Dr Sujatha Rao is a former Union Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. During her 36 years of service as a civil servant, she spent 20 years in the health sector at the state and federal levels.

Dr Rao has represented India on the Boards of the Global Fund for HIV/AIDS, TB, and Malaria (GFATM); WHO and UNAIDS; Member of the six-member Global Advisory Panel of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation; Founding member of the Public Health Foundation of India; Member of the Advisory Board of the Ministerial Leadership Program of the Harvard School of Public Health; Member of the High-Level Panel on the Global Risk Framework of the National Academy of Sciences, USA; Trustee of Population Council, USA. She also served on the boards of BSNL and AIIMS Raipur.

She is also a Board Member of PRITHVI Asset Reconstruction Company and a member on boards of NGOs. Among her other commitments, she is the Commissioner of the Lancet Citizens’ Commission on Reimagining India’s Health System.

An MA graduate from Delhi University and an MPA graduate from Harvard University, USA, from 1991-92, she was a Takemi Fellow at the Harvard School of Public Health from 2001-2002 and a Gro Harlem Brundtland Senior Leadership Fellow at HSPH in 2012.

She is the author of the book titled “Do We Care? India’s Health System,” published by Oxford University Press in 2017, and has authored several articles in the media.

Dr Patra has more than 25 years of experience in the development sector. He is currently Executive Director of Financial Management Services Foundation (FMSF), where he has served since 1999. FMSF is a nonprofit organization that undertakes financial monitoring and capacity building of development organizations in South Asia (India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Pakistan). FMSF works with more than 300 development organizations in the region. Dr Patra has published frequently on finance and legal compliance for NGOs and has been a member of a number of committees for the Government of India and several national and international nonprofit groups working on civil society issues. He firmly believes in the values of transparency and accountability and their importance in promoting development effectiveness. He is a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India and holds an M.Com and B.Com from Ravenshaw College, Cuttack. He was awarded his Ph.D in 2016.

Dr. Sadhana Rout, a distinguished former Principal Director General in the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, has had an illustrious career spanning 35 years in civil service. She has played a pivotal role in steering a wide array of social sector programmes and initiatives aimed at empowering women, children, rural communities, tribal populations, and other marginalised groups.

A recognized expert in development communication, social mobilisation, and civil society engagement, Dr. Rout has made notable contributions to India’s National AIDS Control Programme, particularly in implementing targeted interventions, combating stigma and discrimination, and addressing HIV transmission among high-risk populations.

Currently, Dr. Sadhana Rout serves as a Special Monitor with the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), focusing on issues affecting women, including sexual violence, domestic abuse, and workplace harassment.

Dr. G.P. Rao is a seasoned professional with over 35 years of extensive experience in Human Resources and General Management, having served prestigious organisations such as SAIL, the JK Group, Birlas, and the Reliance Group in India and Malaysia.

He holds a distinguished educational background with a Law degree and multiple master’s qualifications in Commerce, Public Administration, Social Work, and Business Management.

His expertise is enriched by certifications in assessment tools such as MBTI, OPQ, SHL, and Human Edge, along with an Honorary PhD recognising his contributions to the field.

Throughout his illustrious career, Dr. Rao has been honoured with numerous awards, including the Outstanding Contribution Award from the National HRD Network and the HR Leadership Excellence Award in Singapore. He has co-founded ventures such as Good People Relations, focusing on organisational development, leadership, and HR advisory, and serves as a mentor to organisations like NHRDN and SHRM while also contributing to educational institutions.

In addition to his corporate achievements, Dr. Rao holds leadership roles, such as Zonal Chair (CSR) with Rotary International and Senior Area Director at Business Network International, covering regions in North, East, and West Delhi. He actively contributes to social causes as Vice Chairman of Bharatiyam (NGO) and serves as an Independent Director with various companies, including Urja Global. Driven by a passion for mentoring and social causes, Dr. Rao remains a thought leader, shaping the future of HR and business through his advisory, leadership, and entrepreneurial endeavours.