Meet Our Learners

2024-2026 Cohort

Gautam Mishra

I’m Gautam Mishra, hailing from Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh. I hold a Master’s in Development Studies from IIT Mandi and a Bachelor’s in Chemistry from IGNOU. Professionally, I’ve worked with the Chanakya Foundation and Rajeevika on managing projects and initiatives focused on skill development and women’s empowerment. I’m passionate about rural development and skill development. My hobbies include writing poems on social issues and exploring new technologies as a polymath.

Ena Ray Chowdhury

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

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

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

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.

Pratik Mishra

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Ashish Sourabh

I am an English Literature graduate from St. Xavier’s College, Ranchi, with a postgraduate diploma in RD from NIRD&PR. I have around four years of experience in the development sector, working with JSLPS in different capacities. While exploring the rural scenario, the things that touched me are the untold stories of rural India. These stories are raw, pure, and full of emotions, teachings, lessons, and resilience. The more I explore, the less I know what sums up my experience.

Dipti Arora

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.

Aishi Mukherjee

Hailing from the vibrant city of joy, Kolkata, I am an economist by academia and a staunch advocate of holistic education by profession. Rooted in the ethos of human development, I am deeply curious about the intricate connections between society, the economy and the government. On any given day, I could be found relishing thought-provoking conversations with those around me over a sumptuous meal that I will delightfully prepare as a self-proclaimed chef! With a belief that change is the only constant, I’m on a mission to make life brighterfor myself and those who I encounter, one day at a time!

Leela Jerard Kurian

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

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

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

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.

Rushikesh Kokare

Hello everyone, My name is Rushikesh from the Beed district of Maharashtra. I am the first graduate in my family. I completed my graduation in Economics from Savitribai Phule University, Pune, and a PG Diploma in Sustainable Rural Reconstruction from Gandhi Research Foundation, Jalgaon. This one-year program included six months of academics and six months of fieldwork, where I explored organizations in the tribal areas of Maharashtra and Gujarat focusing on education and health. Recently, I finished my Teach For India fellowship, teaching 110 underserved and underprivileged children in the community.

Anshu Anand

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.

Sumit Sarangdhar Gawande

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Sriya Rane

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.