Team
Poonam Muttreja
Executive Director, Population Foundation of IndiaPoonam Muttreja, Executive Director of the Population Foundation of India, has for over 40 years been a strong advocate for women’s health, reproductive and sexual rights, and rural livelihoods. She has co-conceived the popular transmedia initiative, Main Kuch Bhi Kar Sakti Hoon – I, A Woman, Can Achieve Anything. Before joining Population Foundation of India, she served as the India Country Director of the John D and Catherine T MacArthur Foundation for 15 years and has also co-founded and led the Ashoka Foundation, Dastkar, and the Society for Rural, Urban and Tribal Initiative (SRUTI). Poonam is a member of the Governing Council and Board of ActionAid International and India and is a member of a committee on Population Dynamics and Women’s Empowerment at The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, Washington DC.
An alumna of Delhi University and Harvard University’s John F Kennedy School of Government, Poonam serves on the governing council of several non-governmental organizations, and is a regular commentator in India and globally for television and the print media
Sanghamitra Singh
Chief of ProgrammesSanghamitra Singh is a trained health scientist and public health professional with over a decade of experience in research, program leadership and management. In her current role as the Chief of Programmes at the Population Foundation of India, Sanghamitra oversees the organization’s national and state initiatives, fundraising efforts, media engagements, organizational partnerships and communications and development and dissemination of the Foundation’s research and literature. A regular print and digital commentator, she has represented Population Foundation of India at several national and international forums.
Sanghamitra has served as a Commission Fellow with the the Lancet Citizen’s Commission for reimagining India’s health System and was a member of the inaugural India cohort of WomenLift Health’s India Leadership journey. She is an editorial board member of the Journal of Development Policy and Practice.
She holds a PhD in biological sciences from the George Washington University and has previously worked with the George Washington University, National Institutes of Health, Federal Drug Administration (FDA) and Ajinomoto Corporation, Tokyo. Sanghamitra is a trained Bharatnatyam dancer and has a passion for visual arts and handicrafts.
Raam Kumar
Chief Financial OfficerRaam Kumar is Chief Financial Officer at Population Foundation of India. He manages Finance, Administration, Information Technology and Program Operations portfolio at Population Foundation. He comes with a strong 30 years of experience in the field of controlling and reviewing financial data, planning, monitoring internal controls, human resources, managing audits, administration and operations. He has worked across the public sector, private sector and development sector, with the last 20 years as Head of Finance. Prior to joining Population Foundation, he worked as Chief Finance Officer at Rajiv Gandhi Charitable Trust and before that as Director-Finance at Encyclopaedia Britannica India (Pvt.) Ltd. He is a Fellow Chartered Accountant and has done Masters in Business Administration.
Bijit Roy
Senior Programme Implementation & Community Engagement LeadBijit Roy has over 20 years of experience in planning, implementation and management of large scale nutrition, maternal and child health and HIV/AIDS programmes.
At Population Foundation of India, Bijit leads community action and accountability vertical as the Senior Lead – State Programmes and Strategic Engagement. Population Foundation of India hosts the Secretariat of the Advisory Group on Community Action (AGCA), a committee constituted by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) under the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) to provide guidance and technical support to the state governments to strengthen and scale up community action processes initiatives, particularly related to accountability. The initiative covers 353 districts, 68 cities across 23 states of India. Bijit has previously worked at CARE in the Policy and Advocacy Unit at the India Country Office and managed implementation of the Reproductive and Child Health, Nutrition and HIV/AIDS (RACHNA) programme in the states of Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh.
He holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Rural Development from Xavier Institute of Social Service, Ranchi and a Bachelor degree in Political Science from the Banaras Hindu University.
Alok Vajpeyi
Lead - Core Grants & Knowledge ManagementAlok is an experienced Development Professional, M&E Specialist and Researcher with progressive experience in evidence based development. Alok has worked with national and international organizations and has specialization in evaluation design, planning, implementation, and use in multiple contexts and domains. Alok was member of Family Planning 2020 (FP2020) Performance Monitoring and Evaluation Working Group (PME WG) for 2016-18. Alok has led several international and national level research studies, reviews and evaluations. Alok was actively involved in drafting of revised State Population Policy in Uttar Pradesh in 2016 and National ICT in Education policy for Ministry of HRD, GOI in 2007. He has also led the process of Bihar Population Policy Development in collaboration with State Health Society, Bihar in late 2019.
Tejwinder Singh Anand
Lead - Technology & CommunicationsTejwinder is a communication professional with over 17 years of work experience in the areas of brand strategy, marketing communication, and digital marketing. He has worked with brands on high impact campaigns across profit & non-profit sectors, BFSI and consumer electronics.
An engineering and management graduate, Tejwinder is stepping up for people by building communication to amplify the reach of initiatives and programmes at the Population Foundation of India.
Strategic Engagement
Shilpa Nair
Lead & State Head, Uttar PradeshShilpa Nair leads Population Foundation of India’s work on Gender, Family Planning, Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health, Community Action and Behavior Change Communication in the State of Uttar Pradesh. She works closely with government, policymakers, media, NGOs, civil society networks and communities to highlight, prioritize and improve the health and wellbeing of women, children and adolescents. In a career spanning over two and half decades, Shilpa has led the implementation of several large-scale projects providing technical assistance to government institutions, strengthening civil society, mobilizing communities, building champions and catalyzing on-ground implementation of health interventions and services. A member of key consultative forums of the Government of Uttar Pradesh, prior to joining Population Foundation, Shilpa has held leadership roles with Global Health Strategies (GHS), Family Health International (FHI 360), CARE International, Program for Appropriate Technologies In Health (PATH), State Innovations in Family Planning Services Project Agency (SIFPSA) and Family Planning Association of India in projects funded by the US Agency for International Development (USAID), Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF).
Riya Thakur
Associate Lead - Youth and AdolescenceRiya Thakur is a passionate advocate for Sexual and Reproductive Health, Rights and Justice. She has over 12 years of experience in advancing the rights of adolescent and young people to access health and information services in India and South Asia Region.
Riya has a proven track record of working with policy makers, governments and multi-stakeholders to drive conducive policies, strengthen health systems, and garner investments and commitments at national and inter-government levels for advancing SRHR of young people.
She recently joined Population Foundation of India (PFI) as the Associate Lead- Youth and Adolescence, where she leads the conceptualization and implementation of the organisation’s Youth and Adolescent work. Prior to this, Riya was part of PFI from 2016 to 2022, providing strategic support to the youth and adolescent vertical as the Sr. Specialist Youth and Adolescence and leading multi-programmes at the national level on Adolescent Health and Wellbeing and Comprehensive Sexuality Education.
In addition to her work at PFI, Riya has also contributed her expertise to other organizations such as IPPF, ICICI Lombard, Jhpiego, EngenderHealth, and Unicef in her previous roles.
Riya holds a post-graduate degree in Rural Development, with a specialization in RCH and Gender Development. Her strong belief in and support for equity for universal access to healthcare has driven her work throughout her career.
Overall, Riya is a dynamic and dedicated advocate in the field of Sexual and Reproductive Health, Rights and Justice, committed to improving the lives of young people in India and beyond.
Dr. Gunjan Chandhok
Specialist – RCFPDr. Gunjan Chandhok is a dedicated professional with over eight years of work experience in the field of gender, health and social work. Gunjan’s research accomplishments include a PhD in Social Work (University of Delhi) and a M.Phil in Social Work (University of Delhi) highlighting the vital aspects of women’s reproductive and sexual health and gender-based violence. A post-graduate in Social Work from University of Delhi, she also holds a postgraduate degree in Gender and Development Studies.
Gunjan has worked in various capacities with some of the notable institutions like National Institute of Health and Family Welfare, Indian Council of Medical Research-NICPR and AIIMS-New Delhi towards improving women’s reproductive and sexual health status, generating impactful research, and contributing significantly to the field of public health.
Her publications and contributions have been instrumental in shaping discussions and knowledge in her field. She has authored a book titled “Autonomy over Anatomy: Reproductive and Sexual Health Rights” and has contributed articles to numerous peer-reviewed journals and chapters in edited books. Her insights have been presented at various national and international conferences, enhancing the discourse on gender, sexual and reproductive health, and social work.
Gunjan is a nature enthusiast, an ailurophile and likes to write poetry.
Liklaleima Ningombam
Consultant - Adolescent Health & Well BeingLiklaleima is a professional social worker having an experience of working with young children, adolescents and youth around gender, health and education. She is associated with PFI as a Consultant for Adolescent Health and Wellbeing for CSE programmes in Manipur. Her works involve engaging with government and non-government stakeholders for the integration of adolescent health and well being education.
Souvik Bandhapadhyay
Analyst – Youth & AdolescenceSouvik holds 6+ years of experience of social sector in education, youth engagement and health domains with several national and international organizations as well as Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, G.O.I. He worked extensively in program strategy development, operations, strengthening monitoring and evaluation and process reengineering. He joined Population Foundation of India as an Analyst for Youth and Adolescence and will be working closely on Knowledge Management and Programs team. He has a strong interest in public system & service and believe in developing platforms to transfer agencies to individual for their self-development to strengthen the system.
Nilanshu Kumar
Specialist - ProgrammesNilanshu Kumar is a development professional with MBA in Human Resource Management. He is public health expert with over 12 years of progressively responsible experience in Planning, Training, Program implementation & evaluation of interventions on RMNCH+A, Family Planning, maternal, newborn, child health Nutrition and Water & Sanitation. Added skills include: knowledge of designing program on public health problems; development of partnership management, program quality, prepare training curriculum, resource management, growth linkages and management information system (MIS).
Balbeer Singh
Senior Analyst - ProgrammesBalbeer Singh is a development professional with Master in Sociology along with more than 15 years of experience of planning, implementation of programme in different issues like- gender, adolescent development, family planning strengthening of government institutions, community process at grass root to district and state level including planning & implementation and Balbeer is also a state level trainer on health.
Balbeer has been associated with Population Foundation of India since October 2018 and has been working on improving governance and management of public health facilities. He is stepping up qualitative health service for people and communities, adolescent health through Rogi Kalyan Samiti across the Uttar Pradesh state to driving the change and want to work for community action for health. He has also previously worked with Parivartan, Sakhi Kendra and PHFI.
Abhishek Pathak
Senior Analyst - Programmes, Uttar PradeshAbhishek Pathak is working as the Program Officer – Matrix Program, Uttar Pradesh. He actively engages with and reaches out to communities through capacity-building programs for adolescents, health staff and frontline workers. He also provides technical support to RKSK on quality services, by engaging with people through sensitisation and advocacy programs with education, NYK and convergence departments. Abhishek also coordinates for state/district advocacy initiatives and ensures planning, implementation and execution of the project.
Abhishek is a public health professional with over 14 years of experience in Family Planning and Advocacy, Training and Capacity Building, Nutrition, Media Engagement and Media Management, Political Advocacy, RMNCH+A, RCH Portal, Project Management and Strategic Planning, HMIS, Monitoring and Evaluation, Tuberculosis, Finance, Convergence with Panchayti Raj, Health, ICDS, Education, Food and Supply department and Rural development.
Amitosh Tripathi
State Administration OfficerAmitosh Tripathi has over 16 years of experience in HR & Admin profile in different sectors. He started my career as an Officer –HR & Personnel in a manufacturing plant in 2006 after completion of my Master’s Degree MBA in Human Resource & Industrial Relation from Lucknow University. Amitosh has been associated with the development sector since 2011 when he joined IPE Global Pvt. Ltd. His last organization was India Health Action Trust where he was associated for over 8 years. Previously, he has also worked in a microfinance company as an Assistant Manager-Admin and as a Senior Payroll Executive in a consultancy firm Adecco Flexione Workforce Solutions Ltd. His expertise is in managing events, procurement process, vendor management, asset management & payroll processing.
Community Action and Accountability
Bijit Roy
Senior Programme Implementation & Community Engagement LeadBijit Roy has over 20 years of experience in planning, implementation and management of large scale nutrition, maternal and child health and HIV/AIDS programmes.
At Population Foundation of India, Bijit leads community action and accountability vertical as the Senior Lead – State Programmes and Strategic Engagement. Population Foundation of India hosts the Secretariat of the Advisory Group on Community Action (AGCA), a committee constituted by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) under the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) to provide guidance and technical support to the state governments to strengthen and scale up community action processes initiatives, particularly related to accountability. The initiative covers 353 districts, 68 cities across 23 states of India. Bijit has previously worked at CARE in the Policy and Advocacy Unit at the India Country Office and managed implementation of the Reproductive and Child Health, Nutrition and HIV/AIDS (RACHNA) programme in the states of Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh.
He holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Rural Development from Xavier Institute of Social Service, Ranchi and a Bachelor degree in Political Science from the Banaras Hindu University.
Shilpi
Specialist - Community ActionShilpi works as a Specialist for Community Action and closely works with the district team in supervising the Community for Action Health programme in Bihar. She brings on board a decade’s experience in the development sector with specialization and interest in Gender, Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights, Community led Approaches, Migration and Child Protection.
An experienced facilitator and a practitioner of participatory approaches, she has been involved in various training and capacity building initiatives with a diverse range of communities and groups as well as been part of several participatory research studies, participatory action research on community led processes and participatory assessments and evaluations.
In her prior experience, she has been part of Participatory Action Research processes which have enabled engagement with rural communities in understanding their needs, aspirations and capacitating them towards Community Led mechanisms. She is backed Masters in Development Studies and bachelors in Mass Communication.
Kailash Songara
Consultant Project CoordinatorI am Kailash Songara and currently associated with PFI based out of Jaipur, Rajasthan. I am an MBA Graduate from Alagappa University with specialization is Sales and Marketing and have completed my Graduation in Arts (B.A) from Rajasthan Vidyapeeth Udaipur. I have work experience of 20 years+ with some of the leading organizations namely PSI, Engender Health and Smile. I have also been a sports person. In my spare time, I like to read books and listen to music.
Technology and Communications
Tejwinder Singh Anand
Lead - Technology & CommunicationsTejwinder is a communication professional with over 17 years of work experience in the areas of brand strategy, marketing communication, and digital marketing. He has worked with brands on high impact campaigns across profit & non-profit sectors, BFSI and consumer electronics.
An engineering and management graduate, Tejwinder is stepping up for people by building communication to amplify the reach of initiatives and programmes at the Population Foundation of India.
Martand Kaushik
Senior Specialist – Media and CommunicationsMartand Kaushik is a journalist and communications professional with over ten years of experience. He has worked on the editorial staffs of organisations such as The Times of India and The Caravan. At The Caravan, he supervised a team of writers and reporters to cover politics, public health, education and the environment, among other public-policy issues. He has also written on issues such as politics, human rights, and arts and culture.
Martand hopes to build greater awareness in the media of the issues the Population Foundation of India works on, and use storytelling skills to produce text and visual content that prompts behavior change for positive health outcomes.
Arya Vatsa
Senior Analyst - Technology and CommunicationsArya has a postgraduate degree in Public Policy with 8 years of experience in the development sector, specialised in communications. In her professional experience, Arya has initiated various campaigns and made podcasts for different organisations including Sightsavers India and India HIV/AIDS Alliance. Her favourite part of Communications work has been listening to people’s stories on ground.
Outside of work, Arya discovered her calling in the outdoors and has been doing parkour for three years now, converting urban landscapes into her personal playground. She is also a naturalist and a podcaster, where she shares her amusing parkour escapades.
Shivangi Tripathi
Analyst - Technology and CommunicationsShivangi is a dynamic public policy professional with a passion for strategic communications and social infrastructure development in India. With a diverse background in strategic communications, content creation, and nonprofit work, Shivangi brings a wealth of experience to her role. She has previously worked with esteemed organizations such as Central Square Foundation and collaborated with the Capacity Building Commission on a project focused on addressing domestic violence. Outside of work, Shivangi loves to pick apt soundtracks for different moments in life, is interested in fashion, watches predictable movies, reads even more predictable novels, and loves to cook elaborate and carb-heavy Sunday breakfasts. Shivangi has completed her PGP in public policy, design, and management from the Indian School of Public Policy, and has an undergraduate degree in journalism from Sophia College in Mumbai.
At Population Foundation of India, Shivangi drives social impact initiatives using innovative communication techniques. She manages AI chatbot SnehAI, supports Educately, creates social and behaviour change communication materials for campaigns, oversees social media, provides communication assistance, and organises events.
Rizwan Shaikh
Consultant - TechnologyRizwan is a passionate technologist with over 10 years of training and experience in co-building innovative products, managing digital footprints for NGOs, political parties and start-ups. At Population Foundation, he manages the Knowledge Hub and leads the organization’s technological and digital initiatives. He is stepping up for people by building technology to maximize social impact.
Priyal Gulati
Consultant - Digital LearningPriyal is part of the Knowledge Hub and is responsible for managing the online program ARSH for You. She has experience writing news articles for children, NGO impact stories, and running a document delivery service. Priyal is an avid reader and appreciates art in any form.
Priyal is stepping up to help educators understand the challenges associated with adolescent health and well-being.
Shailendra Singh Negi
System AdministratorShailendra has completed graduation from Delhi University. He has more than 20 years of experience in Information Technology (Networking and Windows Server and OS level support), TCP/IP, DHCP, DNS, SMTP, PoP3 IMAP, FTP, Firewall and NATING, Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Exchange, Microsoft Windows Server 2008, 2012 and M 365 Support. Shailendra is a certified MCA (Microsoft Certified Associate), MCSE (Microsoft Certified System Engineer), MCITP (Microsoft Certified IT Professional) and CCNA (Cicso Certified Network associate).
Resource Mobilisation
Finance
Raam Kumar
Chief Financial OfficerRaam Kumar is Chief Financial Officer at Population Foundation of India. He manages Finance, Administration, Information Technology and Program Operations portfolio at Population Foundation. He comes with a strong 30 years of experience in the field of controlling and reviewing financial data, planning, monitoring internal controls, human resources, managing audits, administration and operations. He has worked across the public sector, private sector and development sector, with the last 20 years as Head of Finance. Prior to joining Population Foundation, he worked as Chief Finance Officer at Rajiv Gandhi Charitable Trust and before that as Director-Finance at Encyclopaedia Britannica India (Pvt.) Ltd. He is a Fellow Chartered Accountant and has done Masters in Business Administration.
Milan Rana
Associate Director - FinanceMr. Milan Rana holds a Master degree in Commerce and Master degree in Business Administration with specialization in Finance. He has experience of over 16 years in the field of finance, accounting, budgeting, and statutory compliances. He has wide experience in Finalizations of Accounts, Budgeting and Budgetary controls, Internal controls, creating and managing financial systems, statutory compliance, Financial Audit, Management of FCRA Funds, Financial Analysis, Financial Assessment of NGOs, Fund management, Investment, Partners Management, Training to staff and partners on finance/admin./procurement, Closure of projects, HR Management, Procurement/Procurement audit, Management of agreements/contracts, Asset management, maintenance of organizational & project accounts, Preparation of financial documents for Management, donors and stakeholders and Management of funds.
Kalyan Kumar Das
Senior Accounts OfficerKalyan is a commerce graduate from Calcutta University with specialisation in accountancy and he is Intermediate qualified from Institute of Cost Accountants of India. In professional domain, he has his expertise in Accounting, Taxations, Auditing, and Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) in social sector organizations for more than 13 years. His work experience encompasses in managing FC projects and Funds, statutory compliances, financial assessment of NGOs, management of sub-grants, general accounting, support in Internal and statutory audit. He has comprehensive experience in setting up of accounting systems, presenting Financial Statements, preparation of project reports, investment management, consolidation of books of accounts and preparation of Balance Sheet. He is providing support to sub partners to adhere with the grant agreement clauses and the financial reporting.
Shyam Lal
Accounts and Admin AssistantShyam Lal is working as an Administrative & Accounts Assistant and takes care of Banking related work including follow-up with Seniors for timely completing of cheque transactions. Besides Shyam Lal also maintains record keeping of vouchers, Files etc., dispatch of Form 16/16As to various parties at the end of each quarter. During the time of Audit he will assist Accounts Department/Auditors with necessary records for smooth functioning of Audit.
Veena Nayal
Accounts officerVeena Nayal is a Finance Professional with over 5 years of experience in the finance and accounts domain, specialising in costing, budgeting, and financial accounting activities to ensure adherence to generally accepted accounting principles and performance standards. She is responsible for accounting, ensuring compliance with all statutory requirements, and producing timely reports. Veena has completed her CMA – Intermediate from the Institute of Cost Accountants of India and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce from University of Delhi.
Administration
Gagan Singhal
Manager - Human Resources and AdministrationGagan Singhal is an administration professional and holding Master’s Degree in Commerce. He has completed his Post Graduate Diploma in Business Administration with specialization in Human Resource Management. He has rich working experience in the field of office administration and management including good understanding of IT systems for offices. Prior to joining Population Foundation, he worked as Coordinator – Administration & IT at WaterAid India; as Correspondent Administration & Publication at Rotary International South Asia Office and as Administrative Assistant at National Polio Surveillance Project of World Health Organization. He has more than 16 years of experience during which period he has developed a good understanding of the non-profit sector and is accustomed to working in a multi-cultural organisation environment.
M A Jose
Consultant - Sr Executive Assistant to Executive Director cum Programme AssociateJose, has more than 25 years of experience in the development sector in planning, management & administration of research projects at state and national levels, knowledge management including dissemination of research findings, media relations and event management.
He has worked with several national and international organisations in the development sector, including the Population Council, Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) India and the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE). He is associated with PFI as consultant – Sr E.A cum Programme Associate.
In his free time, Jose loves to travel and he is a travel vlogger.
Usha Nair
Officer - Front Office & Travel DeskP Narayanan
Admin AssistantWith over 25 years of experience, P Narayanan works as an Administration Assistant with Population Foundation of India. He is the overall in-charge of office stationery and photocopier. In addition, he acts as a focal point for all important office files including health insurance, MCD, DDA, Governing Board, and other stock material, including important project files as well.
Provash Kumar Paul
Facility In Charge, DelhiProvash Kumar Paul has been working with Population Foundation of India since the year 1991 as a Facility in-charge. He maintains the overall functioning of the building.
Kamlesh Kumar
Gardener-cum-MessengerKamlesh maintains the garden and horticulture of the entire office premises, and also provides messenger service, and supports routine admin activities. He has been working with Population Foundation of India for the last 27 years.
Vijaya Reddy
DriverVijaya Reddy has been associated with Population Foundation of India for the last 11 years and is deputed as a Driver to Executive Director’s office car.
Vijender Kumar
Office BoyVijender Kumar has been working with Population Foundation of India for the last 22 years. He ensures cleaning of the office premises and supports pantry function as well as day-to-day routine admin activities.
Sanjay Ekka
Office Boy, DelhiSanjay Ekka has been associated with Population Foundation of India for the last 24 years. He ensures cleaning of office premises and supports pantry function as well as day-to-day routine support activities.
Ajay Kumar
Office Assistant, BiharAnkit Sharma
Senior ManagerAnkit Sharma is working as Senior Manager with Population Foundation of India. He is a Management Graduate in Human Resources with professional career of 17 years with strong and wide exposure in HR areas including Talent Acquisition, Talent Management, Leadership Capability Development, ERP Implementation, Performance Management system and Business HR Operations.
In a career spanning over a decade, Ankit Sharma has been associated with various Corporates like Jindal Stainless Limited, Uflex Ltd and Uniparts India limited leading several Organisation Development (OD) interventions and specific HR based projects as part of key roles and responsibilities. During his professional journey he has also been associated with various Institutes (IIT, NIIT and B Schools) as Guest lecturer and speaker, Campus recruitments process and through various students organized forums.
Ankit Sharma in his offtime likes to play sports, travel and explore new places and also like to pen down diaries as part of stress buster
Gagan Singhal
Manager - Human Resources and AdministrationGagan Singhal is an administration professional and holding Master’s Degree in Commerce. He has completed his Post Graduate Diploma in Business Administration with specialization in Human Resource Management. He has rich working experience in the field of office administration and management including good understanding of IT systems for offices. Prior to joining Population Foundation, he worked as Coordinator – Administration & IT at WaterAid India; as Correspondent Administration & Publication at Rotary International South Asia Office and as Administrative Assistant at National Polio Surveillance Project of World Health Organization. He has more than 16 years of experience during which period he has developed a good understanding of the non-profit sector and is accustomed to working in a multi-cultural organisation environment.
Knowledge Management
Sanghamitra Singh
Chief of ProgrammesSanghamitra Singh is a trained health scientist and public health professional with over a decade of experience in research, program leadership and management. In her current role as the Chief of Programmes at the Population Foundation of India, Sanghamitra oversees the organization’s national and state initiatives, fundraising efforts, media engagements, organizational partnerships and communications and development and dissemination of the Foundation’s research and literature. A regular print and digital commentator, she has represented Population Foundation of India at several national and international forums.
Sanghamitra has served as a Commission Fellow with the the Lancet Citizen’s Commission for reimagining India’s health System and was a member of the inaugural India cohort of WomenLift Health’s India Leadership journey. She is an editorial board member of the Journal of Development Policy and Practice.
She holds a PhD in biological sciences from the George Washington University and has previously worked with the George Washington University, National Institutes of Health, Federal Drug Administration (FDA) and Ajinomoto Corporation, Tokyo. Sanghamitra is a trained Bharatnatyam dancer and has a passion for visual arts and handicrafts.
Alok Vajpeyi
Lead - Core Grants & Knowledge ManagementAlok is an experienced Development Professional, M&E Specialist and Researcher with progressive experience in evidence based development. Alok has worked with national and international organizations and has specialization in evaluation design, planning, implementation, and use in multiple contexts and domains. Alok was member of Family Planning 2020 (FP2020) Performance Monitoring and Evaluation Working Group (PME WG) for 2016-18. Alok has led several international and national level research studies, reviews and evaluations. Alok was actively involved in drafting of revised State Population Policy in Uttar Pradesh in 2016 and National ICT in Education policy for Ministry of HRD, GOI in 2007. He has also led the process of Bihar Population Policy Development in collaboration with State Health Society, Bihar in late 2019.
Dr. Varun Sharma
Specialist - Monitoring & EvaluationDr. Varun Sharma is a PhD in Economics from the Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics and a postdoc in Public Health from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences. With over 12 years of experience in the fields of public health and social development, he is a seasoned social and development researcher. Throughout his career, he has had the opportunity to work in various cities and with different organizations, spanning academia, think-tanks, rights-based NGOs, and international NGOs. In his most recent role, he supported the public health surveillance and climate change project at Jhpiego in the capacity of a Monitoring, Learning, and Evaluation (MLE) specialist. In his professional journey, he has managed many research and impact evaluation projects, contributing significantly to the body of knowledge in his field. His work is evident in the publication of many research articles in international peer-reviewed journals. As a staunch believer in learning as a continuous process, he consistently pushes his boundaries and embraces change with an open heart. Outside of work, he finds joy in spending time with family and friends, indulging in his love for listening to old songs, and exploring new places, particularly in the countryside.
Aishwarya Adhikari
Analyst - Knowledge ManagementAishwarya has more than half a decade worth of experience in the development sector with specialisation and interest in Gender, Sexual and Reproductive Rights. She joined the Population Foundation of India as an Analyst on Knowledge Management. She has worked comprehensively on issues of preventable maternal mortality and morbidity, family planning, adolescent sexual health, child marriage, right to food and nutrition, as well as LGBTQIA+ rights. She has been involved in various capacity-building workshops/training modules with a diverse range of communities and groups across several states in India as a researcher.
Aishwarya has pursued a Master of Politics (with a specialisation in International Relations) from Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi and was an elected representative of JNU GSCASH.
In her past stint as West Bengal Unit Director and Project Officer of a leading legal advocacy and human rights organisation based in New Delhi, she constantly liaised with network grassroots organisations, government officials, and law enforcement officials in securing the rights of the marginalised through several initiatives like the right to food, health, education, and housing, as well as securing the rights of differently-abled individuals, women, sexual minorities, etc.
Rakesh Chandra Juyal
Senior Analyst - Knowledge ManagementRakesh is associated as Senior Analyst – Knowledge Management with Population Foundation of India and has more than twenty years of professional experience in knowledge management, digital library project management, library development, and digital archiving. He is specialized in knowledge management and information database designing. He deals with various open source software, customization, managing knowledge portal server, user’s support and administration. He has extensive experience on information system implementation and technical up-gradation in library transformation and knowledge management. Acquisition of resources, abstracting and indexing, online access of resource, data support, information sharing & dissemination at various level, and the institutional repository are also his strong areas.