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.

Sumita Hazarika is an advocate with a distinguished legal career spanning over two decades of practicing primarily in the ‘Supreme Court of India’ and the ‘Delhi High Court’. Specializing in family and service law, she is deeply committed to social justice and the rights of the marginalized.

A graduate of Campus Law Centre, Delhi University (LLB, 1995), she began her career with a strong focus on public interest litigation.

Her association with persons with disabilities began before law school, through workshops on media portrayals of disability. Early in her career, she fought key cases for visually impaired students facing discrimination in a North Delhi hostel and school, securing their rights through the High Court. Many of those she supported are now employed in the public sector, empowered by the Disability Act and enjoying greater social acceptance.

Sumita is currently associated with ‘Saahas Foundation’, where she continues to contribute meaningfully to the empowerment and inclusion of persons with disabilities.

She values integrity and simplicity in both her personal and professional life, guided by the principle that justice—not monetary gain—is her foremost motivation.

An avid traveler and lifelong learner, Sumita finds inspiration in meeting new people and exploring diverse perspectives, enriching both her worldview and her practice of law.

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.

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.

Askari H. Zaidi is a veteran journalist with over 25 years in senior editorial roles at leading newspapers like The Times of India, Hindustan Times, and Indian Express. In 2000, he launched Hindustan Times editions in Bhopal, Raipur, and Nagpur, serving as their Editor for seven years. His reporting spans major events including the Kargil War, Kashmir insurgency, parliamentary affairs, environmental issues, and elections. He brings deep expertise across print, electronic, and digital media.

Zaidi’s international experience spans the US, Europe, Southeast Asia, and West Asia. He was an invited observer for the 1996 US presidential elections by the US Information Agency. He has also lectured on media and current affairs at institutions such as Singapore National University, Jamia Millia Islamia, Kashmir University, and Makhanlal Chaturvedi University.

In 2007, Zaidi moved into corporate communications, serving as Media Advisor and Group Head for leading firms like Reliance Group, Jaypee Group, and Jindal Steel & Power. He also led digital media campaigns from concept to execution.

Mr. Zaidi now works as a freelance journalist, writing regularly for print and digital platforms on diverse topics. He also supports the foundation by shaping its publications and business channels to strengthen grassroots impact.

Abhishek (Former Infantry Commander, Indian Army Veteran) brings over 25 years of grounded leadership and human engagement experience from his tenure in the Indian Army, including specialized roles in the Special Forces and Infantry. An alumnus of the prestigious Rashtriya Indian Military College (Dehradun), National Defence Academy (Pune), and Defence Services Staff College (Wellington), his academic and field foundation is both rigorous and holistic. Throughout his career, Abhishek has commanded an Infantry Battalion, served in high-altitude and counter-insurgency operations—including in the Siachen Glacier—and represented India in United Nations assignments. He has held several critical staff positions and has been awarded five Commendations for his service.

His lived experience with disability extends beyond theory—he has closely led and supported soldiers with visual impairment, partial paralysis, and substance dependency, shaping his deep belief that those with disabilities and vulnerabilities must never be sidelined. His perspective on human development is anchored in dignity, inclusion, and meaningful engagement.

Abhishek now supports the enterprise in operational planning across some of the most challenging geographies, leveraging his military-honed understanding of systems, resilience, and field execution. His insights into human psychology, behaviour, and logistics—combined with his innate camaraderie—serve as critical assets in designing rehabilitation, relief, and economic programs for marginalised communities.

A minimalist at heart and deeply connected to the mountains, Abhishek maintains a lifestyle rooted in solitude, yoga, and self-awareness. He is a rider, cyclist, reader, and seeker—passionate about children, love, and purposeful living.

Sheeba is a development professional with over 20 years of diverse, multi-sectoral experience spanning India, Africa, and Southeast Asia. Her career bridges grassroots organizations, international donor agencies, CSR initiatives, and the United Nations, reflecting both deep field engagement and strategic leadership. With a Master’s in Social Work from Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai, her work has focused on governance, capacity building, education, livelihoods, gender justice, and inclusion.

She has held key leadership roles such as Program Director at CBED, State Manager for DFID’s PACS program, CEO of Monnet Foundation, and Advisor to Oxfam GB in Eritrea. She has also consulted for UNICEF, UNESCAP, the World Bank, British Red Cross, and various NGOs on planning, evaluation, training, and policy design.

A passionate advocate for disability rights and inclusive economic development, Sheeba believes these are transformative areas that can uplift the lives of the most vulnerable. Her work is rooted in participatory methodologies and rights-based approaches, with a strong emphasis on community-led development. She is also a published author of several manuals and toolkits on gender, forest rights, micro-planning, and community education, widely used by practitioners across the sector.

Ipshita’s career weaves together corporate experience, alternative education, and grassroots enterprise, grounded in a Master’s in Food Science and Nutrition. She began at Google and later served as People Operations Manager at RobusTest, gaining expertise in systems thinking, operational efficiency, and inclusive workplace practices. Driven by a desire for meaningful impact, she shifted to teaching at The Valley School, where the experiential and values-based approach deepened her belief in empathy, creativity, and individual learning journeys.

She went on to find ‘Evolve By Choice’, an initiative that collaborates with women from under-resourced communities to produce sustainable, handmade products with dignity and purpose. Currently heading Business & Social Enterprise Development at Saahas Foundation, Ipshita strengthens financial sustainability and entrepreneurial capacity within community groups. Her approach to inclusion and disability is rooted in deep listening and responsiveness to real lives. In her personal time, she enjoys swimming, yoga, sewing, walking, and journaling.

Gopal brings over three decades of experience in sales, marketing and operations in the hospitality and tourism sector. A science graduate from Bombay University, he has held senior leadership roles in reputed hospitality chains, including ‘Select Hotels’ and ‘Indian Adventures Wildlife Resorts’. At Select Hotels, he progressed from Senior Manager for International Sales to Vice President – Operations and Sales, where he led business growth across Goa and Manesar properties. His achievements include driving business responsibilities, and spearheading pre-opening setups like the ‘Maharaja’s Express’ luxury train and the boutique hotel Anila by Select in New Delhi.

Gopal’s transition to the development sector is rooted in personal conviction. Having overcome a major illness, he felt compelled to contribute meaningfully to a cause that resonated deeply with him. He now focuses on mobilizing resources from private and public sector organizations, and on forging partnerships for market integration of community-produced goods—particularly for corporate gifting and product solutions for conferences and events. His sharp business insights, combined with a strong social commitment, make him a vital bridge between enterprise and impact.

Gopal is also an avid trekker, bird watcher, amateur astronomer and reader, with a deep appreciation for nature and learning.