People

Aditya Verghese joined Janaagraha in March 2022 and works as an Associate Manager in the Public Finance Management team. He has more than 8 years of experience in the development and private sectors. Prior to Janaagraha, he worked in public policy and governance consulting in the fields of livelihoods, public health, and education. Aditya pursued his B.Tech in Civil Engineering from the College of Engineering, Trivandrum, and completed his post-graduation in Development Studies from Azim Premji University. In his leisure time, he enjoys reading up on topics related to history and also conducts heritage walking tours for like-minded enthusiasts.

Aishwarya R joined Janaagraha in 2021 as an intern and then became an Associate in the Municipal Law and Policy team. Aishwarya holds a Master’s in Development from Azim Premji University, Bengaluru, and a Bachelor’s in Corporate Economics from Women’s Christian College, Chennai. She previously interned with Citizen Matters, contributing articles on civic issues. Additionally, she conducted a research project on the social and economic factors influencing the use of contraceptives among married women in an urban setting.

Aishwarya’s interests are diverse and encompass governance, the intersection of gender and health, and more. To relax, she enjoys indulging in a good book and dessert, which is her definition of a break. She enjoys watching period dramas and loves trivia on history and politics.

Alisha became a part of Janaagraha in January 2022, taking on the role of Senior Associate within the Public Finance Management Team. Holding an MSc in Financial Economics from the Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics in Pune, she is a trained economist. Her professional journey includes experiences at Deloitte and the Indian Institute of Management- Bangalore, amassing over five years of expertise in finance, economics, and policy. Outside of her professional pursuits, Alisha is an avid reader and enjoys playing board games in her leisure time.

Amaresh Belagal has been working as the Senior Associate, Environment City-Systems at Janaagraha since August 2022.
Amaresh earned a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering and a Master’s degree in Environmental Engineering from Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU), Belagavi. He has also completed his Post Graduation in Developmental Leadership from the Indian School of Development Management (ISDM), Noida. Previously, he worked with Tide Technocrats as a Senior Environmental Engineer and with the Centre for Policy Research, based in Bhubaneswar, as a Public Health Engineering Expert. It is highly likely that you will get to listen to his travelogues or a synopsis of the movies he often watches.

Amit Gupta joined Janaagraha in March 2024 as Head of Branding and Communications in Bengaluru.
He has over 18 years of work experience in the field of branding and communication. He was earlier working with Graphical House Ltd. in Glasgow, Scotland, where he served as the Director of Brand Strategy & Communication.
His academic credentials include a BA (Hons) in Business and Management, Marketing from the University of Wales, Cardiff. Outside the office, Amit is a man of varied interests. He enjoys traveling, reading, cooking, playing badminton, and spending quality time with his family.

Anandita joined Janaagraha in Bengaluru in 2023, taking on the role of Senior Associate in the Content and Communications team. Prior to this, she was associated with Cracker and Rush as a Brand Strategist. Academically, Anandita holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Jain College, Bengaluru. She furthered her education with a Master’s degree in International Relations, which she obtained from the Jindal School of International Affairs at Jindal Global University. During her free time, Anandita loves to read and also tries her hand at different arts and crafts whenever possible. Her parents live in Bengaluru and run their advertising agency.

Animesh Sinha joined Janaagraha in 2023 and currently works as an Associate in the Public Finance team. He assists with secondary research and quantitative analyses and contributes to writing sections of a report the team is working on. Previously, Animesh worked as an architect in Kolkata from 2016 to 2019 at multiple architectural consultancy firms.

He completed his Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) from Piloo Mody College of Architecture (PMCA), Cuttack, and pursued his post-graduation in Urban Development Management from the TERI School of Advanced Studies, graduating in 2022. In his leisure time, Animesh enjoys travelling, playing computer games, and spending time with his family.

Anindya’s ikigai is to tackle the most complex challenges of our time. He joined Janaagraha in December 2020 and currently serves as the Senior Manager in the Organisation Development and Policy team. Anindya leads reformative work focused on strengthening State Capacities for Improved Urban Services in Odisha. He directs a dynamic team of change-makers engaged in Process Re-engineering and implementing a Competency-Based Human Resource Management system across the government ecosystem, impacting over 8,000 personnel dedicated to urban service delivery in Odisha.

He also supports Janaagraha’s Leadership to shape the organisational stance on organisation development approaches. This strategic vision aims to enhance State Capacities across both State and City Governments throughout India. Concurrently, Anindya takes the lead in Janaagraha’s strategic advocacy efforts, actively engaging with policymakers and opinion leaders nationwide and also looks into the Shared Municipal Services.

Anindya holds a Master of Public Policy from the University of Minnesota, specialising in building resilient cities. Before his graduate studies, he contributed to an infrastructure fund in India, gaining expertise in innovative finance and structuring large-scale energy and infrastructure projects. Anindya’s diverse experience also includes serving as a researcher at the Center for Urban & Regional Affairs, where he conducted community-based research on affordable housing and sustainable food systems. In his free time, he loves to travel, read books, go on hikes, and cook

Ankita Chadha joined Janaagraha in June 2023 as an Associate in Public Finance Management and is based in Bengaluru. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Psychology, and Sociology from Mount Carmel College, Bengaluru, and a Master’s degree in Urban Policy and Governance from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai. Previously, Ankita worked as a Data Analyst at Goldman Sachs and completed an internship with Janaagraha during her undergraduate studies. In her leisure time, she is passionate about Odissi, painting, illustration, and travelling.

Ankita started her journey with Janaagraha as an Associate Manager of Civic Participation in Odisha in February 2021. She brings over a decade of experience within the development sector, primarily focusing on various projects in collaboration with the Odisha Government. Her professional path includes significant roles, such as a sanitation expert at the Cuttack Municipal Corporation and a Consultant with the Tata Trusts Foundation, where she was instrumental in project implementation.

Ankita holds a Bachelor of Civil Engineering and a Master’s in Structural Designing from the Biju Patnaik University of Technology. Her professional achievements include the transformation of more than 60% of total slums into liveable habitats through participatory approaches, the release of SOPs for asset maintenance, conducting monthly meetings, and managing bank accounts. Outside of her professional life, Ankita enjoys travelling, watching films, and reading books.

Apula Singh is a Manager in the Public Finance Management team. She joined Janaagraha in 2018 as part of the ASICS team. She thereafter worked with the Odisha government’s Housing & Urban Development Department on Municipal Strengthening reforms and led product design and project management for a performance management platform of the solid waste management system. She also worked with the state on FSSM reforms aimed at the financial sustainability of the sector. She is currently spearheading the program design and execution of the first cohort of the Women’s Fellowship in Public Finance for Cities and managing the municipal budget reforms agenda in Uttar Pradesh.

Prior to Janaagraha, she worked with the Haryana CM’s office on priority areas of urban development, doubling farmers’ income, and environmental sustainability.

She completed her Masters from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai, in Urban Policy and Governance and holds a Bachelor’s in Economics (Hons.) from Lady Shri Ram College, Delhi University.

She is deeply passionate about environmental preservation and enjoys learning about history and civilizations. Her hobbies include learning salsa dance and spending time with her child.

Ashok Dash joined Janaagraha in February 2023. He holds an M.Tech in Information Technology and brings over 22 years of experience in software project management, program management in PMU/PMO, education, software development, project planning, risk management, e-governance application, solution architecture, and strategic consulting. His thematic expertise includes skill development, agriculture, food security, sanitation, education technology, and allied programs of the Government. He has worked in the USA, P.R. China, and India.

Ashok has been appointed as Lead – Systems and Processes (Odisha) at Janaagraha, where he is deployed in the Housing and Urban Development Department, Government of Odisha. His focus areas include digital implementation and streamlining for stakeholders, technology intervention, government process reengineering, and integrating overall technology to ensure that ideas and innovations are effectively implemented and benefit the end-users. In his personal time, Ashok enjoys driving, short story writing, and stand-up comedy. He is also an avid cook, preparing meals every weekend for his family and once a month for extended family members.

Ashutosh joined Janaagraha in May 2023 as a Content Developer and Trainer for the Civic Participation project in Odisha. Before his tenure at Janaagraha, he worked as a District Coordinator (Capacity Building) with the Practical Action Foundation, Odisha. Ashutosh is a B.A. graduate from Utkal University, Odisha, and holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Journalism and Mass Communication from IGNOU. In his free time, he enjoys writing short stories and poems in Odia and anchoring Odia poetry programs.

Astha Joshi joined Janaagraha in June 2022 and brings with her five years of experience as a combination of a development professional, project management, and IT – Telecom BSS subject matter expert. Currently, she is the Associate Manager for Urban Healthcare System Reforms. She has previously worked with Wipro Technologies across India and other countries in the Asia-Pacific region and with the District administration of Deoghar to implement projects under the District Mineral Foundation Trust. Astha holds a B.Tech in Computer Science & Engineering and an M.Sc in Urban Policy and Governance from TISS, Mumbai. Her hobbies include travelling and exploring new places, and cooking.

Babu has been with Janaagraha since 2015, greeting anyone who walks through our doors and ensuring our workplace is safe and secure. Alongside his work commitments, he is a devoted husband and father. Babu attributes his tenure at Janaagraha as a catalyst for his transformation into an engaged citizen, motivating him to participate in initiatives to improve his local community.

Babu volunteers to track Janaagraha in the media and is our go-to person for various types of support and assistance. Additionally, he enjoys leisurely matches of carrom board with his family and friends.

Biswarup joined Janaagraha in April 2023 as a Content Developer and Trainer for the Civic Participation project in Odisha. Before joining Janaagraha, he worked as an Accounts Associate with the Odisha Water Academy. Biswarup holds a Master’s in Commerce from Jain University, Bengaluru, and a Bachelor’s in Commerce from DAV School of Business Management, Bhubaneswar. In his free time, he enjoys playing football, watching movies and TV series, and reading books.

Dakshja joined Janaagraha in May 2023 as an Associate in Public Finance, stationed in Delhi. She earned her B.A. Honours degree from Hansraj College at the University of Delhi and went on to complete her M.A. in Public Policy and Governance from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences in Hyderabad. She has interned with NITI Aayog, Million Sparks Foundation, Centre for Budget and Governance Accountability (CBGA), and Aakhya India. Besides her academic and professional pursuits, Dakshja is also accomplished in the performing arts, being a trained dancer in both Kathak and Jazz. During her leisure time, she engages in creative writing, crafting poems and short stories.

Dev joined Janaagraha in January 2024 as Manager – PFM in Lucknow. Before joining Janaagraha, he was working as a Senior Management Consultant with KPMG Government Advisory Services. Dev has an MBA in Finance from Dayananda Sagar Business School, Bengaluru. He brings over 13 years of experience in government advisory and auditing. During his tenure at the Food & Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations, he developed a budget tracking mechanism for the Department of Agriculture, Uttar Pradesh, for a World Bank-funded project – UPWSRP Phase II. While working as a Senior PMU Consultant at KPMG under the Department of IT & Electronics, Uttar Pradesh, he supported in drafting the Uttar Pradesh Startup Policy funding mechanism and portal management. During his free time, he enjoys spending time with his family, travelling to the mountains, sightseeing, trekking, and watching OTT platforms.

Devansh joined Janaagraha in 2023 as an Associate in the Municipal Finance team and is based out of Delhi. His primary work focuses on municipal borrowings. Prior to joining Janaagraha, he interned with the NITI Aayog’s SDGs and Aspirational Districts Programme (ADP) verticals, and with a District Administration in Punjab. He is a B.Sc. Economics (Honours) graduate from the Symbiosis School of Economics, Pune. During his leisure time, Devansh enjoys listening to music and going on long walks.

Girish joined Janaagraha in December 2023 as a Senior Associate in Accounts. Before his tenure at Janaagraha, he served as a Senior Accounts Executive with Pragati Advertisers in Bengaluru. Girish has earned an MBA in Finance from Karnataka State Open University and a B.Com degree from Seshadripuram Evening College, Bengaluru. In his leisure time, Girish enjoys travelling and playing sports such as cricket and badminton.

Guru Ratnam assumed the role of Manager in the Municipal Finance department at Janaagraha’s Delhi office in September 2023. Before joining Janaagraha, he served as a Senior Program Manager at the Gramya Vikas Trust of the Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation. Guru holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree in Economics from Deshbandhu College, Delhi, and furthered his academic pursuits with a Master of Arts in Development Policy, Planning, and Practice from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS). In his leisure time, Guru indulges in his passion for horse riding and enjoys exploring various culinary delights.

Haji joined Janaagraha in 2013 and currently holds the position of GIS Manager in the Civic Technology program. Over the decade with the organisation, he has worked on GIS aspects for apps and websites such as I Change My City, Swachh Bharat, My City My Budget, Ward Quality Score (WQS), Biju Adarsh Colony, Amma Sahara, Public Eye, City Finance, among others. His professional journey includes time spent as a GIS specialist with Jala Samvardhane Yojana Sangha (JSYS), a society established by the Government of Karnataka, followed by a role as a GIS Developer at Trinity Mobility Pvt. Ltd.

He completed his Bachelor’s in Information Technology from Earthinators Climate School and Masters in Geo-Informatics from Karnataka State Remote Sensing Application Centre (KSRSAC). For his post-graduation project, he worked with the Regional Remote Sensing Centre ISRO Bengaluru. Known for being soft-spoken and diligent, Haji spends his free time watching OTT platforms.

Hariprasad joined Janaagraha’s Cityfinance team as an Associate in Municipal Finance in June 2023, after successfully completing a long-term internship with the organisation. Based in Bengaluru, he holds a B.A. in Economics from Christian College, Chengannur, and an M.A. in Economics from the Central University of Gujarat. In his free time, he enjoys sketching, writing poetry, and observing nature.

Harshavardhan Marripudi joined Janaagraha in May 2023 as a Project Manager in State Capacities, based in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. Before his tenure at Janaagraha, he served as a Team Leader (Senior Consultant) at JLL India.

Harshvardhan holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Planning from JNTU, Hyderabad, and a Master’s Degree in Urban Planning from SPA, New Delhi. He is also a member of the Institute of Town Planners, India. In his leisure time, he enjoys playing badminton, chess, and cricket, as well as watching movies and documentaries.

Indukumar CT is the Senior Manager of Administration and has been associated with Janaagraha since its inception in 2001. Throughout his tenure, he has dedicated himself to the administration function. He appreciates the opportunity this role provides to interact with all the program teams.

He pursued a TCH (Teacher Certificate Higher) from Venkatesha Teachers Training College and a Primary Teachers’ Training Certificate from 1999 to 2000. During his leisure time, he enjoys playing cricket, traveling, and exploring nature.

Janhavi joined Janaagraha in May 2023 as a Senior Associate in PFM (Alliance), based in Bengaluru. Before her stint at Janaagraha, she served as the Head of Marketing at Martrikz Pvt. Ltd in Bengaluru. Academically, Janhavi earned a B.A. in Political Science from Wilson College, Mumbai, and a Master’s in Government from the MIT School of Government, Pune. She also holds a certification in Public Policy from the Takshashila Institute in Bengaluru. In her leisure time, Janhavi is passionate about reading, writing, hiking, gaming, and engaging in animal rescue.

Jithesh Pandey joined Janaagraha in 2022 as Associate Manager, Civic Learning and oversees operations and strategic partnerships, collaborating with government, donors, and other allied organisations for the program.

A strong believer and advocate of organisational development, Jithesh employs the 3 P’s – people, process, and programme, emphasising that the right interventions can bring out the best in people.

Before joining Janaagraha, he worked at the Piramal Foundation as part of the flagship programmes of the NITI AAYOG Aspirational District Transformation Programme, focusing specifically on Government Partnership and Leadership Development. Jithesh also managed the Centre of Excellence (COE), a strategic team formed by the Piramal Foundation for Government partnerships.

He holds a Master’s degree in Development from Azim Premji University, Bengaluru, and a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from the University of Delhi.

During his free time, he enjoys cooking and cycling.

Karthik joined Janaagraha as Senior Manager, Policy and Insights in Bengaluru in July 2023. Over the last 14 years, he has worked in the private sector on construction planning and execution and in the non-profit space on water security, natural resources management, and livelihoods across research, policy, and philanthropic organisations. Among his past engagements, Karthik has anchored the Azim Premji Foundation’s work on Water Security and coordinated pan-India networks for research-action-advocacy on groundwater contamination. He completed his Civil Engineering from Sir M. Visvesvaraya Institute of Technology and Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Disaster Management from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences.

Karthik finds joy in cycling and loves the outdoors. His interests include music, visual media, and the history of cinema and sports.

Katie joined Janaagraha in May 2014 and currently serves as the Head of the Research & Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) team.

The team supports Janaagraha’s programs aimed at improving urban governance in India and possesses deep research expertise in urban Indian contexts. Their work encompasses monitoring and evaluating internal programs, thought leadership (including publications), and research into urban issues such as civic learning, civic participation, basic services and infrastructure, crime and safety, affordable housing, and municipal finance. This work has included conducting large-scale ground surveys, Computer-Assisted Telephone Interviewing (CATI) surveys, focus groups, in-depth interviews, and more, engaging a range of stakeholders in over 60 cities across 22 states of India. Additionally, it has involved various forms of secondary research.

Katie previously worked at the National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER) in the UK, where she also served as an operations manager in NFER’s Randomised Controlled Trials unit. She holds a First-Class BSc (Hons) in Psychology from the University of Warwick, England, and an MSc with Distinction in Applied Sport and Exercise Psychology from the University of Wales, Bangor. Katie is passionate about sports, being a state-level swimmer and holding two black belts in martial arts.

Kesava Balaji became a part of the Janaagraha team in July 2021, taking on the role of Urban Policy Associate. He focuses on supporting strategic opportunities and developments in Urban Governance. Kesava completed his post graduate studies at the Indian School of Public Policy in Delhi and earned his undergraduate degree in Media Studies, Economics, and Political Science from Christ University in Bengaluru.

His primary interests lie in addressing climate change and enhancing primary healthcare through effective first-mile governance. In his free time, Kesava indulges in reading comic books and often enjoys cooking for his family.

Krishnan joined Janaagraha in September 2023 as the Head of Strategy in Bengaluru. He brings a decade of experience in public education reform, along with a brief stint in corporate banking prior to that. For over eight years, he was a key member of the leadership team at the Central Square Foundation, where he collaborated with governments, non-profits, funders, and other diverse actors to drive system-led reform in India’s school education sector.
His dedication to the development sector was ignited through his participation in the Teach for India fellowship, where he taught 4th and 5th grades for two years at a corporation school in Chennai.
Krishnan holds an MBA in Finance and Economics from XLRI, Jamshedpur, and an undergraduate degree in engineering from NIT, Trichy. In his spare time, he enjoys quizzing, solving cryptic crosswords and word games, and planning his next vacation.

Kushal MP joined Janaagraha’s tech team as an Associate Software Developer in January 2022, following his internship with the organisation. He is an Electronics and Communications graduate from Saptagiri College of Engineering, Bengaluru. Kushal is passionate about new technologies and is determined to contribute to the nation’s development. In his free time, he enjoys riding and playing cricket.

Mahalakshmi has been with Janaagraha since 2012 and is currently the Manager of the Branding and Communications team. At Janaagraha, she has been involved in various programs and has managed stakeholder relationships in different capacities, continuously learning and sharing her good work. Mahalakshmi holds a Master’s degree in Computer Application from Madurai Kamaraj University and is also a certified Digital Marketer. She has also completed a Technical Writing course. She believes that civic sense is as essential as the air we breathe and effectively advocates for it to everyone around her, aiming to improve the quality of life inclusively. Having pivoted to the social sector, she contributes her bit to ‘leave the world a trifle better than she found it.’ Settled in Bengaluru with her family, she enjoys travelling, networking, and learning new things.

Manish Kumar Singh joined Janaagraha’s Civic Learning Team in April 2023 as an Associate Civic Social Action Program (CSAP). He currently oversees the program’s district interventions and plays diverse roles within the civic learning program, including facilitation, training, and engagement with school stakeholders. His insights are shaped by his distinctive perspectives drawn from everyday life situations. Prior to joining Janaagraha, he was employed with Foster and Forge Foundation. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce from J.P. University College. Manish is passionate about engaging with children and youth. In his free time, he enjoys cooking and spending time with his family.

Manisha joined Janaagraha in November 2022 as Manager, Public Finance Management (PFM) for the Odisha Project. Previously, she worked with Oxford Policy Management as a PFM Consultant in their Myanmar office. Her curiosity to see and understand how administration works in conflict-affected and fragile contexts has taken her to Jharkhand, South Sudan, and then Myanmar over the course of her career. A native of Mysuru, Manisha is an economics graduate from Christ University, Bengaluru, and the University of Sussex, UK. When not working, Manisha enjoys cooking, painting, swimming, travelling, and spending time with family and friends.

Manjula joined Janaagraha in 2016 and plays a crucial role in maintaining a great working environment at the office, ensuring it is hygienic and organised. She is responsible for ensuring waste is segregated and managed correctly and oversees the composting process. Colleagues unanimously agree that she makes the best coffee and tea in the city. Manjula’s aspiration is to ensure her children receive a good education and succeed in their lives.

Manjunath Mokashi joined Janaagraha in July 2023 as a Senior Associate, Civic Participation in Mangaluru. He holds a Master’s degree in Social Work from Gulbarga University, Karnataka. Before joining Janaagraha, he worked as a Program Manager with the Reliance Foundation. In his free time, Manjunath enjoys reading books and magazines.

Manjunatha Hampapura L joined Janaagraha in 2009 and is the Program Manager for the Civic Participation Karnataka team. In this role, he engages with citizens and interacts with Elected Representatives (ERs), bureaucrats, and other government officials to advocate and liaise for increased citizen participation in local government and citizen-centric platforms like Ward Committees and Area Sabhas in 11 cities across Karnataka.

He holds an MA in History from Mysuru University. Before joining Janaagraha, he worked as a stock market manager for three years in a private firm and then as an Admin and HR Associate at Infosys BPO for another three years. He was also a former Bengaluru Vice-President of BJP’s Slum Morcha.

Driven by his passion for the social sector, Manjunatha left the corporate sector to join Janaagraha, working towards improving the quality of urban life by enhancing public participation through engagement with Elected Representatives, bureaucrats, and citizens. He has been involved in various initiatives and works of the organisation, such as the Community Awareness Program (CAP), Jagte Raho Program, Open Works, and Participatory Budgeting initiatives like the MyCityMyBudget Campaign, among others.

In his leisure time, Manjunatha writes short stories, poems, ballads using the pen name “Manjana Maatu.” He also enjoys reading books, listening to music, writing articles on various social issues, and studying history-related books.

Mehak joined Janaagraha in February 2023. As an Associate in the Public Finance Management team at the Lucknow office, she will be involved in research and development of systems for efficient budgeting and planning of urban infrastructure and capacity-building projects.
She has a Bachelor’s in Architecture from Sunderdeep College of Architecture, Ghaziabad, and a Master’s in Urban Development Management from TERI School of Advanced Studies.
With over two years of experience as an architect, she has worked on sustainable and earthen architectural projects. She has also interned with the Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) and the Council on Energy, Environment, and Water (CEEW) firm.
Prior to joining Janaagraha, she was employed at the UP State Planning Department under the Yogi Adityanath UP CM Fellowship Programme. Outside of work, she enjoys reading fiction novels and binge-watching series. She is an avid indie music listener and a huge Potter fan.

Mohak heads the City Finance Operations and Analytics team based in New Delhi and has been associated with Janaagraha since November 2020. In his role, he leads overall program management and is directly involved in city finance work as well as key government engagements aimed at driving policy reforms in fiscal decentralisation, accounting and audit reforms, urban infrastructure financing, among others.
With over 14 years of experience across various roles in the financial sector, including Investment Banking, Venture Capital, and Development Finance, Mohak brings a wealth of expertise to his position.
He holds a Master’s degree in International Business from the Delhi School of Economics, University of Delhi, and completed his undergraduate studies in Commerce at the same University. In his personal time, Mohak enjoys long-distance running, cycling, watching independent cinema, and travelling.

Mohammad Mansoor A is the Lead for Field Engagement at Janaagraha. He began his professional journey with the Jana Urban Space Foundation in 2014 as a team leader within the research team. This team conducted thorough investigations in the slums of Bengaluru as part of the Pathways to Prosperity study, in collaboration with Duke University, surveying over 2,000 residents across 200 slum settlements.

In recent years at Janaagraha, Mansoor has played a crucial role in preparing and supervising fieldwork for citizen surveys. These surveys have focused on women’s safety and community policing in Hubballi-Dharwad and Mysuru, policing in Bengaluru during the COVID-19 pandemic, and understanding gender-based disparities in taxation. Additionally, he is a key contributor to Janaagraha’s collaboration with Brown University, which involves measuring citizenship and service delivery in urban centers across India.

Mansoor completed his postgraduate studies in 2013, earning a Master’s degree in Social Work from Bangalore University. He also completed a course in Mapping and Geographical Information Systems using Quantum GIS at Azim Premji University, Bengaluru, in 2020. Fluent in Kannada, Hindi, Urdu, Telugu, and English, Mansoor is a multilingual professional. In his leisure time, he enjoys reading books, gardening, and travelling.

Mohammad Zuhaib serves as an Associate in the Municipal Finance team, based in Delhi. Prior to joining Janaagraha in February 2022, Zuhaib accumulated over two years of experience in Solid Waste Management and Sanitation projects. His notable work includes participation in the Swachh Survekshan 2021 and the Safaimitra Suraksha Challenge 2021.

He completed his Master’s in Urban Development and Management from TERI School of Advanced Studies, Delhi, and his Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering from Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technical University (AKTU), Uttar Pradesh. In his free time, Zuhaib enjoys playing badminton, travelling, and exploring different cuisines.

Naganjali is a Senior Associate with the Accounts team and is based out of Bengaluru. She has a B.Com in Finance and Accountancy from IGNOU, and is a CA final candidate with ICAI. Her prior experience includes working with Vakilsearch as a Senior Accounting and Taxation Analyst.

Namita Aggarwal joined Janaagraha in 2018 and currently serves as the Head of the Municipal Revenues vertical. She oversees work on municipal borrowings and municipal own-source revenues. In her role, Namita works closely with senior leadership in the union government, constitutional bodies, and market regulators, as well as with multilateral institutions and several state governments, to drive systemic reforms to municipal borrowings and municipal own-source revenues.
She also runs www.cityfinance.in, India’s national municipal finance portal. Namita has actively contributed to driving property tax revenue growth in the country through her policy design and implementation support to both the union and state governments.
She authored the ‘Property Tax Toolkit,’ published by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs in 2020, which serves as a template for property tax reforms for several states and cities across the country. She co-authored a paper for the World Bank Group on ‘Gender-based Discounts on Taxes Related to Property.’
An MBA graduate from IIM Kozhikode, Namita has prior experience in managing sales at Hindustan Unilever. Outside of work, she enjoys reading fiction, watching movies, and stargazing with her telescope.

Navinder joined Janaagraha as an Associate in Municipal Finance in April 2023 after completing his long-term internship with the Cityfinance team. He is based out of Bengaluru. Navinder holds a Bachelor’s in Computer Application from St. Claret’s College, Bengaluru. During his free time, he enjoys listening to music and is an amateur runner.

Navyashree KC joined Janaagraha as an Associate in Software Development in February 2022 after completing her internship with the organisation.

She completed her engineering from Government Engineering College, Hassan, in 2012.

She looks forward to achieving great things in life and is not shy about putting in the effort to do so. She enjoys listening to music when not working.

Nesar joined Janaagraha in June 2021 as an Associate in Digital Marketing. A Commerce graduate from Mangalore University, he worked at Digital Roy Academy prior to joining Janaagraha. His expertise includes online ad operations, digital marketing, graphic design, editing, and website design. Nesar is passionate about photography and frequently serves as the photographer for many of Janaagraha’s key events. Originally from Chikkamagaluru, he enjoys riding, trekking, and traveling in his free time.

Nidhi Harihar joined Janaagraha in December 2023 as a Senior Associate, Civic Participation, in Bengaluru. Before joining Janaagraha, she worked as a Research Associate with the National Law School of India, Bengaluru. Nidhi has an MA in Development from Azim Premji University and a Master’s in Urban Planning from McGill University, Quebec, Canada. She enjoys singing, music, playing the harmonium, Hindi and Urdu poetry, and acting.

Nidhishree joined Janaagraha in August 2023 as an Associate in Environment City-Systems in Bengaluru, after successfully completing her long-term internship with the organisation. She is focused on strengthening Urban Environmental Governance in India’s cities and towns. Before her internship, she worked as a Planning and Design Executive at Elegance Enterprises. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Planning from the Nitte School of Architecture, Planning and Design. In her free time, Nidhishree enjoys playing badminton, reading, immersing herself in art, and singing.

Nimisha Bency joined Janaagraha in January 2019 as the Senior Manager of Culture and Well-Being. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from Bangalore University, a Postgraduate Diploma in Human Resources Management from Symbiosis Centre for Distance Learning, and is a CHRM-certified HR Professional with over 18 years of experience.

After spending the initial two years of her career in Bengaluru, Nimisha moved to Dubai, where she lived for a decade before returning to India in 2017. Her work experience in Dubai was particularly enriching, allowing her to collaborate with people from various parts of the world. Upon her return to India, she worked for a little more than a year at Mentor Together, a Bengaluru-based NGO focusing on mentoring, before joining Janaagraha.

Nimisha is a complete people person who deeply appreciates and values the uniqueness each individual brings, and she loves supporting them in bringing out their best version at work. In her free time, Nimisha enjoys travelling, watching films, and listening to Hindi, Malayalam, and Tamil melodies. She has a great love for humour in any form, with watching stand-up comedy shows being a recent addition to her list of interests.

Nupur Das joined Janaagraha as an Associate in the Civic Participation team in March 2021, based in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. Before her tenure at Janaagraha, she was employed as an analyst and data interpreter on a project centred on Non-Timber Forest Product Management and Women Empowerment within the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Communities in Odisha.

Nupur completed her Master’s in Development Studies from NIT Rourkela, Odisha. During her course, she undertook internships focusing on Child and Maternal Health in the Bolangir and Kalahandi districts of Odisha at the Centre for Youth and Social Development, Bhubaneswar, and investigated the Challenges faced by the Elderly and the Role of Government at IIT Kharagpur. She was a participant in the UTKARSH Yatra, which provided her with the opportunity to meet and interact with numerous young entrepreneurs from Andhra Pradesh.

Throughout her postgraduate studies, Nupur was actively involved in a social activity club named AASRA, where she dedicated her time to teaching children from slums. She proudly volunteers with the Robin Hood Army. In her leisure time, Nupur delights in crafting, embroidery, and loves caring for nature and animals.

Pallavi Mishra joined Janaagraha in February 2023 and is currently the Manager of Capacity Building in Odisha. With a Bachelor’s in English Literature from Ravenshaw University and an MBA in Human Resource Management from KIIT School of Management, Pallavi started her career at Centurion University, where the skill development vertical suited her the most. From then, she began a 12-year journey in capacity building, knowledge management, and MLE, leading to project management and implementation at the grassroots level in communities in rural Odisha.
At Janaagraha, the transition from focusing on rural to urban governance presents an invaluable opportunity for her to expand and diversify her knowledge. This shift allows her to harmoniously integrate insights from both domains, enhancing her ability to contribute effectively to the implementation of best practices. She loves reading books, writing short stories, gardening, fabric painting, fabric embroidery, and photography.

Pattabi Raman joined Janaagraha in April 2015 and currently serves as the Senior Android Developer. He holds a B.Sc in Computer Science from Saraswathi Narayanan College of Arts and Science, Tamil Nadu. Before his tenure at Janaagraha, he gained experience in the Android application domain, specialising in web server interactions as well as developing offline apps that communicate with the Android OS native applications pre-installed on mobile and tablet devices.

At Janaagraha, Pattabi has made significant contributions by developing various Android apps that help citizens to easily interact with the local governance. His other notable roles include validating user experiences and managing projects in collaboration with his team members.
In his free time, Pattabi enjoys reading books and watching films.

Prabhat Kumar joined Janaagraha in March 2020 and serves as the Head of the Public Finance Management (PFM) vertical at Janaagraha.

In his role, Prabhat leads the advocacy, program design, and implementation efforts focused on improving inter-governmental transfers, financial planning, efficiency, and accountability in municipal spending. He works closely with union, state, and urban local bodies to enhance overall financial management and address financial inefficiencies. Prabhat spearheads initiatives at the intersection of policy, technology, and process improvement with various state governments, such as Odisha, UP, and Assam, to enhance PFM systems in urban local bodies.

Prior to joining Janaagraha, Prabhat was part of the strategy & transactions team at EY, focusing on economic development advisory and urban infrastructure financing projects. He graduated from IIT Roorkee and completed an in-person certification course on PFM from Duke University.

Outside of work, Prabhat enjoys running, travelling, trekking, and watching movies.

Pragya joined Janaagraha in December 2021 as an Associate in Advocacy, where she is currently engaged with the Organisational Development team involved in a project with the Odisha government to streamline public service delivery. She holds a Master’s degree in Regulatory Governance from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai, and a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi.

Pragya prefers working at the intersection of technology, regulation, and urban policy with a passion for creating policy discourse around gender, inclusivity, and sustainability to drive impactful change.

During her leisure time, Pragya enjoys listening to music and watching films.

Prarthana Ramesh joined Janaagraha in August 2013 and is the Head of the Environment City-Systems vertical. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Mount Carmel College and a Postgraduate Diploma in Environmental Law (PGDEL) from the National Law School of India University. She has held various positions at Janaagraha over the past decade, including heading the Civic Learning initiative.

Her current role requires her to work at the intersection of environment and urban governance to identify reforms for implementation. She has previously led strategy, operations, and technology innovations (Our City, Our Challenge) for the Civic Learning program.

Prior to joining Janaagraha, she worked with Dream a Dream on experiential camps for children and drafting curriculum content. She also worked with UNI for underprivileged children and the Centre for Legislative Research and Advocacy on drafting bills and policy briefs. In her leisure time, Prarthana enjoys traveling and spending time with her dogs. She is currently engaged in attempting to build a mud house to understand what sustainability in action could look like.

Praveen Kumar joined Janaagraha as an Associate in IT Administration in November 2023, based in Bengaluru. Prior to joining Janaagraha, he worked as a Customer Service Engineer at Run-in IT Solutions Private Limited. Praveen holds a Diploma in Computer Science Engineering from Nalanda Foundation Polytechnic in Hubballi, Karnataka. A native of Manvi, Karnataka, he enjoys travelling and reading books in his spare time.

Preeti Ahluwalia joined Janaagraha in August 2023 as an Associate in the Municipal Finance team in Delhi, following the successful completion of her long-term internship with the organisation. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Fergusson College, Pune, and a Graduate certification in Public Policy from the Takshashila Institute. Prior to joining Janaagraha, Preeti served as a dedicated Research Assistant at the Pune International Centre.

In her leisure time, Preeti enjoys leading an active lifestyle and has recently embarked on learning Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). She is also passionate about outdoor activities such as kayaking and surfing, which further highlight her adventurous spirit.

Priya Bhattacharya joined Janaagraha as an Associate in the Municipal Finance team in April 2021. She is an MBA graduate from Xavier University Bhubaneswar (formerly XIMB), specialising in Urban Management and Governance, and also holds a Master’s in Commerce from Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU). Additionally, she completed her B.Com from Pune University and has qualified for CA- Intermediate (IPCC).

During her postgraduate studies, Priya gained valuable experience working as an intern on various state government projects in Odisha. She also interned with Colliers International Limited, focusing on real estate valuation projects for commercial properties.

Before pursuing her postgraduate studies, Priya accumulated 2.5 years of experience in Auditing and Accounting. Her interest in municipal finance is rooted in her expertise in auditing, accounting, and urban governance, combining her knowledge and skills in both domains effectively. In her leisure time, Priya enjoys gardening and watching movies.

Priyanka Tibrewal joined Janaagraha in January 2022 as an Associate in the Municipal Law and Policy team. She has a rich background in research, having worked as a research intern with Safe Water Networks, where she developed strategies for the inclusion of decentralised Small Water Enterprises (SWEs) in Urban Drinking Water Plans. Additionally, she served as a research assistant on a project titled “Comparing Governance and Policy During Covid-19 Pandemic: A Study of Twenty-Two Countries,” conducted by the Civics and Politics department of Mumbai University.

Her interest in the field stems from a desire to understand how institutions can be designed for efficient service delivery and good governance. Priyanka believes that reliable and transparent data is crucial for making sound policy decisions, particularly in urban governance and policy research.

Priyanka holds a diploma in Public Policy from the Indian School of Public Policy, New Delhi, and a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science (Hons.) from Ramnarain Ruia College, Mumbai. In her leisure time, she enjoys catching up on a good book, playing the ukulele, engaging in philosophical discussions, and indulging in pizza.

Rohit Sharma joined Janaagraha as an Associate, Municipal Finance, in July 2022 in Delhi. After completing his engineering from SRM University, Rohit’s inclination towards working on societal issues led him to take up a role with the Quality Council of India. There, he worked on flagship schemes like the Swachh Bharat Mission and Atal Bhujal Yojana.

In his role at Janaagraha, Rohit works with the team on government engagement with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) for recommending ULB grants under the 15th Finance Commission, towards developing the Cityfinance portal, implementing municipal finance reforms, and enhancing the operational efficiency of ULBs across India.

In his leisure, Rohit enjoys engaging in outdoor adventures and taking long drives around the city. These activities offer him a chance to disconnect, rejuvenate, and find inspiration in the urban landscape and natural surroundings alike.

Ruchika joined Janaagraha in March 2023 as an Associate in Organisational Development, based in Bhubaneswar. Prior to joining Janaagraha, she worked as a Policy Consultant with Ekayana Advisory. Ruchika has a Master’s in Public Policy and Governance from Azim Premji University, Bengaluru, and a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Buxi Jagabandhu Bidyadhar (BJB) Autonomous College, Bhubaneswar.

In her free time, she enjoys exploring new places with friends, cooking, and watching engaging content online.

Sachin Deshpande joined Janaagraha in April 2022 as Associate Manager, Human Resources. He initially obtained a degree in Electronics Engineering from B.M.S. College of Engineering, before transitioning to Human Resource Management. After completing his Master’s degree from Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai, in 2014, Sachin worked with Asian Paints for over four years. In his leisure time, he enjoys reading mystery novels and watching sports on TV.

Samprati joined Janaagraha in March 2021 as an Associate in Civic Participation at Bhubaneswar, Odisha. Her areas of interest include rural and urban poverty alleviation, water and sanitation, citizen participation, and capacity building.

She holds a postgraduate degree in Development Studies from the National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Utkal University. During her postgraduate studies, she interned at IIT Kharagpur and conducted a field survey in districts of Odisha to explore alternative livelihood methods to reduce migration. Additionally, she has interned with CRY NGO, focusing on child rights awareness and crowdfunding for causes.

Samprati has been active in social service organisations such as AASRA and Youth for Seva since her college days. She is also a sports enthusiast, having participated in athletics, basketball, and volleyball throughout her school and college years.

Sampriti Mukherjee joined Janaagraha in April 2022 as an Associate in Policy. She brings with her three years of prior professional experience in government advisory and research, working with several state and national government departments, such as the Andhra Pradesh Planning Board, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs – GOI, and BIRAC.

She has also engaged in international and national donor management and recently managed a State Climate Fellowship with six Indian state governments. She completed her Master’s in Public Policy and Governance, specialising in Urbanisation, and her Bachelor’s in Social Sciences, both from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences.

Throughout her journey, she has developed a keen interest in the domains of urban governance, climate action solutions, and socio-economic development. In the office, you will find her tinkering with data and presentations, always contemplating how to improve city functionality. Outside the office, she enjoys taking long walks, discovering new historical monuments, and petting dogs!

Sandhya C D’Souza joined Janaagraha in 2014 and is currently the Associate Manager of the Content and Communications team. She completed her Master of Communication and Media Studies (MCMS) at St. Aloysius College, Mangaluru. Sandhya’s background in journalism includes working as a Reporter and Sub-Editor for the Deccan Herald for over three years. She is the recipient of the ‘Sarojini Naidu Prize – 2012,’ a national award for the best reporting on Women in Panchayat Raj. Additionally, Sandhya has completed the ‘ILSS Emerging Women’s Leadership Program’ offered by India Leaders for Social Sectors. Besides her professional commitments, she loves volunteering and serves as a Ward Committee member for Shivabagh Ward (Mangaluru). Sandhya enjoys traveling, photography, and spending time with her family.

Sangram Satpathy joined Janaagraha as Project Manager, State Capacities in April 2023, and is based in Bhubaneswar. Before his tenure at Janaagraha, he worked as Senior Program Lead and State Head for Odisha at Central Square Foundation. Sangram earned an MBA in Rural Management from Xavier Institute of Management, Bhubaneswar, after completing his BE in Computer Science from North Odisha University. In his leisure time, he enjoys listening to music and is a passionate follower of test cricket and football.

Santosh Nargund joined Janaagraha in February 2022 and is currently the Head of the Civic Participation program. With over two decades of experience in the civic space, he has led various advocacy and citizen campaigns aimed at promoting good governance through transparency, accountability, and citizen participation. He has effectively utilised tools such as the Right to Information Act, the Karnataka Guarantee of Services to Citizens Act (Sakala), and public interest litigations (PILs) to enact positive change.

Santosh has conducted several social audits on significant topics, including the Beggary Relief System, Smart Cities Mission, Swachh Bharat Mission, and Urban Transport. Moreover, he has contributed his expertise to the Board of Studies at various institutions and provided his knowledge to several institutes and universities, including the National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru; Karnataka Evaluation Authority (KEA), Bengaluru; and Karnataka State Law University (KSLU), Hubballi.

In May 2018, Santosh ventured into politics by contesting the elections to the Karnataka legislature from the Hubballi -Dharwad Central – 73 Assembly Constituency and has since served as a National Council Member of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).

As an Aerospace Scientist, Santosh brings a wealth of experience in leading global teams on aerospace projects. He is an alumnus of the Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore (IIM-B), and holds an M.Tech degree from Visvesvaraya Technological University and a B.E. degree from Karnatak University. Santosh leads an eco-friendly life and practises natural farming, growing food without the use of harmful chemicals.

Sayani Ghosh joined Janaagraha in October 2023 as Associate, Organisation Development in Bhubaneswar. Before joining Janaagraha, she was associated with the Poverty and Human Development Monitoring Agency, Government of Odisha, as a Program Manager. She has an M.A. in Social Work from TISS, Mumbai, and a Bachelor’s in Sociology from Lady Brabourne College, Kolkata. During her free time, Sayani enjoys photography, trekking, and theatre.

Selvam joined Janaagraha in 2018 and is the Senior Associate in Field Engagement within the Research and Insights team. He began his career at the Jana Urban Space Foundation in 2014 as a Team Leader in the research team.

Selvam is a seasoned field executive with extensive experience in executing and supervising a wide array of research methodologies, including household surveys, focus group interviews, qualitative and quantitative interviews, key informant interviews, oral histories, and process tracking.

At Janaagraha, Selvam has played an important role in the preparation and supervision of fieldwork for citizen surveys on women’s safety and community policing in Hubballi-Dharwad and Mysuru, as well as policing in Bengaluru during the COVID-19 pandemic. He also played an integral part in the work Janaagraha does in collaboration with Brown University, focusing on measuring citizenship and service delivery in urban centres across India, which involves supervising large field surveys in various cities. He is part of the research project Janaagraha is undertaking in collaboration with the MacArthur Foundation.

Selvam obtained his undergraduate degree in 2013 from Sri Venkateshwara University in Bengaluru. He is fluent in Tamil, Kannada, and English. In his leisure time, he enjoys playing cricket and travelling.

Shalu joined Janaagraha in July 2023 as Associate Manager in the Municipal Finance team in Delhi. She holds a B.Tech in Civil Engineering from Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology, Allahabad, and a PGP in Public Policy, Design and Management from the Indian School of Public Policy, New Delhi. She has over four years of experience as a project executive with Professional Assistance for Development Action (PRADAN). Her family is based in Kota, Rajasthan. During her free time, Shalu enjoys exploring new cafes and restaurants.

Shashank joined Janaagraha as Manager in the Public Finance team at Bhubaneswar in October 2023. He brings over 10 years of experience in program management and delivery, particularly in the healthcare sector. Before joining Janaagraha, he was associated with Apollo 24|7 as Regional Head – Business and Operations. He holds an M.Sc from the University of Dundee, Scotland, and a Bachelor’s in Biotechnology from IIT Roorkee. His family is based in Bhubaneswar. During his free time, Shashank enjoys spending time with his family and participating in outdoor adventure sports.

Shibin Bhaskaran is the Senior Associate, IT Administration at Janaagraha, having joined the organisation in November 2016. He has previously worked with Wipro Technologies and Onmobile Global Ltd as Technical Support and has over 8 years of experience. At Janaagraha, he leads the Information Technology department, overseeing the IT infrastructure and cloud platforms for Janaagraha and Jana Urban Space Foundation (JUSF)-built applications.

Shibin completed his PG Diploma from Model Technical College, Kerala. In addition to his primary role, he also provides end-to-end IT support for Janaagraha. His personal interests include playing badminton, football, and swimming.

Shivani joined Janaagraha in July 2022 as Manager, Civic Learning (iCivics) and is also the team’s go-to person for designing innovative program interventions.

Prior to joining Janaagraha, she taught Economics to postgraduates at Delhi Public School. She has experience in designing curricula for learners of diverse age groups and has conducted classes on public speaking and the Constitution of India. She revels in challenges and loves to exhibit her leadership and event management skills, truly embodying the phrase “the world is your oyster.”

She holds a Master’s in Political Science (Hons) from St. Joseph’s University, Bengaluru, and a B.Ed. from Maharishi Dayanand University (MDU), Haryana. In her free time, she enjoys travelling, playing badminton, engaging in jigsaw puzzles (working her way through 1000-piece behemoths), Sudoku, and Origami.

Shivkumar Shadananan Menon joined Janaagraha in December 2014 and is the Head of the Civic Learning Program. He is sharply focused on mainstreaming 21st-century skills and active citizenship values in children and youth nationwide.

He believes that Janaagraha’s mission to improve the quality of life in our cities and towns can only be sustainably achieved by harnessing the immense potential of children and youth. During his decade at Janaagraha, he has worn multiple hats — fundraising, partnerships, and overseeing finance operations at an institutional level. He now collaborates with a skilled multi-disciplinary team of professionals in the Civic Learning program.

With over 25 years of experience in business development, new product development, and implementing go-to-market strategies, Shivkumar brings a wealth of expertise to his role. Prior to joining Janaagraha, he held diverse senior leadership roles in the Risk Management Solutions Business at Dun and Bradstreet for over a decade.

Shivkumar is a commerce graduate from Mumbai University and holds a postgraduate degree in Business Management from XLRI, Jamshedpur. In his leisure time, he enjoys cooking, reading, and travelling.

Shivshankar Aiholi joined Janaagraha in May 2022 and is the Senior Associate in the Civic Participation team, focusing on district interventions for Hubballi-Dharwad.
He has more than two decades of experience across corporate organisations, educational institutions, competitive coaching centres, as well as print and mass media. He has previously worked with organisations such as the JSS Group of Educational Institutions, Dharwad, ICICI, DHFL, Vijay Times English daily, Shriram Group of Companies, and Public Next Hyper Local Mobile News Media, among others.

He completed his MBA in Marketing & Financial Management from Deshbhakta Ratnappa Kumbhar College of Commerce, Kolhapur. His hobbies include reading, travelling, trekking, and photography.

Shobana joined Janaagraha in June 2021 as Manager, Municipal Finance. She has over eight years of experience in IT and finance and is passionate about utilising her skills in the social sector. At Janaagraha, her primary focus is on supporting the city finance portal and its enhancements. Shobana has degrees in MBA and Masters in Accounting from the University of Arizona and is a graduate of NIT, Tiruchirappalli. She spends her spare time baking and unlearning all her management skills to handle her children.

Shoumik Guha joined Janaagraha in 2021 and is the Head of the Development team.
Shoumik leads Fundraising and plays a pivotal role in shaping and executing the fundraising and development strategy at Janaagraha. He is responsible for driving the organisation’s overall fundraising efforts to support its mission and long-term sustainability. Before this role, Shoumik spearheaded Janaagraha’s foray into Public Health by leading the urban health project in Bihar.
He brings diverse experience spread across more than two decades, adept at leading Strategy & Business Operations, Business Development, Business Strategy/Planning, and forging strategic alliances in the healthcare sector.

He has previously been associated with IPE Global Limited and the WISH Foundation in the social impact sector, leading business advisory, access to capital, markets, and strategic alliances in helping scale innovations in Primary Healthcare within the ecosystem. Prior to the social impact sector, he has held senior leadership positions at Max Healthcare, Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, UFlex Limited, and Bilcare Limited, leading and managing business development, strategy, and operations in the Indian subcontinent. Shoumik holds a degree in Chemical Engineering from MIT, Manipal, and is an MBA from Management Development Institute (MDI), Gurgaon.

In his leisure time, Shoumik is an automobile enthusiast and is passionate about off-roading and adventure.

Shourya joined Janaagraha as Senior Associate, Fundraising and Development in 2024 and is based out of Delhi. Shourya has a Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences from TISS, Hyderabad, and an M.A. in Development Studies from TISS, Mumbai. Before joining Janaagraha, he was working with Project Concern International (PCI) India. During his free time, Shourya enjoys swimming, playing badminton, driving, and cooking.

Shreshtha joined Janaagraha in November 2021 as the Manager in the Municipal Finance Team, bringing with her over six years of experience in public policy, government advisory, economic research, and analysis.

Prior to joining Janaagraha, she worked as a Policy Consultant in the Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, focusing on infrastructure financing and policy matters. Her responsibilities included the conceptualisation and designing of new financing instruments for the infrastructure sector, managing international economic engagements at the G20 Infrastructure Working Group and BRICS, and appraising investment proposals of government-owned infrastructure financing companies, among others.

Having gained a strong foothold in public policy through her stints in government, she aims to contribute to Janaagraha’s municipal reforms agenda, which includes driving revenue reforms and ramping up urban infrastructure financing to aid in the transformation of city governments into self-sufficient, transparent, and responsive systems.

She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Lady Shri Ram College, Delhi University, and a Master’s and MPhil in Economics from the Centre for Economic Studies and Planning, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi.

Over the years, she has volunteered for various non-profits in the education and health sectors.

Shwetha joined Janaagraha in January 2024 as Manager, Capacity Building in the Civic Participation team, based in Bengaluru. She is a law graduate and also holds a Master’s in Social Work from Roshni Nilaya, Mangaluru. Before joining Janaagraha, she worked as a Technical Expert, Capacity Building with the Karnataka State Rural Livelihood Promotion Society. In her free time, Shwetha enjoys reading and cooking.

Sivaram joined Janaagraha in March 2023 as Senior Manager, Project Management and Documentation for the Civic Participation project in Odisha. Before joining Janaagraha, he worked with the SELCO Foundation as Senior Program Manager, Knowledge. Sivaram has an integrated M.Sc in Electronic Media from the College of Engineering, Guindy – Anna University, Chennai. In his spare time, he enjoys cooking, listening to music, and following current affairs.

Soham joined Janaagraha in December 2023 as Associate Manager, Organisational Development and State Capacities in Bhubaneswar. Before joining Janaagraha, he was working as a Consultant with Grant Thornton Bharat. Soham has an MA in English Literature from Jadavpur University and also from Texas A&M University, along with an MPhil in Foreign Policy from the Institute of Foreign Policy Studies, Kolkata. Soham is an amateur painter with an interest in oil and watercolours.

Somenath Kar joined Janaagraha in November 2020 as an Associate in the Civic Participation team in Bhubaneswar, where he is involved in projects including Jaga Mission 2.0, Ward Infrastructure Index (WII), and Ward Office 2.0, among others.

Before joining Janaagraha, he was associated with TATA Trusts. He is an expert in community participation, vision & resource mapping. His fascination with Urban Governance and social development led him to work in this sector.

He has completed his Postgraduate degree in Urban Management and Governance from Xavier University, Bhubaneswar and has graduated with a BBA. LL.B. (Hons) from National University, Odisha. In his leisure time, he enjoys travelling and caring for his pets.

Subhashri Patra joined Janaagraha in January 2023 and is based in Bhubaneswar, working as an Associate in Civic Participation. She is a science graduate from Utkal University and later obtained a degree in Urban Planning and Development from IGNOU. Before joining Janaagraha, she worked with Vistara Airlines. Subhashri is an animal lover and is dedicated to caring for the environment. In her free time, she enjoys reading, watching films, and dancing.

Sudhakar joined Janaagraha in November 2015 and serves as a Senior iOS Developer in the Technology Team.

He graduated with a B.Pharm degree from Kakatiya University and began his career as an iOS developer at Transys Info Solutions. At Janaagraha, he has contributed to the development of various apps including Swachhata, I Change My City, Public Eye, Ama Sahara, among others. Additionally, he fulfills the role of a UI/UX Product Designer for both mobile apps and websites.

In his free time, Sudhakar is keen on learning new technologies, watching films, and listening to music.

Sumathi Raj N joined Janaagraha in May 2017 and currently oversees the Civic Learning team’s district interventions. She has undertaken various roles within the civic learning program, including facilitation, training, and engaging school stakeholders, offering distinctive perspectives drawn from everyday life experiences. Sumathi is a staunch advocate of the “Less talk, more action” philosophy. Often the last to voice her opinions in a group, her contributions to the program and her insights into the needs and potentials of children and youth have proved to be of immense value. Holding a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce from Sri Sai College for Women, she brings with her over two decades of experience in the textile and education sectors, having previously worked with Avery Dennison India Pvt. Ltd. In her leisure time, she has a passion for exploring historical sites and experimenting with new cuisines.

Suvashika joined Janaagraha in September 2021 as a Senior Associate in Civic Data and Insights. She completed her Civil Engineering degree at Anna University and a postgraduate degree in planning from Malaviya National Institute of Technology, Jaipur. She is passionate about working in the governance sector and addressing citizen-centric issues. She has also collaborated with government departments in various states across India and possesses significant experience in institutional development, organisational restructuring, and capacity building.

Working on data to analyse civic issues provides her with utmost satisfaction, underpinned by the belief that she is contributing to a noble cause for the upliftment of society. She is a trained Carnatic singer, and in her free time, she sings, loves learning instruments, and listens to music.

Swati M joined Janaagraha in October 2021 and is a Manager in the Environment City-Systems team. She likes to describe herself as a “Learner – on a learning journey in this lifetime”. She completed her Bachelor’s in Science from St. Joseph’s Arts & Science College and her Development Leadership course from the Indian School of Development Management (ISDM).

She has a keen interest in the social sector, specifically in environmental issues since her college days. She has worked with the Centre for Science and Environment, and thereafter, went on to establish her own start-up named Harit Griha to build sustainable infrastructures through an integrated approach of providing technical solutions as well as inculcating behaviour change in the community. She also loves art, psychology, and sports.

Tanima joined Janaagraha in November 2018 and is a Manager in the Municipal Finance team. Having graduated as an engineer from Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra in Biotechnology, she went on to conduct research in the fields of Cancer and Computing Science as a Dorothy Hodgkin Fellow at the University of Glasgow. She has a background in data analytics that ranges from oncogenes to online start-ups. Prior to this, she was part of the product team at YourStory, creating predictive models to chart growth trajectories of Indian start-ups. She likes the idea of using data for a greater good rather than peddling consumerism and hopes to do that at Janaagraha. In her spare time, she enjoys working on the potter’s wheel, trekking through leech-infested forests, and reading about evolution and revolutions.

Therese joined Janaagraha in November 2023 as an Associate, Organisation Development at Bhubaneswar. Before joining Janaagraha, she was working as a Research Assistant with the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad. Therese has an MA in Public Policy and Governance from TISS, Mumbai, and a B.Com in Finance and Accountancy from Christ University, Bengaluru. She enjoys travelling to places of historical and cultural significance, trying out regional cuisines, and listening to new music in her spare time.

Toolika joined Janaagraha as Senior Manager, Fundraising and Development in Delhi in October 2023. She brings over 13 years of experience in the areas of local self-governance, WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene), and public policy. Before joining Janaagraha, she was associated as a Consultant with the S.M. Sehgal Foundation. She has a Post-Graduate Diploma in Rural Management from the Institute of Rural Management, Anand, and an M.Sc in Statistics from the University of Allahabad. Her family is based out of Gurugram, where her husband is the founder of an AI startup, and they have two daughters who are currently studying. During her free time, Toolika enjoys reading books and practicing classical dance.

“Vachana joined Janaagraha in 2015 and currently serves as the Head of the Municipal Law and Policy vertical, with a particular focus on policy research and advocacy around decentralised urban governance.

In her role, she leads the development and creation of India’s flagship report on urban governance, titled the ‘Annual Survey of India’s City-Systems (ASICS)’, and spearheads associated reform engagements with governments. Vachana was instrumental in the CITIIS 2.0 consortium under the Smart Cities Mission of the Government of India and contributed to the landscape study on India’s municipal finance commissioned by the 15th Finance Commission of India. She has also contributed to the Urban Vision Document 2030 developed by NITI Aayog and the Economic Survey of the Government of India in 2016-17.

Having worked with institutions such as the office of Comptroller and Auditor General of India and legislators like Dr. Shashi Tharoor, Vachana is a member of Future Leaders Connect (FLC) by the British Council and represented India in the 2021 FLC programme. Additionally, she frequently contributes articles to journals and popular media, focusing largely on institutions and their interaction with governance and decentralisation.

Vachana holds a Master’s degree in Development (specializing in Public Policy) from Azim Premji University, Bengaluru, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from St. Teresa’s College, Ernakulam (Mahatma Gandhi University).

In her leisure time, Vachana enjoys reading, stargazing, taking leisurely strolls, and listening to melodies, Hindustani, and Sufi music.

N M Varchaswini joined Janaagraha in 2022 and is an Associate in the Civic Participation team. Her primary responsibilities include interacting with citizens, government officials, and elected representatives; managing databases; conducting and generating ward committee survey reports; and organizing webinars, events, and campaigns.

Varchaswini is a graduate with a Master’s degree in Public Policy from Mount Carmel College, affiliated with Bengaluru University. She strongly believes in the importance of citizens’ participation for an efficient participatory democracy. Her main goal is to serve the community to foster a better and more sustainable livelihood.

In her leisure time, Varchaswini enjoys reading books, playing musical instruments, sketching, and writing poems.

Vasu Saha joined Janaagraha in May 2023 as an Associate in Municipal Finance and is based in Delhi. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Hindu College, Delhi University, and a Master’s in Public Policy and Governance from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Hyderabad. Additionally, he has earned a certificate in European and International Studies from Sciences Po, Lille.

Vasu has previously worked with the Office of Dilip Kumar Pandey, Government of Delhi, and the Office of the Divisional Forest Officer at Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary as a policy intern. Passionate about staying active, Vasu regularly works out and also has a keen interest in travel and cricket.

Velumurugan is an Associate in Administration and joined Janaagraha in 2014. A Bengaluru native, Velu diligently looks into all of Janaagraha’s administrative requirements. In his spare time, Velu enjoys listening to music and was a karaoke enthusiast in his younger days.

Vijil joined Janaagraha in May 2013 and is currently the Lead Front-End Developer. Prior to joining Janaagraha, he worked with Thoughtgrid Interactive Solutions and also has 2 years of experience in User Interface development. He completed an M.Sc. in Computer Science from the University of Kerala (Kannur).

At Janaagraha, he has significantly contributed to website front-end development. In his free time, he enjoys watching movies. His family consists of his wife and son.

Vimarsha Vishruth is a Senior Test Engineer with an Industrial Production Engineering background. She initially started as an intern at Janaagraha in 2017 to gain insights into the development sector and decided to join the team full-time in 2018. Vimarsha is also an accomplished athlete, having represented Hassan District in state-level Table Tennis and Throw Ball tournaments. She completed her Bachelor of Engineering Degree at Malnad College of Engineering. In addition to her professional and athletic pursuits, Vimarsha is an ardent nature explorer who loves taking road trips during her leisure time.

Vinayasree joined Janaagraha in March 2022 as an Intern and started as an Associate in September 2022 in Environment City Systems. She holds a Master’s Degree in Development from Azim Premji University, Bengaluru, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, Sociology, and Economics (Triple Major) from CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Bengaluru.

Prior to joining Janaagraha, she worked briefly with the Centre for Habitat Studies at TISS as a research officer.

Her interests lie in Environmental Policy, Urban Sustainability, Regulation and Conservation of Common Property Resources; Degrowth; Structural and Cultural Influences on Collective Human Behaviour, and Mental Health Advocacy.

In her free time, she enjoys hosting her friends, doing jigsaw puzzles, collaging her photo wall, and learning about internet lores! She is also currently trying to reignite her past fervour for casual reading and creative writing.

Yukti joined Janaagraha in March 2023 as an Associate in Public Finance Management, based in Bhubaneswar. Before her tenure at Janaagraha, she worked as a Program Officer with Samaj Pragati Sahayog in Madhya Pradesh.

She holds a Master’s degree in Development from Azim Premji University, Bengaluru, and a B.A. (Hons) in Economics from Delhi University. In her free time, Yukti enjoys engaging in Origami, cooking, and keeping up with local and international politics.