Dr. L.N. Rajaram
President, Samavesh | Founder-Director, Kritilabs Technologies Pvt. LtdDr. L.N. Rajaram holds a B.Tech (Hons) in Electronics and Electrical Communication Engineering from IIT Kharagpur and a Ph.D. in Software Engineering from BITS Pilani. He co-founded Kritilabs Technologies Pvt. Ltd in 2012, where he serves as the CTO, specialising in IoT, AI, and ML. A dedicated social activist, Dr. Rajaram leverages technology to enhance local village economies and improve rural quality of life. For the past 12 years, he has actively contributed to Samavesh, continually exploring and promoting innovative ideas and initiatives with the team.
Dr. Anwar Jafri
Secretary and DirectorDr. Anwar Jafri, co-founder of Samavesh, has extensive experience in the CSO sector, he has developed innovative projects in primary education, women’s empowerment, and rural governance. A strong advocate for community agency, he has focussed on strengthening Panchayats for education, health, and livelihoods. Currently, he is establishing a community program for child rights and education through peer interaction, promoting youth involvement and personality development. Anwar was Director of Eklavya Bhopal (1991-2003) before co-founding Samavesh. Anwar studied Physics at St. Stephen’s College, Delhi, and AMU, holds a PhD in software development, and previously worked at TIFR, Mumbai.
Sachin Kumar Jain
TreasurerSachin Jain is the Secretary and Director of Vikas Samvad and an Ashoka Fellow. With a background in Journalism and Mass Communication, he specializes in Strategic Communication, developing various training modules and manuals. Under his leadership, his team addresses issues in health, nutrition, and food security, focusing on the Hindi-speaking regions, particularly Madhya Pradesh and Jharkhand. He has also crafted fieldwork modules for the Chief Minister's Community Leadership Development Program, a three-year Bachelor's course in Community Leadership and Social Work. A prolific writer, Sachin has authored numerous books, manuals, and primers. Recently, he has delved into the genesis of the Indian Constitution, producing several Hindi books and booklets on constitutional values.
Dr. R.N. Syag
MemberDr. Ramnarayan Syag, co-founder of Samavesh, has been instrumental in promoting inclusive development and good governance. He played a key role in MP Swashasan Abhiyan, focusing on strengthening local self-governance. After earning a Ph.D. in Education, he worked for 20 years with the Eklavya Foundation. During his involvement with the literacy movement in Dewas, he co-founded Kabir Manch, uniting folk singers to address social issues. A steadfast advocate for government-NGO collaboration, Dr. Syag serves on advisory boards of several organisations including Commutiny – The Youth Collective, Jan Sahas, and Civicact Foundation. He remains a respected figure in social development and governance.
Dr. Santanu Ghosh
MemberDr. Santanu Ghosh, with nearly four decades of teaching and research experience, is a Professor and Head of the Department of Economics at Maulana Azad College, Kolkata. A proponent of field studies in development, he integrates theoretical methods with practical situations. He has also taught at Presidency College, St. Xavier’s College, Kolkata, Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics, Pune, and IIM Ahmedabad. Former Secretary and Vice President of the Bengal Economic Association, he is currently the Secretary of the Regional Science Association, Kolkata, and a Life Member of several academic associations. Dr. Ghosh has published extensively in national journals and edited book volumes.
Ajit Kumar Singh
Member and Associate DirectorAjit Kumar Singh is the Associate Director of Samavesh. After studying Mathematics, he pursued Video Communication at MCRPV, Bhopal. With experience in television and print media, Ajit has produced numerous documentary films on developmental issues, one of which earned a merit award at the National Science Film Festival in the Environment category.
Over the last decade, he has focused on education and rural development, adopting holistic approaches to address multidimensional poverty. Since 2005, Ajit has managed various programs and conducted numerous studies for Samavesh. Additionally, he is the organization's go-to expert for computing and app development needs, making him indispensable to the team.
Mrs. Sadhna Syal
MemberSadhna Syal is a seasoned English teacher and author dedicated to education and personal growth. With over four decades of experience in training, teaching, and journalism, she specialises in communication skills and creative writing.
Syal has authored numerous children’s stories and books and has appeared as a guest speaker on TV and radio. She holds a degree in English Literature and a Diploma in Journalism.
Ms. Nootan Bhakal
MemberDr. Nootan Bhakal is the retired Vice-Principal of a prestigious college in Mumbai and a dedicated social worker. She has translated numerous books into Hindi and Gujarati, contributing significantly to literature and education. As an active member of the Indian Women Scientists’ Association in Mumbai, Dr. Bhakal has been a prominent advocate for women in science. Additionally, she will serve as the Secretary of the Chetan Memorial Trust, established in honor of her late brother.
Ms. Rajeshri Mandloi
MemberMs. Rajeshri Mandloi is an accomplished freelance researcher in the field of Social Sciences. She has held various positions through her career, including serving at Apne Aap Women Worldwide, an Indian organisation that empowers marginalised girls and women to resist and end sex trafficking. Ms. Mandloi embarked on her professional journey around the year 1994 with Eklavya. She brings extensive grassroots experience, particularly in rural areas of Madhya Pradesh, where she has worked closely with women and children.
Dhuleshwar Roat
MemberDhuleshwar Roat has dedicated 26 years to social and human upliftment, focusing on integrating marginalised tribal and Dalit communities into the mainstream and securing their rights. He promotes education, women’s empowerment, the Panchayati Raj system, and constitutional values through a network of government and 50 NGOs across several Indian states. He is now the CEO of Vikalp Sanstha in Rajasthan, holding a Fellowship on Human Justice.