Dr. Gourishankar Patnaik is an orthopedic surgeon and development expert with advanced degrees in medicine, sociology, and public administration. With experience spanning UNDP, WHO, and other global platforms, he has led initiatives in public health, gender equity, and environmental sustainability. He mentors grassroots initiatives, promotes inclusive rural development, and brings a multidisciplinary approach to social change rooted in both science and community engagement.

Dillip Pattanaik is a seasoned development catalyst and policy advocate working at the intersection of climate action, disaster risk reduction, and social equity. He serves as a Board of Advisor at Initiative for Equality (USA), Vice President of Alliance Internationale pour les Objectifs de Développement Durable (AIODD), France, and as National Focal Point for India with the Global Network of Civil Society Organisations for Disaster Reduction (GNDR), UK. With over two decades of experience across non-profit, multilateral, and grassroots spaces, Dillip has led and contributed to initiatives spanning WASH, Women in STEM, inclusive education, youth engagement (Erasmus+ of the European Commission), and the Sustainable Development Goals. His work consistently centres on community-driven approaches, equity in access, and systemic resilience. Known for his strategic insight and collaborative leadership, Dillip continues to shape and support high-impact programs across India and internationally.

Sushree Pratyasha Mishra is a dedicated development professional with over 10 years of experience in urban governance, women’s empowerment, and community development. She has worked with key initiatives like the National Urban Livelihood Mission, Jaga Mission, and Project Nirmal, focusing on sanitation, slum development, and livelihood promotion. With postgraduate degrees in Rural Management and Mass Communication, she combines grassroots engagement with strong program implementation skills. She brings to the Board a deep commitment to inclusive growth and social equity.

Trupti Sarangi holds a Master’s and M.Phil in Anthropology and serves as a Research Associate with the State Level Advisory Unit for the Special Development Council, Government of Odisha. Her work focuses on cultural policy, tribal development, inclusive education, and the lived realities of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in Odisha. In addition to her research, Trupti plays an active role in social welfare. As Assistant General Secretary of the Centre for Youth and Social Welfare, she champions the cultural rights of children with special needs and works to advance inclusive education practices across the state.

Dr Nituranjan Dash is a doctoral research scholar in Anthropology and currently serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Anthropology at Khallikote Unitary University. In addition to his academic responsibilities, he actively participates in various social welfare initiatives. He has proudly represented India on international platforms. His areas of expertise include youth policy, cultural accessibility, inclusion of children with disabilities, tribal heritage conservation, ethnographic museums and the analysis of development policy & practices. For his outstanding environmental efforts, particularly in peacock conservation and large-scale plantation drives across Odisha, he was honored with the Prakruti Mitra Puraskar by the Nayagarh Collectorate. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he dedicated himself to supporting vulnerable and marginalized communities and was recognized with the Best Volunteer Award by the Theosophical Order of Service, Bhubaneswar Region.