Prof. K. VijayRaghavan
Prof. K. Vijay Raghavan, former Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India, is the Chair of the Advisory Board at Sankala Foundation. With a illustrious career spanning decades, Prof. Vijay Raghavan has made a name for himself in the scientific community and has been instrumental in reshaping the research and innovation landscape both in India and around the world.
Prof. Vijay Raghavan earned his Bachelor of Technology in Chemical Engineering from the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, in 1975. His passion for scientific exploration led him to pursue doctoral work in Molecular Biology and in 1983 he received his Ph.D. from the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR). As a testament to his dedication and pursuit of excellence, he furthered his expertise as a Research Fellow at the renowned California Institute of Technology from 1984 to 1988.
Prof. Vijay Raghavan began his career in academia and research in 1988 when he joined the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research. He went on to play a pivotal role in establishing the National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS) in Bengaluru in 1992, operating under the auspices of TIFR. His visionary and inspiring leadership and commitment to encouraging interdisciplinary research have been instrumental in developing young talent and advancing science.
Throughout his career, Prof. Vijay Raghavan has undertaken ground-breaking research to unravel the intricate principles and mechanisms governing the nervous system and muscles. His research helped to clarify how these neuromuscular systems control specific locomotory behaviors, contributing significantly towards our understanding of basic biological processes. Prof. Vijay Raghavan's influence extends beyond the laboratory and research institutions. He served as the Secretary of the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India, from January 2013 to January 2018, where his knowledge and guidance were instrumental in shaping the nation's biotechnological landscape of the country.
His dedication to science and technology and his achievements earned him the prestigious position of Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to the Government of India where he served from 2018 to 2022. During the period, Prof. Vijay Raghavan advised policy makers at the strategic level, led initiatives to promote evidence-based decision-making and worked hard for country-wide development of science.
As an Advisory Board member Prof. Vijay Raghavan’s vast experience, profound knowledge, visionary and inspiring leadership, and unwavering dedication to scientific exploration will undoubtedly guide and inspire Sankala Foundation's mission to drive positive change and make a lasting impact on society.
Dr. C. N. Pandey
Dr. C. N. Pandey is a distinguished public servant from the Indian Forest Service with an exceptional service record. He is well known for his significant contributions towards preserving India's invaluable forest wealth. Currently, he is serving as the Professor of Practice at IIT- Gandhinagar where he is exploring the relationship between engineering and environmental conservation.
After receiving his M.Sc. from Lucknow University in 1976, Dr. C. N. Pandey began his academic career and then devoted himself fully to environmental sciences. He continued his higher studies, earning a Postgraduate Diploma from Indira Gandhi National Open University and a Ph.D. from North Gujarat University, to enhance his knowledge and expertise in the area.
Dr. C. N. Pandey served as the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) and Chief of the State Forest Department in Gujarat, and made an indelible mark on the state's efforts to preserve and protect its rich biodiversity. His dedication and commitment towards environmental stewardship and his efforts in tackling poaching and smuggling activities in India's forests has earned him well-deserved acclaim and distinction.
His expertise and contributions in the field of environment have been recognized at the national level with his appointment as the Chairman of the Expert Appraisal Committee for Industry-I Sector projects by the Union Ministry of Forests and Environment for considering environmental clearance to critical industries such as cement, metallurgical, leather etc. Dr. Pandey's invaluable deep insights are very helpful in promoting sustainable development while safeguarding the environment.
Dr. C. N. Pandey brings with him field experience, expertise in policy formulation and policy instruments for sustainable management of natural resources and development of local communities in harmony with nature.
Dr. Prof. Ashutosh Sharma
Prof. Ashutosh Sharma is a visionary academician with exceptional interdisciplinary contributions in the fields of nano-sciences, nanotechnology, nanocomposites, soft matter, micro/nano-mechanics, colloid and interfacial engineering etc. Currently serving as the Institute Chair Professor and INAE Visvesvarya Chair Professor at the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, he brings a wealth of expertise and experience.
Prof. Ashutosh Sharma's academic journey began with a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur in 1982. He further pursued his passion for knowledge and obtained a master’s degree in the same subject from The Pennsylvania State University in 1984 and earned a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from State University of New York at Buffalo in 1987.
Prof. Ashutosh Sharma’s pioneering work in understanding the behavior of thin films and other highly confined nano-scale systems earned him the prestigious Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar award in engineering sciences. Other awards, honours include Infosys Prize in Engineering and Computer Science, the TWAS Science Prize, the Humboldt Foundation's Bessel Research Award, the Homi J. Bhabha Award for Applied Sciences, etc. and many more. Over 350 peer-reviewed papers and more than 15 patents are result of his creative research, dedication towards advancing science and technology.
In addition to his scholarly pursuits, Prof. Sharma has held important leadership positions. He served as Secretary to the Government of India, Department of Science and Technology (DST) from 2015 to 2021. During this tenure, he initiated several programs aimed at advancing India’s scientific and technical landscape, including those that focused on infrastructure, innovation, R&D, industry-academia cooperation, and international collaborations.
Prof. Ashutosh Sharma's visionary leadership and extensive experience in nano sciences and nanotechnology will undoubtedly guide and inspire in driving positive change and fostering impactful research initiatives.
Dr. Leena Srivastava
Dr. Leena Srivastava, formerly the Vice Chancellor of TERI School of Advanced Studies, New Delhi, is a distinguished academician who has been promoting interdisciplinary higher education and a pioneering figure in the field of sustainable development. Dr. Srivastava holds a master’s in economics from the University of Hyderabad and a Ph.D. in Energy Economics from the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore.
Having begun her career at The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), Dr. Srivastava spent over three decades there, exiting as the Executive Director. Her work at TERI covered a wide range of issues, including energy and environment policy/planning, energy economics, and climate change.
Dr. Srivastava has received accolades for her outstanding contributions in the field of sustainable development. She was appointed as a Distinguished Visiting Fellow at International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA) in Vienna, Austria and also served as its Deputy Director General.
Dr. Srivastava has significant influence on global scale as member of numerous advisory panels and committees for prestigious institutions like the Asian Development Bank and the
Numerous prestigious roles have been assigned to her during her distinguished career, including Co-Chair of the Science Advisory Group for the UN Secretary General's 2019 Climate Action Summit and a Co-Chair of Future Earth which are testimony to her works in the field of Climate Change. Her significant contributions in the field of Climate Change also include, she being a Coordinating Lead Author of the 3rd Inter-governmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Report and a cross-cutting theme Anchor on "Sustainable Development" for the 4th IPCC Report, further cementing her position as a leading authority on climate change and sustainability. Currently, Dr. Srivastava is a Member of the International Expert Panel on Climate Change of Edelman, a Board Member of Shell plc, and a Senior Energy Expert Advisor to BCG India. She continues to play a vital role as a Member of the SDG 7 Technical Advisory Group of the UN and is also part of the Advisory Board for the "Science for Sustainable Societies" Book Series led by the Institute of Global Environmental Strategies (IGES) in Japan.
Dr. Leena Srivastava's remarkable journey and unwavering commitment to sustainable development have inspired change-makers worldwide. Her visionary and inspiring leadership continues to influence policies and initiatives that drive positive transformation towards a more sustainable and resilient future for all.
Mr. Ashok Malik
As the Chair of Asia Group’s New Delhi based subsidiary and as a Partner in the company, Mr. Ashok Malik directs the company’s strategic initiatives and services in the Indian market. With over 30 years of diverse experience in government, media, and thought leadership, Mr. Malik is known for his knowledge of India's policy landscape and complex interplay between business and politics.
Mr. Malik provides invaluable advice to clients seeking to enter and expand in the Indian market. He specializes in tailored strategies for market entry, enterprise-level risk management, and crisis mitigation. His profound knowledge and expertise include India's foreign and trade policies and the government's approach to international business, resilient supply chains, and national capacities.
Before joining The Asia Group, Shri Ashok Malik served as Policy Advisor/Additional Secretary in India's Ministry of External Affairs from 2019 to 2022. During this crucial and eventful period, he worked closely with External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar and other senior leaders of the Ministry to shape and communicate India's foreign policy effectively.
Previously, Mr. Malik served as the speechwriter and spokesperson for the 14th President of
Prior to his government service, Shri Ashok Malik held the distinguished position of a Fellow at the Observer Research Foundation (ORF), a prominent public policy think-tank in India. As part of ORF, he led the Neighborhood Regional Studies Initiative and the Australia India Institute-ORF Chair for Indo-Pacific Studies, delving into the bilateral relationship between India and Australia and examining the evolving economic and institutional architecture of the Indo-Pacific region.
In addition to his policy contributions, Mr. Malik is a highly acclaimed columnist and commentator. He began his illustrious career in the news media, serving in senior editorial roles at esteemed publications such as Times of India, India Today, and Indian Express. His thought-provoking columns earned him wide recognition as one of India's best-read and respected voices.
In 2012, Mr. Malik authored the book "India: Spirit of Enterprise," published by Roli Books. This work encapsulates the journey of India's leading private sector businesses and their role in a globalizing economy since the inception of the government's liberalization program in 1991.
As a recipient of the esteemed Padma Shri, one of India's highest civilian honors, Mr. Ashok Malik's journey as a seasoned expert in business, policy, and strategic thinking continues to inspire and shape India's path towards sustainable growth and global engagement.
Together for a
sustainable tomorrow