Our Board

Mr. R. Govindraj Michael is a professional with 25 years of experience in programme and finance management within the development sector. Holding degrees in Commerce and Sociology, and certified in IFRS, he has worked with leading INGOs such as Plan International, World Vision India, and Caritas India. His expertise spans project finance, FCRA, taxation, procurement, compliance, and donor reporting for major funders like the EU, USAID, DFID, and UNICEF. He has collaborated with global audit firms including KPMG and EY, and has extensive grassroots and international exposure. Mr. Michael also serves on boards and committees of several organizations.

Mr. Bheema Rao brings over 26 years of experience in academia and the international development sector, having worked with esteemed organizations such as World Vision India, Caritas India, DFID, GFTAM, JICA, and others. He holds an extensive academic background, including a Post-Graduate Diploma in Management, M.Com, and diplomas in NGO Management, Rural Development, and Industrial Relations. Currently pursuing a Ph.D. at Ravenshaw University, Odisha, his research focuses on the transformation of NGOs into NBFCs. Mr. Rao’s vast expertise spans program implementation, management, and policy, making him a valuable contributor to development initiatives across India and beyond.

Mr. G. Krishna Rao is a committed social development professional with over 20 years of experience in community empowerment, youth development, education, and social welfare. He has worked with diverse organizations including Nehru Yuva Kendra, Lutheran World Service India, HSBC, SWAD, and De Paul Public School. Currently, he is associated with the Franciscans Missionary of Mary Social Service Society, focusing on empowering children and women in coastal fishing villages. His work promotes inclusive development and sustainable livelihoods. Mr. Rao’s career reflects a strong dedication to grassroots change and uplifting marginalized communities through education, social programs, and capacity-building efforts.

Ms. Ipsa Pratibimbita Sarangi is the Regional Lead for the East Central office of the National Foundation for India, leading programs that empower marginalized communities. With nearly 21 years in the development sector, she has worked with PRADAN, CARE India, and NRLM. Her expertise includes governance, social inclusion, women’s empowerment, gender equality, leadership development, and financial inclusion. She is also committed to mentoring young development professionals. Ms. Sarangi holds a postgraduate degree in Mass Communication and a Postgraduate Diploma in Disaster Management, bringing both strategic vision and grassroots experience to her impactful work in the sector.

Ms. Sonal is a seasoned development professional with over 15 years of experience in managing and implementing social development projects across India. An MSW graduate from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), she is currently the Associate Director at Sutra Consulting, offering strategic and technical support across sectors like education, health, gender, livelihoods and social protection. She specializes in program management, monitoring and evaluation, capacity building and policy advocacy. With strong leadership and communication skills, Ms. Sonali has effectively engaged government bodies and diverse stakeholders to design scalable, impactful initiatives that promote inclusive development and social equity.

A development specialist with over 35 years of experience in humanitarian response and resource mobilization. He has led extensive emergency interventions, planning, resource mobilization strategies, and increasing organizational awareness through media coverage. His areas of expertise include disaster risk reduction (DRR), child cantered humanitarian response, and climate change adaptation. He has held several high-level positions, including Head of Humanitarian & DRR-CAA at Save the Children, Vice Chairperson of the Sphere India Humanitarian Coalition, Regional Emergency Officer at Christian Aid, and Senior Manager of Public Relations & Communications at Caritas India. Under his able guidance, development and humanitarian initiatives have advanced both qualitatively and quantitatively, helping people all over India.

She is the president of SHGs’ Federation (Divya Jyoti Mahila Vikash) with 20 years of field experience in SHGs mobilization. Gopamma has earned national recognition with fellowship from Ratan Tata Virtual Academy and Change Agent of Odisha award from Yes We Can, Bhubaneswar, for contributing toward women empowerment and promoting menstrual hygiene solutions.

Mr. Daseya is working in a Indian Rare Earths Limited (IRE) since last 15 years. He has working experience in Hindustan Latex Family Planning Promotion Trust and HIV AIDS projects. Besides that, he is involved in different Civil Society organizations and passionately contributes in development sector voluntarily.

Dr. Md. Imran Ali has done his Master and Ph.D in Social Work. He is the Co Founder Cum Managing Director, Salaam Jeevan, a voluntary organisation. And associated with NCNF as State Facilitator. He has been volunteering for the cause of substance abuse prevention and other public health issues for the past 18 years. He has conducted around more than 2500 awareness generation programmes in different parts of Odisha and outside too. He creates awareness on prevention of cancer, Tuberculosis and other deadly diseases. To his credit, he is registered in Limca Book of Records for his pan India anti tobacco drives in community Radios. He has been involved with community radios to create contents on social development themes. He has written several books on harmful effects of tobacco. One of his books is in Braille script for people with visual impairment. So also, he has produced documentaries on the theme of hazards of tobacco. One such documentary is in sign language for people with hearing impairment.

With 12 years of experience, she holds a Master’s in Social Work (MSW) and a Master’s in Education (M.Ed.), and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. She is a Lecturer at Pingalakhi Special Diploma College. Her previous roles include State Coordinator at Score Foundation and the Indian Red Cross Society, Odisha State Branch. She has also contributed to the Odisha Association for the Blind (OAB), Swabhiman (NGO), NYP, and NSS. She has presented various articles on disability issues.