ISDRR - Institute For Sustainable Development Research And Reforms

Our team is the backbone of our success. We are a diverse group of experienced professionals dedicated to fostering sustainable development through innovative research and field implementation. Each member brings unique expertise and passion, contributing to our mission of driving impactful change across multiple sectors.

Advisory Board

Our advisors consist of industry experts, researchers, community development specialists and social workers with decades of collective experience in governance, policy-making, research, and program implementation. They play a crucial role in providing oversight, governance, and strategic direction for the organisation and remain responsible for ensuring that ISDRR remains accountable to its mission and vision and adheres to the highest standards of transparency and ethical practice.

Dr. Shobh Nath

Senior Advisor

Dr. Shobh Nath, an accomplished medical professional with an MBBS degree and a DM in Cardiology, serves as a Senior Advisor on the Advisory Board of ISDRR. A seasoned expert in cardiovascular medicine and public health, Dr. Nath has made lasting contributions to India’s healthcare landscape.

He previously held the prestigious position of Director at Balrampur Hospital, Lucknow, where he led several transformative initiatives to improve patient care and hospital administration. His leadership was instrumental in advancing healthcare delivery models and fostering a culture of excellence in clinical practice.

With a career spanning several decades, Dr. Nath has significantly contributed to preventive cardiology, the management of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), and community health programmes. He has championed innovations that improve access to quality care, especially for vulnerable populations, while strengthening public health systems.

In his role at ISDRR, Dr. Nath provides strategic direction and technical expertise across healthcare research, policy formulation, and programme execution. His insights play a crucial role in designing impactful interventions aimed at improving healthcare outcomes, particularly for underserved and marginalised communities.

Dr. Nath’s enduring legacy in healthcare administration, combined with his deep commitment to public health, aligns seamlessly with ISDRR’s mission to promote sustainable development through transformative research, capacity-building, and innovative solutions.

Dr. Arvind V. Rinkoo

Advisor - Public Health

Dr Arvind Vashishta Rinkoo (MBBS, MD, DNB) is a medical doctor with specialisation in public health administration. With over 20 years of diverse experience, Dr. Rinkoo has contributed extensively to the fields of clinical medicine, health system management, health research, public health policy and implementation.

Throughout his career, Dr. Rinkoo has held key positions in some of India’s most respected health institutions and global public health initiatives. Prior to joining ISDRR, he worked in different capacities at the Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS)-Lucknow, the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW)-Government of India, and the South-East Asia Regional Office (SEARO) and the National Polio Surveillance Project (NPSP) of the World Health Organisation (WHO). His work with WHO involved strengthening disease surveillance systems, supporting immunisation programmes, and advancing regional health agendas, particularly in the areas of communicable and non-communicable disease control programmes.

Dr Rinkoo has a passion for “evidence synthesis” in order to inform policy formulation and programme implementation at appropriate levels. He has a number of publications in national and international peer-reviewed indexed journals in both preventive and curative healthcare settings. At ISDRR, Dr. Rinkoo brings this wealth of knowledge and experience to bear in shaping research agendas, guiding evidence-informed programming, and advancing the institute’s mission to foster sustainable development through innovation, capacity-building, and public health leadership.

Ruchi Jha

Advisor - Social Impact

Ruchi Jha serves as an Advisor – Social Impact at the ISDRR, where she contributes her deep expertise in public health, gender equity, and social development. With a career spanning over a decade in the development sector, Ruchi brings a strong interdisciplinary approach to advancing inclusive and sustainable community development.

Ruchi has held key roles across reputed development organizations, where she has led the design, implementation, and evaluation of impactful programs targeting health systems strengthening, maternal and child health, gender justice, and community empowerment. Her experience includes managing large-scale, community-based projects and engaging with multi-stakeholder platforms including government agencies, civil society networks, and academic institutions to foster cross-sectoral collaboration and policy influence.

With a postgraduate degree in Human Rights, Ruchi possesses a unique lens to address complex, intersectional issues that affect marginalized and underserved populations. Her rights-based perspective underpins her strategic approach to program development, policy advocacy, and research, enabling her to champion equity and justice within the broader sustainable development framework.

At ISDRR, Ruchi provides strategic guidance and technical expertise across initiatives aimed at advancing social impact, particularly in the areas of health equity, gender equality, and community resilience. She plays a key role in shaping knowledge-driven interventions, strengthening capacity-building efforts, and promoting evidence-based advocacy to support inclusive policy frameworks.

Ruchi’s unwavering commitment to sustainable development and social justice aligns closely with ISDRR’s mission to catalyze transformative change through research, innovation, and collaborative action. Her leadership continues to influence the design of programs that deliver measurable impact and empower communities to thrive in equitable and resilient ways.

Dr. Anamika Priyadarshini

Advisor – Gender Equity and Social Development

Dr. Anamika Priyadarshini brings a wealth of interdisciplinary expertise in gender studies, international development, and policy research. A distinguished academic and development professional, Dr. Anamika holds a Master’s degree in International Development from Cornell University and a Ph.D. in Global Gender & Sexuality Studies (GGS) from the State University of New York (SUNY), Buffalo.

Dr. Anamika's academic and professional journey reflects a deep commitment to social equity, inclusive development, and feminist scholarship. She has held teaching and research positions at prestigious institutions including SUNY Buffalo, Central University of South Bihar, Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), and Aryabhatta Knowledge University. Her academic contributions span critical areas such as gender justice, health systems, sexuality, and intersectionality, making her a respected voice in both national and global discourse on development.

Dr. Anamika has authored impactful publications in leading journals such as eClinical Medicine – The Lancet, Economic & Political Weekly, Social Change, and India Development Review (IDR). Her scholarly work bridges theory and practice, offering innovative solutions to some of the most pressing societal challenges, particularly in the realms of gender-based violence, sexual and reproductive health, and rights-based programming.

Her outstanding contributions to the field have been acknowledged through numerous accolades, including the Margaret McNamara Foundation Fellowship, the Ford Foundation International Fellowship, and SUNY’s Doctoral Fellowship, among others. These honours reflect her sustained commitment to academic excellence and social transformation.

At ISDRR, Dr. Anamika provides strategic leadership in gender equity, social policy, and inclusive development programming. She plays a critical role in guiding research, shaping evidence-informed strategies, and advancing cross-sectoral initiatives that promote the rights and well-being of marginalised populations, especially women and girls. Her deep insight into global development frameworks and on-the-ground realities ensures that ISDRR’s work remains rooted in equity, justice, and sustainability.

Dr. Anjum Shaheen

Advisor - Social Research

Dr. Anjum Shaheen, an accomplished researcher and academic, serves as Advisor - Social Research at the Institute for Sustainable Development, Research, and Reforms (ISDRR). With a Ph.D. and M.Phil. from Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, Dr. Shaheen brings extensive experience in designing and managing multidisciplinary research projects that focus on empowering marginalised populations and addressing critical social and health challenges.

Her expertise spans areas such as public health, women’s empowerment, health security, and community development. Dr. Shaheen has conducted impactful studies on themes including young married women in marginalised communities, HIV/AIDS prevention among migrant workers, quality pregnancy care, and workplace sexual harassment among migrant populations.

Her work reflects a deep commitment to evidence-based solutions that inform policy and promote social equity. As Advisor - Research at ISDRR, Dr. Shaheen plays a crucial role in advancing the organisation’s mission of fostering sustainable development and empowering communities through impactful research and innovation.

Dr. H. N. Singh

Advisor - Capacity Building

Dr. H. Nirendra Singh, MD (Community Medicine), MPH, serves as Advisor - Capacity Building at the Institute for Sustainable Development, Research, and Reforms (ISDRR). With over 12 years of experience in academics and research, Dr. Singh brings a wealth of knowledge in public health, non-communicable diseases, and HIV prevention.

Currently a faculty member at Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS), Manipur, Dr. Singh is also a state resource person for non-communicable diseases and HIV prevention initiatives. He has led and contributed to several developmental and research projects and has published more than 10 scientific articles on public health and clinical aspects.

As Advisor - Capacity Building, Dr. Singh supports ISDRR to develop and implement training programs, strengthening institutional frameworks, and fostering skills enhancement for sustainable development. His expertise drives ISDRR’s mission to empower communities through capacity-building initiatives and evidence-based solutions to address critical societal and health challenges.

Project Management

Our Project Management Team consists of professionals with diverse backgrounds and expertise in project management, community engagement, field management and logistics management. Together, they ensure that every project, whether small or large, short-term or long-term, runs smoothly from inception to completion.

Anand Kumar Panjiyar

Managing Trustee & CEO

Anand leads the organisation’s strategic direction, partnerships, and programmatic vision. With more than a decade of experience in the development sector, Anand is a passionate advocate for inclusive and evidence-driven development. His work bridges research, policy, and implementation across public health, social protection, and systems strengthening, particularly in contexts marked by fragility, inequity, and rapid transition.

Anand is a Ph.D. Scholar at IIHMR University, Jaipur, and holds a Master’s degree in Social Work along with a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health. His academic foundation is complemented by extensive field experience in diverse socio-political settings, having led and supported multi-sectoral programmes across Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and India.

His career spans influential roles with national and international organisations, including a tenure at the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), Government of India, where he contributed to key national health and development initiatives. Anand has worked on programmes supported by a wide array of bilateral, multilateral, philanthropic, and CSR entities, such as USAID, The World Bank, Global Fund, DFID-UK, UNDP, UNICEF, UNFPA, WHO, the Bloomberg Initiative, and the Azim Premji Philanthropic Initiative.

His expertise lies in the design and execution of large-scale programs focused on health systems strengthening, nutrition, gender equity, community engagement, capacity-building, and monitoring and evaluation. Anand has consistently brought a people-centered and data-informed approach to driving innovation, fostering collaboration, and ensuring sustainability in program outcomes.

As the Managing Trustee and CEO of ISDRR, Anand brings visionary leadership and a deep commitment to sustainable, equitable, and resilient development. He oversees the institute’s research, operations, and strategic partnerships, championing interdisciplinary approaches that integrate public health, climate resilience, gender equality, and social justice. Under his stewardship, ISDRR continues to emerge as a thought leader and implementation partner of choice for government, civil society, academia, and philanthropic institutions.

Anand’s leadership is grounded in empathy, integrity, and a strong belief in co-creating solutions with communities. His dedication to building inclusive systems and promoting transformative change aligns closely with ISDRR’s mission to catalyse sustainable development through research, innovation, and collective action.

Praveen Kishor

Executive Director

Praveen Kishore serves as the Executive Director at the ISDRR, where he plays a pivotal role in shaping and executing the organization’s mission to foster inclusive, community-driven, and sustainable development. With a career spanning over two decades, Praveen is widely recognized for his ability to lead transformative, community-centric initiatives across the public health, education, social protection, and livelihoods sectors.

Holding a Master’s degree in Social Work, Praveen brings both academic rigor and grounded experience in navigating the complexities of social systems and development practice. His work reflects a deep commitment to improving societal outcomes through inclusive program design, participatory governance, and systems strengthening.

Praveen has an extensive track record of conceptualizing, managing, and scaling large, multi-stakeholder projects across India. He has worked in close collaboration with government departments, grassroots organizations, bilateral and multilateral development partners, and philanthropic institutions, making him a trusted leader in public policy implementation and community engagement. His expertise spans strategic planning, program design and execution, monitoring and evaluation, and stakeholder coordination, ensuring that initiatives are not only impactful but also contextually relevant and sustainable.

Praveen is particularly known for his ability to translate policy into action, ensuring that high-level strategies are effectively localized and delivered on the ground. His leadership style emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and resilience, which aligns strongly with ISDRR’s commitment to people-centered development.

As Executive Director, Praveen is responsible for overseeing the organization’s operations, guiding its thematic strategy, building cross-sectoral partnerships, and mentoring teams to deliver results with integrity and impact. He continues to lead efforts that bridge research, implementation, and policy advocacy, with a focus on empowering communities to be agents of their own development.

Praveen’s vision is rooted in social equity, sustainability, and community ownership—principles that are central to ISDRR’s work across diverse development landscapes. His leadership ensures that the institute remains at the forefront of advancing scalable and innovative solutions to some of the most pressing challenges in public health and social development today.

Vinay Verma

Director - Operations

Mr. Vinay Verma is a seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience in the development sector, specializing in quantitative research, field operations management, and advanced data analysis. Proficient in statistical tools such as CS Pro, SurveyCTO, KoboToolbox, SPSS, and STATA, he excels in managing data collection, quality control, and in-depth analytics.

Mr. Verma has led numerous surveys and studies supported by multilateral and bilateral organizations, corporates, and governments. His work spans health and nutrition surveys, women’s empowerment, social market assessments, financial products for women micro-entrepreneurs, and waste and environment management. He has also contributed to urban reforms, participatory forest management, poverty alleviation, and solar power initiatives.

As Director of Operations at ISDRR, Mr. Verma ensures efficient project execution, leveraging his extensive expertise to implement innovative solutions that address critical social, economic, and developmental challenges, driving ISDRR’s mission of fostering sustainable development.

Piyush Kumar

Trustee

A dedicated IT professional, Piyush combines over a decade of experience in technology with a deep passion for community welfare. While his professional expertise encompasses IT infrastructure, cloud solutions, and systems management, his true commitment lies in leveraging technology for societal impact.

Driven by a vision to empower communities, Piyush is devoted to initiatives focused on the digital empowerment of youth and girls, adolescent skill-building, and social welfare programs. He actively supports projects aimed at bridging the digital divide, enhancing access to education, and creating opportunities for marginalized groups.

At ISDRR, Piyush plays a pivotal role by contributing to strategies that integrate innovation and inclusivity. His leadership reflects a strong belief in using technology as a catalyst for sustainable development, equity, and empowerment, ensuring no one is left behind on the path to progress.

Guriya Nayak

Trustee

Ms. Guriya is a passionate and dynamic community volunteer serving as a Trustee at the Institute for Sustainable Development, Research, and Reforms (ISDRR). Dedicated to empowering marginalised groups, particularly women and girls, she works tirelessly to foster sustainable and impactful community initiatives.

Her expertise spans women’s welfare, where she advocates for gender equity and opportunities for women to thrive socially and economically, and sanitation and hygiene, where she promotes awareness of menstrual hygiene and better sanitation practices to improve health outcomes. She also focuses on community development, driving efforts to enhance education, health, and livelihoods in underserved communities. Her hands-on approach to social work ensures that grassroots needs are effectively addressed.

As a Trustee, Ms. Guriya plays a vital role in shaping ISDRR's strategies to advance sustainable development, inclusivity, and gender equality, contributing significantly to its mission of empowering communities and fostering equitable growth.

Dr. Chhabi Kumar

Principal Scientist

Dr. Chhabi serves as the Principal Scientist at the Institute for Sustainable Development, Research, and Reforms (ISDRR), where she plays a key role in advancing the organisation's research, advisory, and project management endeavours. She holds a Ph.D. with a specialisation in Third Sector Management, showcasing her expertise in nonprofit and development sector dynamics.

With over seven years of professional experience, Dr. Chhabi has managed diverse research and academic assignments. Her areas of expertise include gender equity, climate change, skill development, and early childhood care and education (ECCE). Her work extends to designing and managing projects in public health, community development, and environmental sustainability, reflecting her interdisciplinary approach to solving social and environmental challenges.

Known for her dedication to delivering high-quality research and innovative solutions, Dr. Chhabi has significantly contributed to ISDRR's strategic initiatives. She ensures the organisation remains a leader in addressing critical issues through research, policy advocacy, and capacity-building efforts, while fostering impactful collaborations across sectors.

Advisory Board

Project Management

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