Leadership
Leadership
Leadership and Governance
Board of Directors
Dr Nisha Pandey
Founder and Managing Director, Knowledgebliss Pvt. Ltd.
Dr Nisha Pandey is the Founder and Director of Knowledgebliss, with more than two decades of experience in social impact assessment, sustainable development and policy advocacy. She is widely recognised for her ability to design innovative solutions that address complex social and environmental challenges at both grassroots and policy levels.
Her expertise lies primarily in social impact assessment, where she evaluates the social, economic and environmental consequences of policies, projects and initiatives to ensure outcomes that are sustainable and inclusive. Her policy advocacy has influenced key decisions in areas such as women’s empowerment, natural farming and rural development. By combining evidence-based research with strategic vision, she has shaped initiatives that address critical societal challenges while promoting long-term growth.
A strong proponent of social innovation, Dr Pandey has pioneered transformative approaches that bridge the gap between economic viability and community welfare, demonstrating how innovative models can advance sustainable development. In alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), she has led projects focused on environmental conservation, equitable resource distribution and holistic societal progress.
She has made significant contributions through her leadership in research and consultancy, directing projects such as the assessment of rural skill training programmes and evaluations under the Aspirational Districts Programme. Her collaborations with international organisations, including the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Asian Institute of Impact Assessment in Taiwan, highlight her global influence and commitment to sustainability.
As a prolific author, Dr Pandey has published extensively on social entrepreneurship, sustainable resource management and environmental economics. Her books, Building Model of Change: Achieving Sustainability through Social Entrepreneurship and Social Entrepreneurship in India: Theory and Cases, are widely regarded in her field.
Dr Pandey holds a PhD in Environmental Economics from HBTI, Kanpur, and has completed post-doctoral research in Environmental Economics at IIT Bombay. Her strong academic foundation and multi-disciplinary approach enable her to address complex socio-economic and environmental challenges with depth and foresight.
Komal Gupta
Director, Policy and Strategy, Knowledgebliss Pvt. Ltd.
Komal Gupta is an economist, independent director and strategic adviser with more than a decade of experience spanning government advisory, policy advocacy and corporate leadership. Certified as an Independent Director by the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA), Ministry of Corporate Affairs, she brings a deep understanding of corporate governance, regulatory frameworks and high-impact strategic decision-making.
Her career began in financial journalism with Mint–Hindustan Times, where she reported on complex policy shifts, market dynamics and corporate strategies. She later moved to policy advocacy at NASSCOM, leading initiatives for fintech and IT that contributed to landmark reforms in digital KYC, drone regulations, data protection and digital health. She has consistently engaged with government bodies, regulators and industry leaders to shape progressive policy outcomes.
Komal has also held leadership roles at Adfactors PR and Sarvatra Technologies, where she drove strategic growth, reputation management and stakeholder engagement. Her ability to align corporate narratives with business objectives has strengthened the positioning of organisations operating in highly regulated sectors.
At Knowledgebliss, she contributes her expertise in policy research, impact assessment, ESG, CSR strategy and institutional advisory, helping organisations align with national development priorities and sustainability agendas.
In addition to her role at Knowledgebliss, she is the Founder and Principal Consultant of Konsult Komal, a boutique advisory firm specialising in policy consulting, strategic advisory and corporate communications.
Dr Varla Bhanu Prakash Reddy
Director, Growth and Partnerships, Knowledgebliss Pvt. Ltd.
Dr Varla Bhanu Prakash Reddy is a distinguished academic, technology leader and Partner and Director of Growth and Strategy at Plural Technology Pvt Ltd. An alumnus of Osmania University, IIT Bombay, IIM Bangalore and the Birla Institute, he has led pioneering work in barcode technology, IoT, RFID and smart card manufacturing through his founding role at Bartronics India.
His global experience spans strategic investments and leadership in national ID programmes across the UAE, Sri Lanka, South Africa and India’s UIDAI Aadhaar initiative. A noted TEDx speaker, mentor and Professor of Practice, he has guided numerous start ups and contributes to key entrepreneurship and alumni bodies including TiE Grad and the IIM Bangalore Alumni Association.
Dr Reddy brings deep expertise in innovation, strategy and ecosystem building across technology and education.
Advisory Board
Prof Ashish Pandey
Prof Ashish Pandey is a Professor at the Shailesh J. Mehta School of Management, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, and a Guest Professor at IIM Ahmedabad, where he teaches courses on Organisation Development, Human Resource Management, Self-Management and Leadership.
He serves on the Management Committee of the National Board of Accreditation (NBA) and as a Council Member of the Indian Council of Philosophical Research. Over the past 15 years, he has designed and led more than 100 consulting assignments and long-term training programmes on organisation and leadership development for industries and higher education institutions.
Prof Pandey has published over 50 research articles in globally reputed journals, including the Journal of Management, Journal of Business Ethics and Personnel Review. His research interests span yoga and positive psychology, mindfulness, spirituality in the workplace, business–society interface, shared leadership and responsible leadership. He is also the co-editor of the volume Indigenous Indian Management, published by Palgrave Macmillan.
His work has been recognised with awards and fellowships at international forums, including the Academy of Management (USA), the Fowler Centre at Case Western University, the Indian Academy of Management and the Indian Institute of Science.
In addition to his academic and consulting contributions, Prof Pandey is the co-founder of Dharmawiki.org and Panchkosha Wellbeing, initiatives dedicated to advancing knowledge and practice in Indian philosophy, wellbeing and sustainable leadership.
Saurabh Pandey
Saurabh Pandey is an expert in internal audit and risk management advisory in India, with extensive experience across diverse industries, government programmes, and public sector undertakings. He is a Partner at SPS Acuity LLP, a New Delhi based risk advisory and audit firm with a team of 15 qualified Chartered Accountants.
He has served on the board of the Institute of Internal Auditors (Delhi Chapter) and has worked with one of India’s most reputed chartered accountancy firms, bringing valuable expertise in auditing national and international companies, ministry programmes and state-level projects
His advisory roles span renewable energy and sustainable business, serving on the boards of Patanjali Renewable Energy Pvt. Ltd., Ultralife Batteries Pvt. Ltd. (a Singapore-based company), and RESCMO, a renewable energy monitoring body. He also advises Nandi Sewa Sansthan, a prominent NGO in North India.
As the Founding Director of the India Think Council, he has built one of India’s most prominent think tanks, globally ranked by the TTCSP, University of Pennsylvania. He also founded the Ikshwakupuri Research Foundation in Ayodhya, focused on cultural and Indic studies, and serves on the board of Nairogyam Research Foundation in Bangalore.
He has curated high-profile national and international dialogues including the Cultural Economy Conclave, Kumbh Conclave, Sangam Samvad, Awadh Mithila Summit, Seetanveshan (Jatayu Ram Conclave) and the International Auditors Summit. Under his leadership, flagship series such as the Governance Impact Conclave have brought together academia, government and civil society with support from central ministries, state governments, and leading universities.
Dr Chien-wen Shen
Dr Chien-wen Shen is an Associate Professor of Business Administration at National Central University (NCU), Taiwan. He also serves as Director of the Centre for Media and Social Impact, Director of the Yunus Social Business Centre, and Division Director of the University Social Responsibility Office at NCU
He received his PhD in Industrial Engineering and Management Sciences from Northwestern University, USA. His research interests include business analytics, information management, decision science and social business/value creation.
Dr Shen has published more than 100 papers and delivered numerous invited, plenary and keynote lectures. He has contributed to over 30 funded research projects supported by the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Ministry of Transportation and Communications, the Ministry of Education and the National Science Foundation.
In addition to his academic work, Dr Shen is the Executive Director of the Social Impact Institute of Taiwan, where he advances research and practice at the intersection of business, social value and sustainability.
Dr Bayu Arie Fianto
Dr Bayu Arie Fianto is an Associate Professor at Universitas Airlangga, Indonesia, and President of the Indonesia SDGs Centre Network. He holds a PhD in Finance from Lincoln University, New Zealand.
Dr Fianto has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals, including the Pacific Basin Finance Journal, Journal of Cleaner Production, Journal of Economic Studies, Journal of Modelling in Management and Agricultural Finance Review. His research spans sustainable finance, economic development and the integration of sustainability principles into financial and policy frameworks.
Through his academic and advisory work, he has contributed to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals in Indonesia and the wider region, bringing together scholarship, policy engagement and practical solutions for responsible growth.
Ms Malvika Dudi Bagaria
Ms Malvika Dudi Bagaria is a seasoned professional and academic leader, currently serving as Head of the Faculty of Management Studies at Vivekananda Global University, Jaipur. With more than a decade of experience in banking, including MSME, export and corporate finance, she brings strong financial expertise combined with strategic insight to strengthen institutional growth and entrepreneurial ecosystems.
Passionate about integrating India’s intellectual heritage with modern management education, she has spearheaded international conferences, faculty programmes and introduced a pioneering Minor Degree in Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS). Her leadership has been instrumental in fostering innovation, advancing cultural scholarship and driving academic excellence.
As the SIDBI Swavalamban Chair at VGU, she actively mentors start-ups and leads initiatives in financial literacy and enterprise development. With an engineering background and an MBA in Finance, she brings a pragmatic, insight-driven approach to education and ecosystem building, bridging academia and industry with vision and impact.
Mr Sudhanshu Jangir
Mr. Sudhanshu Jangir is the Chief Executive Officer of Doctor Skill, a pioneering company operating in Germany and India that integrates skill development with sustainability. He was the Founding Director of the Indian Institute of Sustainability (IIS), Gujarat, India’s first institute dedicated to sustainability, and serves on the boards of IIS Kashmir, IIS Ladakh, and IIS Meghalaya.
He is also a Visiting Professor at Kashmir University, Ladakh University, and NEHU, and serves as Co-Principal Investigator at IIT Gandhinagar. With a master’s degree from the Institut Supérieur d’Agriculture, France, Mr. Jangir brings a global perspective shaped by professional engagements across Europe and the USA
Previously, as Head of India Operations for Axereal Group (France), he strengthened India’s agricultural value chains and fostered international collaborations. His contributions have earned him several honours, including the Young Achiever Award (ICFA), Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Rashtriya Ratna Puraskar, Young Entrepreneur Award, and Social Impact Excellence Award.
A sought-after speaker and policy advocate, Mr. Jangir has addressed forums organised by the Ministry of Commerce, CII, ASSOCHAM, IIMs, and state governments. He actively contributes to national and state-level committees, working with NITI Aayog and other think tanks on sustainability, skill development, and rural empowerment.
Raghava Krishna
Raghava Krishna brings over 24 years of diverse experience spanning game development, academia, and public policy, with deep expertise in creative product development, learning design, and organisational culture.
As Development Director at Electronic Arts (EA), he led product operations for EA’s mobile game development studio in Hyderabad, managing a portfolio worth $10 million and engaging an audience of 3 million daily active users.
Following his corporate career, Raghava transitioned into public policy and leadership development. He co-founded and served as Associate Dean (Academics) at the Rashtram School of Public Leadership, where he helped build governance and leadership capacities for India’s future.
He is now the Founder of Brhat Culture Creatives and Brhat Educational Trust, initiatives dedicated to cultural storytelling, Indic Knowledge Systems (IKS)-centred education, public policy, and leadership development. As a lifelong student of IKS, Raghava seeks to bring an Indian civilisational perspective to addressing contemporary global challenges.
Devesh K. Shah
He is a practicing lawyer and the youngest elected member of the Ahmedabad Criminal Courts Bar Association. With experience in over 300 cases across criminal, commercial, property, and constitutional law, he has advised leading firms in real estate, pharmaceuticals, IT, and logistics. He brings to the board strong expertise in litigation, policy matters, and engagement with government and regulatory bodies.
Mr Sunil Kumar Savaram
Mr Sunil Kumar Savaram is a seasoned technology entrepreneur and Co-founder of Plural Technology Pvt Ltd, where he serves as Director and CEO. He has co-founded multiple ventures across enterprise software, manufacturing technology, healthcare technology and government enablement, with operations spanning India, the United States, Europe and Africa. Sunil brings deep expertise in enterprise software and product lifecycle management, supported by professional experience at Syntel and Tata Consultancy Services.
An alumnus of JNTU Hyderabad and IIM Kozhikode, he has worked with leading global clients across aerospace, automotive, consumer electronics, retail and fashion. With over eighteen years of entrepreneurial leadership, Sunil has grown Plural from a small start up to a multi geography organisation servicing Fortune 100 to 500 companies. He also mentors start ups and serves on advisory boards across the technology ecosystem.