Board of Advisors
Satish Kumar Taak
Satish Kumar, an IIM Calcutta MBA alumnus, is a dynamic angel investor with the IIM Calcutta Angel Investor Network (IIM CAN) and a TEDx speaker, passionate about fostering innovation and social impact. With over 10 years of experience in sales, consumer behavior, and management, he has made notable contributions across diverse industries.
At Ola Cabs, Satish played a pivotal role as Marketing Manager, leading demand marketing efforts for South and East India to drive user growth through innovative campaigns. His work extended to impactful projects at Mahindra & Mahindra and Meta (formerly Facebook), where he contributed to enhancing operational processes and customer engagement.
Satish is a certified Six Sigma Black Belt, a testament to his expertise in driving efficiency and excellence. He played a key role in securing over ₹2 crore in funding from the World Bank for the Custom Hiring Centre (CHC) project in Rajasthan. This initiative focused on providing agricultural tools to marginalized communities, significantly improving their livelihoods and incomes.
A speaker and mentor, Satish shares his insights on entrepreneurship and growth, inspiring others to think big and create meaningful change. His journey reflects a commitment to innovation, leadership, and societal progress.
Shashwat Jani
Shashwat Jani is a dynamic healthcare professional and entrepreneur, deeply committed to improving the well-being of others through innovative healthcare solutions. As the Founder of the Naarayanmuni Foundation, he has spearheaded numerous initiatives, including providing free medical services and organizing medical camps to serve underprivileged communities. Shashwat’s entrepreneurial spirit extends to his role as a Surgical Entrepreneur, where he has made significant contributions to the healthcare industry. He has also served as the Group COO of Ved Multi-Speciality Hospitals, overseeing operations and quality assurance, further solidifying his leadership in healthcare management.
In addition to his hands-on work in healthcare, Shashwat advises the Invincible NGO, providing strategic guidance to enhance the organization's impact on the community. His professional journey includes valuable experience at Shalby Hospitals, where he gained insights into advanced hospital operations and patient care excellence, further strengthening his expertise.
Shashwat holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Hospital Management from GTU, Ahmedabad, and has a Master’s in Organic Chemistry. His technical skills in healthcare software and administration are complemented by his strong interpersonal abilities, making him a well-rounded leader in the medical field. His dedication to excellence, teamwork, and community development defines his career and mission.
Nikita Lalwani
Nikita Lalwani is the founder of Cycling Cities, a social enterprise dedicated to promoting healthier and more sustainable lifestyles by encouraging cycling as an alternative mode of transport. Through innovative platforms, Cycling Cities rewards individuals for cycling, aiming to reduce carbon footprints and inspire behavioral change. The venture is part of her mission to convert one-third of city trips to cycling by 2030, addressing challenges like pollution, traffic congestion, and health issues.
In 2016, Nikita was appointed India’s first Bicycle Mayor by BYCS, a Netherlands-based organization. An engineering graduate from NIT Surat, she also has nearly seven years of professional experience at Linde Engineering India, where she excelled in diverse roles, from Instrumentation Engineer to Senior Executive in Customer Service.
A staunch advocate for sustainability, Nikita cycled to work for over five years, with 80% of her commutes made on a bicycle, and she has never owned a vehicle. Her global exposure includes participating in the Bicycle Mayor Summit in Amsterdam and the Velo-City Conference, where she gained insights into building cycling cultures. She also played a pivotal role in expanding the Bicycle Mayor network in India, establishing 12 mayors across the country to amplify cycling advocacy.
Kumar Manish
Kumar Manish is a seasoned communication strategist with over 15 years of expertise in the development sector. He is the founder of Communicate Karo, a consultancy specializing in social communication for not-for-profits, social enterprises, startups, academic institutions, and CSR initiatives. Additionally, he founded UrbanVoices.in, a platform focused on sustainability and urban advocacy. Manish’s extensive experience includes organizing high-impact conferences, such as the BRICS Youth Alliance 2024, and co-leading ReDi, an annual digital dialogue conclave. He has also actively participated in global summits, including the Vatican Meeting in Rome and the Shape Asia Pacific Summit. These experiences have honed his skills in event conceptualization, execution, and fostering meaningful dialogues on pressing global issues.
As a visiting faculty at esteemed institutions like PDEU, Gujarat University, and LJ University, Manish imparts knowledge on new-age media and communication strategies. His diverse skill set spans communication planning, social media strategy, content creation, and media engagement. Recognized as a US State Fellow, Swedish Institute Fellow, and LinkedIn Creator Accelerator Fellow, Manish leverages his expertise to advocate for social good. His passion for sustainable development and empowering communities remains central to his work, reflecting his commitment to driving impactful change.
Bisathi Bharath
Bisathi Bharath is a decorated leader and social worker from Kandikapula Village, Ananthapuramu District, Andhra Pradesh. Recognized for his exceptional contributions, he has received prestigious accolades such as the United Nations V-Award, National Youth Award, Princess Diana Award, and NSS Award from the President of India. Bharath has held influential positions, including United Nations District Youth Officer, VForce Project Coordinator, and MyGov Ambassador, reflecting his leadership and commitment to societal development.
With extensive academic credentials, including Master’s degrees in Political Science and Sociology and Postgraduate Diplomas in Environment, Sustainable Development, and Rural Development, Bharath combines scholarly expertise with grassroots initiatives. As the Founder of Pragathi Padham Youth Association, he has championed youth leadership, career guidance, digital literacy, and environmental sustainability.
Over 75,000 youth have connected through his initiatives, promoting volunteerism and community development. His efforts include mobilizing resources for COVID-19 relief, campaigns against child marriage, and collecting 1,850 units of blood through donation drives. Bharath has represented Andhra Pradesh in national events and worked tirelessly toward the Sustainable Development Goals, focusing on skill development, women’s empowerment, and ecological responsibility. His transformative impact reflects a lifelong dedication to creating a developed and equitable India.