People

Our People

Meet the Visionaries Guarding India's Dream

India Rising Foundation is guided by leaders who bring depth of experience, clarity of thought, and a strong sense of responsibility toward India’s future.

Lifetime Trustees

Sunil Jose

Sunil Jose

President

Entrepreneur & Tech Innovator, Alumnus of IIM Bangalore, TEDx Keynote Speaker, Sustainable Agriculture Advocate, Founder – Scolosis Foundation of India, Hydrobloom & EggFolks, Startup Incubation & Operational Leadership Expert, Social Impact Champion.

Deepa Sashindran

Vice President

Law Graduate. HR Transformation Mentor & Entrepreneur. Acclaimed Kuchipudi Artist.
Performing Art Innovationist. Founder, Kuchipudi Parampara Foundation.
Rotarian.

Samuel (Shiv) Talari

General Secretary

Business Management Graduate, 25+ Years of Expertise, Leadership Interventionist, Growth Coach, Strategy Consultant & Investment Advisor, Media Specialist, SPIN® Selling Practitioner, Idea Reengineering & Sales-Driven Business Remodulation Expert, Serial Entrepreneur, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Advocate, LGBTQIA+ Champion.

Vadiraj Aralappanavar

Joint Secretary

Vadiraj is an ecosystem leader who operates at the vital intersection of technology, capital, and social impact. With a career spanning over 27 years across the diverse sectors such fintech, insuretech, commerce, telecom amongst others he has mastered the art of synthesis as a three time entrepreneur, corporate leader—weaving together diverse threads from his experience in product management, entrepreneurship, venture incubation and venture capital across B2B, B2C and Govt ecosystem.

Having navigated roles from incubation and startup leadership to driving global ecosystems, Vadiraj specializes in building the “aqueducts” that connect innovation with scalable execution. His leadership is grounded and derived from his pursuits as a Hindustani vocalist, high-altitude trekker, and tennis player—disciplines that sharpen his ear for organizational patterns and his resilience in volatile environments. At India Rising, Vadiraj leverages this multi-dimensional perspective to bridge the gaps between research, industry, and the grassroots, architecting a more integrated and resilient India.

Laxminarayan Kakade

Treasurer

B.Tech Graduate – Mysore University, Alumnus of IIM Bangalore, Treasurer – India Rising, Startup Ecosystem Leader, Three-Time Entrepreneur, Director & Mentor at Founders Institute, Board Advisor, Advisor to foreign governments on Strategy,  Governance & Financial Stewardship Expert.

Roshan Joseph Kuncheria

Joint Treasurer

Joseph Roshan Kuncheria is an accomplished entrepreneur and business leader with over 30 years in Hydroponics, rubber manufacturing, industrial development, and organizational management.

Founder of Kolhapur Rubber Factory, he scaled it to a multi-crore turnover company with innovations in tire retreading, industrial rollers, and silicone products.

As a consultant, he advises on greenfield projects, efficiency, and business growth. Known for product innovation, operational excellence, and leadership, he has built a legacy across manufacturing, plantations, and consulting sectors.

Permanent Trustees

Anuradha Krishnan

Permanent Trustee

Insurance Advisor – Aditya Birla Insurance Company, Financial Protection & Wealth Planning Specialist, Financial Empowerment Advocate, Supporter – Innov8Ability & Gramodhbhava Initiatives, Champion of Economic Security & Community Resilience, India Rising Foundation Contributor, Empathy-Driven Social Impact Enabler.

Dathesh Rao

Permanent Trustee

Dathesh Rao is a dynamic marketing and growth leader with over 25 years of experience in B2B and B2C domains, specializing in strategic marketing, brand building, and market expansion.

As a passionate brand evangelist and co-founder, he has driven transformative initiatives across industries and categories, combining creative strategy with performance-focused execution.

With expertise spanning traditional, digital, and social media, he brings a powerful blend of agency and client-side leadership, mentoring teams and enabling organizations to achieve impactful growth outcomes.

Deepak S. Varghese

Permanent Trustee

Banking veteran; builds yield-generating co-living spaces and managed residences.

Deepak S. Achar

Permanent Trustee

Design Leader & Brand Strategist with over two decades of experience across Product, UX, Branding, and Marketing. As Branding Lead for Research & Fellowship Programs at India Rising Foundation, he crafts digital journeys and builds narrative frameworks that empower youth leadership and advance a culture of design-led innovation.

Gerrard (Jerry) Devdas

Permanent Trustee

Senior Executive & Entrepreneur with 40+ Years of Leadership across Marine Industries, Agribusiness, Exports & Social Enterprises, Pioneer in Deep-Sea Tuna Fishing & Korai Grass Exports to Japan, Strategic Partner with TATA Group (Rallis), initiate optimization and effective crop management in agriculture operations, Champion of Women’s Empowerment & Inclusive Employment, by establishing a G-9 variety banana farm that was one of the largest in South India,  Innovation & Sustainability Leader, Operational Excellence Expert, Social Impact & Cross-Cultural Leadership Advocate, “The Plant Whisperer.”

Dr Girish Rao

Permanent Trustee

Former Team Leader – Shell Technology Centre Bangalore (Gas Processing R&D – Energy Transition), Honorary Professor of Practice – IIT Madras, 30+ Years of Experience across Shell & Unilever, Electrochemistry & Renewable Technologies Specialist, Industrial R&D Leadership Expert.

Kirti Mehta

Permanent Trustee

Seasoned Engineer with 35+ Years of Industry Experience, Managing Director – Cascade Systems & Communication Pvt. Ltd., Digital Solutions Leader for Transport Departments, Rotarian for 30+ Years, Technology-Driven Philanthropist & Community Development Advocate

Dr. Karthiyayini Priya

Permanent Trustee

Distinguished Dental Surgeon, Co-founder – 91 Danta Research & Product Development Pvt. Ltd., 20+ Years Clinical Expertise, Innovator in Preventive Dentistry, Developer of Patented Aerosol-Control Devices & AI-Assisted Diagnostic Tools, Co-Creator of MyMouth-MyHealth Oral Cancer Risk Assessment Platform, BNI, Rotary & eMERG Leader, Advocate for Research-Led Healthcare Transformation.

Libu Mathew Joseph

Permanent Trustee

Insurance Professional & Planter based in Udupi, Karnataka, Alumnus of Xavier Institute of Management & Entrepreneurship, Managing Partner – Comprehensive Insurance Solutions, Business Management & Strategic Planning Specialist, Risk Management & Financial Planning Expert, Sustainable Agriculture Practitioner, Community Engagement Advocate.

Meena Das Narayan

Permanent Trustee

Journalist, Editor & Media Veteran (40+ Years), Filmmaker & Documentary Director, Founder–Publisher & Group Editor of Gulf Connoisseur (UAE), Creator of #CandidMeena (YouTube), Columnist at OpIndia, Director of Award-Winning Documentary Making of a Maestro, Dance Opera Director (Chillapattikaram, Karna the Invincible, Lord of Lanka), Translator of M.K.K. Nair’s Autobiography (Launched by Narendra Modi), Author of 37 Children’s Books, Artist & Political Cartoonist, Co-Founder – Bangalore Club for Kathakali & the Arts (BCKA), Award-Winning Contributor to Journalism, Film & the Arts.

Niraj Sahay

Permanent Trustee

Alumnus of IIM Bangalore & IIT Kharagpur, Technology & Business Leader across Startups, MNCs & Government, Innovation & Product Development Expert in Defence, Aerospace, Drones & Automotive, Director – Global Skills Park (Govt. of Madhya Pradesh), Former VP – Avianco Technologies (Led India’s First Indigenous UTM Platform for Drones), Growth & Operational Excellence Leader at Kinetix, Incubator of Global Engineering Centers at Infosys, Wipro & Cyient, Co-Founder of Education Support NGO for Underprivileged Children.

Parameswaran Krishna Iyer

Permanent Trustee

Parameswaran Krishna Iyer, Founder Director of Bamboopecker Group, pioneers India’s bamboo sector—creating sustainable alternatives and rural livelihoods. Secretary of Bamboo Society of India and Techincal committee Member, National Bamboo Mission, he is part of many policy making activities parituclarly in the Bamboo sector. His citizen advocacy led to landmark banking reforms related to minimum balance, demonstrating how ethical enterprise and public interest drive social impact.

Praddeep Kuupparaju

Permanent Trustee

Director, The Chancery HotelsAlumnus : Victoria University, Australia & IMI, SwitzerlandHospitality leader and investor with a strong focus on strategic growth, innovation, and research-led transformation aligned with India’s Vision 2047.

Prashanti Goswami

Permanent Trustee On Board Of Sec 8 Co

Science Graduate, Executive MBA (IIM Bangalore), Head – NGO Management Program at Sathya Sai University for Human Excellence, Former Corporate Professional (IBM & America Online), Development Sector Leader with Grassroots Experience in India & East Africa, Community Impact Organizer – Free Pediatric Healthcare & Cultural Initiatives, Lifelong Learner & Collaboration Advocate.

Pratheek Manjunath

Permanent Trustee

Rajaram Krishnamurthy

Permanent Trustee

Business, Brand & Marketing Consultant | Community Impact Champion | Sports Development Advocate

Professional Leadership* Over 30 years of corporate leadership in finance, strategy, and brand building.* Former Board Member – Coffee Day Group, instrumental in shaping growth and governance.* Key Architect of Way2Wealth Financial Services, building one of India’s leading advisory platforms.* Managing Partner – Brihaspati Ventures LLP, driving consulting, funding, and asset creation across technology startups, affordable housing, energy, and agriculture.* Strategic Advisor – Robin Singh Sports Cricket Academy (UAE), supporting sports development and youth empowerment.

Rotary Leadership Journey A distinguished leader across Rotary International Districts 3190 & 3192, serving in multiple roles:* President, Rotary Bangalore Raj Mahal Vilas (2018–19)* Director – Foundation, RID 3190 (2019–21)* Conference Secretary, RID 3190 (2021–22)* District Secretary, RID 3190 (2022–23)* Director – Club Services, RID 3192 (2023–24)* Secretary General, RID 3192 (2024–25)* Special Director – Rotary Foundation, CSR & Events, RID 3192 (2025–26)Community & Advocacy* Recognized as a Community Impact Champion, leading initiatives in education, healthcare, and sustainable development.* Passionate Sports Development Advocate, enabling opportunities for young athletes and promoting grassroots cricket.

Dr Rajiv Prasad

Permanent Trustee

Technology Executive & Director – Technology & Digital Transformation at ROAMWORKS, Dubai, 20+ Years in Scalable Platforms, Automation & Intelligent Analytics, Alumnus – Singularity University, Founder – Traverciti & IIDWA, AI, Blockchain, Web3 & Immersive Technologies Evangelist, Global Innovation Strategist, Advisory Board Member & International Consultant, Fintech Innovator, Human Rights Advocate & Collaborative Ecosystem Builder.

Selvan Kannan

Permanent Trustee

Visionary Agribusiness Leader & Animal Protein Expert, 45+ Years Executive Experience, CEO – Value Consultants, Former Leader – Trouw Nutrition (Nutreco), Noveltech Feeds ( a Goldman Sachs Co.,)& Pioneer Group, International Expansion & Investment Strategist, Mentor, Speaker & International Moderator Sustainability Champion in the Feed Industry. Qualified Independent Director & Sales Trainer. PUM Volunteer ( the NEtherlands Government). Business Advisor to Multinationals interested to enter India. Promotes Export opportunities of Indian Animal Health Manufacturers. JV Opportunities of Innovative products.

Shabaresha Hemaraju

Permanent Trustee

Shabaresha Hemaraju is a Senior Principal Engineer at Palo Alto Networks in Sunnyvale, California.His illustrious career includes prior roles at Hewlett-Packard, Ordr Inc, and Aruba Networks, reflecting expertise in engineering, technology and cybersecurity Innovation. He holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Science from UVCE, Bangalore, India.

Shravan Murthy

Permanent Trustee

Mechanical Engineer by Qualification, Product Designer by Choice, Entrepreneur & Six-Figure Business Builder, Business Growth Strategist for Owners, Coaches & Consultants, Passionate Motorcyclist & India Explorer, Vintage & Classic Automobile Enthusiast.

Dr Shefali Sabharanjak

Permanent Trustee

Dr. Shefali Sabharanjak is a visionary scientist, entrepreneur, and healthtech innovator with over 28 years of research and product development experience. As Chief Scientist and Director at Serotonin Labs, she transformed a fledgling wellness concept into a genomics-driven, AI-enabled precision health program. A PhD in Cell Biology from NCBS, she holds multiple patents, has over 1,000 research citations, and is recognized for uniting deep scientific insight with strategic business leadership in biotech and personalized nutrition.

Shabaresha Hemaraju

Permanent Trustee

Shabaresha Hemaraju is a Senior Principal Engineer at Palo Alto Networks in Sunnyvale, California.His illustrious career includes prior roles at Hewlett-Packard, Ordr Inc, and Aruba Networks, reflecting expertise in engineering, technology and cybersecurity Innovation. He holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Science from UVCE, Bangalore, India.

Ranjith Raju Thomas

Permanent Trustee

Enterprise tech leader; ex-JPMC; AI/ML, RPA, and governance specialist.

Shravan Murthy

Permanent Trustee

Mechanical Engineer by Qualification, Product Designer by Choice, Entrepreneur & Six-Figure Business Builder, Business Growth Strategist for Owners, Coaches & Consultants, Passionate Motorcyclist & India Explorer, Vintage & Classic Automobile Enthusiast.

Suresh Ediga

Permanent Trustee On Board Of Sec 8

MBA Graduate, 20+ Years Entrepreneurial & Government Affairs Leader, Policy Advocacy & HR Strategist, Former Associate Director – Government Affairs, OLA Group, Startup Mentor, India Advisory Board Member – University of East London, Government & Industry Stakeholder Engagement Expert.

Suresh Kumar Krishnan

Permanent Trustee

Suresh Krishnan is a seasoned IT and business process leader with over 20 years of experience.He specializes in First Principles Architecture, Solution Automation, Enterprise Strategy, ERP, SaaS, BI Analytics, and emerging tech adoption.Suresh has successfully designed and automated operations for various industries, including banking, healthcare, HR, EdTech, and automotive services.

As an empanelled advisor, he collaborates with research and advisory service providers, sharing best practices in automation.His mission is to drive innovative tech solutions that deliver 360-degree value and advance efficiency, quality, and customer satisfaction for organizations and society.

Uttam Hassan Dharanappa

Permanent Trustee

Masters in IT at Queensland University of Technology Brisbane, Australia and MBA from Kettering University, USA, Director – Vaulten (Data Backup & Protection), Business Development Strategist, Corporate Leader, Growth Strategy, Consultant to Political Leaders, Dynamic Go-Getter.

Vivek Isukapalli

Permanent Trustee

Data & AI Professional in P&C and Workers’ Compensation Insurance at LTIMindtree, 2+ Years of Experience in AI, Intelligent Automation & Digital Integration, Specialist in Snowflake, MLOps, AWS Cloud & Feature Engineering, Driving Data-Driven Insurance Transformation, Business Architecture & Digital Strategy Enabler, Championing Agile, Customer-Centric Innovation.

Principal Ambassador

Padma Shri Dr. Prahlada Ramarao
Principal Ambassador & Honorary Advisor

Dr. Prahlada Ramarao, Padma Shri awardee (2015), was Project Director of the AKASH missile system and led programs including BRAHMOS, K-15, and ASTRA under Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. A former DRDO Distinguished Scientist and Vice-Chancellor of DIAT, he is now Pro-Chancellor of S-VYASA University and President of IISc Alumni Association

Honorary Advisors

Abha Saxena

Honorary Advisor

Founder – Social Equity Advisory Services, Accessibility  & Disability Inclusion Consultant (ABCD Framework) , Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPWD) Act 2016 Compliance Specialist , CSR Readiness & Fundraising Advisor, Nonprofit Strategy & Volunteer Management Mentor, Advisory Board Member – AIFO India, VP Programs – NASSCOM Foundation, CSR Educator, Senior Rotary Leader since 1997.

Jija Madhavan Harisingh

Honorary Advisor

Former Director General of Police, Karnataka; public safety and security leadership.

Krishnan G S

Honorary Advisor

Krishnan G S is a seasoned leader in Industrial Biotechnology with over 30 years of experience promoting sustainable enzyme and microbial solutions across SAARC countries and global markets.

He held top leadership roles at Novonesis (formerly Novozymes South Asia Pvt. Ltd.) including Managing Director and Regional President, where he expanded the Indian operations from 5 to 625 employees, led strategic acquisitions, and established India’s first greenfield biotech production facility.

Known for his expertise in organizational strategy, innovation, mergers & acquisitions, and corporate governance, Krishnan is a passionate advocate for sustainable biotech addressing climate change, actively speaking at global forums including the United Nations ECOSOC.

Kalyan Gullapalli

Honorary Advisor

Kalyan Gullapalli grew up influenced by Western education, graduating in Metallurgical Engineering from NIT Rourkela and earning an MBA from SPJIMR Mumbai, followed by a career in the BFSI industry. A restless seeker at heart, his journey led him to Rediscovering Bharat, embracing its rich heritage and philosophy. This personal exploration reflects his deeper connection with himself and his country, inspiring others to embark on their own journey of self-discovery and appreciation of Bharat’s timeless wisdom.

Prof. Rajeev Gowda

Honorary Advisor

Former MP; IIMB professor; policy and governance leader.

Sridhar Pabbisetty

Honorary Advisor

A dynamic leader in innovation and governance, Prof. Sridhar Pabbisetty has spent two and a half decades shaping key institutions, including the Kautilya School of Public Policy and IIM Bangalore’s Centre for Public Policy. Currently directing AI innovation at Brandvelocity.ai and serving the One Billion Lives Foundation as a trustee, he combines technical rigor with management insight to solve complex local and global challenges. As a sought-after startup mentor and HBR-published author, he remains a dedicated champion for tech-enabled citizen services and the power of youth-driven innovations and  policy reforms.

Adv Suruchi Singh

Honorary Advisor

Corporate and litigation expert; infrastructure, IP, and regulatory compliance.

Radhika Menon

Honorary Advisor

Senior Director – AI (NTT Data); GenAI & data engineering leader; ex-Microsoft Cloud Factory.

Partha Roy Chowdhury

Honorary Advisor

Industrial & economic development leader; large FDI portfolios; gov–industry partnerships.

Dr Ritu Deshmukh

Honorary Advisor

Experienced Professor with a demonstrated history of working in the architecture & planning industry.  AutoCAD skills and Comprehensive Planning. Strong arts and design professional with a Master of Architecture (M.Arch.) focused in Architectural Conservation from School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi. PhD in Heritage Management and Policy Making for Adaptive Ecological- Living Heritage of River Settlements such as Varanasi and Kolkatta from Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia,USA and also an avid abstract artist as well as curator of Visual Narratives for Advocacy of Sustainable Living on this Planet Earth.

Ned Narayan

Honorary Advisor

Electrical Engineer, 40+ Years Cross-Cultural Business Leader across India & the Middle East, Former Regional Operations & International Sales Head in Engineering & Technology Sectors, Founder – The Twenty First Century Publishing House, Dubai, Publisher of Award-Winning Luxury Magazine Gulf Connoisseur, Strategic Growth & Leadership Consultant, Founder & Managing Trustee – Bangalore Club for Kathakali and the Arts, Indian Classical Arts Patron & Cultural Producer, Expert in Global Stakeholder Management, International Marketing & Non-Profit Governance.

CA Surendraa Singhvii

Honorary Advisor

Fellow Chartered Accountant (FCA), Certified Information Systems Auditor (DISA–ISA, ICAI), 30+ Years in Audit, Compliance & Advisory, NGO, FCRA & CSR Law Specialist, Trusted Advisor to Charitable Trusts & Corporates, Rotarian – Rotary Bangalore Rajmahal Vilas, Freemason, Ethical Governance Advocate & Community Service Leader.

Vijay Prasad

Honorary Advisor

Vijay Prasad is a distinguished Finance Leader with over 23 years at Cisco Systems, specializing in Corporate Finance, Business Planning, and Governance.He brings Strategic Financial Acumen, Governance Depth, and Policy Research expertise to the RDI mission—driving data-driven Innovation, Institutional Accountability, and Impactful Collaborations that convert research excellence into sustainable National Growth. Alongside his corporate career, he has been actively engaged in public life as BJP Karnataka’s Spokesperson and Research Head since 2014, leading Legislative Research for MLAs and MLCs and contributing to key fact-finding Committees on vital Public Issues .

Ankit Choudhary

Honorary Advisor

Visionary Entrepreneur & Investor, Hospitality & Tourism Leader with 14+ Years in India’s Luxury Service Industry, Founder & Leader – Azur Group, Driving Hospitality, Tourism, Events, Concierge & Bespoke Luxury Experiences, Creator – Azur Occasions (Luxury Weddings & Corporate Galas) & Azur Xperiences (Private Villas, Yachts, Air Charters & Curated Elite Travel). A trained Pilot, Expert in VIP Management, Corporate Partnerships & Cross-Functional Leadership.

Bala Chandra Dutta

Honorary Advisor

Bala Chandra Datta, Vice President–Corporate Affairs at OLA Electric, brings over 40 years of experience in the automotive sector, including leadership roles at Hyundai, Toyota Kirloskar, and BPL-Sanyo. A noted taxation and policy expert, he serves on national and state panels for EVs and industry reforms, including CII, FICCI, and ASSOCHAM. Author of acclaimed books on VAT and GST, Datta is recognized for his government engagement, thought leadership, and passion for networking and travel.

Balakrishnan Venkataraman

Honorary Advisor

Balakrishnan Venkataraman, Chairman of Exfinity Ventures, and erstwhile former CFO of Infosys, led the company’s finance and global operations for over two decades, earning accolades as India’s best CFO. He played a pivotal role in Infosys’ IPO, international expansion, and risk management, overseeing a $4 billion cash reserve. After Infosys, he co-founded Exfinity Venture Partners, investing in B2B tech startups and championing innovation. A visionary leader, Bala continues to shape India’s entrepreneurial landscape with strategic investments and mentorship.

Bhuvana Mouli

Honorary Advisor

A distinguished leader with a strong academic foundation in Sciences and Management, Bhuvana played pivotal roles at ISRO’s data command centre and was integral to the IRS 1A and 1B launch teams. She brings extensive experience from senior positions in the Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Industry and Commerce, and is a seasoned startup advisor, having guided ventures to TRL 6+ and raised $250 million in 2024. With deep expertise in renewable energy and a proven track record in mentoring startups and optimizing energy solutions, Bhuvana is a visionary force in next-generation transformation and leadership.

MJ Charmani

Honorary Advisor

Director – Accenture (Global Consulting), Founder & Chairman – iStart Valley (USA), Nationally Recognized Business Accelerator Leader (MAVS Top 100 Fastest-Growing Businesses), Social Enterprise Champion, Chair – Startup America Partnership (White House “Champion of Change” Honoree), Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Builder, Protégé Inspired by Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, Tech Innovator & Business Journal “40 Under 40” Awardee, Electrical & Electronics Engineer, Executive MBA – UT Arlington, Global Innovation & Emerging Leaders Mentor.

Dilip Kumar Sharma

Honorary Advisor

Dilip Kumar Sharma is a dynamic L&D strategist and Indian Air Force Veteran with 36 years’ experience in corporate training, content design, and digital learning. He has led impactful research, authored white papers, and crafted high-impact presentations for the BFSI and manufacturing sectors. As founder of TEDLA and DEAL academies, he integrates research, skill mapping, and innovation to drive measurable learning outcomes and organizational growth through evidence-based knowledge dissemination.

Madabhushi Madan Gopal, IAS

Honorary Advisor

Madabhushi Madan Gopal, IAS (1984 batch, Karnataka Cadre), is a distinguished administrator with over three decades of service in key sectors including health, education, environment, and governance.

A recipient of the Rajyotsava Award (2022) and the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Puraskar for Good Governance (2024), he has held prominent roles such as Commissioner for Public Instruction and Registrar, University of Hyderabad.

Widely traveled and academically accomplished, he is Visiting Professor at the International Institute on Chronic Hypoxia, Bolivia, and currently serves as Chairman, BoG, NIT Nagpur, and Special Rapporteur, NHRC, New Delhi.

Dr. Tony D S Raj

Honorary Advisor

Dr. Tony D S Raj is Dean of Research at St. John’s Research Institute, Bengaluru, with over 9 years leading advanced R&D and shaping research strategy for biomedical innovations. As Professor of Physiology and Head of Medical Informatics, he brings 23+ years of cross-disciplinary expertise, driving impactful collaborations in health informatics and medical research. His global outlook and leadership enable transformative projects placing Indian research at the forefront of innovation

Uma Kiran

Honorary Advisor

Uma is a seasoned Microbiologist with over 15 years of experience in academia, research, and healthcare training. She brings deep subject expertise, strategic teaching methodologies, and a proven track record in skill development initiatives supported by government bodies. Passionate about advancing research-driven education, she has mentored students in B.Sc . and paramedical programs while contributing to national projects under PMKVY and SWD. Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Microbiology, she integrates scientific rigor with social impact, fostering innovation, ethical research, and talent development within India’s evolving research and healthcare ecosystem.

Visionary Champion

Dr Darshana Joshi, Ph.D

Visionary Champion

Dr Darshana Joshi, Ph.D., is a Visionary Champion for the India Rising Foundation’s #SheIsGenius women in research is a trailblazing physicist and social entrepreneur driving gender equity in STEM. Professional Snapshot: Founder and CEO of VigyanShaala International since 2019, she builds India’s largest digital ecosystem for mentoring aspiring girls in STEM through programs like Kalpana, targeting marginalized communities. An Echoing Green Fellow and first Indian woman elected President of Cambridge’s Graduate Union, she leads policy interventions, workshops, and collaborations with India’s DST and MHRD.Academic Excellence:Holding a PhD in Physics from Cambridge’s Cavendish Lab (Schlumberger Fellow), MS from JNCASR Bangalore, and BSc from Miranda House, her research spans soft matter biophysics with publications in top journals. Impact and Awards: Winner of Women Transforming India (GOI-UN) and ranked top 5% in Unilever Young Entrepreneurs, Joshi designs low-cost tools for interdisciplinary problem-solving in remote areas like Uttarakhand.

Dr. Shivakiran Makam

Visionary Champion

Dr. Shivakiran Makam is a Visionary Champion for the India Rising Foundation’s Innov8Ability : Innovators With Disabilities initiative, blending deep expertise in research, innovation, and inclusive entrepreneurship. With 14 years of experience across healthcare, lifesciences, and rural development, he has nurtured 100 startups, 45 incubatees, and empowered thousands of students. His leadership in building accessible innovation ecosystems and advancing policy for disability inclusion makes him a driving force in India’s inclusive innovation journey.