Radha is a philanthropist, mom, and passionate writer. Her work focuses on empowering children, youth, and women through education and vocational training to help them find meaningful employment. Her degree in Business Communication from the University of Pennsylvania and experience in the social sector have helped shape, expand, and enrich the programs. She joined the social sector in 2008 and over the past 14 years, Ms. Radha founded Pehlay Akshar Foundation and directed the RPG Foundation to reach the pinnacle. At RPG Foundation, she leads initiatives under three pillars – Education, Employment, and Heritage. Pehlay Akshar Foundation is fuelled by her deep conviction that education can make a significant difference if imparted in the correct way and in the right environment with a grounding in Functional English.

Sharada is a development sector professional with 16+ years of work experience handling programs related to employability, community development, environment, and volunteering. Her core areas of work include project management, multi-stakeholder partnerships, and community participation. Sharada enjoys trekking and exploring new places.

Archana Chatterji is a HR leader at RPG Foundation, where she shapes people-first strategies and builds organizational culture with empathy and insight. With around 20 years of experience across industries including cement, IT, hospitality, and the social sector, Archana’s journey began in recruitment and evolved into strategic HR leadership. She has led initiatives across talent management, performance systems, and cultural transformation, always guided by the belief that when people thrive, organizations flourish. At RPG Foundation, she brings her rich experience and human-centered approach to foster inclusive, high-performing teams.

Arushi Nanavati serves as Executive Assistant to the Director at RPG Foundation, acting as a business manager to senior leadership and a key enabler for team members. With 7 years of experience across philanthropy, banking, FMCG, finance, and education, she specializes in Learning & Development and operational coordination. In 2023, she was selected as an International Volunteer for the One Young World Summit in Belfast. A PGDM in Human Resources graduate, Arushi also represented India at Stanford University’s Global Leadership Program in 2015. She brings professionalism, organisational skill, and global perspective to her role.

Mrs. Mangal Deorukhkar is a senior CSR professional at RPG Foundation, bringing with her over 28 years of grassroots experience in corporate social responsibility. At the CEAT Bhandup Plant, she plays a critical role in managing programs across education, employability, health, and environment ensuring strong community relationships and smooth coordination with plant teams. Known for her dedication and crisis management skills, Mangal has built enduring partnerships with NGOs and stakeholders. Her work reflects a lifelong commitment to creating sustainable change at the intersection of community needs and organizational vision.

With over 11 years of experience in Human Resources, she specializes in Talent Acquisition, Payroll Management, Onboarding, Employee Engagement, Induction, and Separation processes. She has a proven track record of managing end-to-end recruitment cycles and ensuring seamless HR operations. Known for creating a positive, engaging workplace environment, she is committed to implementing HR best practices and supporting organizational growth through strategic, people-centric initiatives.

Akash Madeshwar is a textile industry leader with over 12 years of experience in supply chain management, quality control, and sales growth. Holding a Bachelor’s in Textile Engineering, he has successfully managed end-to-end GOTS-certified sustainable supply chains and ensured compliance with global standards. Akash specializes in inventory management, production planning, and quality assurance for cotton, yarn, fabric, and finished products. At artisan:re, he drives operational excellence while promoting ethical and sustainable textile practices. His strategic vision and leadership skills contribute to building resilient supply chains that benefit both artisans and the environment.

With over 25 years of experience in finance, Amin ensures the smooth functioning of all accounting operations. He oversees statutory compliances, manages payroll and returns, and supports both internal and statutory audits. As an MBA in Finance, he brings strong analytical skills and financial discipline to the team, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and operational efficiency.

Jayraj Bagul is a senior CSR and sustainability expert with RPG Foundation, bringing over 16 years of experience in strategic program development and ESG integration. He specializes in livelihood generation, women empowerment, WASH, and community development, with a strong record in aligning CSR with business goals. His deep knowledge of BRSR, compliance, and stakeholder engagement has led to the design of high-impact programs that are both measurable and meaningful. Jayraj is committed to fostering inclusive growth through a strategic, results-driven approach.

Gunjal Bhandari is the Design Lead at artisan:re, with over 11 years of experience in textile and product development. An alumna of Srishti School of Art, Design and Technology, she has worked with leading brands like Payal Khandwala, NorBlack NorWhite, Freedom Tree and others specializing in sustainable design and artisan collaboration. At artisan:re, Gunjal leads the creative direction across product design, branding, marketing, and social media. She works closely with grassroots artisans to reimagine traditional weaving techniques into contemporary textiles across apparel, home, and accessories. Her strengths lie in fabric innovation, material research, and process optimization ensuring thoughtful, ethical, and commercially viable collections. She also oversees cross-functional coordination, ensuring quality and timely execution across all projects. Outside of work, Gunjal enjoys exploring new places, dancing, watching films, and spending time with her family.

Aishi Halder is a CSR professional with RPG Foundation, where she manages field implementation and impact monitoring for community development programs. With over three years of experience across consulting, political fieldwork, and now corporate social responsibility, Aishi has worked closely with women, youth, tribal communities, and children. Her current role involves the end-to-end execution of CSR projects—from annual planning and budgeting to stakeholder management and program delivery. Aishi’s hands-on approach ensures that each initiative is both community-led and impact-oriented.

Dimple believes in the saying, “I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do.” She works directly with implementing employment projects, women empowerment activities, and community development initiatives. She is also involved in other projects like fever clinic, implementing volunteering activities, creating success stories for social media, and other promotional artwork required for the Foundation. Dimple is also involved in different internal projects like- agreement drafting and shortlisting partners/vendors. Dimple is a fun-loving person and a great team player. Her hobbies are cooking, travelling and exploring new places, and listening to music

Rohit Mane is a CSR professional at RPG Foundation with over three years of experience in education, healthcare, employability, rural development, and sustainability. Holding both BSW and MSW degrees, he plans and executes CSR programs, ensures compliance, and manages reporting for transparency. Rohit works closely with NGOs, communities, and volunteers to deliver measurable social impact. His blend of strategic planning and hands-on fieldwork allows him to design projects tailored to community needs. Passionate about people and progress, Rohit brings dedication, adaptability, and collaboration to every initiative he leads.

Gururaja Kulkarni leads the ESD Program at RPG Foundation, bringing over 15 years of cross-sector experience in IT, education, and employability. Known for his holistic leadership, he drives initiatives that bridge academia and industry spearheading faculty development programs, student engagement, and ESG-aligned outreach. From managing end-to-end program execution to representing initiatives during client visits, Gururaja ensures that every effort contributes to both organizational impact and community empowerment. His strategic vision and on-ground execution make him a key driver of RPG Foundation’s employability and sustainability goals.

Sagar Sonawane has over 10 years of experience in administrative and clerical functions, with a background in school administration and office management. Skilled in managing day-to-day operations, documentation, and logistical coordination, he ensures smooth workflows and efficient processes. His attention to detail, organizational skills, and reliability make him a trusted member of the team. At RPG Foundation, Sagar supports HR and administrative functions that keep programs running seamlessly. A Bachelor of Commerce graduate, he is also passionate about travelling and exploring new places, bringing curiosity and adaptability to his professional role.

Vikram Shedge leads Nature:re’s regenerative and organic agriculture initiatives, bringing over 11 years of experience in sustainable farming. With a PG Diploma in Agribusiness Management, he works with farming communities to improve soil health, conserve water, and enhance biodiversity. Skilled in organic and sustainability certifications such as NPOP, NOP, EU Organic, and regenagri, Vikram also contributes to agriculture-based carbon projects. His approach blends traditional practices with modern regenerative techniques, fostering climate-resilient farming systems. At Nature:re, he is committed to improving rural livelihoods while protecting and restoring ecosystems for future generations.

Meet Kushal, our Junior Agriculturist in the Nagpur-based Cotton Team. With a Masters in Agriculture, Kushal’s research on genetic studies in submerged rice conditions has led to identifying multiple submergence-tolerant rice varieties for the Konkan region. Proficient in DNA isolation, amplification in rice, and conducting hybridization programs for rice, cowpea, and brinjal, his focus is on biotic and abiotic resistance breeding for organic agriculture. Kushal values spirituality and simplicity, guiding his approach to life and work.

Vishal Langde is a senior CSR and sustainability professional at RPG Foundation, bringing more than 16 years of experience in environmental, health, and education initiatives. With a strong foundation in EIRA (Environmental Impact and Risk Assessment), Vishal has led high-impact programs across diverse sectors from women’s empowerment to livelihood creation and community development. His expertise in implementation, program strategy, and cross-sector collaboration enables him to design and scale initiatives that address grassroots needs while aligning with broader sustainability goals.

Teja Amladi brings together her expertise in human resources and her passion for heritage as a member of The Heritage Project. With over 12 years of HR experience, Teja has worked across talent management, employee engagement, and operations. Beyond the corporate framework, she has also contributed to heritage initiatives, designing public events and immersive experiences that spark cultural curiosity. Her unique blend of people management and cultural programming enables her to create spaces where heritage becomes interactive, inclusive, and alive.

Arun More is a community development specialist at The Heritage Project, bringing over 16 years of experience in liaising with local stakeholders and working across NGOs, health, education, and family welfare sectors. His grassroots experience has shaped a people-first approach to heritage conservation, ensuring that community needs and voices are integrated into every project. Arun’s deep understanding of local contexts and his ability to foster trust play a crucial role in building inclusive, sustainable heritage initiatives.

Karan Kothari is a junior architect at RPG Foundation with a strong inclination toward heritage and sustainable design. Though early in his career, Karan has already demonstrated his expertise in 2D/3D renders, walkthroughs, and site assessments. His commitment to preserving cultural heritage through thoughtful, modern design makes him a promising contributor to the Foundation’s built environment and conservation projects.

Siddhesh Achari is a multimedia and motion graphics specialist with RPG Foundation’s marketing and communications team. With over two years of on-ground experience, Siddhesh brings dynamic visual storytelling to the forefront, through video editing, cinematography, CGI, and sound design. His creative journey spans freelance work, a 3D artist internship at Ubisoft Studios, and production roles on platforms like Jio Hotstar. His portfolio includes event graphics for TEDx-style presentations in Italy, showcasing his ability to craft compelling visual narratives that connect with diverse audiences.

Kaushal Lakeshri is a communications and outreach professional at RPG Foundation, with over three years of experience across social impact, FMCG, and travel sectors. With a background in marketing, creative writing, and brand storytelling, Kaushal has led end-to-end campaigns and executed high-impact events. His strong visual and content strategy skills are matched by his passion for travel, history, and heritage making him a versatile contributor to community-driven programs that connect deeply with diverse audiences.

Shruthi Suresh is a wildlife conservationist at Nature:Re, combining five years of field experience with a passion for biodiversity restoration. She has worked on various conservation and ecological awareness initiatives, focusing on restoration projects and public engagement through workshops and nature walks. Outside of work, Shruthi expresses her creativity through nature journaling, wildlife photography, and design. At RPG Foundation, she brings both technical knowledge and a love for the wild to support nature-positive action and inspire collective responsibility for ecosystems.

Tejas Kalaskar is Program Support Botanist at Nature:re, applying his academic expertise to biodiversity conservation, native plant restoration, and sustainable urban ecology. A Botany postgraduate, he has hands-on experience with field surveys, ecological restoration, and laboratory instruments, including laminar airflow chambers, autoclaves, and microscopes. Passionate about combining research with practical solutions, Tejas thrives in collaborative projects that promote ecological responsibility and innovation. At Nature:re, he supports initiatives that enhance green cover, strengthen biodiversity, and restore ecosystem balance, reflecting his deep commitment to sustainability and environmental resilience.

Manish is a dedicated and detail-oriented IT Support professional with a track record of resolving technical issues, optimizing system performance, and ensuring smooth day-to-day operations. Skilled in both hardware and software troubleshooting, network administration. Passionate about implementing practical solutions that improve productivity and minimize downtime and always eager to learn new technology.

Prathamesh Dongre is a sustainability-focused professional with over 6 years of diverse experience spanning IT, consulting, and the impact sector. Holding an MBA in Sustainable Management from IIM Lucknow, he specializes in project management, business development, strategy, and forging strategic partnerships. His work bridges technical proficiency with mission-driven objectives, enabling impactful community initiatives. At RPG Foundation, Prathamesh applies his skills to design and implement programs that create measurable social and environmental outcomes. Beyond work, he enjoys photography, gardening, trekking, and volunteering, bringing creativity and passion to both professional and personal pursuits.

Lisha Das Sivadasan is a social impact professional with nearly 9 years of experience in project management and operations, focusing on environment, education, and livelihoods. With a Master’s in Social Work from TISS, she brings expertise in designing, implementing, and monitoring community programs. Lisha has a background in biotechnology but transitioned into social work, driven by a strong sense of responsibility and purpose. At RPG Foundation, she contributes to initiatives that foster sustainable development and community empowerment. Outside work, she enjoys travelling, reading, and dancing, enriching her perspective on people and cultures.

Lohit Wadhankar brings over 5 years of experience in business development, project execution, and strategic partnerships across the pharmaceutical and renewable energy sectors. Holding a Master’s in Management Studies Marketing, he now leads growth efforts for artisan:re, building regenerative cotton supply chains and linking smallholder farmers to sustainability-focused global brands. Lohit’s approach integrates commercial strategy with social impact, driving market expansion while supporting rural livelihoods. A national-level martial artist, he has earned a gold medal in Grappling and two international silver medals in Mixed Martial Arts, reflecting his discipline and determination.

Bhavana brings 14 years of experience from the aviation industry and later transitioned into Human Resources to pursue a better work–life balance. Over the past 2.6 years at RPG Foundation, she has been an integral part of the HR team, managing end-to-end HR operations and supporting a range of people-centric initiatives. Her diverse background and commitment to employee wellbeing make her a key contributor to the organisation’s culture and growth.

With 20 years of experience in finance and accounting, Dayanand ensures accurate and timely financial operations across the organization. His work includes maintaining accounting entries, managing vendor payments, handling bank reconciliations, overseeing statutory compliances, and supporting audit processes. A commerce graduate (B.Com), he brings strong financial discipline and reliability to the team, contributing to smooth and transparent financial management.

Amol brings 10 years of experience in core accounting operations. He manages daily financial transactions, maintains general ledgers, journals, and subsidiary accounts, and ensures accurate bank reconciliations. He also handles employee reimbursements and vendor payments. A commerce graduate (B.Com), Amol ensures timely, precise, and well-organized financial processes that support smooth operations.

With 30 years of experience, Shiraz provides essential support to the finance team through diligent record keeping and back-office operations. He assists with banking requirements, manages documentation, and ensures timely follow-ups for signatures and approvals. A BA graduate, Shiraz’s experience and attention to detail strengthen the team’s daily financial processes.

Sneha leads strategy and partnerships at the Foundation, working at the intersection of nature, culture, and place. With over a decade of experience across Asia, she has worked on biodiversity conservation, landscape governance, and sustainable supply chains, translating complex policy and environmental challenges into practical, on-ground programs. She previously played a key role in shaping India’s sustainable palm oil agenda, collaborating with government, industry, and civil society to develop national sustainability frameworks. Sneha’s work brings together strategic partnerships, donor engagement, and fundraising to support long-term, systems-level change rooted in culture, livelihoods, and local context.

Aashika is an architect and heritage conservation professional, having graduated from the School of Environment and Architecture and earned a Master’s degree in Heritage Conservation from York University. She has gained professional experience working with Abha Narain Lambah Associates in India and Countryside Consultants in the United Kingdom, where she worked on heritage-led design, conservation practice, and research across diverse contexts. Her approach to heritage is shaped by a belief that it is a living, evolving part of everyday life rather than a static or monumental past. Aashika’s interests extend beyond built environments to include unbuilt heritage—local narratives, daily rituals, and lived practices that give places their layered meanings. As an architect and researcher, she is driven to uncover these underlying stories and explore how heritage remains embedded in community, culture, and place.

Jessica is a Fashion Communication graduate with a specialization in fashion and a minor in photography, holding a Bachelor of Design from Amity University Mumbai. Her work spans social media, graphic design, photography, and fashion-focused visual storytelling. She has gained hands-on experience through internships and freelance roles with Eco Pitaara and Wedzy, worked as a designer for Bombay Times Fashion Week, and contributed to campaign photoshoots such as AARYAA by Kashveen Kohli. She has also worked extensively with PITAMBARA by Manisha, supporting in-house photography and graphic design across both internship and freelance engagements. Jessica brings a strong visual sensibility and a multidisciplinary approach to creative communication.

Sachi is a textile design graduate from the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT). She completed her schooling at Pawar Public School and junior college at R.A. Podar College of Commerce & Economics. Her academic and professional journey reflects a strong engagement with Indian textiles and sustainable practices. She has worked closely with craft clusters to develop an Ikat collection, completed a summer internship at Arvind, and undertook her graduation project at Sarita Handa. Additionally, she brings industry experience as a Textile Designer at Binayak Tex Processor. Sachi’s interests lie in handlooms, sustainability, and textile-based research, which inform her approach to design and material exploration.

Nandini is a Conservation Architect and heritage professional with over eight years of experience in built heritage conservation, urban studies, and architecture in India. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Architectural Knowledge Systems of India at IIT Kharagpur. Her work focuses on the documentation and conservation of architectural heritage, combining academic research with on-ground practice. With a strong interest in India’s traditional knowledge systems and historic urban environments, Nandini brings a research-driven and context-sensitive approach to heritage conservation.

Mayank Mohanti is the Marketing and Communications Lead at RPG Foundation, where he uses storytelling to strengthen the organization’s social impact. An alumnus of the Asian College of Journalism, Mayank brings over ten years of experience across leading Indian media – the Indian Express Group, Network18, Times Internet, and Editorji – combined with frontline non-profit communications. He spent four years working directly with grassroots organisations on public-health campaigns such as tuberculosis awareness and tobacco-control advocacy. At RPG Foundation, Mayank works to strengthen digital presence and elevate visibility through cross-platform storytelling and strong media partnerships.