Shri Anil Bordia, a noted educationist and social activist, served as Education Secretary in the MHRD and was instrumental in formulating India’s National Policy on Education (1986). He led pioneering grassroots reforms through programs like Shiksha Karmi, Lok Jumbish, and later Doosra Dashak for adolescent development. Founder of SANDHAN, he emphasized inclusive education, teacher training, and community participation. His work earned him major national and international honors, including the Padma Bhushan (2010) and UNESCO’s Avicenna Gold Medal (1999). His legacy continues to inspire innovative educational initiatives across India.
Aruna Roy, former Chairman of Sandhan and Ramon Magsaysay Awardee, is a celebrated social activist and retired IAS officer. Founder of Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan, she led India’s Right to Information movement and championed rural empowerment. Her lifelong advocacy for transparency, accountability, and justice has shaped democratic governance and uplifted marginalized communities across India through impactful policy and grassroots action.
Dr. P.K. Sethi, Padma Shri and Ramon Magsaysay awardee, was Sandhan’s pioneering founder and early Chairman. He laid the foundation for its mission to uplift poor communities through education. His visionary leadership and dedication to innovation continue to guide Sandhan’s efforts in inclusive learning and social empowerment, leaving a lasting impact on generations of educators and learners.
Dr. Gyan Prakash Pilania (1932–2024), a respected IPS officer, Rajya Sabha member, and social reformer, was renowned for leading the Jat Reservation Agitation. As Chairman of Sandhan, he advanced education and social equity. His lifelong commitment to public service and justice continues to inspire generations across Rajasthan and beyond, leaving a legacy of courage, integrity, and empowerment.
Shri Triloki Nath Chaturvedi, Padma Vibhushan awardee and former Governor, was a founding Chairman of Sandhan. With seven decades in public service, he brought unmatched wisdom and integrity. His dedication to governance, education, and social impact shaped Sandhan’s vision. His legacy of scholarship and leadership continues to inspire the organization’s mission toward excellence and inclusive development.
Shri Meetha Lal Mehta, Padma Shri awardee and former Chief Secretary of Rajasthan, was Sandhan’s founding Chairman. A visionary leader, he championed social equity and education for underserved communities. His initiatives in primary and life skills education empowered countless youth. His legacy of integrity, innovation, and inclusive growth continues to shape Sandhan’s mission and impact.
Dr. Sharada Jain, a visionary educationist and philosopher, has advanced women’s empowerment, education, and community development in India. She led initiatives like Mahila Samakhya and Doosra Dashak, and founded Sandhan for action research and adolescent development. Blending Indian and Western thought, her work champions equity, participation, and lifelong learning, inspiring inclusive and transformative change nationwide.
Shri Bhanawat led Rajasthan’s Literacy Campaign (1996–2000) as Director and received the NLM–UNESCO award. He headed the Shiksha Karmi Project and chaired Rajasthan Adult Education (2013–2016). Trustee of Doosra Dashak, Chairman of Sandhan, and Vice Chairman of Transparency International (Rajasthan), he also serves on advisory boards. Academically, he holds degrees in Physics, Mathematics, Labour Laws, and French.
Shri Bhanawat led Rajasthan’s Literacy Campaign (1996–2000) as Director and received the NLM–UNESCO award. He headed the Shiksha Karmi Project and chaired Rajasthan Adult Education (2013–2016). Trustee of Doosra Dashak, Chairman of Sandhan, and Vice Chairman of Transparency International (Rajasthan), he also serves on advisory boards. Academically, he holds degrees in Physics, Mathematics, Labour Laws, and French.
Development professional with 25+ years advancing education, gender equity, and community empowerment. Skilled in program management, stakeholder engagement, curriculum design, and advocacy. Adept at building capacity and driving inclusive initiatives across grassroots and policy levels. Proven success implementing sustainable, high-impact interventions for marginalized and underserved populations through strategic planning, training, and collaborative outreach.
Manish Singh is a trained Social Worker with more than 27 years of professional experience. He has successfully led large-scale projects related to integrated development, food fortification, access to justice, child labour, and voluntary sector development in the states of Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. He has worked for many National and International Organisations, including UN agencies. Manish is presently working with Manjari Sansthan as its Secretary.
Major Dr Meeta Singh, a physician and army veteran from AFMC, has championed girl child dignity and empowerment in Rajasthan for 24 years. A humanitarian and policy advocate, she shaped the State Policy for Women 2015 and launched community initiatives for gender equality. Her work spans grassroots action and national/international publications promoting rights of the marginalized.
Aparna Sahay, 69, with an MA and MBA, has over 35 years of experience in governance, financial management development sector. She retired in September 2015 as Additional Director & Registrar, Centre for Management Studies, Officers’ Training School, Government of Rajasthan. Currently, she leads a few NGOs focusing on livelihoods, environmental sustainability and, gender equality. She has represented India at the UN and G-20 events.
Raghvendra Sharma, former OSD (Elementary Education) and Acting Director at Doosra Dashak, has over 36 years of experience in Rajasthan’s Education Department. He served in key roles at RSTB, Navodaya Vidyalaya, and Lok Jumbish. A SIDA consultant in Laos, he has been associated with Doosra Dashak (FED) since 2004, focusing on adolescent education and development.