Abdullah Siddiqui is a key member of the Climate Change Resilience team at the CII Foundation, with over seven years of experience in project implementation and a strong commitment to sustainable development. He has been actively involved in the Crop Residue Management initiative across Punjab and Haryana for the past four years.

At CII Foundation, Abdullah supports end-to-end project execution-developing proposals, coordinating with stakeholders, managing implementation on the ground, monitoring progress, and organizing donor site visits. His ability to align grassroots realities with donor expectations has helped build partnerships and trust.

Abdullah previously worked as a Research Assistant at the Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA), where he conducted audits of two central government schemes. He holds an MBA from Jamia Millia Islamia. Passionate about grassroots engagement, Abdullah is committed to advancing environmental sustainability through community-driven approaches.

Adya Mishra serves as an Associate Project Coordinator, where she supports project implementation through report generation, proposal drafting, event coordination, and on-ground stakeholder engagement. She contributes to diverse environmental and development initiatives by bringing a multidisciplinary approach to her work.

Adya’s professional experience spans roles as a researcher, project coordinator, and horticulturist, with collaborations including the Government of West Bengal, Government of Uttarakhand, NTPC, Vasundhara, IIFL, and Gramheet.

She holds a BSc in Horticulture and a Master’s degree in Social Work from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, equipping her with both technical and community-centered perspectives.Rooted in a strong commitment to environmentalism, Adya believes in the transformative power of sustainable, inclusive development.

Amal Tom KV is a Project Coordinator at the CII Foundation for the Early Childhood Project.

He holds a Master’s degree in Social Work with a specialization in Corporate Social Responsibility from Rajagiri College of Social Sciences. Alongside, he has completed a short-term course in Labour Laws from the Kerala Institute of Labour and Employment (KILE). He also holds a certification in ESG from KPMG.

Amal is deeply committed to creating impactful, community-driven change. He works closely with field teams, local stakeholders, and partner organizations to ensure that the project runs smoothly and delivers long-term value. Looking ahead, he aspires to work in spaces that drive meaningful social change, especially those that bridge the gap between corporate responsibility and community development.

Amol Kabade is a Field Manager at the CII Foundation. He is responsible for the implementation and supervision of watershed management projects in the rural areas of Aurangabad district. His work involves planning and executing soil and water conservation measures, community mobilization, conducting baseline surveys, and coordinating with farmers, village committees, and technical experts. He is actively engaged in promoting sustainable agriculture, water resource management, and local capacity-building initiatives.

Amol holds a degree in Civil Engineering. He began his career as a Civil Engineer with the Airports Authority of India in Aurangabad, where he gained significant experience in infrastructure development. He later worked for two years at the CII-Triveni Water Institute, focusing on watershed management and integrated water resource planning. Following that, he spent three years working under the Jal Jeevan Mission on rural water supply schemes.

With a strong technical background and extensive field experience, Amol is consistently dedicated to rural development and ensuring water security.

Anay Kumar is an Associate Project Coordinator with a background in Forestry. Anay brings a solid foundation in forestry practices, having undergone training at the Forest Research Institute (F.R.I), Uttarakhand, and Grassroots Agri, Uttarakhand.

His project experience includes work on Tissue Culture Techniques and the estimation of Carbon Sequestration Potential. He holds strong skills in planning and collaboration, leadership, teamwork, and communication, and is proficient in MS Office.

Through his academic and field experiences, Anay combines technical understanding with practical application, supporting sustainable development initiatives across communities.

Anil Kumar is the Finance Manager responsible for managing the organization’s financial operations.

With over 20 years of experience, he upholds financial integrity and supports project implementation by overseeing all financial transactions and audits.

He holds a graduate degree in Commerce from Delhi University and is skilled in financial analysis and strategic planning. Anil is committed to leveraging his expertise to enhance financial performance and support the strategic objectives of the organization.

Ankit Bagri works with the Crop Residue Management Initiative where he oversees the implementation of the project in Sirsa and Fatehabad, Haryana. He works closely with farmers and local authorities to ensure effective implementation of crop residue management practices.

Ankit holds a B.Sc (Hons) in Agriculture from Maharishi Markandeshwar University, which gave him a strong foundation in agricultural sciences. Before joining CII Foundation, he worked with Nurture.farm and UPL India Ltd, where he promoted sustainable farming techniques.

Ankit’s work focuses on improving agricultural productivity while minimizing the environmental footprint of farming practices.

Bikash works as a Program Manager for the Crop Residue Management project. Driven by a strong commitment to advancing sustainable climate mitigation and adaptation strategies, he specializes in designing, implementing, and managing impactful initiatives that foster environmental conservation and promote a just transition to a sustainable future.

Bikash has experience in engaging with diverse stakeholders - Government, NGOs, and private organizations - to build successful collaborations.

Bikash is passionate about developing innovative solutions, driving policy engagement, and leveraging data-driven insights to tackle complex climate challenges effectively. Outside of work, he enjoys reading, playing music and staying active through fitness routines.

Chandrakant leads the work on Climate Change Resilience through key projects such as crop residue management, waste management, tree plantation and waterbody restoration. He brings over 14 years of experience in project management and research in social development and environmental sustainability. He has designed and executed large community development projects in the areas of sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, wasteland rehabilitation, nonfarm livelihoods and financial inclusion.

Chandrakant has worked with the Aga Khan Foundation, India, where he was the livelihoods sector lead. Previously, he has worked with PRADAN; IFMR, Chennai and UNEP, Geneva.

He holds a Master’s degree in International Development Policy from Duke University, Durham, USA and a B.Sc in Agriculture from Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneshwar. He has also attended short academic courses at Brandeis University, Waltham, USA (on ecology) and Duke Geneva Programme (on Global Policy and Governance – Environment Track). He is a recipient of the Ford Foundation International Scholarship.

Dr. Gaurav Kumar is a Project Engineer with the Climate Change Resilience team at the CII Foundation, bringing strong academic credentials, technical expertise, and a research-driven approach to sustainable development initiatives. With a strong foundation in engineering physics and an in-depth understanding of environmental systems, he plays a key role in strengthening the technical backbone of the Crop Residue Management initiative.

In his role at CII Foundation, Dr. Gaurav Kumar supports technical planning, on-ground execution, system optimization, data analysis, and field monitoring. He also collaborates closely with stakeholders, farmers, and implementing partners to ensure smooth coordination and effective problem-solving in the field.

He has completed his graduation and post-graduation from Panjab University, Chandigarh, followed by a PhD from IIT Delhi, where his research focused on developing practical, technology-based solutions to address environmental challenges. His academic work aligns closely with the objectives of the CII Foundation’s field projects, particularly in areas such as emissions reduction, residue management, and the efficient implementation of climate-friendly technologies.

Harpreet Singh manages the Crop Residue Management Initiative in Ludhiana and Fatehgarh Sahib, Punjab. His role involves collaborating with farmers, cooperative societies and district administration to manage crop residue sustainably.

Harpreet holds a postgraduate degree in Sociology from Panjab University, Chandigarh, and brings years of experience in rural development.

With over 5 years of on-ground experience on project implementation, Harpreet is committed to promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

Hemant Jhajhria is a Project Associate at the CII Foundation, supporting the implementation of the Crop Residue Management initiative in Sirsa and Fatehabad districts of Haryana. His role involves working closely with farming communities and the Agriculture Department to promote sustainable agricultural practices and reduce stubble burning.

He brings over a year of grassroots experience, having previously served as a District Coordinator in Hisar with Expert Skill Development, a third-party agency for Deloitte’s crop residue management efforts.

Hemant holds an MBA in Agribusiness from Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences (SHUATS) and a BSc (Hons.) in Agriculture from Maharishi Markandeshwar University. He is passionate about climate-resilient farming and enjoys working directly with farmers to enable lasting impact.

Hitesh manages the Crop Residue Management Initiative in Patiala and Sangrur, Punjab. His role includes collaborating with farmers and district officials to ensure that sustainable crop residue management practices are effectively implemented.

Hitesh holds an MBA in Finance and Market Operations and a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce. He also has a certification in interior design.

With more than an year's experience in on-ground implementation of projects, Hitesh is committed to working closely with local communities to ensure the success of the initiative, coordinating efforts to minimize crop residue burning and promoting eco-friendly alternatives.

Vikram is an Advisor to the CII Foundation and brings rich experience spanning media, advertising, corporate, entrepreneurship, and the social sector. His career began as a business journalist with prominent publications like Business Standard, The Economic Times, and Business Today, followed by leadership roles at Hughes Software, HSBC, and Nokia.

Vikram’s entrepreneurial journey started with Digiqom Ventures, a pioneering company in web 2.0 technologies for marketing, corporate communications, and stakeholder engagement. He has also been a master trainer for CSR with the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs and a founder trustee of READ India, which supports non-formal education for rural livelihoods.

Vikram is an alumnus of the HRH Prince Philips Commonwealth Leaders Program, IIM Calcutta, and St. Xavier’s College, and has mentored startups at Indian Angel Network, AIC-NMIMS, IIT-Kanpur, and IIT-Kharagpur.

Jacob Jose is a Project Officer and works on disaster relief and rehabilitation initiatives, notably the Kerala Flood Rehabilitation initiative.

Jacob has over eight years of experience in the field of Disaster Management, Educational initiatives and community development projects. He has previously worked with BPCL as their CSR Consultant and with several NGOs and was instrumental in their growth.

He holds a Master’s degree in Social Work from Loyola College, Chennai, and a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Rajagiri College of Social Sciences. He has also completed a short-term course in CSR from Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs.

Jacob is deeply committed to working in close collaboration with communities to drive meaningful, on-ground impact.

Jagdeep Singh is a Project Coordinator based in Mansa, Punjab, where he is actively involved in implementing CSR initiatives focused on sustainable agriculture. Currently, he is working on the Crop Residue Management (CRM) project under CSR initiatives of the CII Foundation, with the objective of reducing stubble burning and promoting environmentally sustainable farming practices.

At CII Foundation, Jagdeep supports field-level planning and execution through regular coordination with farmers, local bodies, and district officials. His role involves stakeholder engagement, on-ground implementation, and ensuring the smooth and timely execution of project activities in alignment with programme objectives.

Prior to joining CII Foundation, Jagdeep worked as a Project Coordinator in the Public Relations and CSR Department at Talwandi Sabo Power Limited (TSPL), a Vedanta Group company. He was actively involved in implementing flagship PR and CSR initiatives such as Club Urja, which focused on promoting energy conservation and awareness, and Navi Disha, which emphasized natural farming practices and encouraged the adoption of pesticide-free and sustainable agriculture. Through these initiatives, he gained strong experience in community outreach, stakeholder coordination, and on-ground project execution.

Jagdeep holds a Master’s degree in Theatre and Television from Punjabi University, Patiala, a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, and a Diploma in Computer Applications.

Jauhar Ali is a Project Associate at the CII Foundation, supporting the Crop Residue Management (CRM) initiative in Sangrur district, Punjab. His work focuses on field-level coordination, farmer engagement, and awareness activities to promote sustainable alternatives to stubble burning.

Coming from a farming background, he brings practical field insight and a strong understanding of agricultural practices. He holds an MBA with dual specialization in Human Resources and Finance.

Jibran Zakir is a part of the Climate Change Resilience Team, with over 4 years of experience in the climate and sustainability sector. He looks after Waste Management, Waterbody Restoration & Plantation Initiatives across Ladakh, Kerala, Delhi, and Haryana. Beyond on-ground implementation, Jibran plays a key role in project expansion and fundraising.

Jibran has previously worked with organizations such as the Society for Promotion of Youth and Masses (SPYM) and FXB India Suraksha (FXBIS) in various capacities.

He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce from Shaheed Bhagat Singh College, University of Delhi, and a Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW) from Amity University. Additionally, Jibran has earned certifications in Nature-Based Solutions for Disaster & Climate Resilience from the UN Environment Programme and in Municipal Solid Waste Management in Developing Countries from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne. Jibran is passionate about advancing sustainable waste management solutions to enhance urban living.

Kalbay Haider is a Project Coordinator at the CII Foundation, leading the implementation of the Crop Residue Management project in Barnala district, Punjab, under the Climate Change Resilience Initiative. His responsibilities include facilitating access to advanced agricultural machinery, promoting behavioral change among farmers, and delivering targeted training programs.

Haider brings over six years of experience in project management, with more than a year specifically focused on crop residue management. His professional background includes work with the Modicare Foundation and Doctors For You, where he contributed to various development initiatives.

He holds a postgraduate degree in Social Work from Jamia Millia Islamia University, along with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology (Hons). Committed to the development sector, Haider finds purpose in working alongside farming communities to enable sustainable and impactful change.

Kiran Gedam is a Project Coordinator with the Climate Change Resilience team at the CII Foundation, where he oversees the implementation of the Crop Residue Management Initiative in Sangrur district, Punjab. His role involves close coordination with farmers, cooperative societies, and the district administration to develop sustainable farming solutions.

Kiran brings over five years of experience in on-ground project implementation. He has previously worked with Ernst and Young and Sankalp NGO, contributing to development initiatives across sectors.

He holds a Master’s degree in Social Entrepreneurship from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Nagpur University. Passionate about waste management, WASH, and sustainable development, Kiran is dedicated to creating long-term community impact through inclusive and environment-focused interventions.

Kuldeep Singh is a Project Associate at the CII Foundation, where he is actively involved in initiatives focused on farm stubble management. His role supports the operational execution of projects through coordination of field activities, facilitation of on-ground implementation, and engagement with farming communities and implementation partners.

At CII Foundation, Kuldeep contributes to promoting the adoption of sustainable crop residue management practices through structured outreach, field monitoring, and continuous stakeholder coordination. His work emphasizes community-led and collaborative approaches to building resilient rural systems and achieving long-term development outcomes.

Prior to joining CII Foundation, Kuldeep worked with UK Crop Sciences as a Project Officer, bringing four years of professional experience in the pesticide industry. In this role, he contributed to project planning, field-level execution, and monitoring of crop protection initiatives, ensuring adherence to technical guidelines and regulatory standards.

Kuldeep holds a Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture (B.Sc.) and a Master’s degree in Horticulture, providing him with a strong academic foundation and practical expertise in sustainable agriculture and crop management.

Malatesh J. M. is the Value Chain Development Specialist for the project “Strengthening Sustainability of Spices Value Chain through Farmer Producer Organizations.” He has experience in the agriculture input sector and has worked with NGOs including IFHD, Technoserve, and ISAP in roles such as Technical Expert, Crop Expert, and Team Lead.

He holds a Master’s in Agricultural Extension and a B.Sc. in Agriculture from the University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad, Karnataka.

His areas of expertise include sales, Farmer Producer Organization (FPO) implementation, research and development, and teaching.

Maninder Singh is a Project Associate at CII Foundation, working under the Initiative on Farm Stubble Management. He supports the implementation of programs focused on promoting sustainable agricultural practices and addressing environmental challenges related to crop residue burning.

In his role, he contributes to project planning, stakeholder coordination, field-level implementation, documentation, and reporting. He works closely with project teams, partners, and on-ground stakeholders to facilitate effective execution of activities in alignment with program objectives. His work supports efforts to enhance awareness and adoption of sustainable farm residue management practices, while ensuring timely delivery of project outcomes.

Prior to joining CII Foundation, he worked as a Technical Assistant in a private company dealing with the warehousing of rice, where his responsibilities included maintaining the quality of stored rice, monitoring storage conditions and supporting quality control and record-keeping processes.

He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture (B.Sc.) and a Master’s degree in Food Technology (M.Sc.) from Punjab Agricultural University.

Maria Arockiam is a Project Coordinator working on a wide array of projects including Early Childhood Development, Sustainability, Public Health and so on across Tamil Nadu.

He has completed his master’s in Development Management from Madras School of Social Work and has also completed a course on Mastering Corporate Social Responsibility.

He has previously worked for Aid et Action and World Vision India where he coordinated key projects in the livelihood, public health and education vertical. Maria has 8 years of experience in the development sector, and his passion lies in empowering communities and in creating meaningful impact through holistic and sustainable initiatives. Maria is committed to making an impact through development practice and seeks to create self-reliant models through his work.

Mehak Gupta is a Project Associate at the CII Foundation, supporting the Crop Residue Management (CRM) initiative in Sangrur district, Punjab. Her work focuses on field-level coordination, farmer engagement, and awareness activities to promote sustainable alternatives to stubble burning. 

She holds a postgraduate degree in Agrometeorology, with expertise in weather–crop interactions and climate-resilient agriculture. She has gained relevant field and research experience through engagements with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and Nurture.farm, contributing to CRM implementation and climate risk understanding.

Dr. Nancy Kaushik is a Research Analyst at the CII Foundation where she supports environmental and sustainability initiatives through advanced data analysis and evidence-based research. She focuses on strengthening ongoing projects by applying climate risk analytics, air quality assessment, emissions modelling, and ESG-aligned sustainability insights. With over five years of experience in national and international climate and air quality programs, she brings a strong multidisciplinary perspective to environmental decision-making.

She holds a PhD in Environmental Science from CSIR–National Physical Laboratory, specializing in atmospheric sciences, climate change, and environmental health. Before joining the CII Foundation, Dr. Nancy worked as a Consultant at the Population Council, contributing to climate–social policy initiatives across India and South Asia. She also served as a Research Fellow at NPL, collaborating with CPCB and international partners to establish India’s first OCEMS/CAAQMS calibration facility.

In addition, she has over four years of teaching experience at the University of Delhi and research experience at Indian Oil R&D, where she worked on vehicular and industrial pollution in Delhi NCR. Dr. Nancy Kaushik remains committed to advancing sustainable, science-driven solutions to environmental challenges.
 

Neeraj Kumar is an Accounts Officer with the Finance Team at CII Foundation. With over fifteen years of Experience in Finance & Accounts, he is responsible for day-to-day accounting and support to project team by overseeing all financial transactions and audits.

Neeraj holds a Bachelor’s degree in commerce from Delhi University and has cleared the CA entrance examination.

He has worked across diverse sectors including the social and hospitality sectors, with previous roles at Hotel Shangri-La, New Delhi, Capital Goods Sector Skill Council (SSC), and Vidyavriksh Education Foundation, among others.

Nitish Sharma is a Monitoring & Evaluation Officer at the CII Foundation, supporting the Crop Residue Management project in Punjab and Haryana. His work focuses on data-driven monitoring, evaluation, and impact assessment of sustainable agricultural practices across the region.

With over six years of experience, Nitish has worked with organizations including the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)-funded Uttarakhand Forest Resource Management Project, Sutra Consulting Pvt. Ltd., and the State Institute of Rural Development (SIRD), Himachal Pradesh. His expertise spans quantitative research, field coordination, and the use of digital tools for rural development and environmental management.

He holds an MBA in Rural Development from Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla. Passionate about grassroots engagement, Nitish enjoys working closely with farming communities and believes in the power of data to drive meaningful change in rural ecosystems.

Prateek Agrahari is an Associate Project Coordinator in the Climate Resilience team at the CII Foundation. He provides on-ground support for the execution and monitoring of the Crop Residue Management project in Haryana. His role involves engaging with local communities to raise awareness and promote climate-resilient practices.

Previously, Prateek worked as a Management Trainee in CSR and Business Development at AISECT, Bhopal, where he developed government and CSR proposals on skill development and vocational education, while also monitoring projects across North India. He has also interned with organizations like UPSRLM, AIIPMR, USSATA, TISS-ICSSR Project, and HelpAge India, gaining valuable field experience in rural development, SHG support, and water conservation.

He holds a Master’s degree in Social Work with a specialization in Community Organisation and Development Practices from TISS, Mumbai, and a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from the University of Lucknow. Passionate about community engagement, Prateek is dedicated to co-creating sustainable development solutions.

Priya Shirali leads Communication at the CII Foundation and designs and implements comprehensive 360-degree communication strategies aimed at strengthening the brand equity and increasing engagement with key stakeholders.

An accomplished communication professional with over 20 years of experience across journalism, strategic communication, and branding, Priya has been with CII since 2009. She led Corporate Communication for CII and has created and launched targetted communication for high-profile stakeholders such as government officials, industry leaders, and diplomats. She launched publications such as the CII Policy Watch and CII Monthly Monitor and has managed key publications, including the Annual Report.

Priya’s academic credentials include The ILSS Leadership Program from India Leaders for Social Sector; a Master’s degree in English Literature from Delhi University, a Bachelor of Arts degree from Lady Shri Ram College, Delhi University. She holds Diplomas in Advertising and Marketing from Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, New Delhi, and in Book Publishing from The National Book Trust, New Delhi.

Professor Rohan Sarma is an Invited Expert - Business and Community Initiatives at the CII Foundation. A social and behavioural scientist whose work explores the dynamic relationship between business and society, he has extensive experience in building purpose-driven institutions across public and private sectors and in providing strategic counsel on CSR, sustainability, and responsible business practices to leaders in India and abroad.

Rohan has been invited by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) to contribute as an expert on sustainability, CSR, and ESG standards. He is currently a Senior Fellow at the Centre for Responsible Business (CRB) and a Visiting Professor at Shiv Nadar University and the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA).

Rohan is an alumnus of the Tata Institute of Social Sciences and St. Xavier’s College, Kolkata.

S M Tahir Hussain is a Program Officer for the Climate Change Resilience initiative and manages the crop residue management project in Punjab and Haryana. He works closely with farmers, cooperative societies, and local administrations to create sustainable farming solutions.

With three years of on-ground project implementation experience, S M Tahir has previously worked with organizations such as BloodConnect, NIIT Foundation, and Shanti Sahyog. He holds a postgraduate degree in Social Exclusion and Inclusive Policy, along with an M. Com in Finance and Marketing from Jamia Millia Islamia.

Tahir's work in the agricultural sector is rooted in a strong belief in sustainable development and environmental preservation.

Sakshi Patel is a Project Coordinator at the CII Foundation in the Climate Change Resilience team, working on the Crop Residue Management (CRM) project. Her role focuses on supporting project implementation through data documentation, tracking, and reporting.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree in Political Science from the University of Delhi, along with a Master’s degree in Social Work with a specialization in Children and Families.

Sakshi has over 1 year of professional experience in the Maternal and Child Health sector. Prior to joining the CII Foundation, she worked with the NICE Foundation in Hyderabad, Telangana, as a Program Coordinator, contributing to the implementation of health programmes aimed at improving maternal and child health outcomes.
 

Sarbani is an experienced professional with over two decades of expertise in social development, focusing on women’s empowerment, early childhood education, and disaster relief initiatives. She has led advocacy efforts on industry action towards diversity & inclusion and impactful CSR.

As a Director at CII, she leads the Development Initiatives vertical with a focus on creating an enabling CSR ecosystem, in addition to leading the India Business and Disability Network (IBDN).

At the CII Foundation, she has developed and scaled programs on grassroots women empowerment, early childhood education, and disaster relief & rehabilitation initiatives

Before her role at CII, she served as a Young Professional in a fellowship program under the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India.

Sarbani holds a postgraduate degree in Rural Management from FMS-Indian Institute of Rural Management (Gold Medalist) and a Commerce Honors degree from Calcutta University. Sarbani is committed to advancing social equity and sustainability.

Shallu is an Associate Project Coordinator in the Crop Residue Management Initiative at the CII Foundation, based in Jind, Haryana. She supports the implementation of the project by engaging with farmers, SHGs, District Administration, KVKs, and other stakeholders to promote sustainable agricultural practices and reduce crop residue burning.

She has previously worked with JDR Insecticide Consulting Pvt. Ltd., Faridabad, and gained field-level exposure through the RAWE program, where she worked closely with farmers in rural areas.
Shallu holds a Master’s in Horticulture and a B.Sc. (Hons) in Agriculture from MMU, Ambala.

Shantanu Routh is the Communications Manager at CII Foundation, where he leads the organisation’s digital outreach across platforms. He is responsible for developing and executing communication strategies that enhance visibility, stakeholder engagement, and storytelling across the Foundation’s programmes.

With over five years of experience in digital communication, Shantanu has worked across fintech, edtech, and development sectors, building expertise in digital marketing, content creation, and audio-video production. His creative approach to storytelling is shaped by a strong foundation in visual communication—he has produced short films and music videos that have collectively garnered over 30 million views.

Shantanu holds a Bachelor’s degree in Animation and VFX from the Asian School of Media Studies (Mewar University).

Shibi Hari is a Project Coordinator at CII Foundation, based in Kochi, Kerala. She is currently supporting community-led initiatives.

She is currently pursuing her Postgraduate Degree in Psychology through distance education. With a deep passion for understanding human behavior, Shibi is committed to applying her knowledge to strengthen inclusive and empathetic community development.

Outside of work, she is actively involved in social work and voluntary initiatives. Her interests include exploring nature, music, and engaging with people from diverse backgrounds. Empathetic and culturally curious, Shibi combines academic learning with a heartfelt dedication to uplifting communities and creating meaningful impact at the grassroots level.

Subhasis is an MBA professional who plays a key role in supporting the CEO of CII Foundation, contributing to strategic coordination and organizational effectiveness.

With extensive experience in government programs related to health and education, Subhasis has played a pivotal role in the successful completion of 200 crore COVID-19 vaccinations as part of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare’s Immunization Division.

He has also worked closely with the Ministry of Education, contributing to the establishment of six new Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) across the country.

Subhasis enjoys traveling and is an avid table tennis player.

Sukriti Tolani is a Consultant with the Woman Exemplar Program. Her previous roles involved promoting children’s protection and women’s empowerment, collaborating with government officials and local communities in Basti, Uttar Pradesh.

Sukriti has also focused on menstrual hygiene management, working to break taboos surrounding menstruation in Lucknow and surrounding areas.

She holds a Master’s degree in Social Entrepreneurship from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences and a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Media (Journalism) from Mumbai University.

Sukriti is deeply committed to empowering women and working on initiatives that create positive change in rural communities.

Sumit Khandelwal is an Agricultural Engineer working as a Project Coordinator at the CII Foundation, with professional experience in crop residue management and soil and water engineering. He has been actively involved in initiatives that promote sustainable agriculture and effective natural resource management.

At CII Foundation, Sumit supports the planning, execution, and monitoring of agriculture-focused projects, with a particular emphasis on crop residue management. His work contributes to strengthening on-ground implementation and ensuring alignment with sustainability goals.

Prior to joining CII Foundation, Sumit worked with organizations such as the Watershed Organization Trust (WOTR) and Super Engineers India Pvt. Ltd., where he contributed to agriculture and watershed development projects across various stages of implementation.

He holds a B.Tech in Agricultural Engineering from Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University (CCSHAU), Hisar, Haryana.

Mr Misra serves as the CEO of CII Foundation. He also leads CII Development Initiatives, Rural Development, Disaster Management, and Sports.

Earlier, he served as the Director General of the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM) and Indian Electrical and Electronics Manufacturers' Association (IEEMA).

With over three decades of experience in industry associations, Mr Misra has held various leadership roles. In CII, he was Head of Public Policy and Regional Director, Eastern Region, overseeing operations in multiple states. He established the East Asia Office of CII at Shanghai where he was the Chief Representative of China office.

Other than the regular span of Industry Association work, Mr Misra is credited for his special work in the areas of Skills Development, Social Development, Disaster Management, and Delhi Commonwealth Games. Mr Misra conceptualised and led the Bangladesh China India Myanmar (BCIM) Car Rally from Kolkata to Kunming in 2013. Later, he also led a team for the INSTC Car Rally from St. Petersburg (Russia) to Chabahar Port (Iran). Both the rallies were supported by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and served the purpose of future connectivity via multi-modal transport for trade and commerce.

He was nominated as the industry expert on United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) programme at the Anti-Corruption Academic at Vienna.

Prior to joining CII, Mr Misra served as the Executive Director of Indian Industry Association.

Thinles Nurbu is a Project Coordinator in Ladakh and part of the Climate Change Resilience team at the CII Foundation. He focuses on engaging with waste workers, Resident Welfare Associations, municipal bodies, educational institutions, religious organizations, and other stakeholders to create zero-waste societies.

Thinles has over a year of experience in project management, coordination, and ground-level implementation. He has previously worked with various NGOs, including Flowering Dharma, HelpAge India, SSRD, and government agencies like the Housing and Protocol Department. He has also served as a Manager at Hotel Moon Land and the District De-addiction Centre in Leh, which is run by the District Management team under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. Additionally, Thinles has volunteered with LEDEG and municipal bodies.

He holds a Bachelor’s degree from Delhi University and a Master’s degree in Public Administration. Passionate about fieldwork, Thinles enjoys working with communities, particularly in the fields of education and the environment.

Tsering Angdu is a Project Coordinator at CII Foundation, where he supports the implementation of rural livelihood initiatives, focusing on enhancing community-based development across selected geographies. His work primarily involves coordinating projects that aim to improve sustainable livelihoods through capacity building and grassroots engagement.

Before joining CII Foundation, Tsering served as a Cluster Coordinator at Himmothan Society from 2019 to 2024, where he played an active role in planning and executing rural development programs. He has over five years of experience in the development sector, with a strong focus on community mobilization and livelihood enhancement.

Tsering holds an Honours degree in Political Science from Delhi University (2018) and a diploma in Supply Chain Management from NIMS (2023). He is deeply passionate about rural development, enjoys fieldwork, and finds great purpose in working closely with communities to help improve their livelihoods.

Tsetan Dolker is an environmental professional with expertise in waste management, community engagement, and project implementation. At CII Foundation, she manages documentation and stakeholder coordination for Ladakh’s zero-waste initiatives, working with waste workers, municipalities, and educational institutions.

With experience at the Himalayan Institute of Alternative Ladakh (HIAL) and a background in teaching and fieldwork, Tsetan is passionate about sustainable development.

She holds a Master’s degree in Environmental Management from GGSIPU, Delhi, and a Bachelor’s degree from Hansraj College, Delhi University.

Vikram M. Nimbal is the FPO Program Manager for the project “Strengthening Sustainability of Spices Value Chains through Farmer Producer Organizations.” This initiative focuses on enhancing the sustainability of the spices value chain by integrating FPOs into a robust multi-stakeholder framework.

His educational background includes a Post Graduate Diploma in Agribusiness Management from C.C.S. National Institute of Agricultural Marketing, Jaipur, and a B.Sc. in Agricultural Marketing and Cooperation from the University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad.

Vikram is a results-oriented development professional, passionate about driving sustainable rural transformation and community empowerment. He excels in project management, financial analysis, and stakeholder engagement, consistently striving to create positive social and environmental impact.

Yukti is a Program Manager who manages Early Childhood Education and Gender Advocacy initiatives at CII Foundation. With a background in Psychology, she has over 5 years of experience in cross-sector roles, including CSR strategy and brand communication for organizations like HCL, UPES, and Mars Inc.

Yukti’s work includes psychosocial rehabilitation for people with mental illness, curriculum design for children with intellectual disabilities, and mental health sensitization in rural Assam.

She holds a Master’s degree in Psychology from IGNOU and a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Media from Jai Hind College, Mumbai University. Yukti is passionate about improving mental health awareness, gender equality, and early childhood education in underserved communities.