Alakananda Guha
Profession:Educationist
Designation: President
Alakananda Guha is an educator and cultural practitioner who has spent decades nurturing holistic, child-centred learning through the arts. In 1996, she founded Shamil Chhotoder Pathshala in Kolkata, inspired by the educational philosophies of Rabindranath Tagore, Maria Montessori and other creative thinkers. Rooted in creativity, compassion and curiosity, the school integrates music and artistic expression into everyday learning. Since 2003, Alakananda has also played a significant role in introducing children and communities to Indian classical traditions, particularly Dhrupad, through immersive workshops and cultural engagement. Her work reflects a deep commitment to preserving artistic heritage while creating joyful, inclusive spaces for young minds to flourish.
Ayesha Sinha
Profession: Development Professional
Designation: Secretary
Ayesha Sinha is a gender justice practitioner, trainer and psychological counsellor with over 25 years of experience in the development sector. As Founder Director of Talash, she has worked extensively with adolescents, youth, educators, workplaces and communities on issues of gender-based violence, sexuality, child rights, mental health and wellbeing. A certified Wenlido women’s self-defence trainer and practitioner of Nonviolent Communication developed by Marshall Rosenberg, Ayesha integrates feminist, restorative and mindfulness-based approaches into her work. Deeply engaged in women’s and child rights movements in West Bengal and beyond, she continues to build transformative spaces centred on dignity, safety, empathy and social justice.
Debasish SenSharma
Profession:Film Maker, Theatre Director &
Academician
Designation: Treasurer
Debasish Sen Sharma is a filmmaker, theatre director, educator and interdisciplinary arts practitioner whose work bridges cinema, performance, storytelling and critical pedagogy. As Artistic Director of Chaepani, he has developed creative collaborations that engage with culture, identity and contemporary social realities. Holding dual Master’s degrees in Film Studies and English Literature from Jadavpur University, Debasish has directed feature films, documentaries, web series and television campaigns across diverse formats. He currently serves as Professor and Head of the Department of Writing for Electronic & Digital Media at the Satyajit Ray Film & Television Institute, Kolkata, mentoring emerging filmmakers and media practitioners.
Dolon Ganguly
Profession: Development Professional
Designation: Member
Dolon Ganguly is an intersectional feminist and development leader with over three decades of experience advancing women’s economic and social rights in India. As Chief Functionary of Azad Foundation, she has championed pathways for women from marginalized communities to access dignified livelihoods in non-traditional and male-dominated sectors, particularly transport. Deeply engaged in both grassroots action and global advocacy, Dolon has consistently worked toward building gender-just ecosystems and expanding women’s access to opportunity and agency. A widely published writer on gender and social issues in leading Bengali publications, she was honoured with the Laadli Media Award in 2013.
Mitul Das
Profession: Entrepreneur, Co-Founder ,
Strategy & Sales Director
Designation: Member
Mitul Das is a strategy and digital transformation professional with expertise in technology, business strategy and communication. As CEO & Strategy Head of UrsDigitally, he has led initiatives that help organisations strengthen their digital presence, stakeholder engagement and long-term institutional growth. An alumnus of the Indian Institute of Management Calcutta and Jadavpur University, Mitul previously served as Principal Consultant at PwC India, where he led the Enterprise Architecture & Compliance group and advised organisations on strategic technology and transformation frameworks. He brings to the board expertise in innovation, systems thinking, communication strategy and organisational development across diverse sectors.
Kaifia Ancer Laskar
Profession: Assistant Professor,
Department of Journalism &
Mass Communication, Aliah
Designation: Member
(Dr.) Kaifia Ancer Laskar is a media scholar, educator and researcher whose work critically engages with gender, race, representation and communication for social change. She serves as Assistant Professor and officiating Head of the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication at Aliah University, Kolkata and is the International Liaison of Ethnicity and Race in Communication at the International Communication Association, Washington DC. Her research explores media ethics, disinformation, digital silencing and social justice, with publications in leading academic platforms including Routledge, Sage, Intellect and Palgrave Macmillan. Through her scholarship and teaching, she contributes significantly to critical media studies and inclusive public discourse in India.
Sintu Bagui
Profession: Development Professional
Designation: Member
Sintu Bagui is a grassroots trans rights activist, community organiser and movement leader working to advance dignity, justice and wellbeing for Hijra, Kothi and transgender communities in India. As Secretary of Kolkata Anandam for Equality and Justice, Sintu has led pioneering work in HIV awareness, legal advocacy, community health and queer cultural initiatives. A child of a sex worker, her activism is deeply rooted in lived experience and intersectional justice. She has served on multiple advisory and governance bodies and became one of the first trans women in West Bengal appointed as a Judge at the Lok Adalat. Sintu is also a researcher, trainer and public speaker.
Saraswati Mondal
Profession: Social Worker
Designation: Member
Saraswati Mondal is a grassroots gender justice practitioner and organisational leader with long-standing experience in community engagement, youth leadership and social development. Currently serving as Admin & HR Manager at Talash, her journey with the organisation began in 2008 as a college student and co-facilitator, eventually growing into multiple leadership and facilitation roles. Trained in child marriage prevention, gender, sexuality, feminist self-defence and masculinities, Saraswati has worked extensively with adolescents and communities across seven districts of West Bengal. Her work focuses on building awareness, strengthening participation and creating safer, more equitable spaces for young people and communities.