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40+

Speakers

10+

Jury Members

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About SICA 2026 – Social Impact Conference & Awards

Name: SICA 2026 – Social Impact Conference & Awards
Start: 2026-09-25T09:30:00+00:00
Location: Vishwa Yuva Kendra (Ramkrishna Bajaj Auditorium), Chanakyapuri, New Delhi

SICA 2026 (Social Impact Conference & Awards) is the flagship 6th edition of the annual CSR, sustainability, and social impact event organised by The CSR Universe. It brings together Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) leaders, ESG practitioners, corporate foundations, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), social enterprises, policymakers, and sustainability experts from across India.

Date & Time

SEP 2026

FRIDAY

25 September 2026

09:30 AM IST

Full-Day Summit

In-Person Event

SICA 2026 (Social Impact Conference & Awards)

Event Venue

Vishwa Yuva Kendra (Ramkrishna Bajaj Auditorium)

Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, India

Who Should Attend

CSR Directors, Vice Presidents, and Heads of Foundation
Sustainability Officers and ESG Compliance Practitioners
NGO Founders, Trustees, and Social Sector Leaders
Social Enterprises, Impact Investors, and Policy Stakeholders

Key Focus Areas

Key discussions cover strategic corporate social responsibility, Environmental Social & Governance (ESG) frameworks, women & youth empowerment, social impact measurement, community development, and sustainable development goals (SDGs).

SICA'26 - Esteemed Speakers

Dr. Payal Kanodia

Chairperson & Trustee, M3M Foundation

Dr. Payal Kanodia

Chairperson & Trustee, M3M Foundation

Dr. Payal Kanodia is the Chairperson & Trustee of the M3M Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the M3M Group committed to sustainable community development across India. Under her leadership, the foundation has impacted millions through programmes in education, health, women’s empowerment, and livelihoods spanning 22 states and multiple districts. She blends corporate leadership with social purpose and has earned accolades such as the Karma veer Global Fellowship and Custodian of Humanity Award for her work in social impact. Dr. Kanodia also champions women’s entrepreneurship and youth development, reflecting her vision for inclusive growth and empowerment.

Dr Aishwarya Mahajan

Managing Trustee & President, M3M Foundation

Dr Aishwarya Mahajan

Managing Trustee & President, M3M Foundation

Dr. Aishwarya Mahajan is the Managing Trustee & President of the M3M Foundation, the philanthropic arm of M3M Group focused on sustainable social development across India. With over two decades of experience in driving community-centred impact, he leads initiatives in education, health, livelihoods, and empowerment that benefit millions. Under his leadership, the Foundation supports changemakers, forges strategic partnerships, and champions equitable growth. Dr. Mahajan’s work has earned recognition for outstanding CSR leadership and community transformation.

Dr. Anupama Shetty

Mission Director, Biocon Foundation India

Dr. Anupama Shetty

Mission Director, Biocon Foundation India

Anupama Shetty is a distinguished public health and social development professional currently serving as the Mission Director at Biocon Foundation. With extensive experience in healthcare, community development, and sustainable social impact, she has been instrumental in leading initiatives focused on public health, preventive care, sanitation, women and child welfare, and strengthening healthcare systems in underserved communities.

At Biocon Foundation, Dr. Shetty plays a key role in designing and implementing inclusive programs that improve access to quality healthcare and promote holistic community well-being. Recognized for her strategic leadership and commitment to equitable healthcare, she actively collaborates with government agencies, healthcare institutions, and development partners to drive meaningful change. Her work continues to contribute significantly to advancing health equity and sustainable development across India.

Mr. Himanshu Nivsarkar

Senior Executive Vice President and Head – CSR & ESG, Kotak Mahindra Bank

Mr. Himanshu Nivsarkar

Senior Executive Vice President and Head – CSR & ESG, Kotak Mahindra Bank

Himanshu Nivsarkar is a Senior Executive Vice President and Head of Customer Service Representative and ESG at Kotak Mahindra Bank, bringing extensive financial leadership to the banking sector. Their responsibilities include overseeing customer service initiatives and driving ESG strategies within one of India's leading financial institutions. Himanshu's role encompasses both customer-centric approaches and a commitment to environmental, social, and governance factors in banking operations.

Building on a background in financial strategy, Himanshu previously served as Senior Manager (Private Equity) at GE Aerospace. In this role, they applied financial analysis to support investment decisions within the aerospace and defense industry. Before that, as a core member of the Strategy and Investment Team at Reliance Industries Limited, Himanshu contributed to strategic planning and investment activities across diverse sectors. Their work history includes serving as Assistant Vice President at MAPE Advisory Group, where they focused on mergers and acquisitions and private equity advisory services, demonstrating practical experience in transaction advisory services.

Himanshu's expertise is supported by an MBA from the Indian Institute of Management Calcutta, complementing their experience in financial leadership and strategic investment.

Ms. Anupam Nidhi

Group Head - CSR, Vedanta & Hindustan Zinc Limited; Director, Zinc India Foundation

Ms. Anupam Nidhi

Group Head - CSR, Vedanta & Hindustan Zinc Limited; Director, Zinc India Foundation

Ms. Anupam Nidhi is a seasoned corporate social responsibility and sustainability leader, currently serving as Group Head – CSR at Vedanta and Hindustan Zinc Limited, while also serving as Director of Zinc India Foundation. With extensive experience in designing and driving large-scale social impact initiatives, she has contributed to programs spanning education, healthcare, livelihoods, women empowerment, community development, and sustainability. Her work focuses on creating inclusive and measurable impact by aligning corporate resources with the needs of communities and strengthening partnerships with government institutions, NGOs, and other stakeholders. At Vedanta and Hindustan Zinc, Ms. Nidhi plays a strategic role in shaping CSR initiatives that promote sustainable development and improve quality of life across communities. Through her leadership at Zinc India Foundation, she continues to champion innovative approaches to social development and responsible business, contributing to long-term and sustainable community transformation in India.

Dr. Nidhi Pundhir

SVP, Global CSR, HCLTech & Director, HCLFoundation

Dr. Nidhi Pundhir

SVP, Global CSR, HCLTech & Director, HCLFoundation

Dr. Nidhi Pundhir is an accomplished international social development, CSR, and public health professional with more than 27 years of experience advancing human rights and socio-economic and environmental development. She serves as Senior Vice President, Global CSR at HCLTech and Director of HCLFoundation, where she leads the global CSR agenda and drives programs aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals.

Her career includes leadership roles with Plan International and SOS Children’s Villages, with a strong focus on child protection, health, education, livelihoods, and poverty alleviation. Dr. Pundhir holds a doctorate in Public Health Management from IIHMR University, Jaipur, and an M.Phil. in Health Systems Management from BITS Pilani. Her work emphasizes inclusive, community-led, and sustainable approaches to social transformation.

Mr. Jayant Rastogi

Global CEO, Magic Bus India Foundation

Mr. Jayant Rastogi

Global CEO, Magic Bus India Foundation

Jayant Rastogi is a distinguished social impact leader and development professional serving as the Global CEO of Magic Bus Foundation. With extensive experience in the development sector, he has been instrumental in building and scaling programs focused on education, employability, livelihoods, and youth empowerment. Under his leadership, Magic Bus has expanded its efforts to equip young people from underserved communities with the skills, confidence, and opportunities needed to transition successfully from education to sustainable livelihoods. Mr. Rastogi is passionate about creating inclusive pathways for young people and strengthening community-led approaches to development. His work brings together corporates, government institutions, civil society organizations, and communities to create scalable and sustainable solutions. Through his leadership, he continues to advance Magic Bus Foundation’s mission of enabling young people to break the cycle of poverty and build secure, dignified futures.

Mr. Nixon Joseph

Group Executive Director, Devi Sansthan

Mr. Nixon Joseph

Group Executive Director, Devi Sansthan

Nixon Joseph is an accomplished financial services and social impact professional, currently serving as Group Executive Director at Devi Sansthan. With extensive experience in banking, financial inclusion, and development, he has held senior leadership roles and worked extensively on initiatives aimed at strengthening financial literacy and expanding access to financial services for underserved communities. As a passionate advocate for social and economic empowerment, Mr. Joseph brings a strong understanding of how financial capability can contribute to sustainable livelihoods and inclusive growth. Through his association with Devi Sansthan, he contributes to initiatives that promote financial education, entrepreneurship, and community development. He is also a speaker and advocate for social and sustainable entrepreneurship, engaging with young people and emerging leaders to encourage responsible decision-making and purpose-driven approaches to business. His work reflects a commitment to combining financial expertise with meaningful social impact.

Mr. Ramesh Daswani

Chief Executive Officer, Light of Life Trust

Mr. Ramesh Daswani

Chief Executive Officer, Light of Life Trust

Mr. Ramesh Daswani is an experienced business and social-sector leader serving as the Chief Executive Officer of Light of Life Trust (LOLT). He brings over three decades of experience across business and the development sector, with a strong focus on social impact, education, CSR, and community development.

A graduate in Commerce from the University of Mumbai, Mr. Daswani has also served as Chairman of the CSR Committee at the Indian Merchants’ Chamber of Commerce and Industry and remains actively engaged with organisations such as Rotary International. At Light of Life Trust, he contributes to initiatives aimed at improving education and creating sustainable opportunities for underserved communities, particularly children and young people in rural India. His leadership reflects a strong commitment to philanthropy, responsible development, and creating meaningful, long-term social impact.

Ms. Mabel Abraham

Head – CSR, Larsen & Toubro

Ms. Mabel Abraham

Head – CSR, Larsen & Toubro

Ms. Mabel Abraham is a seasoned corporate social responsibility and sustainability professional, serving as Head – CSR at Larsen & Toubro. With extensive experience in the social impact and corporate sector, she has been involved in developing and implementing CSR initiatives that address critical community needs and promote inclusive growth. Her work spans areas such as education, healthcare, skill development, livelihood enhancement, women’s empowerment, and community development. In her leadership role at L&T, Ms. Abraham contributes to strengthening the organisation’s commitment to responsible business and sustainable social development by fostering partnerships with communities, government institutions, NGOs, and other stakeholders. She brings a strategic and people-centric approach to CSR, with a strong emphasis on creating measurable and sustainable outcomes. Through her work, she continues to contribute to initiatives that empower underserved communities and advance long-term social and economic development across India.

Mr. Ashutosh Burnwal

Founder & CEO, Buddy4Study

Mr. Ashutosh Burnwal

Founder & CEO, Buddy4Study

Ashutosh Burnwal is the Founder and CEO of Buddy4Study, India’s leading scholarship management platform, dedicated to helping deserving students access scholarships and financial support for education. His entrepreneurial journey is deeply rooted in personal experience, having faced financial challenges during his own educational journey. This motivated him to build solutions that make educational opportunities more accessible to students across India.

Since founding Buddy4Study in 2011, Ashutosh has focused on leveraging technology and partnerships to bridge the gap between students and financial aid opportunities. Under his leadership, the platform has supported 1.7 lakh scholars and expanded its impact through initiatives such as scholar mentoring and Kind Circle, which enables individuals and organisations to create scholarship programmes.

Recognised as a 2025 AACSB Influential Leader in the Community or Social Impact category, Ashutosh continues to champion education access, social innovation and inclusive opportunities for India’s youth.

Mr. Kuldip Sarma

Founder & Director, Medhavi Foundation; Co-Founder & Pro-Chancellor, Medhavi Skills University; Co-Founder, MedhaviOne

Mr. Kuldip Sarma

Founder & Director, Medhavi Foundation; Co-Founder & Pro-Chancellor, Medhavi Skills University; Co-Founder, MedhaviOne

Kuldip Sarma is an accomplished leader, educationist, and entrepreneur committed to transforming India’s education and skill-development landscape. He is the Co-Founder and Pro-Chancellor of Medhavi Skills University, where he works toward building an industry-integrated education system that equips young people with practical skills, knowledge, and meaningful career opportunities. With a strong focus on youth empowerment and nation-building, Mr. Sarma advocates for accessible, affordable, and purpose-driven education. He has also contributed to initiatives related to skill development, employment, and institutional growth. Through his leadership and vision, he aims to bridge the gap between academic learning and industry requirements, enabling students to become skilled professionals and future entrepreneurs. His work reflects a strong commitment to creating opportunities for India’s youth and supporting the country’s development through education and skills.

Mr. Vedprakash Sharma

CEO, B-ABLE FOUNDATION

Mr. Vedprakash Sharma

CEO, B-ABLE FOUNDATION

Vedprakash Sharma is a seasoned social-sector leader and skill-development professional with over three decades of experience in skilling, rural livelihoods, and youth development. He currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer of B-ABLE Foundation, where he works on initiatives focused on skill development, employability, and livelihood opportunities for youth.

Throughout his career, Mr. Sharma has contributed to organizations including B-ABLE, India News, Krishi Jagaran, Agriculture Today, CARD, AgriWatch, and ISAP. His expertise includes strengthening micro-entrepreneurship models and creating sustainable opportunities for rural communities. He holds a PG Diploma in Business Management from IMT Ghaziabad, along with a Master’s in Political Science and a Bachelor of Education.

Dr. Shalabh Nepalia

Zonal Head, AISECT, India

Dr. Shalabh Nepalia

Zonal Head, AISECT, India

Dr. Shalabh Nepalia is a seasoned professional in the field of skill development, education, and youth employability. He is associated with AISECT India and currently serves as Zonal Head – Western Zone, where he contributes to initiatives aimed at empowering communities through industry-aligned skills and livelihood opportunities.

With an academic background from Xavier Institute of Management, Bhubaneswar (XIMB), Dr. Nepalia has also been involved in research related to India’s skill-development ecosystem. His work focuses on bridging the education–employment gap, promoting digital and vocational skills, and creating inclusive opportunities for youth and underserved communities.

Ms. Runa Pathak

DGM - CSR & Sustainability , Jubilant FoodWorks Ltd

Ms. Runa Pathak

DGM - CSR & Sustainability , Jubilant FoodWorks Ltd

Ms. Runa Pathak is an accomplished CSR and sustainability professional with over 20 years of experience across the pharmaceutical and food sectors. She currently serves as DGM – CSR & Sustainability at Jubilant FoodWorks Ltd., where she leads initiatives focused on strategic CSR, sustainability, and community development.

Her professional journey includes associations with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and CAPART, Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India. She is also pursuing a PhD in CSR and has presented her research at leading institutions including IIM Shillong, IIM Sambalpur, and IIM Bodh Gaya. Her work reflects a strong commitment to inclusive development and meaningful social impact.

Ms. Monika Walia

Head – Corporate Social Responsibility, GlobalLogic

Ms. Monika Walia

Head – Corporate Social Responsibility, GlobalLogic

Ms. Monika Walia is an experienced CSR and social-impact professional with over 15 years of experience working across education, health, environmental sustainability, and community development. She currently serves as Head – Corporate Social Responsibility at GlobalLogic, a Hitachi Group company, where she leads initiatives focused on creating meaningful and sustainable social impact.

A graduate of the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Ms. Walia has expertise in strategic planning, programme development, and partnership management. Her work emphasizes inclusive growth, technology-enabled learning, environmental sustainability, and community empowerment. She has also been recognized for her contributions to CSR and social impact leadership.

Ms. Nidhi Bhasin

CEO, Digital Green India

Ms. Nidhi Bhasin

CEO, Digital Green India

Ms. Nidhi Bhasin is a prominent social-impact leader with more than 25 years of experience in social development, nonprofit leadership, and programme management. She currently serves as CEO of Digital Green India, where she focuses on leveraging technology and innovation to create inclusive social impact, particularly for smallholder farmers.

Earlier, she served as CEO of NASSCOM Foundation and Deputy CEO of Concern India Foundation. Her areas of interest include technology for social good, gender equality, youth development, and digital inclusion. An alumna of the Delhi School of Social Work, University of Delhi, she continues to work toward using technology to create equitable opportunities for underserved communities.

Mr. Pankaj Tripathi

Principal Consultant, Vidyadhan, A Shibulal Family Philanthropic Initiative

Mr. Pankaj Tripathi

Principal Consultant, Vidyadhan, A Shibulal Family Philanthropic Initiative

Mr. Pankaj Tripathi is a distinguished social-impact professional and former civil servant with over 26 years of experience in the Government of India. He currently serves as Principal Consultant at Vidyadhan, a Shibulal Family Philanthropic Initiative, where he contributes to expanding opportunities for talented students from economically disadvantaged communities.

Since joining Vidyadhan in 2019, Mr. Tripathi has played an active role in advancing its scholarship and mentorship programmes across India. His work focuses on higher education, student development, partnerships, and inclusive access to opportunities, reflecting his strong commitment to transforming lives through education.

Dr. Nirali Chandan

Consultant Haematologist, Haemato-oncologist and BMT and Cellular (CAR-T cell) therapy at Rajkot Cancer Society

Dr. Nirali Chandan

Consultant Haematologist, Haemato-oncologist and BMT and Cellular (CAR-T cell) therapy at Rajkot Cancer Society

Dr. Nirali Chandan is a medical professional specializing in Clinical Hematology and Hemato-Oncology. She has been associated with advanced healthcare services and has contributed to the field of blood disorders and cancer care. Her professional journey includes clinical training in hematology and participation in academic and medical forums.

Dr. Chandan is also associated with the Rajkot Cancer Society, where she contributes to the multidisciplinary team providing specialized oncology and hematology care. Her areas of professional interest include hematological disorders, cancer treatment, and advanced therapies, reflecting her commitment to patient-centered healthcare and continuous medical learning

Ms. Vibha Mishra

Director, SHWET

Ms. Vibha Mishra

Director, SHWET

Ms. Vibha Mishra is a social-sector professional and Director at SHWET, with more than a decade of experience in gender justice, women’s empowerment, livelihoods, and social development. Her LinkedIn profile highlights her work at the intersection of gender and empowerment, while her broader professional experience includes engagement with women-centric development initiatives.

At SHWET, Ms. Mishra works to strengthen the skills, leadership, and livelihoods of women artisans, particularly those associated with Lucknow’s traditional Chikankari craft. She has previously worked with the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, and Delhi Police. She holds a master’s degree in Medical and Psychiatric Social Work and is passionate about women’s rights and inclusive social change.

Mr. Sunil Dahiya

Executive Vice President , SDN

Mr. Sunil Dahiya

Executive Vice President , SDN

Mr. Sunil Dahiya is a senior skilling and vocational education professional with more than 25 years of experience in global skill development. He currently serves as Executive Vice President – Skilling at Wadhwani Foundation, where he leads skilling initiatives across India and Southeast Asia.

During his career, Mr. Dahiya has worked extensively across vocational education, digital transformation, technology, and business development. At NIIT, he co-founded StackRoute and led its B2C digital transformation programme. He holds an Honours degree in Economics from the University of Delhi and focuses on building scalable, technology-enabled pathways that connect skill development with employment opportunities.

Ms. Puja Trisal

Director , Flipkart Foundation

Ms. Puja Trisal

Director , Flipkart Foundation

Ms. Puja Trisal is a development-sector professional with over 20 years of experience across NGOs, international development organisations, and corporate foundations. She currently serves as Director of the Flipkart Foundation, where she works on initiatives focused on inclusive development, livelihoods, skill development, healthcare, education, and women’s empowerment.

Throughout her career, Ms. Trisal has held leadership roles with organisations including Room to Read, Max India Foundation, Smile Foundation, Bharti Foundation, ActionAid, and Catholic Relief Services. Her expertise spans strategic planning, programme management, partnerships, budgeting, monitoring, and impact assessment. Her work at Flipkart Foundation includes supporting community-led and scalable initiatives aimed at creating sustainable livelihoods and social inclusion.

Mr. Parminder Gill

Co-Founder , SpotzVillage

Mr. Parminder Gill

Co-Founder , SpotzVillage

Mr. Parminder Gill is an entrepreneur and social-impact professional, and the Co-Founder & Head of Foundation at Sportz Village. His work focuses on using sports and physical activity as tools for children’s development, education, health, and community engagement.

Through Sportz Village Foundation, Mr. Gill has been involved in CSR-led Sport for Change programmes that have reached children across schools and communities. He has also contributed to discussions on grassroots sports, CSR, and youth development at industry forums. The Foundation has reported programmes across more than 1,300 schools, reaching over 700,000 children since 2017.

Vineet K.K.N. 'Panchhi'

Founder , Jai Hind Project , 𝐍𝐨𝐰 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐚

Vineet K.K.N. 'Panchhi'

Founder , Jai Hind Project , 𝐍𝐨𝐰 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐚

Vineet K.K.N. ‘Panchhi’ is a communication consultant, poet, filmmaker, and entrepreneur with a career spanning advertising, media, storytelling, and social impact. He is the Founder of Word of Mouth Media, where he works on communication and storytelling, and has also been associated with creative initiatives across advertising and digital media.

He is also the Founder of The Jai Hind Project, an initiative that highlights the stories of everyday heroes and individuals contributing to social change across India. Through storytelling, films, poetry, and communication, Panchhi uses creative expression to encourage social awareness and meaningful action. His work reflects a distinctive combination of communication expertise, creativity, and commitment to social impact.

Ms. Anisha Aggarwal

Leads Strategy , Business Development , Research & Communication , Ipas Development Foundation (IDF)

Ms. Anisha Aggarwal

Leads Strategy , Business Development , Research & Communication , Ipas Development Foundation (IDF)

Ms. Anisha Aggarwal is a development-sector professional with over a decade of experience at Ipas Development Foundation (IDF). She currently serves as Chief Strategy & Development Officer, leading fundraising, external communications, organisational strategy, and documentation of programmes and results.

Her areas of interest include young people’s healthcare, reproductive rights, human rights, and impact assessment. She also contributes to policy initiatives and strategic partnerships aimed at strengthening healthcare and social development programmes. Ms. Aggarwal holds a Post-Graduate Diploma in Human Rights Law from the National Law School, Bangalore, and a Master’s degree in Linguistics from Jawaharlal Nehru University.

Dr. Brijendra Kumar Mishra

Associate Director - Climate & Disaster Risk Resilience , MitKat Advisory

Dr. Brijendra Kumar Mishra

Associate Director - Climate & Disaster Risk Resilience , MitKat Advisory

Dr. Brijendra Kumar Mishra is a climate and disaster risk resilience professional with 16+ years of experience spanning government, research, policy, and the private sector. He currently serves as Associate Director – Climate & Disaster Risk Resilience at MitKat Advisory, where his work focuses on climate risk, disaster risk reduction, resilience planning, and risk-informed decision-making.

Dr. Mishra holds a PhD in Earth Science and Disaster Management, along with advanced qualifications in Remote Sensing, GIS, Earth Sciences, and Mathematics. His professional experience includes work with NDMA, DRDO, ICMR, KPMG, and MapmyIndia. His expertise encompasses climate resilience, vulnerability assessment, geospatial analysis, and disaster risk management, supporting efforts to build safer and more resilient communities and infrastructure.

Mr. Vineet Shastry

Associate Vice- President , National Stock Exchange

Mr. Vineet Shastry

Associate Vice- President , National Stock Exchange

Mr. Vineet Shastry is a capital-markets and social-impact professional currently serving as Associate Vice President at the National Stock Exchange of India (NSE), with responsibilities connected to the Social Stock Exchange (SSE), ESG product development, and Mainboard listings. His current work brings together capital markets, public policy, social finance, and impact-oriented initiatives.

At NSE, Mr. Shastry has been actively involved in advancing the Social Stock Exchange ecosystem, engaging with non-profits, regulators, corporates, philanthropies, and other market participants. He has also participated in industry forums discussing CSR, social finance, transparency, governance, and impact measurement. His professional background includes advisory and implementation roles, with experience in team building, strategy, and driving organisational outcomes.

Prof. Vivek Kumar

Head - Centre for Rural Development and Technology (CRDT), IIT Delhi

Prof. Vivek Kumar

Head - Centre for Rural Development and Technology (CRDT), IIT Delhi

Prof. Vivek Kumar is a Professor and the Head of the Centre for Rural Development and Technology (CRDT) at IIT Delhi. He holds a PhD from IIT Delhi and has been involved in teaching and research at IIT Roorkee and IIT Delhi since 2004. His academic and professional interests include wastewater and water treatment, solid-waste management, industrial pollution abatement, environmental sustainability, and clean technologies.

Prof. Kumar has contributed to research and projects focused on sustainable rural development, waste management, biomass valorisation, and environmentally responsible technologies. He has also been associated with the Unnat Bharat Abhiyan (UBA) as a national co-coordinator, supporting efforts to connect higher education institutions with rural development initiatives.

Dr Anjlee Prakash

Founder & Chairperson , Learning Links Foundation

Dr Anjlee Prakash

Founder & Chairperson , Learning Links Foundation

Dr. Anjlee Prakash is an educationist, techno-pedagogue, and social-impact leader with more than three decades of experience in education, technology, and skill development. She is the Founder and Chairperson of Learning Links Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation established in 2002 to promote lifelong learning and improve educational outcomes. She holds a PhD in Education and has worked with government departments, policymakers, international organisations, and non-profits.

Dr. Prakash has also contributed to national education and technology initiatives through advisory and committee roles with institutions including NITI Aayog, NIT Delhi, FICCI, and NCERT. Her professional interests include quality education, technology-enabled learning, youth development, and girl-child and women’s empowerment. Through Learning Links Foundation, she continues to support initiatives that connect education, innovation, skills, and inclusive development.

Dr. Manmohan Lal Gupta

Founder & Director , CEO , Jagmohan Lal Charitable Trust

Dr. Manmohan Lal Gupta

Founder & Director , CEO , Jagmohan Lal Charitable Trust

Dr. Manmohan Lal Gupta is an ophthalmologist and social-impact professional associated with healthcare and charitable initiatives. He holds MBBS and MS qualifications and has been practicing as an ophthalmologist at Jagmohan Lal Eye and ENT Hospital in Shahjahanpur, providing specialised eye-care services.

As the Founder & Director of Jagmohan Lal Charitable Trust, Dr. Gupta is associated with philanthropic efforts aimed at contributing to community welfare. His professional journey combines medical expertise with a commitment to social service, reflecting an interest in improving access to healthcare and supporting community development. Publicly available records also connect his name with the Jagmohan Lal Eye and ENT Hospital, where he provides ophthalmic care.

Mr Surender Dhaleta

Sr Journalist & Communication Specialist

Mr Surender Dhaleta

Sr Journalist & Communication Specialist

Mr. Surender Kumar Dhaleta is a senior journalist, writer, and communication professional with more than 25 years of experience in journalism and over three decades of writing experience. His career has covered diverse areas including development, technology, business, media, and agriculture. He is also the Co-Founder and Editor of Agrotech Space, a platform focused on India’s evolving agri-tech ecosystem.

Mr. Dhaleta has contributed to several media organisations and publications and has experience in editorial, communication, and media strategy. He was also associated with HimVani, a grassroots journalism initiative focused on social and developmental issues in Himachal Pradesh. His work combines journalism, communication, and storytelling, with a particular interest in development and emerging technologies.

Mr. Jayanta Mohanty

General Manager & Head - CSR, Jindal Steel Ltd.

Mr. Jayanta Mohanty

General Manager & Head - CSR, Jindal Steel Ltd.

Mr. Jayanta Kumar Mohanty is a senior corporate and social-impact professional with extensive experience across CSR, strategic alliances, communications, business strategy, and community development. He currently serves as General Manager & Head – CSR at Jindal Steel Ltd., where he is involved in leading CSR initiatives focused on community welfare and sustainable development.

With more than three decades of professional experience, Mr. Mohanty has worked across advertising, communications, business strategy, social incubation, and CSR. His academic background includes an MBA from Pondicherry University and a Senior Management Programme from IIM Calcutta. At Jindal Foundation, he has been associated with initiatives covering livelihoods, education, healthcare, women’s empowerment, and community development in Odisha.

Mr. Sanjeev Ranjan

Vice President – Corporate Social Responsibility, Welspun Foundation for Health & Knowledge

Mr. Sanjeev Ranjan

Vice President – Corporate Social Responsibility, Welspun Foundation for Health & Knowledge

Mr. Sanjeev Ranjan is a seasoned social-impact professional with over 25 years of experience across CSR, non-profit organisations, government relations, and social development. He currently serves as Vice President – CSR at Welspun Foundation for Health & Knowledge, where he leads initiatives focused on community development and sustainable social impact.

Throughout his career, Mr. Ranjan has worked with organisations including Adani Foundation, GIZ, and Janaagraha, gaining experience in designing and implementing large-scale development programmes and building strategic partnerships. His work at Welspun spans areas such as education, healthcare, livelihoods, women’s empowerment, sports, and sustainable development, supporting the Foundation’s goal of creating long-term value for communities.

Dr. Lalit Narayan

VP & Sr. Dean – Skill Integrated Higher Education, Medhavi Skills University

Dr. Lalit Narayan

VP & Sr. Dean – Skill Integrated Higher Education, Medhavi Skills University

Dr. Lalit Narayan is an academic and industry professional with 18 years of experience across industry and academia, with a focus on higher education, skill development and industry-integrated learning. He is associated with Medhavi Skills University, where he has held senior academic leadership responsibilities.

At MSU, Dr. Narayan works toward strengthening the connection between education, skills, industry and employability, supporting work-integrated learning models that prepare students for evolving workforce requirements. His professional interests include skill-integrated higher education, academic leadership and creating stronger pathways between classroom learning and real-world careers.

Mr. Sourav Sharma

Strategic Alliances Division, Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India

Mr. Sourav Sharma

Strategic Alliances Division, Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India

Mr. Sourav Sharma is a public policy and stakeholder engagement professional working with the Strategic Alliances Division at the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to the Government of India. He holds a master’s degree in Public Policy from O.P. Jindal Global University and has experience spanning government, public health, development initiatives, research and strategic communications.

In his current role, Mr. Sharma works on engagement with Central and State Governments, supporting collaborations in science, technology, innovation and development. His responsibilities include stakeholder coordination, partnership development, policy and programme briefs, and initiatives such as RuTAGe Smart Village Centres, which aim to connect technological solutions with rural development needs.