Executive Director, Grameen Sahara

Mr. Das is a postgraduate in Business Administration with over 13 years of experience in community development. He began his career in market research and sales with a leading Indian IT company before transitioning to the development sector. He has held various roles in program management, strategy development, partnership building, and coordination across areas such as microfinance, livelihoods, community development, participatory decision-making, and development administration. He has been instrumental in promoting several community-owned institutions that continue to function successfully and brings a strong combination of grassroots insight and managerial experience.

Founder, Grameen Sahara & MD, GDFPL

Mr.Das is a graduate of Assam Agricultural University with a PG Diploma in Rural Development and is a Certified Expert in Microfinance. He has attended the Middle Management Programme at IIM Ahmedabad and a specialised programme at Wageningen University on organized farmers in agribusiness. His experience spans RGVN, Sa-Dhan (New Delhi), and HDFC Bank (Agri & Microfinance, Corporate Banking Group), before joining Grameen Sahara as CEO. A grassroots leader, his interests include community development, microfinance, natural resource management, social entrepreneurship, and institution building, with extensive experience in social mobilization and systems strengthening. He also serves on the boards of CML Society, CoE, NEMFA, and Diya Foundation.

Associate Professor, Department of Economics, Chhaygaon College

Dr. Das is a faculty member at Chhaygaon College, Kamrup, Assam, with strong grassroots understanding and experience in livelihoods, community development, participatory decision-making, development administration, civil society engagement, and issues related to land, food, and development.

Founder, Eri Weaves

Iaishah Rymbai is an entrepreneur, master weaver, and social leader with over 20 years of experience in handloom weaving and natural dyeing. She is the Founder & Director of Eri Weave Pvt. Ltd., promoting sustainable Eri silk weaving and empowering artisans, especially women, in Meghalaya. She also serves as Founder Secretary of the Raid Iapngar Handloom Weavers Cooperative Society (since 2009), President of the Cluster Level Federation, Bhoirymbong under NRLM (since 2023), and a Non-Official Member of the District Planning and Development Council, Ri Bhoi District (since 2024). Recognized among the Top 50 Entrepreneurs in Meghalaya’s PRIME Cohort 2.0, her work focuses on sustainable livelihoods, skill development, and preservation of cultural heritage.

Sr. Manager, Ethical Sourcing, Twinings

Mr. Borah is currently working as Ethical Sourcing Manager, India & Sri Lanka at Twinings. He is also a Ford fellow and has a grassroots understanding and experience in livelihood, Community Development, participatory decision making, development administration, civil society, land food and development.

Director, Policy & Technical Support, WaterAid

Mr. Sinha is a social development specialist with over 27 years of experience in strategy, partnerships, grant-making, programme design and scale-up, and policy formulation. He has a deep understanding of Indian social issues and is skilled in engaging diverse stakeholders to build development models that have been successfully scaled by mainstream agencies. He has worked across leading Indian non-profits, from grassroots implementation to policy-level engagement, and played a key role in shaping strategy and institutional partnerships at Tata Trusts. He is currently associated with WaterAid India as Director – Policy and Technical Support.

Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, IIT – Guwahati

Dr. Kalita is a Professor at IIT Guwahati with strong grassroots understanding and experience in livelihood promotion, community development, participatory decision-making, development administration, civil society engagement, and issues related to land, food, and development.

Former MD, AIIDC

Mr. Saikia is an engineering graduate and also holds a postgraduate degree in Arts. He has served as the Managing Director of AIIDC and as Additional Director in the Department of Industries, Government of Assam. He also served on deputation as General Manager at NEDFi. A dynamic and grounded technocrat, he is deeply committed to development initiatives. Mr. Saikia is a dedicated professional with strong engagement among young entrepreneurs in Assam and is widely regarded as an inspiration to emerging entrepreneurs.