Surbhi Saraswat
Lead PMEL
Surbhi, a seasoned professional with an impressive 14-year tenure at Vaagdhara, showcases unwavering dedication and expertise in her role. Currently heading the Planning, Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (PMEL) unit, she holds a pivotal position in the organization's strategic planning. Surbhi's extensive experience has endowed her with a comprehensive understanding of development initiatives. Renowned for her commitment to fostering sustainable impact, her leadership in PMEL ensures that the organization's initiatives are meticulously planned, effectively monitored, and continuously optimized for learning and improvement, emphasizing her integral role in steering Vaagdhara towards impactful and sustainable outcomes.
Aaqib Ahmad
IT Lead
As the Lead-IT at the organization, his role revolves around offering technical support to the team, ensuring the timely update of existing software, websites, and Android applications. He strategically formulates plans for integrating new functionalities into the software and oversees their seamless implementation. Additionally, he manages all social media accounts for the organization, consistently uploading posts to enhance online presence. His educational background includes a Master of Applications from JNTUH Hyderabad, reflecting his expertise in the field of Information Technology and commitment to maintaining the organization's technological infrastructure at the forefront of innovation.
Prerna Masih
Sr.Programme Facilitator
Prerna Masih oversees the Impact vertical at Vaagdhara, driving program monitoring, evaluation, and learning. She translates research and program data into actionable insights, identifies gaps, and implements solutions to enhance effectiveness and sustainability. Prerna also strengthens organizational systems, supports team capacity building, and optimizes Vaagdhara’s MIS for accurate, real-time data for decision-making.
With over 14 years of experience in the development sector, she has worked across health, education, livelihoods, and child protection programs. Prerna has previously managed multi-sectoral projects with World Vision India, contributing to national reporting, CSR initiatives, and evidence-based program planning. She holds a Master’s degree, specializing in Medical and Psychiatric Social Work, from the Indore School of Social Work.
Vikas Meshram
Program Facilitator
Vikas Meshram is a Program Facilitator, working with VAAGDHARA to promote sustainable living practices among tribal communities. With a deep understanding of the Bhil community's traditions, he emphasizes the importance of self-reliance (Swaraj) in addressing contemporary environmental and social challenges. Vikas plays a pivotal role in integrating traditional wisdom with modern sustainable practices, helping to enhance livelihoods, preserve natural resources, and promote ecological balance. His work is instrumental in empowering tribal communities to lead sustainable lives while maintaining their cultural heritage. a comprehensive background in social work and journalism, a professional associated with Rajiv Gandhi College under Nagpur University has amassed significant experience in development work. Holding degrees in Bachelor of Social Work (BSW), Master of Social Work (MSW), and diplomas in Journalism and Animal Husbandry and this individual has 14 years of hands-on field experience in the development sector. They have worked in various esteemed organizations such as the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation, Annasaheb Patil Economic Backward Development Board, and Mumbai School of Economics.
Priyanka Awasthi
Program Facilitator – Impact
Priyanka Awasthi is a development professional with 16 years of diverse experience across the domains of Health, Education, Livelihood, and Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE). She holds a Master’s in Social Work and has demonstrated strong capabilities in program planning, community engagement, and systems strengthening across multiple thematic areas. In her current role as Sr. Program Facilitator – Impact at Vaagdhara, Banswara, Priyanka is actively engaged in the Monitoring and Learning domain, where she leads processes related to monitoring frameworks, data-driven insights, learning documentation, and program performance improvement. Her work supports evidence-based decision-making and contributes to enhanced developmental outcomes in tribal and rural communities.