BOARD MEMBERS

Meet our dedicated board members who bring a wealth of expertise and passion to guide our mission. Their diverse backgrounds and unwavering commitment drive our organization towards success.

Dr. Keshav Walke, PhD- Director

Professor at Matru Sewa Sangh Institute of Social Work, Nagpur (India)-440010

Member, Chhattisgarh State Planning Commission Task Force on “Labour Welfare”
Member, NSS State Financial Committee, Dept of H & TE, Government of Maharashtra
Director, VaJaHa (Vana Jana Hakka) Foundation, Nagpur-440034
Executive Member, NAPSWI (National Association of Professional Social Workers in India
Executive Member, MASWE (Maharashtra Association of Social Work Educators)
Vice President, Indian Society of Criminology (ISC), Nagpur Chapter
Member, Board of Studies (BoS) in Social Work at Gondwana University, Gadchiroli
Expert Member, Research Recognition Committee in Social Work Subject at Gondwana University, Gadchiroli

Dr. Jyoti Keshav Walke

Director, Vajaha Foundation

Dr. Jyoti Walke has done her Bachelor of Arts, MA in Marathi, MSW (Family and Child Welfare), BEdand PhD in Marathi from  RashtrasantTukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University.

She is the Founder Director of Vajaha Foundation, dedicated to empowering marginalized communities through education, livelihood development, and social inclusion. With extensive experience in grassroots initiatives, she focuses on women’s empowerment, youth skill training, and sustainable rural development. Under her leadership, the Foundation promotes participatory growth, environmental awareness, and partnerships with government and civil society. Dr. Walke’s vision reflects her strong commitment to equity, innovation, and holistic community transformation.

Ms Dhanusha Kawalkar Director-Education & Training

BSW, MSc in Wildlife, Ph.D. Scholar

Worked as Senior Research Biologist at Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History, Coimbatore

Skills and expertise

Mapping, Modeling, Ornithology, Conservation, Biodiversity, Ecological Modeling, Wildlife Ecology, Conservation Ecology, Social Research, Social Work Research, community based conservation, Speleology, Biospeleology, Cave Science

Dr Ashish Koreti

Project Director- Health

BAMS, General Physician,

Native from Dhanora Taluka of Gadchiroli District and Ayurvedic Medical Graduate from Nagpur is actively engaged in social activities, specially rural & Tribal health related activities. He is a role model before urban and rural youth for giving back to the society. He has donated blood for more than 50 times

Dr. Prashil Uikey

Assistant Project Director- Health

BAMS, CCH (Mumbai), General Physician

Actively engaged in rural health programs specially conducted for the tribal community in Nagpur and Gadchiroli Districts through Vidarbha Tribal Doctors Association.

1