Anode draws strength from a committed and diverse team, united in their effort to build stronger governance and more responsive public systems.
Bharath is a Bengaluru native with a passion for governance, sustainability, and community building. He holds an MA in Public Policy, and a Bachelor’s in Commerce from CHRIST (Deemed to Be University), Bengaluru. A proud three-year NCC Cadet and 2021 Millennium Fellow, Bharath brings hands-on experience from the education sector, where his focus was on enabling student agency.
He firmly believes that experiential learning is the best way to learn, and champions the idea that robust local institutions, and a strong cultural foundation are essential for nation-building.
Bharath enjoys spending time with animals and in nature, trekking, playing badminton, and seeking out activities that provide an adrenaline rush. He is also deeply fascinated by Kannada literature, historic forts, and the stories of war.
Sonali founded Anode Governance Lab and its nonprofit arm, Anode Governance Foundation, to activate and mainstream public institutions as key drivers of governance transformation.
As an Organisation Development (OD) practitioner, she designs and leads change management interventions across corporate, government, and nonprofit sectors. She conceptualised the GPOD framework, a process-driven model that strengthens Gram Panchayats’ capacity to function as responsive self-governments. The framework is now used across multiple states.
Her career spans Asian Paints, Barefoot College Tilonia, Eicher Consulting Services, Arghyam, and Avantika Foundation. She serves as a Director at Trickle Up India, a Governing Council member of India Panchayat Foundation, and a Member of the TIDE General Body. In 2022, she was part of the Expert Group revising the National Capacity Building Framework (NCBF) under the Union Ministry of Panchayati Raj.
Sonali holds a degree in Personnel Management and Industrial Relations from XLRI Jamshedpur and a Master’s in Development Studies from SOAS, University of London.
A yoga practitioner and outdoor enthusiast, she dreams of trekking to Everest Base Camp.
Ajith Swaminathan is an Organisation Development (OD) consultant with expertise in organisation design, leadership development, and HR process efficiency. He works across the corporate and development sectors, and focuses on administrative and structural reforms.
With experience across 25 states, 7 Union Territories, and multiple countries, Ajith has worked with governments, public sector undertakings, and private firms across industries like infrastructure, manufacturing, IT, and BFSI.
In the recent years he has worked on initiatives in Public Institutions in Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka and in Jharkhand.
An alumnus of Delhi School of Economics, he holds a Master’s in Human Resources and Organisation Development and a Bachelor’s in Information Technology from Kirori Mal College, University of Delhi.
A TEDx speaker, trained coach, and visiting faculty, Ajith enjoys travel, reading, music and poetry.
Pragya leads Project and Change Management at Anode, applying interdisciplinary approaches to drive systemic change. A social researcher with 15+ years of experience, she oversees projects in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh, focusing on Panchayat capacity-building and citizen engagement.
Her expertise spans institutional strengthening, governance, gender, and labour rights, with extensive work advocating for domestic workers, construction workers, and women street vendors. She also contributes to developing Anode’s technology platform to help Panchayats assess and improve governance.
Pragya holds a Master’s in Sociology from Jawaharlal Nehru University and a Bachelor’s in History from Lady Shri Ram College, Delhi University. In 2023, she was selected as an Acumen India Fellow.
She enjoys swimming in the ocean and exploring old town alleyways.
Lingadevaru E.S. has extensive experience in local governance, education governance, and sustainable agriculture. Previously, he worked with Prajayatna across Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan, providing technical support and project management. He collaborated with PRADAN and Transform Rural India on governance projects in Jharkhand and Madhya Pradesh.
As an advisor to ORDER NGO in Tumkur, he designed projects in watershed management and organic farming. He also managed climate change programs at BUZZ India. Passionate about natural farming, he co-manages Tumkur Organics Farmers Producer Company and volunteers at the Gandhi School of Natural Farming.
Lingadevaru holds an M.Sc. in Environmental Sciences from Bangalore University and a Post-Graduate Diploma in Journalism and Mass Communication from Karnataka State Open University. His expertise spans community engagement, governance, and sustainable development.
He enjoys trekking, traveling, and working with communities.
Ravi D. leads projects in Karnataka, focusing on building institutional capacity in Gram Panchayats. He has been instrumental in engaging with over 70% of GP members and overseeing the MOU process in 13 Gram Panchayats.
With over 12 years of experience in Prajayatna and Akshara Foundation, Ravi has worked across Chitradurga, Shivamogga, and Tumakuru districts, facilitating community-based programs and educational initiatives. He holds a TCH from SSBIT College and a BA, BEd from Revanasiddeswara College, Bengaluru.
Ajay is an experienced finance professional with a background in accounting, auditing, and taxation. With a CA IPCC qualification from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) and a strong academic foundation, Ajay is adept at handling financial operations, tax processes, and auditing tasks.
Ajay is fluent in Telugu and English and enjoys playing cricket in his free time.
Milind Chalisgaonkar is a management consultant, independent director, and mentor with extensive experience across multiple sectors. He has held CEO-level positions from 1993 to 2009, specialising in building high-performing teams in both startups and established organisations. His expertise lies in business turnarounds and scaling new ventures.
Since 2010, he has mentored CXOs across industries, including IT, BPO, consulting, financial services, manufacturing, FMCG, and contract research. He serves as an Independent Director at Allsec Technologies Ltd., Infrasoft Technologies Ltd., and Navi General Insurance Ltd., and is the Co-Founder and Director of Spark Career Mentors Pvt. Ltd.
Milind holds a B.Tech in Ceramics from IIT-BHU, Varanasi (1981–85) and a Post Graduate Diploma in Business Management (MBA – Marketing & Systems) from XLRI, Jamshedpur (1987–89).
Parveen Sikand has been a social worker, funding collaborator, and educator since 1986. Her work spans community engagement, stakeholder facilitation, resource mobilization for NGOs, and children’s education.
She has worked on rights-based initiatives with SRUTI (Society for Rural Urban Tribal Initiative) and served as a program analyst for the Bharatiya Yuva Shakti Trust (in partnership with CII). As a volunteer with SWRC (Social Work & Research Center/Barefoot College), Tilonia, Rajasthan, she formalized and led the SAMPDA Network, bringing together 16 NGOs associated with SWRC.
Parveen has also worked with IndiaCares Foundation and established Child for Life at St. John’s Academy of Medical Sciences, later collaborating with its medical teams for disaster relief. She has taught at KFI, The Valley School, Bangalore, and led teacher workshops at Vivek High School, Chandigarh. She also serves on the boards of Omarela Trust and SKID (Sheila Kotawala School for the Deaf).
Parveen holds a B.Sc in Anthropology from London University (1986).
Dr. Anjali Karol Mohan led research and policy initiatives at Anode Governance Lab, bringing her deep understanding of government functioning and facilitative pedagogy to guide its work at various stages.
With over three decades of experience, her research and practice span development, urbanisation, urban management, institutional frameworks, public policy, and ICT for development (ICTD). She is currently working at the intersection of urbanisation, climate change, and informality, focusing on bottom-up planning frameworks for cities. Anjali is an Advisor to Anode.
Anjali holds a degree in Urban and Regional Planning from the School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi, and a PhD in (e)Governance and Public Policy from IIIT Bangalore.
Divya is an architect with over 10 years of experience spanning social impact, sustainable construction, and project management. At Anode, her roles have included developing proposals for grants and service contracts, contributing to design and research, and supporting project implementation. She has worked closely with Panchayats and field teams across Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, and Karnataka. Divya currently serves as an Associate at Anode.
She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture from MS Ramaiah Institute of Technology. Divya began her career with architecture firms before transitioning to the social sector at Barefoot College, Tilonia. As a freelance architect, she has also designed residential, industrial, and educational projects.
Hemant advises Anode on organisation building, with a focus on strengthening Panchayats and prioritising education. He works as an advisor to NGOs and educational institutions, including Chirag, MEC College, Saandeepani School, CDLG, and Avantika Foundation, and has been a visiting faculty at IIM Bangalore for the PGSEM programme.
With 28 years of experience as an HR professional, he has worked across automobile, pharmaceutical, telecom, FMCG, IT, test & measurement, and medical technology industries. His career includes leadership roles as Head of HR at Sun Microsystems India and Vice President – HR at Danaher, India. Hemant is an Advisor to Anode.
Hemant holds an MBA from XLRI and a Master’s in Education from Azim Premji University. His expertise in human resources provides valuable insight into the challenges of talent availability and development.
Padma is a computer engineer turned public policy professional with over 10 years of experience. At Anode, she led our project in Jharkhand, worked on innovative IT solutions, and conducted legal framework studies across multiple states.
Her diverse work experience spans MNCs like IBM, startups like Dhwani Rural Information Systems, and several international organisations. Padma is an Associate at Anode.
Padma holds a Master’s in Public Policy and Governance from Azim Premji University, Bangalore, and a Bachelor’s in Computer Engineering from Pune Institute of Computer Technology. She is currently pursuing a Master’s in Data Science for Public Policy at the Hertie School, Berlin, and works as a Student Assistant in Data Science at the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research. Previously, she was part of the Evidence for Climate Solutions working group at MCC Berlin.
We turn ideas into action for stronger governance through meaningful partnerships.
Ajay is an experienced finance professional with a background in accounting, auditing, and taxation. With a CA IPCC qualification from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) and a strong academic foundation, Ajay is adept at handling financial operations, tax processes, and auditing tasks.
Ajay is fluent in Telugu and English and enjoys playing cricket in his free time.
