Empowering Communities | Restoring Ecosystems | Advancing Sustainability

Dr Harshavardhan Deshmukh is a Forestry and Sustainability expert, has spent over two and half decades advocating the cause of ecological balance and rural empowerment. With a career spanning education, research, and grassroots development benefiting farming communities across India. His work focuses on designing scalable models for small farmers, biodiversity conservation, and landscape restoration and his journey reflects a deep commitment to sustainable development. Currently serving as a Professor of Forestry at Dr. PDKV Agricultural University, Akola. Prof. Deshmukh plays a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of forestry professionals, guided numerous post-graduate students and led several Global, National and State-level research initiatives. His previous roles span reputed organizations like WOTR, SPS, BAIF and VANARAI, showcasing his ability to adapt solutions to diverse ecological and social contexts. Prof. Deshmukh is a recipient of the ICAR Best Teacher and has published extensively and actively contributes to national and international sustainability networks

Prof. Harshavardhan Deshmukh, Ph.D "President"

Dr. Rajkumar Gade is an accomplished disaster risk reduction (DRR) and emergency response specialist with over 15 years of global experience across Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean. With a Ph.D. in Disaster Management and a strong background in engineering and natural resource management, he has led multi-sectoral humanitarian programs with organizations like Save the Children, UNRWA, and ActionAid. Dr. Gade specializes in program evaluation, infrastructure resilience, DRR education, and policy development in fragile and conflict-affected settings. His work blends academic rigor with practical impact, including pioneering contributions in North Korea, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh.

Dr. Rajkumar Gade "Vice President"

Mr. Ashok Pingle is a development sector leader with over two decades of experience in education, child rights, urban governance, and rural development. As Programme Director of Gyan Prakash Foundation, he has driven large-scale education reforms in Maharashtra, impacting over 6 lakh children through teacher empowerment and systemic innovations. He previously led Save the Children’s Maharashtra and Gujarat programs, managing major multi-stakeholder initiatives with global donors like IKEA and Mondelez. With academic training from IIFM and CDSA, Ashok brings strategic leadership in program design, monitoring, and policy advocacy.

Mr. Ashok Pingle "Executive Secretary"

Mrs. Swanandi Pawar is a dynamic social development leader with over 20 years of experience across national and international organizations. She has held leadership roles at ARC, ISC, Asmae India, Gyan Prakash Foundation, and Room to Read. Swanandi’s expertise spans training, counseling, program management, advocacy, program evaluation, child rights, and research on child abuse and gender sensitization. She has also contributed to the State Council for Education Research and Training (SCERT), focusing on the Right to Education, strengthening School Management Committees, and developing Marathi language educational content.

Mrs. Swanandi Pawar "Joint Secretary"

Mr. Madhukar Vishnu Mane is a seasoned development professional with over 20 years of experience driving community-led systemic change in education, health, nutrition, and livelihoods across Maharashtra. Currently Head of Programs at Gyan Prakash Foundation, he leads large-scale government partnerships to strengthen education systems in remote districts through data-driven approaches and capacity building. With deep expertise in community mobilization, advocacy, and multi-stakeholder coordination, Madhukar has successfully implemented transformative programs reducing malnutrition and improving school enrollment among tribal populations. His work emphasizes sustainability by bridging community and government collaboration for lasting impact.

Mr. Madhukar Mane "Treasurer"

Dr. Mandar Mainkar is a seasoned Social Scientist with over 30 years of experience in public health research, program evaluation, and capacity building across India and Sub-Saharan Africa. He holds a Ph.D. in Population Studies from the International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS), Mumbai. Dr. Mainkar has led and contributed to major health and development initiatives with organizations such as USAID, FHI 360, NACO, MDACS, UNICEF, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. His work has shaped policy and practice in HIV/AIDS, reproductive health, and gender-based violence through evidence-based strategies and large-scale impact evaluations.

Dr. Mandar Mainkar "Executive Member"

Mr. Nilesh Nikade is a seasoned communication and advocacy professional with over 15 years of experience across leading UN organizations including ILO and UNICEF, as well as reputed NGOs like Save the Children. Holding a Graduate Diploma in Communication for Social Change from the University of Queensland, he has led impactful communication strategies spanning child rights, health, nutrition, and labour rights. Nilesh brings expertise in participatory communication, media engagement, and social behaviour change across grassroots and international settings. His work has earned national recognition and contributed to high-impact policy advocacy and programme visibility.

Mr. Nilesh Nikade "Executive Member"