Leadership

Pramod leads the team that conducts research and advocacy on sustainable livelihoods, wildlife management, biodiversity conservation, and socio-ecological systems. His work also focuses on strengthening the conservation agenda for seven big cat species (e.g., Cheetah, Jaguar, Leopard, Lion, Puma, Snow Leopard, and Tiger) across their 96 range countries. With a PhD from Clemson University, South Carolina, USA, Pramod applies his expertise in conservation social science theories, methods, and analyses to policy, governance, and sustainability research.
Malvika Kaul
Programme Associate
With over a decade of experience, Pramod has explored various facets of environmental research, including community resilience, sustainable livelihoods, illegal wildlife trade, human-wildlife interactions, environmental impact assessment, conservation governance, political ecology, and natural resources management. Outside of work, he enjoys playing tennis and gardening in his free time.
Team

Dr Pramod K. Yadav
Programme Associate
Pramod leads the team that conducts research and advocacy on sustainable livelihoods, wildlife management, biodiversity conservation, and socio-ecological systems. His work also focuses on strengthening the conservation agenda for seven big cat species (e.g., Cheetah, Jaguar, Leopard, Lion, Puma, Snow Leopard, and Tiger) across their 96 range countries. With a PhD from Clemson University, South Carolina, USA, Pramod applies his expertise in conservation social science theories, methods, and analyses to policy, governance, and sustainability research.
With over a decade of experience, Pramod has explored various facets of environmental research, including community resilience, sustainable livelihoods, illegal wildlife trade, human-wildlife interactions, environmental impact assessment, conservation governance, political ecology, and natural resources management. Outside of work, he enjoys playing tennis and gardening in his free time.
With over a decade of experience, Pramod has explored various facets of environmental research, including community resilience, sustainable livelihoods, illegal wildlife trade, human-wildlife interactions, environmental impact assessment, conservation governance, political ecology, and natural resources management. Outside of work, he enjoys playing tennis and gardening in his free time.

Yamini Rajora
Research Associate
Yamini works on projects related to wildlife conservation, tribal empowerment, and natural heritage. She holds a B.Sc. in LL.B. (Intellectual Property Law Honours) from National Law University, Jodhpur, and has completed her LL.M. in Environmental and Natural Resources Law from TERI School of Advanced Studies, New Delhi. Her interests lie in legal instruments and governmental policies concerning climate change, wildlife conservation, forest preservation, and tribal rights.
She is a registered advocate with the Bar Council of Delhi and has previously worked with an intellectual property law firm in Gurugram, Haryana, on trademark and copyright matters. Apart from work, Yamini is a remarkable home cook and an avid gardener who tends to nearly 200 plants at her home. She enjoys spending time with her dog.
With over a decade of experience, Pramod has explored various facets of environmental research, including community resilience, sustainable livelihoods, illegal wildlife trade, human-wildlife interactions, environmental impact assessment, conservation governance, political ecology, and natural resources management. Outside of work, he enjoys playing tennis and gardening in his free time.

Shivani Solanki
Research Associate
She has done her master's in Environmental Management from the Forest Research Institute, Dehradun, and holds a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Zoology from the University of Delhi. She has previously worked with various government organisations such as the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Wildlife Institute of India, Ministry of Jal Shakti and National Tiger Conservation Authority.
Her expertise lies in studying Protected Area Networks, Wildlife Management Strategies, Biodiversity Conservation, and Eco-development Planning. Her research interest lies in understanding long-term shifts in wildlife behaviour patterns in response to climate change, through field-based studies and community outreach.
Apart from her professional interests, Shivani loves to travel, trek, read, and listen to music. She also enjoys photography and engages in nature conservation activities during her leisure time.

Aakash Chaturvedi
Junior Fellow
Aakash applies his expertise in biology, environmental sciences, and ecology towards the public policy and environmental sustainability projects at Sankala. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry from the Amity Institute of Molecular Medicine and Stem Cell Research and a postgraduate degree in Environment and Development from Dr BR Ambedkar University, New Delhi.
His background includes research, writing, and corporate etiquette experience from his tenure at the Quality Council of India. During his postgraduate studies, Aakash conducted extensive socio-ecological research in the Mangrove Forests of the Indian Sundarbans, West Bengal, earning notable recognition for his work. Originally from Delhi, he enjoys writing and traveling, in his free time.

Shriya Saraswat
Research Associate
Shriya works in the areas of WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) and health, with a strong passion for enhancing the well-being of the communities she serves. She holds a Master’s in Social Work (Urban & Rural Community Development) from Chhatrapati Shahuji Maharaj University in Kanpur Nagar. Previously a SBI Youth Fellow, Shriya has also contributed to Gail India’s CSR project "Arogyam" in Guna, Madhya Pradesh, and has participated in several Ganga Cleaning Drives as well.
Her expertise encompasses stakeholder management, Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA), program planning and implementation, and extensive fieldwork. Outside of her professional interests, she enjoys travelling, poetry, and doodling to add a creative touch to her life.

Palak Chakraborty
Research Associate
Palak contributes to the research for various health projects at Sankala. She holds an MSc in Development Studies from the London School of Economics and Political Science and an undergraduate degree in Economics from the University of Delhi. Her passion for India’s public health sector drives her to identify ground-level challenges in healthcare delivery and develop solutions to address them. Her interests include public health, climate change, education, and women’s and children’s rights.
In her free time, Palak enjoys cooking, reading, and sketching. She also runs a social media page where she and her friends regularly discuss updates from the field of climate change through engaging and interactive infographics.

Ravina Yadav
Junior Fellow
Ravina contributes her expertise across a diverse range of subjects within the organization’s various verticals, with a strong focus on environmental sustainability and wildlife conservation. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Zoology from Sri Venkateswara College, University of Delhi, and a master’s degree in Biodiversity and Conservation from GGSIPU, Delhi. During her summer training at the Wildlife Institute of India in Dehradun, she studied the social behavior of Jungle Babblers and conducted a diet analysis of Barn Swallows. Her dissertation at ESG Book, Delhi, provided her with valuable experience as a Data Analyst.
Outside of work, Ravina is a fitness enthusiast who dedicates her free time to workouts and playing volleyball. She also enjoys reading fiction, which she finds immensely enjoyable and enriching.

Ishani Nangia
Communications and Outreach Associate
Ishani handles communications and outreach at the Sankala Foundation. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Delhi and a Master’s degree in Development Studies from Dr BR Ambedkar University, Delhi. Passionate about leveraging communication for development initiatives, Ishani has built a diverse career with prominent think tanks and impact sector organizations.
She is deeply committed to promoting environmental sustainability and fostering initiatives that drive long-term positive impact. Outside of work, Ishani is a movie buff and enjoys reading in her free time.

Shikhar Mohan
Photographer & Junior Fellow
Shikhar provides visuals and photographs for various projects and research publications at Sankala. He holds a B.Com. LL.B. (H) from Amity Law School, Delhi. After a brief stint in the legal field, he transitioned to wildlife photography, a passion he has pursued with great enthusiasm. Previously, he has worked as a photography mentor and tour leader, leading several wildlife photography expeditions in India’s national parks and tiger reserves. Though he did not receive formal training in wildlife or photography, he has acquired substantial knowledge through hands-on experience and trial and error.
On weekends, Shikhar can often be found on the badminton court or enjoying bike rides with friends to the dhabas around Delhi.

Dr Adeeba Parveen
Senior Research Associate
Adeeba works in the areas of water resource management and environmental sustainability, where she is dedicated to promoting sustainable water solutions. She holds a PhD in Geography from Aligarh Muslim University. Her research spans both rural and urban water systems, with a focus on water source sustainability, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), and water quality monitoring. Adeeba’s expertise in research complement her in-depth knowledge of evaluating water quality indices (WQI), water supply centralization, rainfall supply and use replaceability, wastewater supply replaceability, water demand, and water budgeting. Her skills also extend to spatial and geostatistical analyses, including Land Use/Land Cover (LULC) mapping, delineation of groundwater potential zones (GWPZ), land surface temperature (LST) analysis, and site suitability assessments.
In her leisure time, Adeeba loves to cook, read, and explore nature.

Deepna Kaveriappa
Consultant
A communications consultant with more than 5 years of experience, Deepna is responsible for conceptualizing communication strategies and crafting impactful collaterals. With a focus on Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WaSH), she has successfully organized multiple conferences at Sankala, enhancing dialogue and collaboration in the field. In addition to her organizational expertise, Deepna oversees social media communications, forging valuable digital partnerships and engaging in extensive outreach efforts to amplify their message and impact.
Administrative staff

Satish Chopra
Administrative Officer
Satish manages the administrative and finance work at the organization. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Ramjas College, University of Delhi. Before joining Sankala he worked in the finance and accounts department at Indian Railways which he retired from after 30 years of service.
Outside of work, Satish enjoys playing badminton in his free time.

Sanjeev Kumar
Office Staff
Sanjeev is a key member of Sankala’s office team, contributing significantly to our daily operations and keeping everything running smoothly. Originally from the Singrauli district in Madhya Pradesh, Sanjeev is an 8th-grade graduate who brings a practical and hands-on approach to his role. When he’s not working, he enjoys repairing electronics and learning about cars and auto parts.

Ravina Yadav
Office Staff
Sanjeev is a key member of Sankala’s office team, contributing significantly to our daily operations and keeping everything running smoothly. Originally from the Singrauli district in Madhya Pradesh, Sanjeev is an 8th-grade graduate who brings a practical and hands-on approach to his role. When he’s not working, he enjoys repairing electronics and learning about cars and auto parts.She is deeply committed to promoting environmental sustainability and fostering initiatives that drive long-term positive impact. Outside of work, Ishani is a movie buff and enjoys reading in her free time.
His background includes research, writing, and corporate etiquette experience from his tenure at the Quality Council of India. During his postgraduate studies, Aakash conducted extensive socio-ecological research in the Mangrove Forests of the Indian Sundarbans, West Bengal, earning notable recognition for his work. Originally from Delhi, he enjoys writing and traveling, in his free time.
With over a decade of experience, Pramod has explored various facets of environmental research, including community resilience, sustainable livelihoods, illegal wildlife trade, human-wildlife interactions, environmental impact assessment, conservation governance, political ecology, and natural resources management. Outside of work, he enjoys playing tennis and gardening in his free time.

Ravina Yadav
Office Staff
Sanjeev is a key member of Sankala’s office team, contributing significantly to our daily operations and keeping everything running smoothly. Originally from the Singrauli district in Madhya Pradesh, Sanjeev is an 8th-grade graduate who brings a practical and hands-on approach to his role. When he’s not working, he enjoys repairing electronics and learning about cars and auto parts.She is deeply committed to promoting environmental sustainability and fostering initiatives that drive long-term positive impact. Outside of work, Ishani is a movie buff and enjoys reading in her free time.
His background includes research, writing, and corporate etiquette experience from his tenure at the Quality Council of India. During his postgraduate studies, Aakash conducted extensive socio-ecological research in the Mangrove Forests of the Indian Sundarbans, West Bengal, earning notable recognition for his work. Originally from Delhi, he enjoys writing and traveling, in his free time.
With over a decade of experience, Pramod has explored various facets of environmental research, including community resilience, sustainable livelihoods, illegal wildlife trade, human-wildlife interactions, environmental impact assessment, conservation governance, political ecology, and natural resources management. Outside of work, he enjoys playing tennis and gardening in his free time.
Fellow

Dr Abha Jaiswal
Visiting Fellow
Dr Abha Jaiswal supports the public health vertical at Sankala. She holds a Master’s in Public Health from the City University of New York and an undergraduate degree in Dentistry. Her diverse experience spans research, advocacy, program implementation, and teaching in the public health field.
Abha is driven by her commitment to advancing public health and tackling healthcare challenges. She is also multilingual, with proficiency in English, Hindi, Spanish, Bengali, and Nepali.
In her free time, Abha enjoys watching movies, reading, cooking, and spending quality time with family and friends.
On weekends, Shikhar can often be found on the badminton court or enjoying bike rides with friends to the dhabas around Delhi.
Her expertise encompasses stakeholder management, Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA), program planning and implementation, and extensive fieldwork. Outside of her professional interests, she enjoys travelling, poetry, and doodling to add a creative touch to her life.