Vippan brings a fascinating over forty year mix of military, corporate and educational experience to his role as the Director at Saahas Foundation Inclusive Resource Centre. An alumnus of Rashtriya Indian Military College (R.I.M.C.), Dehradun, he served in Air Defense Artillery and then made his mark in the corporate field.

Vippan was associated with the automobile industry for almost twenty years, and found a place in the Limca Book of Records as having led, in 1997, the largest contingent of Royal Enfield bikers to Khardungla (highest motor able road in the world).

Since the last fifteen years, Vippan has been in educational administration and presently heads the Unison Group as Director, Projects and Planning. The Unison Group comprises of many educational institutions including the Unison World School and IMS Unison University, where Vippan also serves as member of the Board of Governors.

Shahab strongly believes that education and skills, along with research and development, are the building blocks of economic growth and social development worldwide. Possessing a master’s degree in Computer Science Applications, Shahab’s extensive professional work experience includes consulting on project planning and business communication.

In the last five years, Shahab has primarily focused on the design, deployment and operations of social ventures. His empathy and research in providing livelihood and entrepreneurship development to the differently-abled led to his setting up the SAAHAS FOUNDATION INCLUSIVE RESOURCE CENTRE in December 2017.

A sports enthusiast and keen observer of popular culture, Shahab brings passion to his engagement in developmental sciences through what he calls ‘an application of silent pluralism’.

Savita Varde-Naqvi is a programme management advisor with over 23 years of international experience in strategic planning, implementation and evaluation of rights-based, sustainable humanitarian initiatives. Having retired last year from UNICEF as Regional Advisor for Communication for Development (West and Central Africa), she is currently working as an independent consultant.

Savita has also built technical capacities to help foster inclusion of marginalised sections of society, and has developed media assets and curricular materials based on adult education principles.

Her international experience spans journalism and humanitarian advocacy with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and UNICEF, and Savita’s expertise as a social and behaviour change specialist is of immense value at Saahas Foundation.

Meeta is currently a project manager at the NGO Angels at Work, which provides skill development training to differently-abled persons, and has also campaigned for inclusive housing for special-needs persons.

As an environmentalist, Meeta has spread the message about organic farming and rooftop gardening using a soil-less medium. As a member of the Lions and Rotary Club, she has also done extensive volunteering with various organizations and has taught English Literature and Language to undergraduate and graduate students.

Meeta has a Master’s degree from the University of Rajasthan. Having good communication skills, she is excellent at connecting with people.

Nilam possesses an impressive track record in project management with over 22 years of professional experience in building capacity in gender equality and rights of disadvantaged groups (with focus on inclusion in disability sector) at various organizations in India, Sri Lanka, Switzerland and Papua New Guinea.

She has a Master’s degree in Social Work, and is also a Consultant Occupational Therapist at special schools and hospitals. Nilam’s expertise encompasses programme development; evaluation, appraisals and reviews as well as training and workshop facilitation.

Nilam is currently a consultant and advisor with various organizations and has previously managed the Sanjeevan Deep Paraplegic Foundation.

Anjali has had extensive experience in campaigning for inclusive education for the hearing impaired and towards general empowerment for persons with multiple disabilities. She has presented papers at numerous seminars and conferences and is currently the Vice-President of the Uttarakhand Dyslexia & Disability Association (UDAAN).

With a Master’s degree in education, Anjali is also the course coordinator at the Bajaj Institute of Learning for IGNOU’s special courses, where she is also responsible for the training of skills/techniques associated with hearing impairment.

In recognition of her excellent work in the field of social upliftment and empowerment of the disabled, Anjali has been honoured by many organizations including the Uttaranchal Mahila Association.

Lead – Business & Social Enterprise Development

Ipshita’s career is a distinctive blend of corporate acumen, educational innovation, and grassroots community engagement, anchored in a Master’s degree in Food Science and Nutrition. She began her professional journey at Google and later served as People Operations Manager at the tech startup RobusTest, where she honed her skills in structured systems, operational efficiency, and nurturing inclusive, human-centered workplace cultures.

Motivated by a desire for deeper, more personal impact, Ipshita transitioned into education, teaching at The Valley School—an alternative, experiential learning space. This values-driven environment profoundly shaped her understanding of how empathy, trust, and creativity can transform the learning journey, especially for those who do not fit into conventional molds.

Her commitment to social impact led her to establish ‘Evolve By Choice’, an artisan-led initiative that collaborates with women from under-resourced communities to create hand-sewn and handmade products. The venture upholds the dignity of work while celebrating sustainability and mindful living.

Ipshita’s perspective on disability and human vulnerability is rooted in the belief that development systems must listen more deeply and respond more sensitively. She holds that true progress begins when individual rhythms and lived realities are acknowledged and supported.

Currently leading ‘Business & Social Enterprise Development’ at Saahas Foundation, Ipshita brings a vibrant, integrated approach to strengthening both the financial sustainability and entrepreneurial capabilities of community collectives. Her holistic lens—shaped by experience in corporate strategy, alternative education, and community-centered enterprise—positions her uniquely to foster inclusive human development.

Outside of work, she finds joy in swimming, walking, yoga, sewing, journaling, and living with intention.

Born in Varanasi, Rana taught History and English as a Second Language at international schools in Dubai and Jeddah before she moved to Canada in 2008, and is currently an ESL supply teacher in Toronto.

A published author, Rana has also been a freelance writer for almost 20 years and volunteers as a creative writing facilitator with the Toronto Writers Collective.

Her commitment to social justice has led Rana to work for a charity that seeks to provide employment opportunities for marginalized populations. She is also associated with several health equity initiatives and runs an advisory group to address mental health issues in South Asian communities.