With 15 years of committed experience in social work, Vijayalakshmi leads the organisation with a deep focus on women’s empowerment, school education, and organic farming. Her work bridges grassroots understanding with practical solutions, ensuring communities gain access to opportunities, knowledge, and sustainable livelihoods. She continues to guide the trust with a vision rooted in dignity, education, and environmentally responsible growth

With over two decades of experience in the development sector, M. Muruga has contributed to impactful programs with respected organisations such as PSI, UNICEF, USAID, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Smile Foundation, Kantar Market Research, Save the Children, CARE India, and WHO.

His expertise spans multiple development domains including public health, education, environment, skill training, livelihood, WASH, STEM education, agriculture, program implementation, and CSR audits. As the Founder and CEO of PM Research, he brings a grounded, research-driven approach to strengthening communities and supporting organisations in delivering measurable, sustainable outcomes

Dr. Gopala Krishnan brings over a decade of dedicated experience in social and economic research, with specialised expertise in population studies and economic census work. His academic grounding and field experience together form a steady compass for generating evidence-based insights that strengthen community development and policy planning.

He is currently associated with NIT Surathkal, where he guides learners, mentors young researchers, and contributes to impactful, data-driven studies. His work extends beyond the classroom into active participation in international conferences, symposiums, and academic forums, enriching the global exchange of knowledge. He has also facilitated industrial visits and experiential learning programs, helping students connect theoretical understanding with real-world applications.

With a commitment to academic rigor and societal progress, Dr. Krishnan continues to shape informed perspectives in the fields of social research, population studies, and developmental planning.

Dr. Nirmal Raj brings over 35 years of distinguished academic experience, with an extensive body of work that includes research papers, books and scholarly publications in the field of education. Under his mentorship, more than 30 scholars have earned their doctorates. His professional journey includes valuable international exposure in the USA and Canada. Deeply passionate about social development, he continues to contribute his expertise toward strengthening education and community-focused initiatives.

Sowmya Nagendra brings over 10 years of experience in teaching and educational development, guided by a strong commitment to social impact. She has contributed to Karnataka’s education curriculum development and has worked with the Tata Trusts’ CSR initiatives, managing both funding and on-ground implementation. Her work reflects a steady focus on strengthening learning systems, supporting schools, and creating opportunities that uplift children and communities.

Dr. Muhammad Shoaib Rahman has over eighteen years of experience as a monitoring, evaluation, and research specialist, collaborating with international development consultancies, faith-based organisations, and research institutions. His sectoral expertise spans agriculture, rural livelihoods, women's economic empowerment, health, and education, making him particularly well-suited for evaluating multi-thematic rural development programs. Shoaib holds a postgraduate degree in Social Work with a specialisation in Social Welfare from Jamia Millia Islamia and is highly proficient in both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies. He brings a deep understanding of integrated livelihood models, climate-resilient agriculture, and gender-inclusive programming, which are central to this evaluation. His project management capabilities include application of Results-Based Management (RBM), the Results Model, and the Management for Development Results (MfDR) approach, which are critical for assessing program effectiveness and institutional sustainability. Shoaib has worked extensively with tribal and rural communities across central and eastern India, facilitating over 25 institution-building processes and delivering more than 100 learning and evaluation solutions across the civil society, private sector, and multilateral development landscapes. For this assignment, he will lead the overall evaluation process, ensuring methodological rigour, contextual relevance, and actionable insights that support course correction and long-term impact.

Dr. Ashwini Deshpande, an alumnus of the University of Illinois Chicago, is deeply committed to advancing public health and community well-being. Her work includes extensive research and presentations on non-communicable diseases, contributing valuable insights to the field. Driven by a strong passion for social development, she continues to support initiatives that improve health awareness, prevention, and access for underserved communities.

Dr. Lily Zheng, an alumnus of the University of Illinois Chicago, brings a strong clinical foundation shaped by her MBBS and MS qualifications. She has contributed to research and public health outreach, with a focused interest in improving healthcare access for underserved communities. Her work reflects a steady commitment to blending medical expertise with social responsibility, supporting initiatives that strengthen health awareness and overall community well-being.

H. C. Kale Gowda brings over a decade of experience in industry and corporate law, offering steady legal guidance shaped by practical understanding and ethical clarity. Alongside his professional expertise, he carries a strong commitment to community development and social welfare, supporting initiatives that strengthen justice, opportunity, and dignity at the grassroots

Charishma Harish Gowda brings over five years of experience in public health and community development. With a strong paramedical background, she has contributed to various health initiatives, awareness programs, and field-level interventions. Her work reflects a steady commitment to strengthening public

With over 25 years of experience in the NGO and Education sectors, he specializes in designing and managing robust MIS and technology-driven systems that enhance program delivery and data-driven decision-making. His expertise lies in developing practical digital solutions—ranging from custom software to workflow automation and reporting dashboards—that bridge the gap between technology and field realities. Passionate about strengthening Monitoring & Evaluation frameworks, he works closely with teams, donors, and leadership to ensure reliable data and tools that drive meaningful impact and sustainable growth.

Dr. Kaleeswaran, a distinguished Communication Specialist with over 30 years of experience, brings a rich blend of academic excellence, industry expertise, and creative expression. Formerly associated with PSI (Population Services International), he has contributed extensively to strategic communication, behaviour change initiatives, and capacity-building programs across diverse sectors.

Currently serving as a Professor at Loyola College, Chennai, Dr. Kaleeswaran is widely respected for his dynamic teaching style, deep subject knowledge, and commitment to empowering young minds. Beyond academia, he is an accomplished theatre artist and filmmaker, using the power of storytelling, performance, and visual media to inspire, educate, and drive social impact.

Over the decades, he has conducted numerous workshops for NGOs, students, and corporate professionals, focusing on communication skills, personal development, leadership, creativity, and team building. His sessions are known for their high engagement, practical insights, and transformational outcomes.

Dr. Kaleeswaran continues to be a passionate advocate for meaningful communication, blending arts, education, and social purpose to create lasting change.