Biswaranjan Parichha is a seasoned professional accountant specializing in NGO accounting with
over 15 years of expertise. He holds a Master's degree in Commerce from Utkal University, Odisha.
He dedicated much of his early career to the Bastar region of Chhattisgarh, where he played a
pivotal role as an accountant and compliance expert. He contributed to financial management,
transparency, and initiatives to improve local socio-economic conditions, showcasing his
commitment to creating a meaningful impact in this diverse and challenging region. With knowledge
of FCRA and Income Tax regulations, Biswaranjan is committed to maintaining transparency and
accountability in financial practices. His passion lies in supporting impactful initiatives and
contributing to meaningful change.
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.
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.
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.
