Jagadananda presently leads the Centre for Youth and Social Development (CYSD). He demitted the office as the State Information Commissioner, Odisha to advance the Right to Information (RTI) agenda in the State in August 2013 and was a member of the State Planning Board of Odisha, following his active campaigning for people-centric decentralized planning. He is also the President of the National Social Watch (NSW). In 2008, he was a Member of the Committee on State Agrarian Relations and the Unfinished Task in Land Reforms.
In 1995 Bhanwarji initiated a movement for rights on forestland in Udaipur region of South Rajasthan. 25000 tribals have been associated with this movement and have been continuously struggling since 1977 for entitlements of rights (food, land, health, education) . He has served the community by organizing them on issues of livelihood, justice, survival and the right to live with dignity. Special focus of his work has been lobbying, advocacy, networking, planning of issue based campaigns, promoting collective leadership.
Josantony Joseph is a seasoned international trainer in capacity building, strategic planning, and human rights advocacy, with 38+ years of experience. A founding member of NCAS, he significantly shaped its early development and currently serves as a training consultant and Executive Board member.
His extensive background includes leadership roles with organizations like ActionAid, TROCAIRE, WelthungerHilfe, and the Asia Partnership for Human Development. He has also advised on critical issues like the Right to Food and gender inequality.
A published author, his work addresses food security, poverty, and social justice. He holds advanced degrees in philosophy, divinity, and various diplomas in media and counseling.
She holds a Phd in Women’s Studies from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences in Hyderabad. Dr. Vaishali has 15 years of experience with NGOs, Government Institutions, International and national networks and rights’ based movements across themes such as women’s health, dalit rights, manual scavenging and unorganised workers’ rights. Vaishali has training expertise in topics like gender and health. She is also a certified mental health professional.
Santosh Kumar brings a wealth of grassroots experience and a deep commitment to social justice to the NCAS Executive Committee. Holding a postgraduate degree in Sociology from Shobhit University, Meerut, Santosh honed his advocacy skills through an intensive 18-month internship at NCAS, focusing on community mobilization and policy-level intervention.
His extensive career includes pivotal roles with organizations like Jan Adhikar Kendra, Jeewan Mashal Samiti, and the Programme for Social Action, where he excelled in building alliances and strengthening civil society networks. Santosh’s dedication to rights-based advocacy is further demonstrated by his consultancy and fellowship roles in numerous forums and organizations.
A co-founder of Dalit Shakti Sangathan in Bihar, Santosh has been instrumental in empowering marginalized communities. His significant contributions to people’s movements have been recognized with the prestigious UNV Karamveer Chakra Award.
Ifat Hamid brings over 23 years of extensive experience in public policy advocacy, gender equity, and public health to the National Centre for Advocacy Studies (NCAS). With a career dedicated to driving positive social change, her expertise spans policy development, strategic stakeholder engagement, behavioral change communication, and the analysis of legal frameworks.
Throughout her professional journey, Ifat has demonstrated a strong commitment to addressing complex social issues through effective and impactful policy interventions. Her ability to build robust partnerships and her deep understanding of systemic challenges have positioned her as a key contributor to advancing equitable and sustainable solutions.
Dr. Milind Kokje is a distinguished media professional with over 40 years of experience in journalism, media leadership, and advocacy. A pioneer in embracing new media, Dr. Kokje began his career in print journalism and later spearheaded the launch and growth of online media for the Times Group during the early days of digital journalism. His expertise extends to broadcast media, where he successfully headed a 24-hour news channel. Beyond his editorial accomplishments, Dr. Kokje is deeply committed to media education. He has served as a visiting faculty at leading media academic institutions and universities, sharing his wealth of knowledge with the next generation of media professionals. He is also actively involved in media training for the NGO sector, empowering organizations to effectively communicate their missions and drive social change.
An active member of the Asia Media Forum, Dr. Kokje has contributed to several scholarly research studies in the media sector, further solidifying his reputation as a thought leader. Dr. Milind Kokje is a well-rounded media professional, consistently future-ready and dedicated to advancing the role of media in shaping informed and equitable societies.
Sandeep Kumar Pattnaik is a dedicated academic and public policy analyst, known for his decade-long work in advancing democratic decentralization and grassroots empowerment in Odisha. As a former key member of the National Centre for Advocacy Studies (NCAS), Bhubaneswar, he has championed transparent governance, and social justice.
His impactful contributions earned him the prestigious 8th Odisha Youth Inspiration Award 2018 in the Public Policy category. At NCAS, Sandeep has strengthened grassroots movements through capacity building, research, and campaign support, contributing to over 250 workshops for organizations across India and South Asia.
An ace para-shuttler and global inspiration, Sandeep’s resilience and commitment to social change make him a role model for advocates and policymakers.
Manjula Pradeep is a highly respected activist with over three decades of experience championing the rights of marginalized communities, particularly Dalits and women in India. Her work focuses on combating discrimination, advocating for social justice, and empowering grassroots leaders to drive systemic change.
She has also played a pivotal role on the global stage, serving as the former co-chair of the International Dalit Solidarity Network and advocating for the inclusion of caste-based discrimination in the United Nations agenda.
Since 2000, Manjula has represented Dalit and Dalit women’s concerns at the UN, the European Parliament, and other international forums, addressing issues of extreme violence, particularly sexual violence against minor girls and women from marginalized communities.
Manjula is the founder of the WAYVE Foundation, which empowers grassroots women activists and youth leaders through mentorship and support. She also serves as the Director of Campaigns at the Dalit Human Rights Defenders Network, working to combat human rights violations and ensure the implementation of anti-discrimination mechanisms.
As the National Convenor of the National Council of Women Leaders, she unites women and trans-women leaders from 21 Indian states, providing them a platform to voice their concerns.
Recognized globally for her impactful work, Manjula was listed among the BBC’s 100 influential and inspirational women in 2021.
