Previous Work Experience: Communication and Documentation Officer, Jan Vikas Samiti
Location: Palamu, Jharkhand
Education Qualification: MA Economics, Banaras Hindu University
I am Ena Ray Chowdhury, a graduate with a master’s in Economics from Banaras Hindu University. My journey in the social sector began as a Student Relationship Manager at Medha Learning Foundation and as a Communication and Documentation Officer at Jan Vikas Samiti. I led a project under the Deshpande Foundation, recognized as Best Leader, with my Government Schemes for Rural Communities project shortlisted for the 9th YUVA SUMMIT. I also represented the Deshpande Foundation at the International Youth Conference on Leadership. I am passionate about public policy and social impact, aspiring to contribute.
Arkja Kuthiala
Previous Work Experience: Implementor, Mobile Creches
Location: Sukma, Chhattisgarh
Education Qualification: MA Social Work in Dalit and Tribal Studies and Action, TISS
I am from Parwanoo, Himachal Pradesh. I studied English Literature, then went on to do my Master’s in Social Work, and have also completed a two-year diploma in Creative Documentary Making. I have worked in three not-for-profit organizations. My last organization was Mobile Creches, where I was recently promoted to Manager, ECD Partnership. I am keen to work towards making the world more equitable. I am deeply interested in working in rural parts of India and learning from the field. I have recently developed an interest in bird watching. My other hobbies include reading and watching films.
Suman Khatik
Previous Work Experience: Young Fellow, National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (NIRDPR)
Location: Kanker, Chhattisgarh
Education Qualification: MA Sustainable Livelihood and Natural Resource Goveranace, TISS
I am Suman Khatik from Ahmedabad, Gujarat. I have pursued an M.A. in Sustainable Livelihoods and Natural Resource Governance from TISS, Tuljapur. Recently, I worked as a Young Fellow at the National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj under the project “Creating Model Gram Panchayat” of the Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR) from October. In my previous roles, I have worked with the Gujarat Government and nonprofit organizations in Rajasthan. I am passionate about becoming a businesswoman. My hobbies include reading, hiking, and engaging in adventurous activities. I am particularly interested in making dream catchers.
Arul Singh
Previous Work Experience: Tutor, SPS College of Education, Baghpat
Location: Kwardha, Chhattisgarh
Education Qualification: MA Sociology, Delhi School of Economics, University of Delhi
My name is Arul Singh. I grew up in Meerut and finished my schooling there. For further education, I travelled to Delhi and graduated with honours in statistics. For a while, I decided to relocate back to my hometown to prepare for competitive exams. Simultaneously, I began working as a tutor, teaching English and computers. During those years, my focus shifted to learn more about the various communities that come together to build the social fabric that is mirrored in the concept of India. Later, I also got a masters degree in sociology. My interests include sports and cinema.
Dipti Arora
Previous Work Experience: Communications & Events Coordinator, Agence Francaise de Development
Location: Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh
Education Qualification: MSc Environment Studies, TERI School of Advanced Studies
I am from Faridabad, Haryana. I am passionate about ecology and the wonders of science. This led me to pursue my graduation in Plant Biology and a master’s in Environmental Studies and Resource Management. During this time, I started doing extensive fieldwork to understand the interdisciplinary aspects of ecology and natural resource management. Now, I am passionate about exploring how different policies intersect and can be made inclusive to tackle the climate crisis. My hobbies are dance, martial arts and theatre.
Leela Jerard Kurian
Previous Work Experience: Resource Person, Kerala Institute of Local Administration (KILA)
Location: Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Education Qualification: MA English, English and Foreign Languages University
I hail from Kochi, Kerala. I completed B.A. in English from St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai and M.A. in English from EFLU, Hyderabad. I also hold a law degree from Government Law College, Mumbai. I worked as a Resource Person at the Centre for SDGs and Local Governance, Kerala Institute of Local Administration (KILA). Additionally, I completed the Young Kerala Fellowship by Kerala Youth Leadership Academy, Government of Kerala. Before venturing into the development sector, I worked in Digital Media. I’ m passionate about working on achieving SDGs through inclusive action. I enjoy reading and travelling.
Muhammed Salim
Previous Work Experience: Mahatma Gandhi National Fellow, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship
Location: Basti, Uttar Pradesh
Education Qualification: MA Public Administration, Aligarh Muslim University
I am from Malappuram, Kerala. I have a Master’s in Public Administration from Aligarh Muslim University. In the last two years, I worked as a Mahatma Gandhi National Fellow, stationed in Kupwara district of Jammu and Kashmir, under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship-GoI. During this tenure, I worked at the district level, coordinating various skill development activities and livelihood programs. Based on my previous experiences, I am very passionate about building a career in the development sector. I am keenly interested in traveling and exploring new places, people, and cultures.
Amal M
Previous Work Experience: Research Associate, HelpAge India
Location: Lakhimpur Kheri, Uttar Pradesh
Education Qualification: MA East Asian Studies, University of Delhi
I’m from Alappuzha, Kerala. I have completed my undergraduate degree in International Relations and postgraduation in East Asian Studies. I have served as a Research Associate for Policy Research and Advocacy at HelpAge India, undertaking several research projects and advocacy initiatives. I’m enthusiastic about contributing to positive social change in the community and being a changemaker. I love to explore different cultures and understand various nuances and complexities.
Austami Bhuyan
Previous Work Experience: Senior Communication Associate (Consultant), ZealGrit Foundation
Location: Hamirpur, Uttar Pradesh
Education Qualification: MSc Electronic Media, Pondicherry University
As an Electronic Media postgraduate from Pondicherry University, my professional journey has been diverse and fulfilling. I have designed intuitive user interfaces, crafted political manifestos as a political consultant, worked as a journalist and served as a government consultant to facilitate public services. I am impact-driven and believe that real change comes from empowering people with the right knowledge and opportunities. I enjoy watching YouTube shorts, traveling and taking part in my mother’s gardening and cooking adventures.
Anshu Anand
Previous Work Experience: Piramal Foundation, Gandhi Fellow
Location: Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh
Education Qualification: MA Social Work, Patna University
I am Anshu Anand, and I am from Bihar. I completed my graduation in Physics Honors. Due to my interest in social work, I pursued a master’s in Social Work. After graduation, I started my career as a play school teacher and admission counselor. From there, I moved towards my field of choice and began working with local NGOs. My most recent position was as a Gandhi Fellow at the Piramal Foundation in Bhopal. I am also fond of Hindi short stories.
Sriya Rane
Previous Work Experience: Research Associate, Center for Public Policy and Governance, Institute of Social Sciences
Location: Sultanpur, Uttar Pradesh
Education Qualification: MA Public Administration, Jamia Millia Islamia
I am a Public Policy Professional working as a Research Associate at the Centre for Public Policy and Governance in New Delhi. Originally from Goa, I have spent most of my life in Mumbai. I hold a B.A. (Hons) in Humanities and Social Sciences from the University of Delhi and an M.A. in Public Administration from Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi. My career has focused on projects in Public Health, and I am passionate about designing policies that translate into impactful rural development initiatives. When the policy wonk in me is not at work , I am a badminton player.
