Team DI

meet team devInsights

Behind every project at DevInsights is a dynamic team of strategists, thinkers, and doers, committed to delivering meaningful solutions for today’s complex challenges.

Advisors

Indu Malhotra

HR Management Strategist

Indu Malhotra is a seasoned HR leader and visionary with a proven track record of driving organizational success through innovative HR management. With over three decades of experience. She is known for her ability to shape high-impact HR functions that foster excellence within organizations. Her strategic mindset and thought leadership have consistently delivered positive organizational development, ensured compliance adherence, and cultivated high-performance cultures. She has been a driving force in the development sector for over two decades. Throughout her journey, she has orchestrated end-to end talent strategies, designed performance management frameworks, devised succession plans, spearheaded employee relations initiatives, optimized compensation and benefits structures, and developed robust training and employee development programs. Her prowess extends to crafting compelling internal and external employer branding, ensuring a cohesive and appealing organizational image. She has influenced positive change, fostered growth, and consistently exceeded expectations in the dynamic realm of HR management.

Dr. Pawan Kumar Jha

Thematic Expert – Sanitation

Dr. Jha has over 30 years extensive experience and expertise in developing sustainable technologies, their implementation, monitoring and evaluation, policy research, preparing guidelines, training & capacity building in the fields of environmental sanitation, SLWM, septage management, biogas from human wastes and other waste in urban and rural areas in India and other developing countries.

He has assisted different ministries of Government of India like Ministry of Jalshakti, Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Department of Science and Technology/ DSIR (MoS&T), MoHUA, MoEFCC, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, and different state governments in India; several bilateral / international agencies like ADB, WSP- SA / World Bank, UNHABITAT, GIZ, Water Aid India, BMGF, WASTE the Netherlands, JBIC, ICEF, and BORDA, Germany.

Nitya Jacob

Thematic Expert – WASH

Nitya Jacob is a WASH policy analyst. He has more than three decades of work experience in the development sector across nine countries. He worked with numerous government and non-government bodies. He worked as the head of Policy with WaterAid India, an NGO supporting drinking water and sanitation projects in the country. He has written few book like “Jalyatra on India’s traditional water management practices”, “A Memoir of Two Toilet Inspectors” etc. Jacob also headed the water advocacy and research function at the Centre for Science and Environment, a research and advocacy NGO based in Delhi. Jacob has written and edited books and articles on India’s traditional water wisdom, rural governance and trends in rural development. His essay on water was published in an UN-sponsored publication Water Voices from around the World. He is a WASH Policy Analyst.

Dr. Prabir Kumar Dutta

Thematic Expert – Public Health

Dr. Prabir Kumar Dutta is a senior TB Advisor & Public Health Specialist having working experience of more than 52 years. Dr Dutta is a chest physician currently operating out of his own private practice in Kolkata and has worked extensively in TB.

He was in-charge of conducting training on RNTCP in the districts of North-Eastern states and West Bengal during his tenure at Directorate of Health Sciences at Government of West Bengal. He has worked with Dr. Thomas Frieden the then Chief Project officer, WHO and has written the WHO working module in local language Bengali for the grass root level health workers. He holds a MBBS degree and Diploma in Tuberculosis and other diseases of chest from University of Calcutta. He is one of the founding member of the association named Chest Physician located West Bengal.

Ratna Saxena

Thematic Expert – Child Rights and Protection

Ratna Saxena, is a senior development professional having more than 30 years of work experience, including 21 years on issues related to child protection and child rights. She has worked with Govt. and Non- Govt. organizations like State Govt., MWCD, UNICEF, Justice and Care, NCPCR at senior levels. She has work on visualizing long-term strategy for Justice & Care and align short-term goals for influencing policies and practices in the context of Anti Human Trafficking. During her stint with MWCD, she has supported MWCD and State Governments towards implementation of monitoring system for ICPS and provided technical support to the State Governments towards development of monitoring reports.

Ratna, possess strong research and analytical skills with special emphasis on data collection and analysis tools & has solid program management and implementation experience. She’s an excellent trainer on Child rights and protection issues, on special laws such as JJ & POSCO Act and relevant central schemes. Ratna has provided psycho social support to children and families during emergencies in four states of India. She has published papers on drug abuse and child sexual abuse. She has completed her M.A in Psychology from Delhi University and also holds a Diploma in Educational-Vocational Guidance and counselling form NCERT.

Dr. Deepti Priya Mehrotra

Thematic Expert – Girl Child Education

Dr. Deepti Priya Mehrotra is a researcher and social scientist with multi-disciplinary academic training and interests. She has established professional expertise in Gender, Education, Adolescence and Child Rights, with a strong track record over the past three decades. Associated with a number of INGOs, NGOs and educational institutions , she works in varied capacities including consultancies for research, evaluation, documentation, editing, writing, training and curriculum development, to grassroots engagement, teaching and advisory roles, in the non-profit sector as well as with schools and universities.

Recent consultancies include work with UNFPA, CorStone, Oxfam-India, Aga Khan Foundation, Action Aid, TARSHI, GIWA, Magic Bus Foundation, Pravah and Study Hall Educational Foundation.

Deepti has a number of publications to her credit: including papers, articles, chapters in edited volumes; independent books (such as a biography of peace activist Irom Sharmila, a book on Single Mothers, and a social history of folk theatre–all published by Penguin Books); as well as published reports (as with Oxfam, Plan, Aga Khan Foundation).

She has taught at Delhi University and TISS-Mumbai (as Visiting Faculty) and at Dayalbagh Educational Institute, Agra (as Associate Professor, Department of Sociology and Political Science).

Brij Mohan Kandpal

Thematic Expert – Agriculture

Brij Mohan is an Agricultural post-graduate (M.Sc Agriculture in Agronomy) from G. B. Pant University of Agriculture & Technology (GBPUAT), India. He has 30+ years rich experience in the Impact Sector traversing diverse landscapes, organizations and roles in (a) design, execution, tracking and evaluation of development programs around natural resource management, enterprise development, health and child rights), (b) diagnose training needs and design and deliver capacity building trainings to community and development professionals, (c) conduct action research, evaluation and build win-win proposals.

His rich experience in economic empowerment programs in varied landscapes has enabled him to convert myriad theoretical, social and economic environmental variables into a down-to earth viable programs that helped 750+ youths to excel in Impact sector and enabled 100+ producer collectives to strengthen their farm, livestock, forest and non-farm focused enterprises.  

He is also an excellent trainer and an eager learner with the ability to communicate complex ideas and frameworks in an easily comprehensible style.  

He has an uncommon ease in relating to people from all classes and backgrounds and is able to establish deep human bonds in very short time. His interest in behavioral sciences and emotional quotient related tools have helped him immensely in developing such bonds.

Dr. Jeeven Kumar Singh

Thematic Expert – Health

Dr. Jeeven Kumar Singh is an experienced Public Health professional with over 17 years of extensive experience in public health program management, partnerships, government consulting, and advisory roles. His past engagements include serving as a Public Health & Digital Health Advisor at Ernst & Young, working closely with central and multiple state governments and international agencies like ADB, World Bank, USAID, Gates Foundation on various areas of public health. He has worked as State Technical Consultant- Nutrition under UNICEF where he had promoted early childhood nutrition, timely growth failure detection, and care for low-birth-weight infants.

His core expertise spans Public Health Advisory, Public Nutrition Advisory, Healthcare Project Advisory, Public-Private Partnership transaction advisory, climate change implications on health outcomes, leveraging AI in healthcare and nutrition programs, and more. He has provided significant techno-managerial assistance to various state-level health departments across India to enhance utilization, coverage and quality of key health and nutrition interventions by strengthening health systems and fostering sustainable public-private partnerships. This reflects his decade long experience in managing, advising and optimizing large scale public health programs.

Dr. Anamika Pandey

Thematic Expert – Health

Dr. Anamika Pandey is a seasoned Senior Public Health Expert with over 25 years of experience in maternal and child health, family planning, and adolescent health. Her expertise lies in program management, monitoring and evaluation, quality assurance, and capacity building in the healthcare sector. Dr. Pandey has a strong background in health system strengthening, policy development, and public-private partnerships. She has played pivotal roles in projects focusing on maternal and child health, HIV, and adolescent health, showcasing her dedication to improving healthcare outcomes.

Leadership Team

Paresh Kumar

CEO and Co-Founder

During the last two decades in his career, Paresh has made many contributions to research, monitoring and evaluation in the social development sector. Paresh has co-authored the book “Is it really Clean–creating a WASH Index”. He has published his research work in international journals like The Lancet Global Health, Social Science & Medicine, Implementation Science, AIDS Education & Prevention, IRC International Water and Sanitation Centre. Paresh is the architect of an innovative BCC model called M4DTM (Music for Development).

He has spearheaded several Measurement, Learning and Evaluation (MLE) grants funded by Government, trusts, foundations, INGOs, bi-laterals and other development partners in the area of public health, nutrition, livelihood, education, child rights and WASH. Paresh has travelled the length and breadth of India that has given him a remarkable feel for the pulse of the real India. The early stage of Paresh’s life was marked with disciplined education, cricket, a rich vein of the creative life and with powerful essence of music and culture. Whenever he finds time, he enjoys strumming his guitar, composing songs or jingles. He has keen interest in Urdu and Hindi literature and loves writing poems and shayari.

Minal Srivastava

Director – HR, Finance and Administration

Minal is one of the co-founders of DevInsights, who brings on board skills of planning and coordinating administrative procedures and systems and devising ways to streamline processes. She has actively been involved in recruiting personnel and allocate responsibilities and as well office space. She is keen observer with eye on details and provide insights to ensure maximum efficiency within the organization. Her professionalism, sincerity, optimism, quality and timeliness are her key strengths. Minal is a commerce graduate with around 10 years of experience in the service sector including banking and automobile sectors. She has in past worked with Toyota & HSBC group. She is brilliant cook and loves feeding and pampering people with her sumptuous delicacies.

Dr. K Satheesh Kumar

Regional Head – South India Operations

Dr. Satheesh has around two decades of professional experience in the field of Social Research and worked with various donor and social research agencies across India. He has led several national and state level research assignments funded by reputed donors such as World Bank, UNDP, UNICEF, IFPRI, NACO, CDC-Atlanta, USA, CIFF-UK, etc. He is specialized in, Designing and implementing Baseline survey, Impact assessment and process monitoring; Communication strategies for targeted interventions; Poverty alleviation, Livelihood development and women empowerment; Corporate social responsibility and Shared value creation strategies; Data analysis, interpretation and reporting.

Satheesh is a PhD in Social Work from University of Madras. Based out of Chennai, with strong networks with other South states like Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Satheesh handles the South India operations of DevInsights. He is a passionate social worker with great admiration for music and art.

Deepak Chandra Bhatt

Assistant Vice President- MLE

Deepak is a seasoned monitoring and evaluation professional with 14+ years of experience working in various public healthcare facets at the state, regional, and national levels. He has worked in diverse areas of public health, such as family planning, maternal and new-born health, digital health, HMIS and health system strengthening.

Deepak has held key positions at leading organizations such as UNFPA, Jhpiego, and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), where he has successfully led M&E initiatives for large-scale public health programs funded by diverse donors including the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Packard Foundation, USAID, and the Buffett Foundation.

Deepak holds an MBA in Public Health Informatics from Jamia Hamdard and MPS from IIPS, Mumbai. He is currently pursuing a PhD in Public Health.

He enjoys Traveling, Cycling, and Playing with his kid and pet cat.

Itishree Nayak

Sr. Manager – MLE

Ms Itishree Nayak, is a trained statistician and demographer with an extensive working experience in data management in large scale survey, overseeing monitoring and evaluation activities, impact evaluation, program management, survey methodology, and social science data analytics. She holds dual master’s degree in statistics from Utkal University, Bhubaneswar, and Population Studies from International Institute for Population Science (IIPS), Mumbai. She has six years of research and working experience in reputed organisation both in government affiliated institutes as the private development organisations. She is well versed in statistical software like STATA, SPSS and proven track record of publishing her work in reputed Journals. Her expertise spans diverse themes such as ageing, nutrition, sexual and reproductive health, forced labour, education, agriculture, livelihood, adolescent health and data quality etc. She loves to watch movies and listening old music in leisure.

Research, Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Team

Asmita Yadav

Deputy Manager -MLE

Asmita holds a postgraduate degree in Development Management from the Indian Institute of Forest Management, Bhopal. She completed her under graduation in Commerce from Gargi College, Delhi University. She has worked with Samavit Vikas Pvt. Ltd. where she gained valuable experience in various research-related activities. She excels in conducting in-depth secondary research, designing primary research tools, executing primary research projects, and proficiently analyzing data. She has worked on projects across sectors, including Financial Inclusion, WASH, and livelihoods. She has a demonstrated ability to translate research findings into well-crafted reports that support informed decision-making.

Outside of her professional pursuits, Asmita enjoys indulging in her hobbies, which include playing sports (Basketball and Table Tennis) and watching movies.

Pravar Osric Kothapally

Assistant Manager -MLE

Pravar holds an M.A. in Public Policy and Governance from Tata Institute of Social Sciences, where he focused on urbanization. He has also achieved academic excellence in his B.A. in Global Studies from Dr B. R. Ambedkar University. Pravar’s achievements include a Bronze Medal in the School Cyber Olympiad and merit certificates and scholarships throughout his undergraduate studies. He has gained valuable experience through internships at prestigious institutions such as the School of Planning and Architecture, where he conducted research on battery swapping stations for electric vehicles, and Decathlon, where he contributed to sales and marketing activities. Pravar has also made significant contributions as a society activation coordinator and council member during his academic journey. With his passion for positive change and diverse skill set, Pravar is poised to make meaningful contributions in his future endeavors.

Outside of his professional pursuits, Pravar enjoys indulging in his hobbies, which include playing Badminton and watching movies. These recreational activities provide him with a well-rounded perspective and serve as a source of inspiration and relaxation. With his diverse skill set and diverse interests, Pravar is poised to excel in his professional and personal endeavors.

Swarnalata Wankhede

Assistant Manager -MLE

Swarnalata’s journey embodies a vibrant fusion of academia and practical experience. Her trajectory began with a degree in computer science and engineering, but her passion led her to delve into the agricultural sector and an organic veggies start-up. These ventures provided her with invaluable insights into sustainable practices and the intricacies of agribusiness.

Driven by a desire for deeper societal impact, she pursued a master’s in development studies at TISS Mumbai. Here, she broadened her understanding of societal issues and policy frameworks. Swarnalata’s proactive approach extended beyond the classroom through internships with the district administration in Wardha. This experience as a policy research intern offered her firsthand exposure to grassroots challenges and the complexities of governance.

Moreover, her stint as a research and documentation intern with Vichar Samiti showcased her dedication to generating meaningful insights and fostering critical thinking. Balancing academic pursuits, she actively served as a placement coordinator and library representative, highlighting her commitment to both community and learning environments.

Her interests stretch beyond academia. Gardening serves as a therapeutic escape, while her fondness for reading reveals her continual quest for knowledge. Swarnalata’s diverse experiences, from grassroots engagement to academic endeavors, demonstrate her holistic approach towards personal growth and societal betterment.

Nairita Das

Assistant Manager -MLE

Nairita Das is a dedicated public health professional with a strong commitment to enhancing healthcare systems and policies. With a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Master of Public Health (MPH), she has developed a solid foundation in both clinical care and public health domains. Currently serving as the Assistant Manager - Monitoring, Learning, and Evaluation (MLE) at DevInsights, Nairita has played a pivotal role in various public health and Early Childhood Development (ECD) projects. Her expertise spans program management, training, documentation, and the development of Logical Frameworks, where she consistently demonstrates her ability to drive impactful initiatives and deliver meaningful outcomes in the field of public health.

Outside of her professional work, Nairita enjoys engaging in personal hobbies that bring balance to her life. She is passionate about travelling, dancing, listening to music and watching movies.

Dr. Mitali Tapar

Assistant Manager -MLE

Introducing Mitali Nutankumar Tapar, an integral member of the Devinsights team. Graduating from MGVS KBH Dental College in Nashik, Mitali pursued her passion for public health, earning a master’s degree in social epidemiology from the prestigious Tata Institute of Social Sciences in Mumbai. Her dedication extends beyond academia, as evidenced by her research internships focusing on anemia in rural Gujarat and urban Delhi. When not immersed in research, Mitali finds joy in the world of literature and the thrill of cricket matches, indulging in these hobbies to unwind and recharge.

Vishakha Tiwari

Assistant Manager - Research and Communications

Vishakha holds a Master’s degree in Public Policy and Governance from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Hyderabad, specializing in Social Conflict and Public Policy. She completed her Bachelor of Arts degree at Barkatullah University, Bhopal.

Her valuable internship experiences include work with the Department of Women and Child Development Welfare in Telangana, where she played a key role in vulnerability mapping efforts related to women and children. She also contributed to advancements in agriculture and land management as a trainee intern with the Madhya Pradesh Land Records Society.

Beyond her academic and professional pursuits, Vishakha is a skilled photographer and an avid reader, reflecting her well-rounded and multifaceted personality dedicated to creating positive change through effective development and implementation.

Mohita Bansal

Senior Research Associate

Mohita Bansal is a graduate of Delhi Technological University, formerly known as the Delhi College of Engineering. She currently works as a research associate at DevInsight. Previously, she worked on projects related to welfare and health sector analysis. She holds a keen interest in public development and welfare. She likes to spend her time with fictitious characters and nature.

Support Team (HR, Admin, Accounts and BD)

Sanya Lamba

Manager – HR & Admin

Sanya Lamba is a graduate of Journalism & Mass Media from the Iaan School of Mass Communication & Post Graduate in HR & Finance from Shobit University. She has a decade-long experience in the space of Human Resources & Administration. With a decade of experience & with portfolios requiring her to lead in the domains of strategic planning, operations, Administration, Human Resources & people culture.

Her mantra for her professional journey includes –

“It starts with recruiting smart, enthusiastic, ambitious people but never stop as we focus on retaining talent and growing leaders, while continually reviewing and refining the way we make decisions and provide value to clients.”

In her free time, she is fond of cooking & Interior designing.

Krish Jain

Senior Executive -Business Development & Communications

Having completed his collegiate education at Swami Vivekanand Subharti  University, Krish gained a solid foundation in business principles and marketing strategies. Building upon this academic background, he ventured into the corporate world and kick-started his career as a Marketing Executive, where he honed his marketing skills and gained valuable industry experience over a span of six months.

Krish’s ability to think creatively and adapt to rapidly changing market trends allows him to devise innovative strategies that drive business growth.

Krish’s passion for health and fitness extends beyond the workplace, as he actively engages in activities such as gyming and swimming. These hobbies not only keep him physically fit but also instill in him a sense of discipline and determination, qualities that he brings to his professional endeavors.

Premlata Singh

Sr. Executive – Communication and Documentation

Premlata Singh boasts over 12 years of rich experience in TV journalism, communications, and social media. She has diverse sector exposure, having worked with media houses, TV and electronic journalism, corporates, brands, and PR. Known for her effective communication skills, Premlata excels in relationship building and possesses strong interpersonal, problem-solving, and organizational abilities. Her career includes notable roles at Live India (24/7 Hindi news channel), Revira International, Four Quarters Communications, and Vaartalap TV. Premlata holds double master’s degrees in Journalism and Rural Development, showcasing her commitment to continuous learning and development. Her multifaceted expertise makes her a valuable asset in the ever-evolving media and communications landscape.

Chandan Srivastava

Advisor Legal Finance and Taxation

Chandan Srivastava is a Taxation Lawyer who brings in more than 12 years of experience in the field of taxation and finance. At DevInsights he handles Direct / Indirect Taxes and Company Law matters as well as Tax Audits, Internal Audits & Statutory Audits. He is a Law Graduate from Agra University. In his leisure, Chandan loves to drive and explore new places.

Vivek Kumar

Senior Executive – Finance and Accounts

Vivek Kumar is young, committed, energetic, hard-working and a self-motivated professional who completed his Bachelors in Commerce from Lalit Narayan Mithila University. Prior to joining DevInsights, he had a long stint with a CA firm where he gained skills related to auditing and compliances. Vivek in hands-on on GST and TDS computations and filing returns.

Vivek possesses excellent organizational, problem-solving, project management and communication skills. Vivek is a cricket enthusiast and loves listing to music.

Manav Bhardwaj

Executive – Accounts

Manav is a detailed oriented accountant with a strong grasp of financials principles and a passion for accuracy. Manav is skilled in managing financial data and ensuring compliance with accounting standards. Manav expertise includes reconciling accounts, preparing financial reports, and providing valuable insights to support informed decision making.

Manav has completed his bachelor’s in the field of commerce from university of Delhi. He has an experience of more than one year in a CA Firm. At Devinsights, he works in the position of “Executive Accounts”. His major works include reviewing and maintaining the allocation of Budget.

Outside of his professional pursuits, Manav enjoys indulging in his hobbies, which include watching movies and travelling.

Field & Data Team

Chandan Sharma

Manager – Field Operations

Chandan completed his Graduation from Magadh University. Chandan leads the field operation division of DevInsights, Delhi office. He is a seasoned field operations and management professional with more than 18 years of experience in managing field operations in almost all states of India. He has led and managed more than 100 field based studies covering Public Health, WASH, Education, Livelihood sectors. Chandan in the past has managed very large scale studies including the Annual Health Surveys, National Family Health Surveys, DLHS,NFHS, and LASI etc. His expertise lies in field planning, team recruitment, ensuring data quality, delivering data on time with desired quality. Chandan has been a part of field leadership team in his previous organization.

Veerasudalai

Data Analyst

Veerasudalai completed his Master’s from the Kumaraguru College of Technology and Bachelor’s from Dr. N. G. P. Arts and Science College. His skill set has improved as a result of his past experiences, allowing him to turn data into priceless insights. His Excellence is in  Excel, MySQL, Tableau, Power BI, Python, Statistics, Exploratory Data Analysis (EDA), Data Modelling, and Data Visualization.

Adaptability characterizes is his collaborative style and his passion for using data insights to speed up strategic decision-making. He enjoys playing badminton & traveling in his spare time.

Devbrat Yadav

Data Analyst

Devbrat Yadav is a highly skilled Data Analyst with a passion for transforming raw data into actionable insights. Holding an M.Sc. in Applied Mathematics and a B.Sc. in Mathematical Sciences, he has developed strong expertise in statistical modeling, data analysis, and data visualization. Proficient in Python, SQL, Power BI, and Excel, Devbrat excels at creating visually compelling data representations that support informed decision-making.

His collaborative spirit and adaptability enable him to thrive in cross-functional teams, responding effectively to evolving project requirements. Devbrat’s commitment to data accuracy, process optimization, and fostering a data-driven culture underscores his dedication to excellence in the field of data analysis

Rameshwar Prasad Rai

Manager – Field Operations

Rameshwar Prasad Rai is an accomplished professional with over 20 years of expertise in various projects encompassing Social Impact Assessment Studies, Implementation of Resettlement Action Plans, Socio-Economic Household Studies, Multipurpose Household Surveys, and Health Studies such as DLHS, NRHM, RCH, SIFPSA, and AIDS. His background also includes extensive involvement in Women & Child Development, ICDS, Industrial Enterprise Surveys (ESI), Rural Development, Urban Development, Tourism, Feasibility Studies, and Market Research Surveys at a national level. Rameshwar Prasad Rai holds a Master’s degree in Economics of Industrial Growth, Management, and Accounting, with a focus on Major Industries in India and Advanced Cost Accounting from Purvanchal University, Jaunpur (UP) in 1998. He is now seeking a challenging and growth-oriented career in a dynamic organization that values individual development and fosters innovation, with the aim to contribute significantly to the success of the organization.

Rajesh Kumar Jha

Assistant Manager – Field Operations

Rajesh is a graduate of the University of Bhagalpur. He has been in the marketing and social research field for more than twenty years. He has worked with premium research-based organizations like GFK MODE and Mindfield before joining DevInsights. Rajesh brings with him expertise and knowledge on a wide variety of research techniques and systems, planning and overall management and monitoring of field operations. He likes travelling and seeing new places and reading in his free time.

Gaurav Sinha

Executive – Data and Field

Gaurav Sinha completed a Bachelor’s degree in BA from S.V.S. University, Gaurav completed his Higher Secondary and Senior Secondary education from Saraswati Vishwa Vidyalaya under the U.P. Board.

With valuable experience in sales and customer service, Gaurav worked as a Tele sales executive at Intarvo, handling client queries and monitoring sales data. He also served as a CSD Executive at FusionNet Web Services Pvt Ltd, focusing on customer satisfaction and problem-solving.

Beyond work, Gaurav enjoys listening to music and maintaining an active lifestyle through gym sessions. With his dedication, skills, and experience, Gaurav Sinha is well-prepared to contribute to a dynamic professional environment.

Advisory Team

Dr. Pawan Kumar Jha

Thematic Expert – Sanitation

Dr. Jha has over 30 years extensive experience and expertise in developing sustainable technologies, their implementation, monitoring and evaluation, policy research, preparing guidelines, training & capacity building in the fields of environmental sanitation, SLWM, septage management, biogas from human wastes and other waste in urban and rural areas in India and other developing countries.

He has assisted different ministries of Government of India like Ministry of Jalshakti, Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Department of Science and Technology/ DSIR (MoS&T), MoHUA, MoEFCC, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, and different state governments in India; several bilateral / international agencies like ADB, WSP- SA / World Bank, UNHABITAT, GIZ, Water Aid India, BMGF, WASTE the Netherlands, JBIC, ICEF, and BORDA, Germany.

Nitya Jacob

Thematic Expert – WASH

Nitya Jacob is a WASH policy analyst. He has more than three decades of work experience in the development sector across nine countries. He worked with numerous government and non-government bodies. He worked as the head of Policy with WaterAid India, an NGO supporting drinking water and sanitation projects in the country. He has written few book like “Jalyatra on India’s traditional water management practices”, “A Memoir of Two Toilet Inspectors” etc. Jacob also headed the water advocacy and research function at the Centre for Science and Environment, a research and advocacy NGO based in Delhi. Jacob has written and edited books and articles on India’s traditional water wisdom, rural governance and trends in rural development. His essay on water was published in an UN-sponsored publication Water Voices from around the World. He is a WASH Policy Analyst.

Dr. Prabir Kumar Dutta

Thematic Expert – Public Health

Dr. Prabir Kumar Dutta is a senior TB Advisor & Public Health Specialist having working experience of more than 52 years. Dr Dutta is a chest physician currently operating out of his own private practice in Kolkata and has worked extensively in TB.

He was in-charge of conducting training on RNTCP in the districts of North-Eastern states and West Bengal during his tenure at Directorate of Health Sciences at Government of West Bengal. He has worked with Dr. Thomas Frieden the then Chief Project officer, WHO and has written the WHO working module in local language Bengali for the grass root level health workers. He holds a MBBS degree and Diploma in Tuberculosis and other diseases of chest from University of Calcutta. He is one of the founding member of the association named Chest Physician located West Bengal.

Ratna Saxena

Thematic Expert – Child Rights and Protection

Ratna Saxena, is a senior development professional having more than 30 years of work experience, including 21 years on issues related to child protection and child rights. She has worked with Govt. and Non- Govt. organizations like State Govt., MWCD, UNICEF, Justice and Care, NCPCR at senior levels. She has work on visualizing long-term strategy for Justice & Care and align short-term goals for influencing policies and practices in the context of Anti Human Trafficking. During her stint with MWCD, she has supported MWCD and State Governments towards implementation of monitoring system for ICPS and provided technical support to the State Governments towards development of monitoring reports.

Ratna, possess strong research and analytical skills with special emphasis on data collection and analysis tools & has solid program management and implementation experience. She’s an excellent trainer on Child rights and protection issues, on special laws such as JJ & POSCO Act and relevant central schemes. Ratna has provided psycho social support to children and families during emergencies in four states of India. She has published papers on drug abuse and child sexual abuse. She has completed her M.A in Psychology from Delhi University and also holds a Diploma in Educational-Vocational Guidance and counselling form NCERT.

Dr. Deepti Priya Mehrotra

Thematic Expert – Girl Child Education

Dr. Deepti Priya Mehrotra is a researcher and social scientist with multi-disciplinary academic training and interests. She has established professional expertise in Gender, Education, Adolescence and Child Rights, with a strong track record over the past three decades. Associated with a number of INGOs, NGOs and educational institutions , she works in varied capacities including consultancies for research, evaluation, documentation, editing, writing, training and curriculum development, to grassroots engagement, teaching and advisory roles, in the non-profit sector as well as with schools and universities.

Recent consultancies include work with UNFPA, CorStone, Oxfam-India, Aga Khan Foundation, Action Aid, TARSHI, GIWA, Magic Bus Foundation, Pravah and Study Hall Educational Foundation.

Deepti has a number of publications to her credit: including papers, articles, chapters in edited volumes; independent books (such as a biography of peace activist Irom Sharmila, a book on Single Mothers, and a social history of folk theatre–all published by Penguin Books); as well as published reports (as with Oxfam, Plan, Aga Khan Foundation).

She has taught at Delhi University and TISS-Mumbai (as Visiting Faculty) and at Dayalbagh Educational Institute, Agra (as Associate Professor, Department of Sociology and Political Science).

Indu Malhotra

HR Management Strategist

Indu Malhotra is a seasoned HR leader and visionary with a proven track record of driving organizational success through innovative HR management. With over three decades of experience. She is known for her ability to shape high-impact HR functions that foster excellence within organizations. Her strategic mindset and thought leadership have consistently delivered positive organizational development, ensured compliance adherence, and cultivated high-performance cultures. She has been a driving force in the development sector for over two decades. Throughout her journey, she has orchestrated end-to end talent strategies, designed performance management frameworks, devised succession plans, spearheaded employee relations initiatives, optimized compensation and benefits structures, and developed robust training and employee development programs. Her prowess extends to crafting compelling internal and external employer branding, ensuring a cohesive and appealing organizational image. She has influenced positive change, fostered growth, and consistently exceeded expectations in the dynamic realm of HR management.

Brij Mohan Kandpal

Thematic Expert – Agriculture

Brij Mohan is an Agricultural post-graduate (M.Sc Agriculture in Agronomy) from G. B. Pant University of Agriculture & Technology (GBPUAT), India. He has 30+ years rich experience in the Impact Sector traversing diverse landscapes, organizations and roles in (a) design, execution, tracking and evaluation of development programs around natural resource management, enterprise development, health and child rights), (b) diagnose training needs and design and deliver capacity building trainings to community and development professionals, (c) conduct action research, evaluation and build win-win proposals.

His rich experience in economic empowerment programs in varied landscapes has enabled him to convert myriad theoretical, social and economic environmental variables into a down-to earth viable programs that helped 750+ youths to excel in Impact sector and enabled 100+ producer collectives to strengthen their farm, livestock, forest and non-farm focused enterprises.  

He is also an excellent trainer and an eager learner with the ability to communicate complex ideas and frameworks in an easily comprehensible style.  

He has an uncommon ease in relating to people from all classes and backgrounds and is able to establish deep human bonds in very short time. His interest in behavioral sciences and emotional quotient related tools have helped him immensely in developing such bonds.

Dr. Jeeven Kumar Singh

Thematic Expert – Health

Dr. Jeeven Kumar Singh is an experienced Public Health professional with over 17 years of extensive experience in public health program management, partnerships, government consulting, and advisory roles. His past engagements include serving as a Public Health & Digital Health Advisor at Ernst & Young, working closely with central and multiple state governments and international agencies like ADB, World Bank, USAID, Gates Foundation on various areas of public health. He has worked as State Technical Consultant- Nutrition under UNICEF where he had promoted early childhood nutrition, timely growth failure detection, and care for low-birth-weight infants.

His core expertise spans Public Health Advisory, Public Nutrition Advisory, Healthcare Project Advisory, Public-Private Partnership transaction advisory, climate change implications on health outcomes, leveraging AI in healthcare and nutrition programs, and more. He has provided significant techno-managerial assistance to various state-level health departments across India to enhance utilization, coverage and quality of key health and nutrition interventions by strengthening health systems and fostering sustainable public-private partnerships. This reflects his decade long experience in managing, advising and optimizing large scale public health programs.

Dr. Anamika Pandey

Thematic Expert – Health

Dr. Anamika Pandey is a seasoned Senior Public Health Expert with over 25 years of experience in maternal and child health, family planning, and adolescent health. Her expertise lies in program management, monitoring and evaluation, quality assurance, and capacity building in the healthcare sector. Dr. Pandey has a strong background in health system strengthening, policy development, and public-private partnerships. She has played pivotal roles in projects focusing on maternal and child health, HIV, and adolescent health, showcasing her dedication to improving healthcare outcomes.