Driving Change Through Collaborative Solutions

Alok Arunam is a Climate-Health Data Fellow, a global initiative of Data.org and JPAL South Asia, with 9 years of overall experience in managing data-driven governance projects. He previously led competency-based data-driven capacity building at CEGIS and JPAL South Asia, partnering with central government entities like the IP Office and Capacity Building Commission. Alok has worked closely with state governments in Rajasthan, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh, advancing major data-driven governance initiatives, involving Swachh Bharat Mission-Gramin, the Aspirational Districts Program, POSHAN Abhiyan, and Sewapuri Vikas Abhiyan. His academic credentials include a B.Tech and M.Tech in Design Engineering from IIT Madras, a PGP in Liberal Arts and Leadership (Young India Fellowship) from Ashoka University, a PGP in Public Policy from ISPP and MITx MicroMasters in Data, Economics and Development Policy, complemented by data science training from Ashoka University and MIT IDSS.

Anchal is a public health professional with expertise in capacity building, program management, and community engagement. She has contributed to impactful projects focusing on RMNCH+N family planning, and WASH. Her work involves organising training sessions and implementing community-driven solutions to strengthen health systems at the grassroots level. Anchal is committed to creating meaningful change through practical and people-centred approaches.

Anita Maurya is a dedicated professional with nine years of experience in healthcare and social work. She holds a B.Sc. degree, qualifications in General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM), and a Master’s in Social Work (MSW). Passionate about patient care and community service, she strives to make a meaningful impact in healthcare and social welfare.

An accomplished health, nutrition and education professional with 14 years of experience driving transformative initiatives at the district and division levels, Anoop has proven expertise in program design, implementation and management. He has contributed to Piramal Foundation’s Aspirational District Program, focusing on district-level interventions to improve health, education and nutrition outcomes, and working with JHPIEGO organisations on the CPHC at the division level, enhancing community health services. With a strong foundation in social work and extensive experience in health, nutrition and education, he excels in developing and implementing effective programmes, fostering partnerships and driving sustainable impact.

With nearly 16 years of experience in public and private healthcare systems, Arvind possesses deep expertise in rural healthcare and social franchising. Skilled in recruiting and managing field teams, he has worked closely with communication and training experts to build stakeholder capacity. Holding a Master of Social Work and a postgraduate degree in Sociology from Avadh University, Faizabad, along with MS Office proficiency and a Six Sigma Yellow Belt certification, he has contributed significantly to public health and community development across Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Haryana.

Public policy professional with 16 years of experience in leading large-scale projects and strategic partnerships with the government as well as multilateral organizations. In the past, he has led the health initiatives of the Aspirational District Programme with NITI Aayog and co-created Anamaya: Tribal Health Collaborative, set up by Piramal Foundation, BMGF and USAID.

Brajesh has intensive experience of 17 years in Techno-Managerial positions at the district, division and state levels. He is experienced in dominos of Public Health, Nutrition, Livelihood and Research Studies, Maternal Child Health, Community Outreach Processes, Capacity Building and Demand & Supply Channel Strengthening. He is a specialist in the Community Outreach Process strengthening and sustainable quality continuum care approach of RMNCH.

He is a postgraduate from the University of Agra University in Social Science and PGDCP.

Deeksha is an interdisciplinary researcher and works at the intersection of health, migration, and processes of urbanisation and development in India. She holds a PhD in Social Work from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai. Deeksha is a recipient of prestigious fellowships, including the Commonwealth Split-site Scholarship at the University of Edinburgh-UK, and the Dalai Lama Fellowship.

A clinician and public health expert with over 19 years in healthcare, He has contributed to organizations like Piramal Swasthya, Population Services International, National Health Mission and ministries and government departments. His expertise spans hospital and healthcare management, quality assurance, project management, and client relations. A Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, he has received the prestigious “D.L. Shah National Award for Quality” from the Quality Council of India, along with multiple accolades from state governments and renowned institutions.

Ipsita is a gender rights researcher and communications specialist based in New Delhi. She develops creative methodologies to make complex issues accessible and engaging. Previously, she worked with the International Planned Parenthood Federation, Collective Impact, and UNGEI. Her research includes youth sexual health rights (World YWCA) and feminist funding with Plan International UK and Walking the Talk.

Mandavi is a public health professional with 9 + years of experience in RMNCH+N, maternal and newborn care, maternal nutrition, and community mobilisation. She has excelled in leadership roles, contributing to health initiatives by implementing strategic plans, facilitating capacity building, and mentoring healthcare workers at district and block levels. She is proficient in technical program implementation, data-driven decision-making, and stakeholder coordination. Her work has been pivotal in improving maternal and child health outcomes through partnerships with leading organisations and government programs. Dedicated, organised, and result-oriented, she consistently delivers impactful solutions to advance public health missions.

Manisha is a development professional with 8.5+ years of public health experience spanning across western and northeast India, leading diverse teams, building human-centred design innovations and community-led health interventions and undertaking qualitative research. She has worked with a spectrum of communities in organizations such as Aajeevika Bureau, Basic Healthcare Services, Piramal Foundation, anchored the Primary Healthcare Initiative at IIM Udaipur and rolled out USAID projects as part of NHM-Technical Support Unit in Assam and Meghalaya. She is a founding member and the first female elected leader of the Global Shapers Community-Guwahati Hub, an initiative of the World Economic Forum. She has also been a Climate Reality Mentor as part of the global Climate Reality Project from 2020-2022.

Paresh brings 30 years of corporate experience in leadership positions. He has been leading philanthropic activities in the development sector for the past 10+ years, and continues to serve on the board of several non-profits and corporates. He was the CEO of Piramal Foundation until 2021, where he worked with the board on strategy, governance and building a broader ecosystem-oriented partnership mandate.

Puja is a Community Engagement Specialist based in PCMC, Pune. Her role is to foster meaningful connections to drive impactful change. With a diverse professional background, She has extensive experience in education, nutrition, environmental issues and social justice. She did her Master’s at the Tata Institute of Social Science, Mumbai. During her master’s degree, she immersed herself in the criminal justice system, gaining hands-on experience through fieldwork and internships at government shelter homes, family counselling centres, and prisons. She has worked extensively in the tribal regions of Madhya Pradesh, developing a nature-based education curriculum, conducting health research, and empowering local communities. Expertise spans from grassroots initiatives to policy-level advocacy, having collaborated with district and state authorities to enhance field operations. A changemaker and advocate for innovation, she leads initiatives that create menstrual health and environmental issues, and sustainable and inclusive solutions for communities in need.

With 25 years of experience in creating large-scale institutions, he brings learnings of the philanthropy space, strategy, governance, program management, business planning and institution building. Has previously been with Dasra and Piramal Foundation.

Rupesh brings experience in leading large-scale programs in the private and public sectors spanning 17 years. Formerly, he led operations for the Piramal Foundation’s Aspirational District Transformation (ADT) Program, ensuring program efficiency and attainment of output milestones. In ADT, he oversaw the operationalisation of Model Village Health Sanitation and Nutrition Day (VHSND). It earned praise from NITI Ayog and the MoHFW and contributed to refining VHSND guidelines. He has also played a crucial role in building the foundations for the Aspirational District Collaborative. At Anamaya, he works closely with the Regional Operations Managers to support efficient deployment.

With nearly 13 years of experience in health, nutrition, and education, Shailendra specialises in leading transformational initiatives at district, division, and city levels. Currently serving as City Health Manager for the Collective Good Foundation’s Aspirational City Program, he oversees healthcare interventions to improve public health systems and equitable access in urban areas. His previous roles include leadership positions at the Piramal Foundation, The Hans Foundation, and Mamta Health Institute for Mother and Child. With a background in social work, he focuses on creating sustainable solutions and fostering community-driven change across multiple Indian states.

Commonwealth Scholar with 4 years of experience in environment sustainability and sustainable development. He previously worked with the Centre for Sustainable Health at Oxford, UK

Sneha is a development specialist with 15 years of experience in designing solutions for complex social problems in the areas of public health, nutrition, gender, education and child rights. In the past, she has worked with national and state governments, contributing significantly to policies such as the National Policy for Women (Draft, 2016), the National Nutrition Mission, the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission, PM-PVTG (Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups) Development Mission and Tribal TB Initiative. She holds a postgraduate degree in Development Studies from the Institute of Development Studies (IDS) – Brighton, Sussex (UK), and a graduate degree in Economics from Delhi University.

Sudha is an ecosystem builder in healthcare and works with startups, civil society organizations and government agencies to advance health outcomes for under-served populations. At Samyak / Collective Good Foundation, her mandate is to advance Women’s Health through community and public health interventions and entrepreneurship. Sudha also volunteers with iSPIRT’s Open Health Services Team, building Digital Public Infrastructure for the global south, and serves on the board of Intelehealth andthe advisory board of Kalpa Impact.

With over three years of experience in social work, public health, grassroots development, and political campaigns, Suraj has worked with esteemed organisations such as the Piramal Foundation, Neurosynaptic Communications Pvt. Ltd., Eklavya India Foundation, and Showtime Consultancy. As a Senior Executive in political campaign management, he has demonstrated expertise in stakeholder management, capacity building, and strategic planning. A former Gandhi Fellow, he has led initiatives to enhance healthcare delivery and community engagement. Passionate about innovation and sustainable development, he strives to create meaningful, long-lasting impact.