conservation and sustainability agenda. He also serves on the board of GALVmed, an Edinburgh-based non-profit supporting small-scale livestock producers in sub-Saharan Africa.
Mr. Rahul Bhagat
IAS, Secretary to Hon'ble CM, Govt of Chhattisgarh
Mr. Rahul Bhagat
IAS, Secretary to Hon'ble CM, Govt of Chhattisgarh
Rahul Bhagat is a distinguished Indian Police Service (IPS) officer who has made history by becoming the first IPS officer to be appointed as the Secretary to the Chief Minister in Chhattisgarh. In this role, he serves as the principal aide to Chief Minister Vishnudev Sai. Mr. Bhagat's career in public service is characterized by a series of high-profile positions that have honed his leadership and administrative skills. Prior to his current appointment, he served as the Inspector General (IG) in the Rajnandgaon Police Range, where he demonstrated his expertise in law enforcement and regional administration. His association with Chief Minister Sai dates back to the latter's tenure as a minister at the Centre, during which Mr. Bhagat served as his Private Secretary. This experience provided him with valuable insights into the workings of central government operations and policy-making processes. Following Mr. Sai's resignation from his central ministerial position, Mr. Bhagat transitioned to the role of Director in the Labour Department. .
Mr. O P Choudhary
Finance Minister, Govt of Chhattisgarh
Mr. O P Choudhary
Finance Minister, Govt of Chhattisgarh
Om Prakash Choudhary, born on June 2, 1981, is a prominent Indian politician currently serving as the Minister of Finance in the Government of Chhattisgarh. He represents the Raigarh constituency in the Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly since 2023. Choudhary's life story is one of remarkable achievement against the odds. Hailing from Bayang village, he lost his father at the age of eight. Despite this early setback, he excelled academically, studying in village government schools before earning a B.Sc. in Mathematics, Physics, and Electronics from Pandit Ravishankar Shukla University. At the age of 22, Choudhary became one of India's youngest IAS officers after clearing the UPSC exam in 2005. His administrative career was distinguished by service in various key roles, including SDM in Durg District, CEO Zilla Panchayat in Janjgir and Surguja, Municipal Commissioner in Raipur, and Director of Public Relations. Choudhary's tenure as Collector in Dantewada, Janjgir, and Raipur districts was particularly noteworthy. His educational initiatives in Dantewada earned him the Prime Minister's Award for Excellence in Public Administration.
Mr. Manoj Kumar Pingua
IAS, Additional Chief Secretary Health & Home, Govt of Chhattisgarh
Mr. Manoj Kumar Pingua
IAS, Additional Chief Secretary Health & Home, Govt of Chhattisgarh
Manoj Kumar Pingua is an IAS officer of the 1994 batch from the Chhattisgarh cadre. He currently serves as the Additional Chief Secretary for Home, Jail, Health, and Family Welfare departments in the Chhattisgarh government. Born on August 21, 1969, in Delhi, Pingua has a diverse educational background. He holds a B.Sc. in Botany, an M.Sc. in Anthropology, and an Executive Master's in Public Administration from Syracuse University. He began his service as a District Collector in multiple districts, including Janjgir-Champa, Dhamtari, and Surguja. Pingua's career progression led him to the position of Divisional Commissioner of Bastar, followed by several key roles within the Chhattisgarh government. His portfolio has included serving as Secretary to the Government of Chhattisgarh for departments such as General Administration and Tribal Development. Pingua has also worked with the central government. He had deputations to the Ministry of Tribal Affairs and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, broadening his expertise in national-level policy-making and implementation. Prior to his current role, Pingua held the position of Additional Chief Secretary for Health & Family Welfare and Medical Education. His current responsibilities encompass crucial areas of state administration, including home affairs, jail management, and health services.
Mr. Andrew Fleming
British Dy High Commissioner
Mr. Andrew Fleming
British Dy High Commissioner
Andrew Fleming serves as the British Deputy High Commissioner to Kolkata. His distinguished career in the British Civil Service spans nearly four decades, with a focus on international relations and diplomacy. Prior to his current role, Fleming held the position of British Deputy High Commissioner to Andhra Pradesh and Telangana for five years. He then briefly served as Officer on Special Temporary Duty in Bengaluru before returning to London. There, he played a key role in supporting the visit of Indian Vice President Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar for the King's Coronation. Throughout his tenure in India, Fleming has been instrumental in fostering UK-India relations. His work encompasses promoting bilateral trade, facilitating academic partnerships, and strengthening cultural ties. He has been particularly active in initiatives such as Swachch Bharat, leading clean-up efforts in Hyderabad. As a senior diplomat, Fleming has championed various social causes, including community cohesion, interfaith dialogue, women's rights, anti-trafficking efforts, child protection, media literacy, and youth empowerment. His passion for Indian heritage has occasionally led him to conduct walking tours in Hyderabad. Fleming maintains an active social media presence, sharing his experiences and affection for India across platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and Koo under the handle @andrew007UK. With a career that began in 1986, Fleming has held diverse roles both in the UK and internationally. He has lived in Uganda, Ghana, and Nigeria, and his work has taken him to 117 countries worldwide. His expertise extends to international migration, community cohesion, and faith-related policies. Fleming has also served as an election observer in Ghana (2008) and Nigeria (2015).
Dr. Ram Kumar Kakani
Director, IIM, Raipur
Dr. Ram Kumar Kakani
Director, IIM, Raipur
Dr. Kakani's international experience is extensive, having engaged in academic pursuits across Denmark, Nigeria, Singapore, and the UAE. This global exposure has greatly informed his perspective on education and leadership. In addition to his academic roles, Dr. Kakani has demonstrated a strong commitment to public administration and leadership development. He serves as the Director of the National Centre for Leadership Development & Competency Assessment (NCLDCA), a Government of India initiative. A prolific author, Dr. Kakani has co-authored books published by Cambridge, Sage, and Routledge. His textbooks, published by McGraw-Hill, have gone through multiple editions, highlighting their relevance and popularity in the academic community.
Aug 2 – Flourishing Rural Jharkhand: Strategies for Regenerative Growth and Prosperity
Prof (Dr.) Anant Kumar
Professor & Head of Programme - Rural Management (XISS)
Prof (Dr.) Anant Kumar
Professor & Head of Programme - Rural Management (XISS)
Dr. Anant Kumar is a Fulbright Scholar and an Associate Professor and Head of the Rural Management Programme at Xavier Institute of Social Service (XISS), Ranchi, Jharkhand.
Ms. Sruthi Dharuman
Principal - Yuwa India
Ms. Sruthi Dharuman
Principal - Yuwa India
Ms. Sruthi is Currently associated with Yuwa as Principal. She is a Teach For India (TFI) Fellowship alumna who served in Hyderabad and has years of experience fostering and empowering meaningful student leadership.
Mr. Tarun Shukla
Senior Lead - PAN IIT
Mr. Tarun Shukla
Senior Lead - PAN IIT
Mr. Tarun Shukla is a seasoned development professional with 19 years of experience in skilling and rural livelihood. An alumnus of IIT Kharagpur and IIM Ahmedabad, he currently serves as the Senior Lead at PAN IIT Alumni Reach for India Foundation (PARFI) in Ranchi, Jharkhand.
Mr. Shashi Prakash Jha
IAS Director Social Welfare Govt. of Jharkhand
Mr. Shashi Prakash Jha
IAS Director Social Welfare Govt. of Jharkhand
Mr. Shashi Prakash Jha is a senior IAS officer serving in the Jharkhand cadre. Joining the Indian Administrative Service in 2011, he has held significant positions within the state government. Currently, he is the Director of the Social Welfare Department, in Jharkhand.
Mr. Saurabh Bajpai
Deputy General Manager - SIDBI
Mr. Saurabh Bajpai
Deputy General Manager - SIDBI
Mr. Saurabh Bajpai is the Deputy General Manager at the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) in New Delhi. With a B.E. in Civil Engineering from Malviya National Institute of Technology (MNIT), Jaipur, he has amassed 25 years of experience in banking, project finance, and the social and development sectors.
Mr. Maun Prakash
IFS Divisional Forest Office(DFO), Western Hazaribagh
Mr. Maun Prakash
IFS Divisional Forest Office(DFO), Western Hazaribagh
Mr. Maun Prakash is an Indian Forest Service, IFS, officer of the 2016 batch from Jharkhand Cadre. He works as a divisional manager for Jharkhand State Forest Development Corporation.
Mr. Ashish Satyavrat Sahu
Founder & Designer - Johargram
Mr. Ashish Satyavrat Sahu
Founder & Designer - Johargram
Mr. Ashish Satyavrat Sahu is the founder and Designer of Johargram. He graduated from NIFT, Gandhinagar. He held a dream of Johargram for the longest time - owing to his immense love for Jharkhandi culture and its people.
Mr. Ajay Nath Jha
IAS Tribal Welfare Commissioner, GOJ
Mr. Ajay Nath Jha
IAS Tribal Welfare Commissioner, GOJ
Mr. Ajay Nath Jha is a senior IAS officer serving in the Jharkhand cadre. He has held significant positions within the state government. Currently, he is the Tribal Welfare Commissioner for the Government of Jharkhand.
Mr. Aditya Ranjan
IAS State Project Director - JEPC
Mr. Aditya Ranjan
IAS State Project Director - JEPC
Mr. Aditya Ranjan, an exceptional IAS officer from Jharkhand, is making a remarkable difference on the ground by improving the healthcare and education system in the Singhbhum district. He is an IAS officer of the Jharkhand cadre, 2015 batch.
Dr. Shivendra Kumar
Retired Principal Scientist and Head of the ICAR Eastern Region
Dr. Shivendra Kumar
Retired Principal Scientist and Head of the ICAR Eastern Region
Dr Shivendra Kumar is a Scientist of the 1978 batch of Agricultural Research Service was Principal Scientist and Head of ICAR Research Centre, Palamu, Ranchi, currently he is supporting various initiatives of Government of Jharkhand.
Dr. D.K. Singh
Vice Chancellor, Jharkhand University of Technology
Dr. D.K. Singh
Vice Chancellor, Jharkhand University of Technology
Dr. DK Singh took charge of BIT Sindri in 2017 and made the institution the second-best engineering college in the country as per the 2022 survey of the All-Indian Council for Technical Education (AICTE), New Delhi. Recently IIT ISM appointed him as a Senate member
Aug 4 – Transdisciplinary Approach to Public Policy Implementation (Virtual)
Vikram Srinivas
Senior Researcher at CPR
Vikram Srinivas
Senior Researcher at CPR
Vikram Srinivas was a senior researcher at CPR, with the Accountability Initiative (AI). At AI, he worked with the public finance team on analysis of budgets and tracking finances, as well as assisting in data extraction and visualisation. Prior to CPR, he worked with Nvidia as a hardware engineer, and with Mapunity in Bangalore, where he focused on transportation issues and data visualisation. He holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from IIT, Madras.
Soledad Artiz Prillaman
Assistant Professor of Political Science at Stanford School of Humanities and Sciences
Soledad Artiz Prillaman
Assistant Professor of Political Science at Stanford School of Humanities and Sciences
Soledad Artiz Prillaman is an Assistant Professor of Political Science at Stanford University. Her research focuses on comparative political economy, development, and gender, with a particular emphasis on South Asia. Prillaman investigates the political implications of development policies, especially regarding women's political behavior and democratic representation. Her work also explores the persistence of inequalities in political engagement and the translation of voter demands into governance. Employing a mix of field experiments, surveys, and qualitative fieldwork, Prillaman brings diverse methodologies to her research. She earned her Ph.D. from Harvard University in 2017 and holds a BA in Political Science and Economics from Texas A&M University (2011).
Avanish Kumar
MDI
Avanish Kumar
MDI
Prof. Avanish Kumar, faculty at Management Development Institute (MDI), Gurgaon, delivered the Platinum Jubilee Lecture in Anthropology and Behavioural Sciences at the 2023 Indian Science Congress. With over 20 years of experience, he specializes in sustainability, inclusion, and participation, working with NGOs, governments, corporations, and academic institutions. His work focuses on empowering marginalized communities through citizen-centric governance, sustainable rural livelihoods, and corporate social responsibility. Before MDI, he was at TERI University and Development Alternatives, with extensive field experience in India’s poorest regions. He is active in academic and advisory councils, including the Indian Anthropological Association and Central University of Rajasthan’s Public Policy, Law & Governance Programme. He has also served as a jury member for the Economic Times CSR awards and a resource person for the National Rural Livelihoods Mission.
Anish Kumar
Managing Director, Transform Rural India
Anish Kumar
Managing Director, Transform Rural India
Anish Kumar is a pivotal leader in rural transformation, co-founding Transform Rural India (TRI) in 2016 and driving public policy and government partnerships. Beginning his distinguished career in 1994 with PRADAN, he has significantly shaped TRI’s strategy and institutional foundations, managing resource mobilization, compliance, and stakeholder linkages. Anish excels in creating business enterprises for impoverished communities and integrating small-holder farmers into modern value chains. He developed the pioneering small-holder poultry model and expanded it as CEO of the first poultry cooperative. Anish serves on the National Smallholder Poultry Development Trust board and has influenced national policies for disadvantaged farmers. He holds a postgraduate degree in Forest Management from the Indian Institute of Forest Management, Bhopal.
Aug 5 – Future is Young – Unleashing the Potential of Youth for Viksit Bharat
Shri Sunil Kumar
Former Secretary, MoPR
Shri Sunil Kumar
Former Secretary, MoPR
Shri Sunil Kumar is an IAS officer of batch 1987 from the UP cadre who previously served as the Secretary, Ministry of Panchayati raj. He has been instrumental in strengthen the democratic governance processes, empowering PRIs, bringing participation, transparency, accountability in the PRI system. He has contributed in the IT governance aspects in improved planning, localization of Sustainable Development Goals, Gram Panchayat Development Planning, Gram Swaraj Movement, integration of Public Finance Management System across Panchayats etc.
Shri Jayant Chaudhary
Hon'ble Minister of state (Independent Charge), Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, GoI
Shri Jayant Chaudhary
Hon'ble Minister of state (Independent Charge), Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, GoI
Shri Jayant Chaudhary is the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, as well as Minister of State in the Education Department in the Government of India. He represents Uttar Pradesh in the Rajya Sabha and previously served in the 15th Lok Sabha. He holds a master's degree in accounting and finance from the London School of Economics and Political Science. As a parliamentarian, he has been actively involved in legislative matters, notably advancing discussions on land acquisition through a Private Member Bill in the Lok Sabha. Jayant Chaudhary has contributed to various parliamentary committees including Commerce, Finance, Agriculture, and Ethics. As a member of the Rajya Sabha, he has dedicated his MP Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) funds to enhance sports infrastructure and foster a conducive sporting ecosystem.
Shri Gaya Prasad
Deputy Director General (Rural Housing), Joint Secretary (JS) level
Shri Gaya Prasad
Deputy Director General (Rural Housing), Joint Secretary (JS) level
Shri Gaya Prasad is presently working as the Deputy Director General (Rural Housing), Joint Secretary (JS) level, Ministry of Rural Development. He has done Master of Science (M.Sc) in Statistics.
Shaktikant Singh
Deputy Secy in PMAwas
Shaktikant Singh
Deputy Secy in PMAwas
Shaktikant Singh is the Deputy Secretary with the Department of Rural Development hailing from Uttar Pradesh. He is a 2010 batch IFS from Tripura Cadre. His eductaion qualifications include B.Sc.(H) Botany and PGD in Forestry.
Neeraj Ahuja
Lead, Employability and Entrepreneurship, TRI
Neeraj Ahuja
Lead, Employability and Entrepreneurship, TRI
Neeraj Ahuja is Associate Director - Bending Markets for Flourishing Localities in TRI. Neeraj leads the mass rural entrepreneurship program and Global Opportunity Youth Network program in TRIF to catalyze economic opportunities for rural youth at scale. He is also involved in grant management, raising resources, internal culture development and building and managing partnerships. Neeraj has been a part of the Prime Minister’s Fellows Program before joining TRIF where he worked closely with community and district administration in one of the left-wing extremisms affected districts in India. Neeraj has a postgraduate degree in Development Practice from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai and Bachelors in Electronics and Communication Engineering from RGTU, Bhopal.
Ms. Archana Nambiar
CEO, Navya Disha
Ms. Archana Nambiar
CEO, Navya Disha
Ms. Archana Nambiar has over two decades of experience in the development sector, she is a seasoned professional deeply committed to social development, impact, and philanthropy. She has worked extensively on education and child rights, with a primary focus on addressing inequities in education within underprivileged communities, particularly in remote and underserved regions across India. She has led consultancy engagements in the non-profit sector with a focus on program design, planning, partnership building and evaluation. Her professional journey includes significant roles in organizations such as Pratham Books, Tata Trusts, Education Development Center, and Aga Khan Education Service, India.
Ms. Alka Upadhyaya
Secretary, Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Government of India
Ms. Alka Upadhyaya
Secretary, Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Government of India
Ms. Alka Upadhyaya is currently serving as the Secretary, Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying (GOI). She has been an IAS officer since 1990. Earlier, she has served as Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Rural Development, Director General of the National Rural Infrastructure Development Agency, CEO of the National Rural Livelihood Mission, and Director General of the Council for Advancement of Peoples’ Action & Rural Technology. She has been instrumental in the implementation & policy making of various rural development programs - Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, IT platforms for geospatial planning of rural roads & corroborating pre- & post-construction status using remote sensing technology etc.
Mr. Vikram Borade
Head of Credit Initiative and Research, Syngenta Foundation
Mr. Vikram Borade
Head of Credit Initiative and Research, Syngenta Foundation
Mr. Vikram Borade currently heads the Credit Initiative and Research at Syngenta Foundation India. He has 16 years of banking experiance with specialization in warehouse receipt finance. He has also worked as Product Manager for retail agri products of IDBI Bank.
Mr. Vaibhav Daniel Lal
National Program Manager, Habitat for Humanity India
Mr. Vaibhav Daniel Lal
National Program Manager, Habitat for Humanity India
Mr. Vaibhav Daniel Lal is the National Program Manager - Nirmanshree with Habitat for Humanity India. He has a decade of extensive development sector experience in training, program handling and project implementation across India.
Mr. Tomas Stenstrom
Senior Specialist | Employment Intensive Investments
Mr. Tomas Stenstrom
Senior Specialist | Employment Intensive Investments
Mr. Tomas Stenstrom is the Senior Specialist on Employment Intensive Investments (EIIP) for South Asia, based in the ILO Decent Work Technical Support Team (DWT) in New Delhi. Stenstrom joined the ILO in 1997 providing advisory support, information services and training on employment intensive investment strategies to projects and governments in Southern and Eastern Africa. Stenstrom has a Master of Science (MSc) in Civil Engineering from the University of Lund in Sweden.
Mr. Pankaj Singh Thakur
CEO, Head Held High Foundation
Mr. Pankaj Singh Thakur
CEO, Head Held High Foundation
Mr. Pankaj Singh Thakur is curretly leading the Head Held High Foundation as the CEO. He engages with rural marginalised youth and communities to enhance resilience by creating pathways out of poverty. Prior to joining the development sector, Pankaj held leadership roles across multiple sectors handling cross border operations across myriad sectors including FMCG, Wearables, ITES, and Automobile. Pankaj Singh Thakur has completed a B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering from Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University. Pankaj Singh also holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Theology with a focus on the study of world religions from Dayalbagh Educational Institute.
Mr. Nandan Bisht
Director, Sampark Finance
Mr. Nandan Bisht
Director, Sampark Finance
Mr. Nandan Singh Bisht is a Chartered Accountant by profession with 15 years of post- qualification experience of working with leading Microfinance Institutions, Development Institutions, NGOs, Investors and Technical Service Providers. Mr. Bisht has travelled extensively in India, South East Asia, Africa and Pacific Region on many technical consulting assignments to support micro-finance institutions. He is the founder director of Nimbus Consulting Private Limited, a consulting firm specializing in various functional areas in micro-finance, livelihood and voluntary organizations. Currently, Mr. Bisht heads “N S B & Associates, Chartered Accountants”, an audit firm.
Mr. Girish Mohan
Operations Manager - Social Investments, ITC
Mr. Girish Mohan
Operations Manager - Social Investments, ITC
Mr. Mohan has been in the Social Development sector for the last 18 years. During this period he has worked on action research projects funded by international agencies like European Union and Japan Bank of International Cooperation on environmental and resource economics, before joining ITC Limited. He holds Master’s degree in Forest Economics and Management from Forest Research Institute Dehradun, Uttarakhand. He is a Certified Sustainability Assessor of the CII-ITC Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Development.
Mr. Alkesh Wadhwani
Director, Poverty Alleviation, BMGF
Mr. Alkesh Wadhwani
Director, Poverty Alleviation, BMGF
Alkesh Wadhwani leads the poverty alleviation portfolio for the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation’s India Country Office, which comprises programmatic work in Agriculture Development, Water, Sanitation & Hygiene, Inclusive Financial Systems (ISF), and Gender Equality. Before joining the foundation, he worked for McKinsey & Co., where he served clients in India, Asia, Europe, and U.S. in the financial services and pharmaceutical sectors. He co-founded IIT Invest Trust Ltd., with seats on the BSE and NSE, and interests in institutional and retail broking, and investment banking. He has also worked in the Financial Institutions Group of Citibank in Mumbai.
Kanika Verma
Lead - Green and Inclusive Entrepreneurship, Development Altrenatives Group
Kanika Verma
Lead - Green and Inclusive Entrepreneurship, Development Altrenatives Group
Kanika Verma leads the Green and Inclusive Entrepreneurship vertical of the Development Alternatives Group. She is, currently, also part of the founding team and Director of Indian Micro Enterprises Development Foundation, a section 8 company, that aims to build local ecosystems for green and inclusive entrepreneurship. She is the co founder of systems play, a platform for fostering collaboration, experimentation and learning with system innovators. She also leads the la Caixa Banking Foundation supported “Work 4 Progress” programme at DA – a social innovation platform for entrepreneurship driven job creation for women and youth.
K C Ranjani
Independent Director, ESAF Small Finance Bank
K C Ranjani
Independent Director, ESAF Small Finance Bank
Smt. Kolasseril Chandramohanan Ranjani comes with rich experience in the fields of banking, agriculture and rural economy, small-scale industry, finance, cooperation, business management, etc. She held senior management positions with SIDBI (Small Industries Development Bank of India, the apex bank for the financing and development of the MSME sector in India) and various other institutions, and she has more than 25 years of experience in Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises in India, wherein she got rich exposure in the small-scale industry and MSME sectors. She has served on the boards of many of India's leading micro finance institutions and investment companies.
Jancy Mathew
COO, Construction Skill Development Council
Jancy Mathew
COO, Construction Skill Development Council
Jancy Mathew is currently working as the COO at Construction Skill Development Council. Jancy Mathew is a Civil Engineer with specialization in Geo-Technical & Geo-Environmental Engineering. She has 30 years of experience in multitasking environment, which includes geotechnical investigations, expertize in construction material testing, tendering & skilling.
Dr. Nageswaran
Chief Economic Advisor, Government of India
Dr. Nageswaran
Chief Economic Advisor, Government of India
Dr. V. Anantha Nageswaran is the Chief Economic Advisor to the Government of India. He has taught at several business schools and institutes of management in India and in Singapore and has published extensively. He was the Dean of the IFMR Graduate School of Business and a distinguished Visiting Professor of Economics at Krea University. He has also been a part-time member of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister of India from 2019 to 2021. He holds a Post-Graduate Diploma in Management from the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad and a doctoral degree from the University of Massachusetts in Amherst.
Chandan Thakur
Deputy Director Social & Financial Impact, National Conference & Membership
Chandan Thakur
Deputy Director Social & Financial Impact, National Conference & Membership
Chandan is a development professional with 15 years of rich experience in financial inclusion. Currently working as Deputy Director with Sa-Dhan, an association of community finance institutions in New Delhi, India. He has held various roles at Sa-Dhan since 2013, including Manager, Senior Manager, Senior Vice President, and Associate Director. He is an MBA from Vaikunth Mehta National Institute of Co-Operative Management (VAMNICOM).
Annu Mehta
Lead, Profit with Purpose, Global Opportunity Youth Network
Annu Mehta
Lead, Profit with Purpose, Global Opportunity Youth Network
Annu is the Founder and Principal Consultant at Profit with Purpose, where she works with companies and INGOs to develop and deliver social impact programs with a focus on dignified and resilient livelihoods. Annu has over twelve years of social impact experience and has worked across 11 states in India and several countries across Asia, Africa and the Americas. Her current clients include a impactful list of organisations including Global Opportunity Youth Network (GOYN) housed at the Aspen Institute, WHO, Tata power-CGPL.
Aug 6 – Trillion $ Uttar Pradesh Economy: Grameen Growth: Income Prosperity & Quality Health with Inclusion of All
Shri Manoj Kumar Singh
IAS, Chief Secretary, Government of Uttar Pradesh
Shri Manoj Kumar Singh
IAS, Chief Secretary, Government of Uttar Pradesh
Shri Manoj Kumar Singh is a very senior IAS officer, currently serving as the Chief Secretary for Government of Uttar Pradesh. With a distinguished career spanning over several decades, Shri Singh has been at the forefront of policy-making and governance in one of India's most populous and diverse state of Uttar Pradesh. His tenure has been marked by a commitment to transformative initiatives that drive economic development, improve public welfare, and enhance the quality of life in rural and urban areas. Known for his strategic vision and hands-on approach, Shri Singh has played a pivotal role in implementing key government programs and policies that aim to foster inclusive growth and sustainable development across Uttar Pradesh.
Dr. Devesh Chaturvedi
IAS, Agriculture Production Commissioner (APC), Government of Uttar Pradesh
Dr. Devesh Chaturvedi
IAS, Agriculture Production Commissioner (APC), Government of Uttar Pradesh
Shri Devesh Chaturvedi is a senior IAS Officer with a career marked by significant contributions to the agricultural sector and rural development. As the Agriculture Production Commissioner of Uttar Pradesh, he has been playing a critical role in formulating and implementing policies that enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability, directly impacting the livelihoods of millions of farmers in the state. His leadership and expertise plays a critical role in shaping the future of agriculture in the state, ultimately benefitting farmers and contributing to Uttar Pradesh’s economic development.
Shri Yogesh Kumar
IAS, Special Secretary, Home Government of Uttar Pradesh
Shri Yogesh Kumar
IAS, Special Secretary, Home Government of Uttar Pradesh
Shri Yogesh Kumar, an IAS officer from the 2010 batch, hails from Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh. He holds an MA and M.Phil in Sociology from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). During his tenure as Additional Commissioner of Rural Development and MGNREGA, he focused on providing employment to migrant workers and enhancing women participation through specialized efforts by introducing MGNREGA Mahila Mates in the state. He has also served as Special Secretary, Horticulture, and is currently the Special Secretary in the Home and Gopan Department of the Government of Uttar Pradesh. Shri Kumar brings a wealth of experience and a visionary perspective, offering invaluable insights on development.
Mr. Nishant Gupta
Head of sustainability, Flipkart Group, Social & environmental Impact Advisor to Walmart.org in India
Mr. Nishant Gupta
Head of sustainability, Flipkart Group, Social & environmental Impact Advisor to Walmart.org in India
With over 17 years of experience, Shri Nishant has played a crucial role in developing multiple businesses within Flipkart. In his current role, Nishant leads initiatives aimed at making Flipkart a benchmark for environmentally conscious organizations. He has extensive experience in setting and scaling up businesses through deep collaboration with different functions - Product, Technology, Marketing, Supply Chain, Warehouse, Marketplace platform, among others. Since 2021, Nishant has also been acting as a Social and Environmental Impact Advisor to Walmart.org in India, where he helps enable market access for smallholder farmers and strengthens Walmart Foundation’s presence with a focus on women farmers and climate impact
Dr. Heera Lal
IAS, Special Secretary, Irrigation, Government of Uttar Pradesh
Dr. Heera Lal
IAS, Special Secretary, Irrigation, Government of Uttar Pradesh
Dr. Heera Lal is an accomplished Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer currently serving as the Special Secretary in the Irrigation Department of the Government of Uttar Pradesh. With a distinguished career in public service, Dr. Lal has made significant contributions to various sectors, including water management, rural development, and governance. Beyond his administrative responsibilities, Dr. Lal is recognized as an author and a proactive change maker. His writings and initiatives reflect his commitment to innovative and transformative approaches to governance and development.
Mr. Senthil Kumar Natarajan
Public Policy and Government Relations, Ninjacart
Mr. Senthil Kumar Natarajan
Public Policy and Government Relations, Ninjacart
Shri Senthil Kumar is Public Policy and Government Lead at Ninjacart, a leading agri-tech startup that focuses on streamlining the supply chain for fresh produce in India. In his role at Ninjacart, Senthil works to navigate regulatory frameworks and advocate for policies beneficial to the agri-tech sector with focus on supply chain management, government intervention and inclusive agriculture practices. He is also an expert in platform based business models and has designed and implemented products that include extensive research about these platforms.
Shri Mukesh Meshram
IAS Principal Secretary, Department of Tourism and Culture Government of Uttar Pradesh
Shri Mukesh Meshram
IAS Principal Secretary, Department of Tourism and Culture Government of Uttar Pradesh
Shri Mukesh Kumar Meshram is currently the Principal Secretary of the Tourism and Culture Department and Director General of UP Tourism for the Government of Uttar Pradesh. Over his 26-year career in UP administration, the 1995-batch IAS officer has held key positions including Divisional Commissioner of Lucknow and Prayagraj, Secretary of Medical Education, Technical Education, Ayush departments, Commissioner of Commercial Tax, Managing Director of UPSRTC, VC LDA, and Mission Director of NRHM. He has also served as District Magistrate and Collector in several districts. Meshram holds a Master's in Architecture from IIT Roorkee and a Master's in Public Administration from the University of Birmingham, UK. Known for his dedication and integrity, he has maintained an exemplary reputation throughout his career.
Smt. Deepa Ranjan
IAS Mission Director, Uttar Pradesh State Rural Livelihood Mission (UPSRLM) Government of Uttar Pradesh
Smt. Deepa Ranjan
IAS Mission Director, Uttar Pradesh State Rural Livelihood Mission (UPSRLM) Government of Uttar Pradesh
Ms. Deepa Ranjan is currently serving as the Mission Director at the Uttar Pradesh State Rural Livelihood Mission (UPSRLM). With a commendable record in administrative services, she has consistently focused on rural development, women empowerment, and sustainable livelihood initiatives. A 2013-batch IAS officer, Deepa Ranjan has held significant positions such as Joint Magistrate in Ayodhya, Chief Development Officer in Hapur, Additional Housing Commissioner at Awas Vikas Parishad in Lucknow, and DM & Collector in Badaun and Banda. She completed her graduation with a BA (Hons) in Geography. Throughout her career, she has been instrumental in fostering women's entrepreneurship by providing skill development opportunities, financial support, and market linkages, thereby empowering women to become active contributors to the economy.
Shri Manish Sinha
General Manager, SIDBI
Shri Manish Sinha
General Manager, SIDBI
Shri Manish Sinha is a graduate in Economics and post-graduate in Sociology from the University of Delhi. He also holds a PGDBM and is a Certified Associate of the Indian Institute of Bankers. With over 20 years of diversified experience in policy formulation, corporate strategy building, SME financing, infrastructure financing, venture capital, capacity building, and developmental initiatives, his domain skills include risk management, project appraisal, monitoring, and recovery activities. Sinha has worked as Head of Mutual Credit Guarantee for UNIDO’s SME Development project in India and was in charge of SIDBI’s Branch Office in Chandigarh. He served as COO of the Receivables Exchange of India Limited (RXIL) and as CRO of SIDBI, leading the Risk Management Vertical and participating in various committees. Currently, he is in charge of SIDBI's Lucknow Regional Office, overseeing operations in Uttar Pradesh. He has attended numerous programs in the UK and Germany and has been SIDBI’s Nominee Director on the boards of various institutions.
Shri Shrashtant Patara
CEO, Development Alternatives
Shri Shrashtant Patara
CEO, Development Alternatives
Shri Shrashtant Patara, CEO of Development Alternatives (DA), is a renowned social technocrat focused on social innovation since 1988. He has led sustainability initiatives like “Work4Progress,” HSBC’s “Entrepreneurship for Empowerment,” and Rockefeller Foundation’s “Smart Power for Rural Development.” Mr. Patara is a Fellow of The Rockefeller Foundation, has served on the Indo-German Expert Group on Green and Inclusive Economy, and is a jury member for the SEED Awards. He established the Indian Micro Enterprises Development Foundation and “TARAurja.” An architect by training, he is currently pursuing an M.Phil. in Inclusive Innovation at the University of Cape Town.
Ms. Usha Vishwakarma
Founder - Red Brigade, Lucknow
Ms. Usha Vishwakarma
Founder - Red Brigade, Lucknow
Ms. Usha Vishwakarma is the founder of the Red Brigade, a non-profit organization based in Lucknow, dedicated to empowering women through self-defense training and awareness programs. The Red Brigade's training program, called Nishastrakala, combines elements from multiple martial arts to empower women to defend themselves swiftly and effectively. Usha and her team also conduct awareness campaigns, street plays, and workshops to educate women about their rights and self-defense. They focus on reaching young girls and women, providing legal assistance, and supporting survivors of sexual violence. The Red Brigade now has over 8,500 members across the country.
Shri Brajesh Pathak
Hon’ble Deputy C.M. & Minister of Medical Health and Family Welfare Department Government of Uttar Pradesh
Shri Brajesh Pathak
Hon’ble Deputy C.M. & Minister of Medical Health and Family Welfare Department Government of Uttar Pradesh
Shri Brajesh Pathak is the Deputy Chief Minister and Cabinet Minister of Medical Education, Health, and Family Welfare in the Government of Uttar Pradesh. He was also the cabinet minister for Law and Justice in the 17th Legislative Assembly of Uttar Pradesh. He has also been a Lok Sabha member of Parliament from 2004 to 2009 and Rajya Sabha member of Parliament from 2008 to 2014. During his tenure as a Member of Parliament, he has been a member of the Public Grievances committee, Law and Justice committee, Business Advisory Committee, Public Accounts Committee, Home Ministry Member, Consultative Committee of Delimitation Commission. Member, Standing Committee on External Affairs, Committee of Privileges, Standing Committee on Coal and Steel, Standing Committee on Finance, member of the National Committee on NCC. Committee on Railways, Consultative Committee for the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Committee on Home Affairs, General Purposes Committee, Member of House Committee, he was nominated as the chairman of the Health and Family Welfare Committee.
Dr. Gunjan Taneja
Senior Program Officer, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Dr. Gunjan Taneja
Senior Program Officer, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Dr. Gunjan Taneja is presently working as a Senior Program Officer at Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and has been overseeing health system strengthening in Uttar Pradesh. Prior to joining BMGF, he worked as a National Technical Lead for Reproductive, Maternal, Neonatal, Child, and Adolescent Health for USAID. He has also served as a State Technical Lead for RMNCH+A projects with IPE Global and JSI. He completed his MBBS and acquired MD in Community Health and Preventive Medicine.
Dr. Niranjan Saggurti
Director, Population Council India
Dr. Niranjan Saggurti
Director, Population Council India
Dr. Saggurti is a public health researcher with over 20 years of experience in HIV prevention, reducing sexual and gender-based violence, and improving maternal and child health for marginalized women in India. At Population Council, he led groundbreaking research on migration and HIV, influencing national HIV strategies. He also contributed to international policy debates on preventing spousal transmission of HIV. Before joining the Council in 2006, he was an assistant professor at the International Institute for Population Sciences. Mr. Saggurti has served as a scientific reviewer and editorial board member for several international journals. He holds an MS in statistics, a Master’s and PhD in population studies.
Ms. Aarti Kumar
CEO, Community Empowerment Lab
Ms. Aarti Kumar
CEO, Community Empowerment Lab
Ms. Aarti Kumar is currently serving as the CEO of the Community Empowerment Lab. She pursued a Bachelor’s degree in engineering from Singapore and a Master’s degree in Bioinformatics. After a 10-year stint in Singapore, she moved to rural Uttar Pradesh in 2006 to conduct immersive community-based research. She integrated scientific methods with cultural wisdom to improve newborn and maternal survival and early child development, founding the Community Empowerment Lab to institutionalize their mission. Her past roles include Director of Informatics & Research Analytics at The INCLEN Trust International, Research Consultant at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Project Officer at Nanyang Technological University, and Business Systems Analyst at Hewlett-Packard.
Dr. Pinky Jowel
IAS Mission Director, National Health Mission, Government of Uttar Pradesh
Dr. Pinky Jowel
IAS Mission Director, National Health Mission, Government of Uttar Pradesh
Dr. Pinky Jowel is currently leading the National Health Mission in Uttar Pradesh, she is an IAS officer of 2003 batch and holds a Bachelor's Degree in Dental Surgery. Prior to her current role as MD-NHM, she has served GoUP as the District Magistrate & Collector of Meerut, Hathras, Lakhimpur Kheri, Pratapgarh, Sultanpur, and Bahraich. Among many other positions served, Dr. Jowel has been a Special Secretary to the Government of Uttar Pradesh for Medical Education and as an Additional Director at SGPGI.
Ms. Medha Gandhi
Global Health Consultant
Ms. Medha Gandhi
Global Health Consultant
Medha Gandhi is a health and gender expert with over two decades of experience of working with girls and women and their families with a focus on SRHR. She has worked with leading national and international non-profit organizations and private philanthropies on women’s health and rights. Until recently, she was a Senior Program Officer at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation leading the policy advocacy portfolio for family health, immunization and infectious diseases. She has worked for over two decades on designing and implementing large scale programs, managing a multi-million-dollar portfolio of grants to NGOs, and strengthening women leaders and champions. Her core expertise is in building partnerships for impact. She is a Fellow of the Indian College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
Shri Raj Kumar
IAS Mission Director, SBM-G, DoPR Government of Uttar Pradesh
Shri Raj Kumar
IAS Mission Director, SBM-G, DoPR Government of Uttar Pradesh
Shri Raj Kumar is currently serving as a Mission Director, Swachh Bharat Mission-Grameen, Department of Panchayati Raj, Government of Uttar Pradesh. He is leading the Swachh Bharat Mission in Uttar Pradesh, focusing on improving sanitation and hygiene across rural areas. He is involved in implementing innovative strategies to enhance cleanliness and waste management and collaborating with various stakeholders, including government agencies, local communities, and NGOs, to ensure the success of sanitation programs. He aims for comprehensive sanitation coverage in all rural areas, ensuring sustainable waste management systems, and promoting awareness and behavioral change towards cleanliness and hygiene among rural communities.
Aug 7 – Time for LEAP!
Sunita Nadhmuni
Chairperson, Arghyam
Sunita Nadhmuni
Chairperson, Arghyam
Sunita Nadhamuni is the chairperson of Arghyam, a public charitable foundation based in Bengaluru. Arghyam’s mission is to support sustainable, community-based water management solutions towards water-security for all. She was previously the global head of Social Innovation at Dell Technologies. In this role, she oversaw Dell's global social innovation strategy that focuses on driving technology-enabled social impact programs to advance health, education, and economic opportunities for the underserved. Sunita has a unique combination of more than a decade of IT experience from the Silicon Valley, USA and more than 15 years of leading social impact initiatives in India. Sunita has an MS from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in NY and a BE from Andhra University.
Srikanth Nadhmuni
CEO, Khosla Labs
Srikanth Nadhmuni
CEO, Khosla Labs
Srikanth Nadhmuni is the CEO of Khosla Labs, a startup incubator he co-founded with Vinod Khosla to create and nurture technology-driven startups. He serves on the Board of HDFC Bank and chairs Novopay, a fintech offering payments and banking solutions via smartphones and Aadhaar MicroATMs. As the former Head of Technology at the UID Authority of India, he developed the Aadhaar system, providing National IDs to 1.2 billion Indians. He also co-founded the eGovernments Foundation with Nandan Nilekani, enhancing governance in over 400 Indian cities. His expertise includes scaling ideas, advising startups, National ID systems, biometrics, urban governance, and chip design.
Aug 8 – India Rural Colloquy – Finale
Shri Shailesh Kumar Singh
Secretary, Ministry of Rural Development
Shri Shailesh Kumar Singh
Secretary, Ministry of Rural Development
Shri Shailesh Kumar Singh is an IAS officer (Jharkhand cadre, 1991), who currently serves as the Secretary of the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India. In this role, he oversees comprehensive policy-making for rural development, focusing on poverty alleviation, sustainable employment, and livelihood opportunities. With over three decades of experience in the Indian Administrative Service, Shri Singh has worked across various sectors including Small & Medium Enterprises, Steel, Coal, Transport, Urban Development, Industry, Elections, Information Technology, Education, and Human Resource Development. His extensive expertise and dedication contribute significantly to the advancement of India's rural areas and the creation of sustainable development initiatives.
Ireena Vittal
Expert on sustainable & omni growth models, former partner - McKinsey & Co
Ireena Vittal
Expert on sustainable & omni growth models, former partner - McKinsey & Co
Ireena Vittal is one of India’s most renowned consultants and advisors, with 16 years as a Partner at McKinsey & Co., where she helped global companies achieve growth, sustainability, and profitability. With deep expertise in developed and emerging markets, she assists businesses in crafting dynamic growth strategies and effective local leadership. Ireena has co-authored books on agriculture and urbanization and worked with government bodies on inclusive urban and rural development. She serves as an independent director on several company boards, including HDFC and Wipro, and mentors leaders on decision-making and empathetic leadership. She holds degrees from Osmania University and IIM Calcutta.
Mr. Vijay Mahajan
CEO, Rajiv Gandhi Foundation
Mr. Vijay Mahajan
CEO, Rajiv Gandhi Foundation
Vijay Mahajan, Secretary & CEO of the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation, is a renowned rural development professional, social entrepreneur, and policy analyst. He founded the NGO Pradan and the Basix Social Enterprise Group. He has also served on the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India, Rangarajan Committee on Financial Inclusion and Raghuram Rajan Committee on Financial Sector Reforms. With over 20 papers in prestigious journals and contributions to 15 academic books, his expertise spans rural development, microfinance, and social innovations. An alumnus of IIM Ahmedabad and IIT Delhi, he was also a mid-career Fellow at Princeton University, USA.
Ms. Saachi Bhalla
Senior Programme Officer, BMGF
Ms. Saachi Bhalla
Senior Programme Officer, BMGF
Saachi Bhalla is a seasoned professional with over nine years at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, currently serving as Senior Program Officer. She has held various roles including Program Officer and Associate Program Officer, focusing on global health and development initiatives. Previously, Saachi worked at Deloitte Consulting as a Senior Consultant, Consultant, and Senior Analyst. Her early career includes a stint as a Research Associate at the Centre for Science and Environment and a Project Facilitator and Peer Educator at The YP Foundation. She holds an MSc in Global Politics from LSE and a degree from Lady Shri Ram College for Women.
Ms. Madhu Mehra
Executive Director, Partners for Law in Development
Ms. Madhu Mehra
Executive Director, Partners for Law in Development
Madhu Mehra is a feminist lawyer and founder of Partners for Law in Development (PLD), where she leads research and training initiatives. She critiques criminalization approaches in issues like child early marriage, sexual and gender-based violence, and witch-hunting, advocating for transformative, victim-centric solutions. Active in legal advocacy, she has worked to decriminalize same-sex relations and adultery in India and currently focuses on adolescent sexuality. Through PLD, she leads the National Coalition Advocating for Adolescent Concerns. With nearly 30 years of work on CEDAW in Asia, her contributions to gender policy were recognized in Apolitical’s 100 Most Influential in 2021.
Trisha Pareek
Youth and gender specialist, UNFPA
Trisha Pareek
Youth and gender specialist, UNFPA
Trisha Pareek is a dedicated Youth and Gender Specialist at the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) with nearly 8 years of experience. Currently working in Rajasthan, she excels in policy and program design, development, and advocacy in areas related to gender, harmful practices, and violence against women and girls. Trisha has held key roles including State Youth Consultant and State Gender Consultant, providing technical expertise and support to various government departments and UNFPA. She has also worked with ETASHA Society and Population Services International. Trisha holds an MBA in Rural Management from FMS-IRM and a certificate in International Women's Health and Human Rights from Stanford University.
Dr. Joy Elamon
Ex-Director, Kerala institute of Local level Administration
Dr. Joy Elamon
Ex-Director, Kerala institute of Local level Administration
Dr. Joy Elamon, former Director General of the Kerala Institute of Local Administration (KILA), is a distinguished medical doctor with an MBBS and an MPH. With extensive expertise in decentralization, local governance, and climate change, he significantly contributed to Kerala's People’s Plan Campaign and has held key roles such as Chief Programme Coordinator at SDC-CapDecK and CEO of Intercooperation Social Development India. Dr. Elamon also served as Moderator of UNDP’s Decentralization Community and as a Senior Advisor for Helvetas Swiss Intercooperation. Recognized for his work in community development and governance, he has received multiple accolades, including the Outstanding Community Builder award by UNDP India.
Meenakshi Negi
IFS, Member Secretary, National Commission of women
Meenakshi Negi
IFS, Member Secretary, National Commission of women
Meenakshi Negi, an IFS officer, currently serves as the Member Secretary of the National Commission for Women. She focuses on policy advocacy, gender justice, and women's empowerment initiatives.
Andre Nogueira
Founder & CEO, LEAP Design
Andre Nogueira
Founder & CEO, LEAP Design
Andre Nogueira is the Founder and CEO of LEAP Design. He is also a research scientist at Brown University School of Public Health and Assistant Professor at Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing. He is committed to sustainable design and innovation, working on projects that integrate environmental sustainability with community development.
Medha Gandhi
Founder and Principal Consultant Counterpoint Impact Advisory
Medha Gandhi
Founder and Principal Consultant Counterpoint Impact Advisory
Medha Gandhi is a Consultant in Global Health, specializing in policy advocacy and partnerships to improve care quality with donors, philanthropies, and international NGOs. Her work focuses on health equity and justice for marginalized groups. Formerly the Lead Program Advocacy for Family Health at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Medha designed and managed multi-dimensional health programs. She has expertise in sexual and reproductive health, immunization, and infectious diseases, with a commitment to advancing women's leadership and community development for sustainable health improvements.
Dr. Maj Gen (Prof) Atul Kotwal
SM, VSM, Executive Director- NHSRC
Dr. Maj Gen (Prof) Atul Kotwal
SM, VSM, Executive Director- NHSRC
Dr. Maj Gen (Prof) Atul Kotwal is the Executive Director of NHSRC. With a distinguished military and academic career, he focuses on strengthening health systems and policy advocacy to improve public health outcomes.
Dr. N K Arora, President
AIIMS-Deoghar and Patna ; Chairman- National Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (NTAGI)
Dr. N K Arora, President
AIIMS-Deoghar and Patna ; Chairman- National Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (NTAGI)
Dr. Narendra Kumar Arora, MD, MMSc, has been the Executive Director of The INCLEN Trust International since 2005. He holds an MD in Pediatrics from AIIMS, New Delhi and an MMSc in Clinical Epidemiology and Bio-Statistics from the University of Newcastle, Australia. A former AIIMS faculty member, he retired as a Professor of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition in 2007. Dr. Arora is a prominent public health expert in India, involved in policy-making and program implementation at national and international levels. He has led over 60 major research projects and published more than 150 papers in peer-reviewed journals.
Ms. Anuradha Jain
Advisor Health Systems Strengthening, USAID/India
Ms. Anuradha Jain
Advisor Health Systems Strengthening, USAID/India
Ms. Anuradha Jain is an Advisor for Health Systems Strengthening at USAID/India. She works on improving health care delivery systems and ensuring equitable access to health services across India.
Mr. Amit Mohan Prasad
Former IAS Officer, Retired as Additional Chief Secretary, Govt of Uttar Pradesh
Mr. Amit Mohan Prasad
Former IAS Officer, Retired as Additional Chief Secretary, Govt of Uttar Pradesh
Mr. Amit Mohan Prasad is a former IAS officer who retired as the Additional Chief Secretary of Uttar Pradesh. He has a vast experience in public administration and governance, contributing to various developmental policies.