Sudeep Sharma
Lead PAI
With a wealth of 16 years of expertise in Program Management, Strategic Planning, and Policy Advocacy, Sudeep brings invaluable skills to his role. Leading the Policy Advocacy Initiative at VAAGDHARA, he actively collaborates with policymakers, government officials, political leaders, civil society organizations, networks, and stakeholders. His primary focus is advocating for policy and regulatory changes tailored to meet the specific needs of indigenous communities. Additionally, Sudeep plays a pivotal role in facilitating community institutions, crafting advocacy strategies, and developing resource materials. His extensive background includes contributions to Save the Children India, IIHMR Jaipur, and the Government of Rajasthan, refining his skills in policy advocacy, research, and program management. Academically, Sudeep holds a Doctorate in Management and a Master's in Healthcare Management. Committed to continuous learning, he is currently pursuing studies in law.
Nagendra Singh Khangarot
Lead Policy Advocacy
Serving as the Lead-Policy Advocacy in the organization, he plays a crucial role in providing support related to governance processes, policy formulation, institutional strengthening, and engaging civil society in Tribal Areas. With a rich background, he has previously worked with organizations such as BARC-Astha, GVT, AMS, and the RACP Project. His expertise spans state and state agricultural budgets, State Government agricultural schemes, State Government Tribal Budget, Farmer Producer Organizations, Panchayati Raj Institutions, and more. Proficient in data analysis, research, and editorial articles, he has established good liaisons with top bureaucrats and politicians. Holding a master's degree in agriculture with a specialization in Agriculture Economics from SKN University of Agriculture, Jobner, Jaipur, his educational background complements his expertise in policy advocacy within the agricultural domain.
Rajesh Hiran
Lead Networking
Rajesh Hiran is a seasoned professional with over 30 years of diverse experience across healthcare, pharmaceuticals, non-governmental organizations, and administration. He currently serves as Lead - Networking at Vaagdhara, where he plays a pivotal role in strengthening stakeholder engagement and program execution. His previous positions include State Head – Rajasthan at Fluxlite NIMS Pvt. Ltd. and Senior Program Facilitator at Vaagdhara. Rajesh has consistently demonstrated expertise in sales strategy, team training, and government liaison and has directly contributed to impactful projects with SIHFW, UNICEF and Vision Spring, focusing on child protection, public health and community outreach, reflecting a deep commitment to social development. With a solid academic background in pharmacy and life sciences, he integrates scientific knowledge with operational excellence. Known for his leadership, strategic thinking, and public speaking skills, Rajesh has been recognized by government bodies and NGOs alike for his advocacy efforts. He received a Certificate of Appreciation from the District Collector and the Commissioner of the Municipal Corporation, Jaipur, for his efforts in tobacco control. Additionally, he was honoured with a Certificate of Excellence in recognition of his outstanding advocacy by Vaagdhara. He continues to drive sustainable change through innovation, dedication, and collaborative partnerships.
Khyati Singh
Policy Researcher (Decentralized Renewable Energy (DRE)
Serving as the Policy Researcher – Decentralised Renewable Energy at Vaagdhara, she plays a key role in driving clean energy transitions that support sustainable tribal livelihoods. Her work focuses on policy research, advocacy, and program development around decentralized renewable energy (DRE) systems in tribal regions. With a strong foundation in energy policy, she provides technical and strategic inputs for integrating DRE with livelihood generation, climate resilience, and rural development.
She brings over five years of experience across reputed organizations such as TERI, Deloitte, GIZ India, and IIT Bombay, where she contributed to projects related to energy access, electric mobility, energy efficiency, and circular economy. His expertise spans renewable energy planning, EV charging infrastructure, community-based clean energy solutions, and data-driven policy analysis.
Holding a Master’s degree in Renewable Energy Engineering and Management from TERI School of Advanced Studies, New Delhi, her educational background supports her work at the intersection of grassroots energy needs and high-level policy engagement. She is also experienced in preparing technical reports, stakeholder coordination, and capacity-building initiatives aimed at promoting energy equity in underserved regions.
Babu lal Choudhary
Sangthan Lead & Advocacy Coordinator
Serving as the Sangthan Lead & Advocacy Coordinator in the organization, he offers vital support in governance processes, policy implementation, institutional strengthening, and engaging civil society in Tribal Areas. His extensive background includes work with government projects like IWMP, IWRM, NRLM, NULM, and TEJASWANI. Proficient in district and state-level rural and urban state government schemes, State Government Tribal Budget, Panchayati Raj Institution, he possesses valuable experience. His strong liaisons with block and district-level bureaucrats and politicians enhance his ability to navigate the complexities of advocacy work. A master in social work with a specialization in development management, he brings a comprehensive skill set to his role.
Dinesh Dindor
Knowledge & Training Coordinator
Since 2019, continuous collaboration with various programs at Vaagdhara has been maintained. Currently, working under the PAI unit, involvement spans different areas with Krishi evam Adivasi Swaraj Sangthan (KASS). Responsibilities include preparing EHVDP plans, ensuring government schemes reach marginalized eligible families, suggesting recommendations to the state government according to community demands, and strengthening organizations to improve community livelihoods and address their issues. Serving as the Knowledge and Training Coordinator for 10 KASS, facilitated by Vaagdhara in the blocks of Kushalgarh, Sajjangarh, Thandla, and Bajna in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.
Holding a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) degree, extensive experience has been gained in the social sector. Worked with the Rural Development Trust from 2008 to 2012, and with the BIAF organization from 2012 to 2019, focusing on self-help groups and the Wadi project.
Sona Tabiyar
Knowledge & Training Coordinator
Currently serving as a Knowledge and Training Coordinator in the PAI Unit Mahi, supporting 9 Krishi evam Adivasi Swaraj Sangthan (KASS). Responsibilities include organizing monthly meetings for the organizations, developing strategies with organization members on various community issues discussed in these meetings, conveying the community’s voice at different levels, facilitating various activities at the community level to strengthen the organizations, promoting community participation in Gram Sabhas under the leadership of the KASS, and identifying and guiding new leadership.
Completed a Master of Arts in Hindi in 2020 from Haridev Joshi College, Banswara. Alongside this, worked with Educate Girls as a Team Balika, focusing on girls’ education. Since July 2020, continuous work with Vaagdhara on various projects has been maintained.
Mansingh Ninama
Knowledge & Training Coordinator
With 23 years of experience in the social sector, holding a B.A. and a B.Ed. degree, vital support is provided to the PAI unit by overseeing the implementation of various activities in Krishi evam Adivasi Swaraj Sangthan (KASS). Responsibilities include strengthening community organizations and facilitating them to lead the community voice to higher levels.
Previously, worked as an assistant teacher in the ASEFA project in the Anandpuri block of Banswara for a period of 10 years (2001-2011). Since then, associated with Vaagdhara. Currently, working towards facilitating organizations in the interest of the tribal community as the Knowledge and Training Coordinator in 8 KASS of the Mangarh Unit.