Chief Executive Officer
Kuldip has been associated with many grassroots organizations and has significant experience managing high-impact projects supported by Governments and national and international agencies. He has more than twenty years of diverse experience in the development sector. His area of expertise lies in managing high-impact, large-scale projects, partnership building, resource mobilization, capacity building, and team building. For the last eight years, Kuldip has been instrumental in shaping the programmatic vision for BRLF in various roles. As Chief Operating Officer – Programs, he has successfully implemented state partnership projects in West Bengal, Odisha, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Maharashtra. He deeply understands the issues related to the Central Indian Tribal Belt and believes in impactful collaborations with civil society, government, and institutions for sustainable development.
With a Master’s in social work, he has previously worked with the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation as a National Coordinator of the Natural Resources Management division. He is a founding member of Gram Gaurav, a grassroots NGO based in Rajasthan.
Chief Operating Officer – Finance
Suman was the Operations Head – Finance, HR, and Secretarial Functions at ICRIER before she joined BRLF. With more than 19 years of experience, she has spent 17 of those years working for not-for-profit organisations, including PSS, Action Aid, BISA-CIMMYT, and Brooke India. She holds a degree in chartered accounting and has passed the Institute for Chartered Accountants of India’s Specialized Certification course on non-profit organisations.
Suman has vast experience in budgeting, procurement, strategy administration, statutory audit, financial management, accounts, governance, and resource optimisation. She is a talented strategist and implementer who is known for her ability to carry out financial plans.
During her leisure time, she enjoys exploring new destinations, listening to music, and experimenting with new recipes.
Director: Strategic Partnerships & Resource Mobilization
In addition to a master’s in English Literature and Social Work from Osmania University, D S Rao holds MSc in Management of NGOs from the London School of Economics. DS has gained about three and half decades of work experience in the NGO sector in India. He started his NGO career with the Village Education and Development Society (VDS), a grassroots NGO in Pavagada, Tumkur district of Karnataka. He also worked with the Rural Industrial Consultants Association promoted by FAIR, the Catholic Health Association of India (CAHI), CARE India, Plan International, and HLFPPT, a Trust promoted by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, GoI. Over the years, he has gained expertise in program management, grant management, partnership management, and resource mobilization.
Lead Programs
Sireesha is a development professional with more than 20 years of experience in working with the National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM), Government of India, UNICEF, CARE India, Society for Elimination of Rural Poverty (SERP), Government of Andhra Pradesh, Reliance Foundation, Transform Rural India foundation and Idea – NGO for Tribal development. She has proficiently led and managed teams working in diverse, complex settings with the most vulnerable communities from grass- root level to national level policy issues. She got a post-graduation degree in Sociology from Andhra University.
Senior Program Officer and Technical Advisor
Dr. Sumit Roy has been working in Rural Development for over two decades. He has expertise in Watershed Management (NRM), Livelihood Development, Groundwater management, Non-Pesticide Management (NPM), Micro level mapping techniques with GIS, MIS development, and Project management (Monitoring and Evaluation). Sumit has completed a Master’s in Geography from Calcutta University and Doctorate in Watershed Management on Decision Support Systems from Viswa Bharati, Santiniketan in West Bengal. He has implemented and executed projects on Watershed Research, Watershed Management and Development, and Livelihood development projects with the tribal community through sustainable CBOs development. He has experience managing an organization as Executive Director.
Program Officer
Arvind has completed his master’s degree in Agriculture System Management from IIT Kharagpur. He brings more than thirteen years of rich and dynamic experience in rural livelihoods. His critical expertise lies in managing livelihood programs in rural areas, NRM-related works, planning, execution, and monitoring of the programs managing & implementing soil & water conservation works, horticulture, and agricultural activities in the field with the active participation of the community. Before joining BRLF, he successfully worked with IIEC and SRIJAN.
Program Officer – Eastern Zone
Manas is a highly qualified professional with a Master of Arts in Rural Development from IGNOU and a B.Tech in Biotechnology from the West Bengal University of Technology. With over 16 years of experience in the field, he has established himself as an expert in Integrated Natural Resource Management (INRM) and Rural Livelihoods, encompassing farm, off-farm, and non-farm sectors.
Manas possesses exceptional project management skills, excelling in grass-root project implementation and financial management. He has a proven track record of effective partnership management, liaising with diverse stakeholders such as private enterprises, banks, government line departments, donors, start-ups, and NGOs. His strong facilitation and presentation abilities make him an adept communicator at all levels. Manas is also highly skilled in data analysis and reporting.
Manas has worked with organizations such as Transforming Rural India Foundation (An Initiative of TATA Trusts), the Rural Development Department of the Government of Jharkhand, Action for Social Advancement (ASA), Shamayita Math, and Professional Assistance for Development Action (PRADAN). His expertise lies in youth skilling and enterprises, integrated natural resource management, agri and agri-allied-based livelihood models, and convergence of government initiatives.
Program Officer – Southern Zone
Dev is a project management professional with more than 12 years of enriching experience in agriculture development, rural Livelihoods, micro-enterprise development, intuition building, and climate resilience. He worked in DFID-Climate Change Innovation Programme in Odisha to provide technical assistance for implementing Phase-II action plans of OCCAP. He has also supported the State’s implementation of the Integrated District Irrigation and Agriculture Plan (DIAP), Agri Value Chain, and promoting FPO/FPC, cluster development in Odisha. He also provided hand-holding support to access finance from the Green Climate Fund, Adaptation measures in climate-smart agriculture, and climate change primitive measures for different consulted departments of Govt. of Odisha. He has successfully delivered key assignments of Ministries, State governments, the World Bank, GEF, NABARD, and other reputed bilateral organizations nationwide. Before joining BRLF, he worked in different verticals with UNDP, ARIAS Society, and OPML India. Dev is a Postgraduate from IISWBM, Kolkata, pursuing Ph. D. from Utkal University, Odisha.
Team Leader – State Program Management Unit, Bodoland
Himangshu, an Engineering Graduate from the National Institute of Technology, Silchar, later obtained a Post Graduate Diploma. He has worked passionately to alleviate rural poverty for the last two decades. He worked in grassroots organizations, donor agency & consulting firms. He gained in-depth exposure to livelihood challenges and promotion in India’s Eastern and North-Eastern parts. Community Institutions always inspire him. He considers Natural Resource Management one of his core areas of expertise, and value chain-based livelihood promotion is one of his areas of interest. He sharpened his household-based participatory livelihood planning skills, developed partnerships, demonstrated team leadership, and spearheaded multiple organisational initiatives.
Himangshu is a board member of the gender and youth-focused organization “Rupantaran Foundation.” He believes in the participatory approach and upholds transparency as the highest value.
Program Executive
Jankee is a development professional with four years of enriched experience working with UNDP and the Rajasthan SRLM. She has completed her Masters in Women Studies from Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Hyderabad. Before joining BRLF, she worked with the rural and tribal communities on various projects to upscale the existing development models across all verticals. Her positive outlook with utmost integrity defines her professional way of life.
Program Executive
Belal, having over five years of experience in the sector with a master’s degree in Social Work from NIT- Allahabad, has a diverse background working with national and international organizations. Before BRLF, Belal worked with SRIJAN and Village Invest. He has worked with tribal communities for livelihood enhancement, capacity building, farm and non-farm intervention, and establishing microfinance institutions, value chains, and entitlements.
Manager – Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning
Shomita is committed to fostering agency and equity for all through livelihoods. She has over thirteen years of experience across India and Norway in facilitating transformative leadership, organisational development, research and project management capacity building.
She uses principles of universal values, systems thinking, intersectional identities and social-emotional learning in her program and evaluation design work. Her sectoral experience spans integrated livelihoods planning (circular value cycles), coastal resources, agroforestry, horticulture, higher education, affordable housing, renewable energy access, vocational training, makerspaces and public health, amongst others. She has worked on issues of poverty, identity-based marginalisation (Adivasi, Dalit, Irulas, fisher), gender equity, natural disaster rehabilitation, political conflict and natural resource access through livelihoods practice.
Shomita is an engineer with a Masters in Social Entrepreneurship from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences Mumbai. She holds an active interest in responsible business practices and mindfulness. Hiking, nature walks and listening to music are her other interests.
Senior Research Executive
Pritha is a policy researcher working mainly on the issues of the rural sector. Her area of focus has been input subsidies and farm investments in Indian agriculture for the most part. Pritha holds a Master’s degree from the Department of Economics, University of Calcutta, and an M.Phil. (Economics) from Centre for Economic Studies and Planning, Jawaharlal Nehru University. Before joining BRLF, she worked with the Centre for WTO Studies at the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) and the Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER).
Senior Executive – MIS
Diksha has around six years of experience in the rural development sector. Before joining BRLF, she worked with SRIJAN and Rajasthan State Rural Livelihood Mission. She completed her graduation from Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture & Technology in Computer Engineering, after which she moved to the development sector to follow her passion.
Communication and Project Integration Officer
Mukesh is a communication specialist with over 15 years of rich experience leading strategic communications with several National and International organizations. With a master’s in Journalism and Mass Communication, Mukesh has worked with non-profits such as Bharti Foundation, IGSSS, Trickle Up, Pravah, etc. He has led and implemented brand management, external and internal communications, web and social media management, and online and offline campaigns to raise funds and awareness. A photography enthusiast, Mukesh is very passionate about sharing impact stories using visual communication tools and media.
Senior Executive – Social Media and PR
A communication expert with over six years of experience, Suhaib holds a master’s degree in Development Communication from the esteemed AJK MCRC, Jamia Millia Islamia, in New Delhi. He is primarily responsible for devising communication strategies that effectively support project teams and enhance the organization’s visibility. He has extensively documented stories of transformation and progress within targeted communities, showcasing the impact of various initiatives. He has worked with World Comics India, Tech Mahindra Foundation, and IGSSS. Beyond his professional pursuits, Suhaib indulges in his personal interests, which include watching science fiction, adventure, fantasy, and anime. He also enjoys embarking on long-distance bike trips, embracing the thrill of exploration and discovery.
Resource Mobilization Officer
Koshy brings over seven years of experience in business & partnerships development, program management, research & policy analysis, and communications. He has worked with organizations like IIFT, Centre for Science and Environment, ActionAid India, etc. Koshy has completed his MA in Economics from Madras Christian College
Manager – Finance and Accounts
Sushil has more than fourteen years of qualitative experience managing various aspects of Accounts & Finance functions with several reputed national and international organizations. He holds an MBA degree with a specialization in finance. His tasks at BRLF include but are not limited to annual audits, statutory compliances, MIS, budget preparation, and finalization of accounts up to the Balance Sheet. He has previously worked with Prayas, DCCW, CIMMYT, and WWF-India.
Assistant Manager Finance & Accounts
Amit has completed his master’s degree in Finance and Post Graduate Diploma in NGO Management from Annamalai University. He has a decade of experience working with various development sector organizations, including the American India Foundation, ASK India, IGSSS, and Katha. He got expertise in handling Income Tax, budgeting, Donor Management & reporting, Grant Management, etc.
Accounts Executive
Pravakar has more than eight years of experience in Financial Planning, Budgeting, Accounting & Reporting in the Social sector. He did his MBA (Finance) from Biju Patnaik University of Technology, Odisha, and before joining BRLF, he worked with DEF and PRADAN.
Accounts Executive
Nand Lal has completed B. Com from CMJ University, and a one-year diploma in Office Management from YMCA Delhi. He has a decade of experience in account and finance roles in various development sector organizations, such as PPES, IGSSS, and Childline India Foundation Delhi.
Admin and IT Officer
Ravi Prakash is an enthusiastic multitasker and a fast learner. With more than 12 years of experience in office administration, procurement and IT, he has been associated with BRLF since its inception. Ravi has significant experience working with the Government of India at the Planning Commission. He has a bachelor’s degree in Science from RML University, Faizabad and a Diploma in Computer Hardware & Networking from Oxford Institute, New Delhi.
Rajbhasha cum Documentation Executive
Bharti has completed her Master’s in Hindi from Himachal University. She also holds PG Diploma in Translation from Bhartiya Vidya Bhawan, New Delhi. She has more than a decade of experience in translation (Hindi to English & vice versa) and was associated with institutions/organizations like the National Housing Bank, Association of Billion Minds, Sahara Group, Mayra Enterprises, MakeMyTrip, etc., in the past.
Admin and Procurement Executive
Jitendra has completed his bachelor’s in commerce (B.com Honours). He brings with him quality experience in procurement & administrative functions. Before joining BRLF, he worked with World Vision India and Zomato.
HR Officer
Roshan holds eight years of rigorous experience in Human Resource Management, comprising HR operations, recruitment, and compliance.
Roshan has completed his Bachelor’s in commerce along with M.com (Hons.) from Jharkhand. He also possesses a Master’s degree in Human Resource Management from BIT MESRA, Ranchi.
He has worked with organisations like the National Board of Accreditation, Jhpiego, Care India, United Nations, CIMMYT & NHSRC under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. He has extensively managed labour administration, tender documents, payroll, training and induction.
Office Support & Maintenance Executive
Paulus is highly energetic and performs all day-to-day office tasks to the highest standards. He has been associated with BRLF since 2014. He is always keen to learn new things and performs all his duties with a smile.