Chetna Joshi
Head, Programmes & Operations
Chetna is a driving force behind 'Aarangar,' bringing together diverse expertise to develop impactful, low-cost projects that address societal issues through climate and environmental solutions. With over 10 years of experience, she has worked with organizations like The Flow Partnership (UK), PAIRVI, and Gene Campaign, focusing on climate adaptation, rainwater conservation, agro-biodiversity, and farmer income enhancement. She has also contributed to a bilateral project with SDC and DST. Chetna holds a Ph.D. in Microbial Biochemistry from IIT Delhi and shares her journey through travelogues on her personal blog.
Swati Melkani
Director
Swati brings over 10 years of experience working with school and college students in remote locations of Uttarakhand, a Himalayan state in northern India. She is currently serving as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Education at Indira Priyadarshini Government Girls PG College of Commerce, Haldwani, Nainital, Uttarakhand. Additionally, she works with women and marginalized communities on various social issues. Swati is an accomplished writer and a recipient of the Young Writer Award from 'Gyanpeeth,' one of India's most prestigious literary organizations.
Rajendra Pant
Director
Rajendra Pant has over 25 years of experience working with various Ministries and Departments of the Government of India, including the Press Information Bureau, PMO, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Ministry of Statistics and Program Implementation, and Ministry of Human Resource Development. His extensive expertise includes translation, vetting, proofreading, editing, and the administrative implementation of the Official Language Policy of the Government of India. He is retired from government service. In addition to overseeing Aarangar's work, he is an avid reader and analyst.
Manju Shri Mishra
Director
Manju Shri Mishra has worked with the Institute of Social Science Training (ISST) for over 40 years in various capacities. She has a deep understanding and sensitivity towards environmental and societal issues. An avid reader, traveler, and thinker, she has a strong grasp of the rural landscape of India and the diverse traditions of water conservation practiced by communities. She has also served as the editor of Gandhi Marg, a renowned magazine of the Gandhi Peace Foundation. Currently, she resides in Ghaziabad and actively oversees the organization's work.
Kunj Bihari Sharma
Field Expert : Water & Soil Conservation
Kunj Bihari Sharma has over 25 years of experience working on traditional water systems in Rajasthan. He is well known for leading the revival of the small river, ‘Nadu Wali’. He is currently spearheading the work at the Syaluta River Catchment in the Alwar and Dausa districts of Rajasthan under his overall guidance. His ability to engage with the community and drive their full participation in on-the-ground efforts is remarkable. Passionate about social work, he remains actively involved in addressing local rural challenges and issues.
Devendra Dutt Uniyal
Field Expert : Soil & Water Conservation
Devendra Dutt Uniyal has over 20 years of experience in Natural Resource Management. His expertise lies in the revival of traditional water bodies in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, environmental reporting, and community mobilization for water and soil conservation. He is currently leading the effort to revive the Chal-Khal system of water conservation and management in the Tehri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand. Mr. Uniyal has a remarkable ability to engage with local government bodies and communities, executing actions with meticulous attention to detail.
Sonali Chauhan
Volunteer
Sonali works on developing ideas and providing research and implementation support. She has also worked with Gene Campaign, a Delhi-based NGO, where she successfully executed a project focused on agricultural biodiversity conservation across four states. Sonali recently completed her PhD at the School of Human Ecology, Ambedkar University, Delhi, focusing on theoretical and field studies in community ecology, specifically related to plant communities in urban ecosystems. She has been actively involved in ecological restoration projects in Odisha and Delhi. Additionally, Sonali is a passionate traveler and photographer.