Executive Team

Shri Mahadev Toppo was born in 1954 in Hulsi village, Bero block, Ranchi, Jharkhand, in a Kurukh (Oraon) tribal family. He holds a Master of Arts degree and completed a Certificate Course in Film Appreciation from the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune, in 1994.

A distinguished tribal writer, poet, and cultural activist, Shri Toppo’s writings have appeared in leading Hindi journals and newspapers, including Dharmayug, Naya Gyanodaya, Vagarth, India Today, Jansatta, and Prabhat Khabar. His notable works include the poetry collection Jungle Pahad Ke Path and the essay collection Sabhyoon Ke Beech Adivasi. His poems have been translated into several Indian and foreign languages.

He has also contributed to cinema, acting in Kurukh films Pahada and Edpa Kana (Going Home), and writes short plays in Kurukh. Honoured with the Birsa Munda Samman, he continues to promote Kurukh language, tribal literature, arts, and cultural heritage.

Dr. Abhay Sagar Minz currently serves as an Assistant Professor at the University Department of Anthropology, DSPM University (formerly Ranchi College, Ranchi), with 17 years of enriched teaching experience. His academic journey commenced at St. Xavier’s School, Doranda, Ranchi, followed by an M.Sc in Anthropology from Hansraj College, University of Delhi. Dr. Minz furthered his academic pursuits by completing his doctoral thesis on "Emerging Patterns of Migration from Tribal Jharkhand" from Ranchi University, Ranchi.

Throughout his career, Dr. Minz has been an active advocate of tribal rights and issues, nationally and internationally since 2006. His principal focus revolves around tribal rights, culture, tribal knowledge systems, and endangered indigenous languages. Presently, he also holds the position of Director at the International Documentation Centre for Endangered Indigenous Languages and Cultures at DSPM University. Additionally, he holds honorary positions as a Member of the ICCAs Consortium, an International Expert Adviser at Youth For Environment Education and Development (YFEED Foundation) in Nepal, and an Adviser at the Asia Young Indigenous Peoples Network (AYIPN) in the Philippines. Dr. Minz also lends his expertise as a former Young Alumni at the World Union of Jesuit Alumni.

Dr. Minz's scholarly contributions are reflected through his 28 publications, impacting national and international platforms. Notably, he is the author of three significant books: "आदिवासी दर्पण", "21वीं सदी में आदिवासियत" and “Deciphering the Tribal Wisdom Structure”.

In addition to his academic achievements, Dr. Minz served as the Former Asia Regional Focal Point (RFP) of the Global Indigenous Youth Caucus (GIYC) from 2013-2014. Furthermore, his expertise was utilised by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) when he was invited as an Adviser to the Global Environment Outlook (GEO) in 2020. In this capacity, Dr. Minz contributed his expert insights on Ecological Anthropological to the GEO.

Recently Dr. Minz was conferred with Prestigious Global Awards for Research and Advocacy among Tribes of India at United Nations 🇺🇳 Headquarters in New York on 15th of May 2026

Prof. Ram Chandra Oraon is an Assistant Professor at the National University of Study and Research in Law (NUSRL), Ranchi. Based in Ranchi, Jharkhand, India, he combines academic excellence with grassroots advocacy. His strong educational background includes a B.A. Hons. in Economics and an LL.B. from Ranchi University, followed by a Master of Laws (LL.M.) from the University of Delhi.

Throughout his career, Prof. Oraon has made significant key contributions to social justice and tribal rights. He has organized workshops on the Forest Rights Act (2006) and the Abua Bir Dishom Scheme to empower tribal communities across Jharkhand. Additionally, he actively promotes tribal culture through participation in events such as the Karam festival. Notably, he also contributed to drafting the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act (PESA) Rules for the Government of Jharkhand.

Prof. Oraon remains deeply dedicated to integrating legal education with social justice, ensuring that tribal rights are recognized and preserved within India’s legal framework.

For professional inquiries, he can be contacted at +91-7033626149

Sanjay Kachhap is widely recognized as the "Library Man of Jharkhand." He is a government officer and dedicated social entrepreneur whose mission is to promote education and literacy in rural areas by opening libraries for the next generation.

His impactful grassroots initiative began with a simple rule: opening a new library wherever he was transferred in his official duty. By mobilizing community support, he has established numerous libraries across Jharkhand to bridge educational gaps for underprivileged students. To advance this cause, he spends most of his personal holidays setting up learning spaces and gathering books, ensuring that no child’s future is hindered due to a lack of educational resources.

His transformative journey in education and nation-building gained national recognition when he was featured on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's program Mann Ki Baat (Episode 95 on November 27, 2022). He was also featured as a prominent speaker at "CHHAAP," the inaugural edition of the Seraikella-Kharsawan Literature Festival. Today, his vision continues to inspire a widespread movement for rural literacy, youth empowerment, and better access to education across India.

Dhaneswar Tirkey is an experienced professional based in Rourkela, Odisha, with over 15 years of diverse leadership experience across operations management and sports leadership. He holds a Bachelor of Engineering degree, completed in 2005, and earned his Master of Business Administration in 2009. Currently, he serves as an AIFF professional football coach with the Football Association of Odisha. Prior to his current role, he worked as the state operation head in Jharkhand for 108 Emergency Management and Ambulance Services (EMAS). He is also the founder of Aapan Dhumkudia, an initiative based in Rourkela, Odisha. For professional inquiries or networking, he can be reached by phone at +91 9861576887 or +91 9439073654, or via email at dhaneswrtirkey@ymail.com.

Anuj Besra is a social worker, educator, researcher, writer, and media professional hailing from the Simdega district of Jharkhand. He holds a Master of Arts (M.A.) degree in Economics from Ranchi University. Currently, he is actively engaged at Gondwana Vikas Vidyalaya and Hostel in Simdega, Jharkhand, working toward the educational and personal development of students.

Anuj Besra plays an active role in various initiatives related to tribal society, education, sports development, youth leadership, and social awareness. He has worked with several social and educational organizations, including the Women's Studies Centre in Ranchi, The Y.P. Foundation in New Delhi, and Loktantra-19 News Channel. Through these associations, he has gained extensive experience in news writing, research, training, event management, and mass communication. His core objective is to bring about positive change in society through education, leadership, and community service.

Mr. Brajkishor Bedia was born on May 3, 1989, and resides in Village Saram, Tola Machatand, Post Saram, Thana Gola, in the Ramgarh district of Jharkhand (829110). He has been actively dedicated to community service since 2002, beginning his journey by teaching village children in the evenings and purchasing study materials for them using income generated from small ventures like selling belpatra and snacks in the local market.

Overcoming significant local hardships, including the lack of basic infrastructure such as roads, electricity, and health facilities in his village, Mr. Bedia worked persistently to address these community issues. Through collective grassroots efforts and his proactive initiative of submitting formal applications to government offices, the village successfully secured roads, electricity, and a bridge within a year.

In addition to infrastructural development, Mr. Bedia has donated blood multiple times and regularly organizes educational and employment awareness camps across various villages. Driven by a passion for problem-solving and social service, he remains deeply committed to advancing infrastructure, opportunities, and overall empowerment for the Adivasi society.

For contact or further inquiries, he can be reached by phone at +91-6204597273.

Shri Fuldeo Bhagat was born in Lohardaga and currently resides in Ranchi. He is an entrepreneur and the owner of Choukni Restaurant, located in Dibdih, Ranchi, bringing over 15 years of experience to the restaurant business.

Alongside his entrepreneurial work, Shri Fuldeo Bhagat is actively engaged with tribal organizations and community initiatives. As a dedicated social worker, he continuously inspires and motivates tribal youth toward empowerment and collective progress.

For inquiries, he can be reached by phone at +91-8709115653.

Niranjan Kumar Kujur is an award-winning Indian filmmaker and screenwriter from Jharkhand. An alumnus of Bishop Westcott Boys' School, Namkum, and Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI), Kujur focuses on realistic, indigenous storytelling that amplifies underrepresented tribal voices. He is best known for his critically acclaimed Kurukh-language film Edpa Kana (Going Home), which won a National Film Award in 2016, and his film Pahada, both featured in the IFFI Indian Panorama. Beyond independent cinema, he has worked dynamically across commercial media with Ice Media Lab and Analytics, where his corporate creative work has earned widespread industry acclaim. Notably, his digital ad film The Spitting Wall (created for Dabur Red Paste) won the 54th edition of the prestigious ABBYS (Silver) Award for Cause Marketing at Goafest 2023 and a Mob-Ex Award Singapore, while his campaign Jannat-e- Kesar created for Dabur Ratnaprash secured the ET Ascent Star of the Industry Award for Best Use of Content Marketing,He also led the Audio Visual team for TMC's mass outreach campaign Trinamoole Nabo Jowar as a Creative Producer churning over 500 pieces of content in the form of Reels, Short Event Videos and Short Documentary films in the span of two months.Niranjan has also completed serving as Assistant Professor (contractual) in Direction and Screenplay Writing department of SRFTI in September 2022.

Pradhan Birua hails from Pandrasali, located in the Manjhari block of West Singhbhum district. He has been dedicated to the upliftment of the tribal community for many years. To help tribal children progress, he established the Aayub Academy, where children are provided free basic education along with training in athletics, acting, dance, plantation and other skills. To keep the children connected to their studies, he also established the Kalpana Chawla Science Club and the PriyaShiksha Library. Over the past 8 years, his students have reached the District, State, National, and International levels in various activities. Some of students have also received scholarships from other country. To show tribal children the places written about in books, he organizes free educational tours, through which students have traveled to several states across the country, as well as to Nepal and Bhutan. He is also working to promote tribal culture, history, and heritage. To preserve Ho history, he has established the Ho Museum and Ho Library. To showcase the importance of trees, plants, and vines in tribal society, he has set up the Aadi Sanskriti Park cum Biodiversity Park. He is running the Green Deshauli Project to reforest and revive Deshauli (Sarna), the sacred site of Pandrasali. To bring the biography of Birsa Munda to students and the public, he has established the Birsa Munda Memorial Gallery. He is also working to bring the oral history and mythology of the tribal community to light.

Sikandar Buri Uli is an educator, social worker, and writer dedicated to community development and education. He is the son of Surja Buri Uli and Kairi Buri Uli, and resides in Asura Toli Surja Basa, located in the Asura post office area under Jhinkpani police station in West Singhbhum district, Jharkhand. He holds a Master’s degree and a Master of Education (M.Ed.). Currently, he serves as the founder, director, and headmaster of Ravindra Bal Sanskar School in Asura.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, he collaborated with various social organizations to conduct door-to-door teaching initiatives across villages, helping 10th-grade students continue their studies. Alongside these classes, he conducted awareness drives for rural parents and children on the importance of education. To make learning accessible, he established library-cum-study centers at each teaching location, providing diverse educational books to underprivileged children. Even prior to the pandemic, he frequently offered free assistance to job seekers from low-income families by helping them complete online application forms.

In addition to his educational and social initiatives, Sikandar Buri Uli actively contributes to the preservation and promotion of tribal culture as a writer in the Ho language. His poems and short stories have been published in several literary magazines. Notably, one of his short stories has been included in the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC) official syllabus.

Dr. Deonis Xess is a senior specialist in rheumatology, gout, arthritis, and autoimmune diseases. He serves as the Medical Director of Divine Super Speciality Hospital, Siromtoli, Ranchi. In addition to his clinical responsibilities, Dr. Xess is the Secretary of the Jharkhand Rheumatology Association and the Secretary of Injot Dahar.

Through his clinical practice and organizational leadership, Dr. Xess is committed to advancing specialized medical care and supporting patients suffering from rheumatic and autoimmune conditions across the region. He continues to contribute to the development of rheumatology services and patient care through both his medical expertise and his active involvement in professional and community organizations.

Shri Jitesh Minj is a dedicated social worker, tribal rights activist, and advocate of good governance, committed to building an aware, organized, and empowered society conscious of its constitutional rights. Born into a financially disadvantaged tribal family in Gumla, Jharkhand, he completed his Bachelor of Engineering despite significant challenges and dedicated himself to public service.

Through the Adivasi Sarna Navyuvak Sangh, he has worked extensively for the preservation of tribal language, culture, traditions, and heritage. He also co-founded Mission Badlav, which for over eight years has advocated for transparency, accountability, development, and social justice.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, he led relief initiatives supporting thousands of families with food, medicines, and essential supplies, while also assisting stranded migrant workers. He has spearheaded movements for the protection and promotion of the Kurukh language and tribal religious sites, and promoted women’s empowerment through skill-development initiatives.

His contributions have earned him the C. Subramaniam Award (2023) and Divya Vibhuti Samman (2024), along with several district-level honours.

Shri Babu Ram Soren is the Secretary of the Aadim Development Society and the Director of Bir Sido Kanhu Public School. A dedicated tribal social leader and educationist, he has been working extensively for the empowerment of indigenous communities in Jharkhand through education, language preservation, legal awareness, and community development. He has promoted the Santhali Ol Chiki script by training over 820 students and establishing 50 language study centers. His initiatives include free education, scholarship support, competitive exam coaching, legal literacy on tribal rights, Gram Sabha strengthening, women's empowerment, cultural preservation, blood donation campaigns, public health awareness, and environmental conservation. His lifelong commitment continues to strengthen tribal identity, education, and sustainable community development.

Vivekanand Oraon is a CAIIB-qualified former banker and entrepreneur with a specialized focus on agribusiness and rural development. He holds an Agriculture degree from Banaras Hindu University (BHU) and an MBA in Agribusiness from the National Institute of Agricultural Marketing (NIAM), Jaipur.Leveraging his extensive financial experience from tenures at ICICI Bank and Bank of India (BOI)—where he served as Manager of the Agriculture Finance Department and Director of RSETI—he successfully led key rural empowerment and agricultural credit initiatives. Blending his management expertise with a drive for social impact, he has since transitioned into the digital space as the founder of Tribalmatrimony.com and Jobhaat.com, platforms dedicated to community building and employment access.

Ravi Kant Tirkey is a social entrepreneur and development professional with over 20 years of experience. He studied Rural Management at the Institute of Rural Management Anand (IRMA) and has worked with well-known organizations like SIDBI, ICICI Bank, Narnolia Investment Advisors, and iServe Financials.

He is the Co-founder and Director of Tribal Matrimony Services Pvt. Ltd. and works to improve the lives of tribal communities through technology and new ideas. He strongly believes that tribal youth have great talent and can achieve success while staying connected to their culture and traditions. Through his work, he encourages young people to learn, grow, and become responsible leaders for their communities.

Mr. Shiv Shankar Oraon is a Ph.D. research scholar in the Department of Kurukh at Ranchi University, Ranchi. He is the son of Shri Bartu Oraon and hails from Murungada Village, P.O. Gurgai, Ginjo Thakurgaon, Budhmu, Ranchi, Jharkhand (835205).

He serves as the Coordinator of Team Dhumkudiya and the Treasurer of the Oraon/Kurukh Sahitya Academy, Ranchi. At present, he teaches undergraduate and postgraduate students as a Scholar Teacher at Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee University and Ranchi University.

He is an active member of the Kendriya Sarna Samiti, Ginjo Thakurgaon, Budhmu, a Joint Secretary of the Tribal and Regional Language Development Forum, Ranchi, and a member of the Kurukh Cultural Renaissance Centre, Bahmhi, Gumla. Through his academic and social engagements, he is committed to the promotion of the Kurukh language, tribal culture, and indigenous knowledge.

Amit Kumar Minz holds a B.Tech and an M.Tech in Construction Technology and Management, specializing in civil engineering. He leverages his technical expertise in sustainable infrastructure to design and build resilient structures that directly empower local communities and improve public living standards. By combining engineering principles with a community-first approach, he focuses on transforming local environments, driving socio-economic growth, and creating lasting, positive social impact for the people he serves.

Vicky Minz 'Injot', residing in Beyasi village, Narkopi, Ranchi district, Jharkhand, is a prominent young writer, poet, and researcher who has made significant contributions to Nagpuri literature, particularly in poetry. Renowned for his notable literary works Malti and Humwe Raih Geli, he has published several research papers in various national and international journals. He is currently conducting a comparative linguistic research study on the Nagpuri and Assamese languages to promote regional linguistic heritage and cross-cultural understanding.

Sumit Tigga is an active driver of social and community development in Jashpur, Chhattisgarh, dedicated to advancing public welfare and empowering local youth. Through targeted community initiatives, he works directly with residents to foster civic engagement, encourage leadership among young people, and build stronger social networks. His efforts focus on addressing regional challenges, creating practical opportunities for community growth, and inspiring a collective commitment to long-term public well-being.

Sajit Kumar Toppo is a distinguished social worker, community leader, and entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience in social service and grassroots community development. As the Founder of Tribal Development Foundation, he has been actively associated with initiatives focused on tribal welfare, youth empowerment, education, social awareness, and inclusive development. He is also the Founder of Myra Enterprises, promoting entrepreneurship and sustainable economic opportunities. Known for his commitment, leadership, and community-oriented approach, Sajit Kumar Toppo works towards creating meaningful social impact and empowering communities through collective participation, opportunity, and sustainable development.

Shri Sanjeev Bhagat is the founder of the Naur Pup Trust, an organization operating six Lurkudiyas (learning centers) across the Lohardaga, Palamu, and Latehar districts of Jharkhand. He serves as the president of the Veer Budhu Bhagat Lurkudiya in Lohardaga. Under his guidance, these educational centers perform the noble task of providing accessible and affordable education to the children of tribal families who migrate to other states in search of employment.

Across all these institutions, students are taught to speak and write in Kurukh, the native language of the Oraon community, alongside receiving practical knowledge about the traditional activities of the Dhumkudiya system. Beyond his educational initiatives, Shri Sanjeev Bhagat actively contributes to the traditional Parha judicial system of the Oraon community, serving as the Diwan for the Lohardaga district.

In the commercial sector, he has established Benza Bazar in Lohardaga, a large shopping mall of clothing and wedding-related items.

Mrs. Sarita Oraon was born on October 15, 1980, and resides in Bhittatoli, behind Ghar Aangan Restaurant in Daladeli, Ranchi. She holds a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) degree and a Master of Arts (M.A.) in Sociology.

An educationist and dedicated social worker, Mrs. Oraon is actively involved in promoting tribal causes. Currently serving as the principal of Funstone Preschool, she works to shape children's futures by enhancing their education, practical skills, and overall personal development.

For contact or further inquiries, she can be reached by phone at +91-7761084610.

Deepak Banra is a science graduate and a senior technician at Tata Steel in Jamshedpur. Alongside his technical profession, he is a dedicated socio-serial entrepreneur with over 15 years of experience in both social initiatives and business development. He has worked actively with farmers across the Kolhan region as well as other districts, focusing on rural empowerment and sustainable development.

In addition to his community-driven work, Deepak Banra is a core and founding member of the National Ho Youth Meet (NHYM), a renowned nation-wide platform that unites and empowers the Ho tribal community across India. He is also an active member of TICCI (Tribal Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry), KNT(Kolhan Nitir Turtung) and TCS (Tribal Cooperative Society). Through his extensive background in business, technology, and grassroots organizing, he continues to drive social and economic progress for indigenous communities.

Rakesh Soren is an Architect and City Planner from Masalia, Dumka, Jharkhand (814167). He is committed to promoting sustainable, inclusive, and culturally sensitive development through architecture and urban planning. His work emphasizes creating safe, functional, and environmentally responsible spaces that improve the quality of life in both rural and urban communities.Beyond his professional practice, he actively encourages community participation in development planning, advocates for environmentally sustainable infrastructure, and supports awareness initiatives on village planning, sanitation, water conservation, and green public spaces. He also promotes the integration of indigenous knowledge and tribal cultural identity into planning and design, ensuring that development remains people-centered while preserving local heritage. His vision is to contribute to resilient communities through thoughtful planning, sustainable architecture, and socially inclusive development.

Mrs. Reshma Rani Ekka is a dedicated educator and Biology Lecturer at Swami Atmanand Government Boys High School, Jashpur, Chhattisgarh, where she has been serving since 2013. She holds a Master of Science in Biology and a Bachelor of Education, combining strong academic expertise with a deep commitment to teaching and student development.

Since the 2022–23 academic session, she has served as a District-Level Master Trainer in Biology, providing training and academic guidance to fellow educators across the district. Her expertise and dedication were further recognized when she served as a judge at the State-Level Science Exhibition in 2025, where she evaluated and encouraged innovative student projects.

For her outstanding contribution and dedicated service to education, Mrs. Ekka received the Excellent Teacher Award from the Collector of Jashpur in 2025. Before joining the education sector, she worked as a Guest Relations Executive at Ramoji Film City. She continues to inspire students through her leadership and commitment to academic excellence.

Dr. Neelam Kerketta is an Assistant professor of Political science in SGG university, Chhattisgarh. He completed his Masters from hyderabad Central University, and PhD from Jawaharlal Nehru university, New Delhi on the subject of environmental Sustainability. He has contributed in framing white paper for indigenous food system as a project of the Food and Agricultural organization ( FAO), and is a part of BIODIVERSITY research of Alberta University, Canada. He has founded the Adivasi library project Chhattisgarh, and is also involved with Adivasi cooperative movement in chhotanagpur region.