Brij Kothari (Trustee)

Dr. Brij Kothari (Cornell University) and his team have innovated, researched, and nationalized the use of “Same Language Subtitling” (SLS) on Bollywood film songs on TV, for mass literacy in India. He laid the foundation for the SLS project as an Associate Professor at the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad (IIMA) in its Centre for Educational Innovation.

Brij is an Ashoka Fellow and the President of PlanetRead, a non-profit involved in scaling SLS efforts in India and other countries. He is also the CEO of BookBox Inc, a for-profit social venture producing children’s animated stories in more than 25 languages. He co-founded PlanetRead.org and BookBox.com as a Reuters Digital Vision Fellow at Stanford University.

Brij grew up in the Sri Aurobindo Ashram at Pondicherry and went on to get a Masters in Physics at IIT Kanpur, a Masters in Development Communication and a Ph.D. in Education from Cornell University. His doctoral research was on the conservation of local knowledge in Andean Ecuador.

Chitra Shah (Managing Trustee)

An MSW and a Gold medalist from Madras school of Social work, Chitra is passionate about changing lives of the people with disabilities (PWDs). She has over 15 years of experience in the field of disability. Her research interest includes:Psychosocial conditions of families of CWSNs, Women & disability and Sexuality& Disability. She is also part of various government committees such as:

•National Action and Coordination Group (NACG) Puducherry, Children with Disability, Child rights & abuse

•NGO Member, Committee for shelter for urban homeless

•Member – State Advisory Council – RTE ACT (Right for Education)

•NGO representative for Puducherry – PM’s BETI BACHAO BETI PADAO Programme.

She is the Founder & Director of Satya Special School, a center for children with Intellectual disabilities. Satya Special School caters to about 950 children. Satyahas the great honor to be considered one of the outstanding non-profit organizations by Bank of America. Some of the awards that Satya won are Best Institution, by the Government of Puducherry in 2018 and World Cerebral Palsy Award for the innovative Mobile Therapy Unit.

Tathagata Bandyopadhyay (Advisor)

Tathagata Bandyopadhyay has been into the teaching and research of statistics for the last four decades. He joined the department of statistics, University of Calcutta, India as a lecturer in the year 1984. He was there until 2005. During this period, he visited numerous universities abroad to teach and do collaborative research.

In 2005, he joined IIM Ahmedabad as a faculty and retired in October, 2021 as the Dean (Faculty). His stint at IIM Ahmedabad, gave him an opportunity to collaborate with researchers working in other disciplines. From 2008, he started collaborating with Dr. Brij Kothari on the Same Language Subtitling (SLS) project. Their research proved beyond doubt that a long term exposure to SLS helps in enhancing the reading ability of the semi-literate by giving them a regular reading practice.

Currently, he is a distinguished professor at the Dhirubhai Ambani Institute of Information and Communication Technology, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India.

Pekham Basu (Trustee)

Dr. Pekham Basu has more than 20 years of experience across sectors and issues, from domestic violence to social entrepreneurship to corprate social responsibility.

She has worked extensively on mining issues in Rajasthan, with specific focus on minor minerals, issues of child labour, and policy advocacy for occupational health and safety, and organising informal labourers. She has worked extensively in India, and for a brief period in London.

After graduating in History from Loreto College, Calcutta she did her post graduation in Social Work from TISS. Doctoral thesis on "Widows of the Mine – Undercounting Silicosis and its Impact on the Widows of Mineworkers"

Amita Sharma (Advisor)

Amita Sharma served in the Indian Administrative Service with 33 years in the development sector as public policy maker, and program manager in different fields. Some of the key posts she held included Additional Secretary, Government of India, Department of Higher Education, Joint Secretary, Government of India, Ministry of Rural Development, heading the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Program from its inception, Mission Director Elementary Education, Govt of MP for universalising elementary education and adult literacy programmes in the State.

She has worked on leveraging digital design technologies for enriching educational processes and has designed and implemented digitally enabled educational projects in government elementary schools across states.

She has won several national and international awards which include ‘India Today award for Woman in public Affairs (2010)’, South-South Cooperation Excellence award2010 (UNDP-ILO), President of India’s award for highest female literacy growth in the state of MP, 2001, Common Wealth Gold Award for best Global Innovation in Public Service for Education Guarantee Scheme, Govt of MP, 1998, President of India’s award for census (1991) Post retirement she has worked as Visiting Professor, IIT Bombay (IDC Design School,)and Centre for Urban Science and Engineering (C-USE), Advisor with IPE Global Centre for Knowledge and Development and with SHAKTI Foundation , Consulting Editor for Financial Chronicle, (newspaper) and Senior Consultant, Ministry of Human Resource Development, Department of Higher Education, Govt of India.

She works on issues related to sustainable development, with focus on education, climate change, gender empowerment. She has written and published articles on education, literature and culture. She likes writing as well as translating poetry . She has written and published several short stories, a novel and six volumes of poetry, receiving the Raza award for her poetry in 1998

Avinav Nigam (Advisor)

Avinav Nigam is the Founder and CEO of the London headquartered TERN Group, the leading upskilling Indian platform for global opportunities. He was previously senior executive or founder of leading global technology companies such as Disney+ Hotstar (100m users), IMMO ($1.5Bn in UK/EU real estate), Cars24 ($3Bn+ market cap in Asia & Australia), and PayU ($100Bn+ payment volumes) as well as leading Ariel’s Asia business at Procter & Gamble. He serves as an Advisor to the National Skills Development Council, Ministry of Skills Development (Govt of India). He’s an active investor in fast growing technology and education businesses across India and Europe.

Raj Sarkar (Advisor)

Raj Sarkar serves as Chief Marketing Officer of CloudBees, driving global marketing strategy and execution, and extending market awareness. Prior to CloudBees, he was CMO at 1Password, a 2023 Forbes Cloud 100 company, and CMO at Prisma Cloud, Palo Alto Networks' cloud security platform.

Raj also spent six years at Atlassian as the head of marketing, overseeing cloud products like Trello, Confluence, Bitbucket, and Jira Work Management. Earlier in his career, he played foundational roles in product marketing at both Google Cloud Platform and Amazon Web Services.

Raj holds an MBA in marketing and corporate strategy from the University of Michigan, and a Bachelor of Science degree in electronics and telecommunications engineering from Jadavpur University. In 2022, Forbes recognized him as one of the top 50 CMOs in The Forbes Entrepreneurial CMO List.

Sonali Khan (Advisor)

Sonali Khan leads Sesame Workshop’s educational mission in India to create innovative and engaging content that maximizes the educational power of all media to help kids grow smarter, stronger, and kinder.

Vikesh Mahendroo (Advisor)

Vikesh Mahendroo has over 40 years of experience in leadership and human resources. Vikesh retired as CEO of CLG (now Alula) and became Senior Advisor to the CLG Board in June 2016. He is the former CEO of Intrepid Learning Solutions (2007 to 2011), a firm specializing in the design and delivery of business-focused learning solutions; he served on the Intrepid Board from 2007 to 2017. Prior to joining Intrepid, he was the Global Executive Vice President of Mercer Human Resource Consulting and a member of the Board and Executive Committee, and also served as President of the U.S. company.

He is a Board member of Landesa (a global land rights organization), and a past Board member of Frontier Signal, Gettysburg College, and the HR Certification Institute. Prior to moving to the US from India, he was a member of the prestigious Indian Administrative Service (IAS). Vikesh has a BA (hons) and Master’s in Economics from St. Stephen’s College in Delhi University, and an MBA from Columbia University. Vikesh is based in New York City.

Avneet Kaur (Advisor)

Dr. Avneet Kaur is a principal in Bridgespan’s Mumbai office. She has worked across the public and private sector in areas of policy making, program implementation, advisory, knowledge management, Human Resources and Corporate Social Responsibility. Her research interests include Human Development and Capability Approach, Gender and Development and Behavioral Psychology.

Prior to Bridgespan, Avneet worked with the National Skill Development Corporation as Vice President, Advisory and International Collaborations. During this tenure she led international workforce mobility and technical advisory projects with foreign governments and International Organizations on TVET and skilling ecosystem development. She has also led innovative impact financing projects, notably the first Development Impact Bond for skilling in collaboration with a coalition comprising BAT, MSDF, CIFF, HSBC India, JSW Foundation, Dubai Cares, FCDO and USAID. Previously, Avneet worked as a Consultant with the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (GoI) on a World Bank program aimed at strengthening institutional capacities, improving quality and market relevance of skills training and promoting inclusion of women. She was also a Consultant with the Behavioral Insights Team, Cabinet office, (London) working on education and skills. Prior to transitioning to the development sector, Avneet led HR and CSR portfolios in the private sector, including with Khaitan & Co law firm, UnitedLex and Vertex Consulting.

Avneet is a Cambridge Commonwealth Trust scholar and holds a doctorate in Development Studies from the University of Cambridge (UK), MPP from University of Cambridge (UK), MA Organizational Psychology from the University of Delhi (India) and BA Psychology from Jesus and Mary College, Delhi University (India).

Luis Miranda (Advisor)

Luis Miranda is Chairman of the Board & Co-Founder of the Indian School of Public Policy. He is also Chairman of the Centre for Civil Society and CORO and a Co-Founder of Take Charge, a mentoring programme for Catholic youth in Mumbai.

Luis and his wife, are #LivingMyPromise signatories, where they have pledged to give away at least 50% of what they have to charity during their lives or in their wills. He is also on the board of Educate Girls and an advisor to non-profits like Sunbird Trust, 17000 Ft Foundation, Raah Foundation, RA Foundation, Public Affairs Forum of India, Atlas Network and SNEHA. At the University of Chicago, he is a Trustee of the University of Chicago Trust in India, member of the Global Leaders Group and the Advisory Council of the Rustandy Center for Social Sector Innovation at Chicago Booth and member of the Society Advisory Committee of the Leadership & Society Initiative. Luis is Chairman of ManipalCigna Health Insurance, Senior Advisor at Morgan Stanley and on the board of L&T Technology Services. He is also an advisor to L&T SuFin.

He has been involved in setting up 2 companies - HDFC Bank and IDFC Private Equity and two non-profits – Indian School of Public Policy and Take Charge.

Luis received an MBA from the Booth School of Business at The University of Chicago and is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India.

Sathyanarayana Mundayoor (Advisor)

Sathyanarayanan Mundayoor, affectionately known as Uncle Moosa, has championed a quiet reading revolution in Arunachal Pradesh for over 40 years. Inspired by Gandhiji and Swami Vivekananda, he left urban life in 1979 to work with first-generation learners at Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalayas. His dedication to fostering joyful reading led to the creation of the Lohit Youth Library Network in 2007, a collaborative initiative involving NGOs, youth groups, and government officers.

Honored with the Arunachal Governor’s Silver Medal and other national accolades, Uncle Moosa is a cherished mentor, spreading the joy of reading among Arunachali youth. In 2020, he was awarded the Padma Shri by the Indian government.

Vikesh Mahendroo

Vikesh Mahendroo has over 40 years of experience in leadership and human resources. Vikesh retired as CEO of CLG (now Alula) and became Senior Advisor to the CLG Board in June 2016. He is the former CEO of Intrepid Learning Solutions (2007 to 2011), a firm specializing in the design and delivery of business-focused learning solutions; he served on the Intrepid Board from 2007 to 2017. Prior to joining Intrepid, he was the Global Executive Vice President of Mercer Human Resource Consulting and a member of the Board and Executive Committee, and also served as President of the U.S. company.

He is a Board member of Landesa (a global land rights organization), and a past Board member of Frontier Signal, Gettysburg College, and the HR Certification Institute. Prior to moving to the US from India, he was a member of the prestigious Indian Administrative Service (IAS). Vikesh has a BA (hons) and Master’s in Economics from St. Stephen’s College in Delhi University, and an MBA from Columbia University. Vikesh is based in New York City.

Dhanalakshmi

K.Dhanalakshmi Graduated with M.tech (Wireless Communication) from Pondicherry Technical University and MBA (HRM) from Pondicherry University. She has Hands on Experience in Human Resource Management for past 3 years, she joined the team in March 2023 as a HR & Project Coordinator. Her main responsibilities include HR Activities, Quality and Language Resource Coordinator.

Parthibhan Amudhan

His role is to ensure the quality of our products and services by having effective production/work systems. He joined the PlanetRead team in January 2006. He also oversees the operations for smooth functioning of office administration and personnel management. After graduating with a Masters in French, with specialization in Translation and Interpretation from Pondicherry University, he went to north western France on a Student Exchange program for a year. For about 2 years, he was a part of the Chennai Loyola College Rotaract Club which is one of Asia\'s biggest Rotary clubs.

Sivasailam

Sivasailam joined PlanetRead as Accounts Officer and has 15+ years of experience in multiple industries including, Auditing Services, Outsourcing and Consultancy.

Tanvi

Tanvi has joined PlanetRead/BIRD as Legal and Compliance Counsel. She is a legal professional with over six years of work experience in the technology industry as a regulatory compliance and contracts specialist. She is an undergraduate and postgraduate alumna of the University of Manchester, UK. She currently resides in Pondicherry, is a trained classical dancer and enjoys reading and playing the guitar in her free time.

Anusha Menon

Anusha has joined as a Creative Designer at PlanetRead. She has 6 years of experience working independently as a visual designer. Integrating her animation and illustration practice, she has collaborated with NGOs, independent musicians and educators. She has a Bachelor's in Animation Film Design from the National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad.

Leenata

Leenata has joined PlanetRead as a Junior Video Editor. She does video editing and subtitling. Previously she has worked as an Associate Producer at TV9 news channel. Her other interests are music, reading books, cooking and dancing.

Priyanka

With a background in journalism and mass communication, Priyanka brings a keen eye for storytelling and a skilled hand in video and subtitle editing to the team. She leverages her editing expertise to craft compelling visuals and ensure clear communication through subtitles, making content accessible and engaging for a broad audience.

Regis

He joined PlanetRead in August 2006 as a junior editor and a flash animator. He has a BCA from St. Joseph Arts and Science College, Cuddalore, India to his credit and prior to joining PlanetRead he worked for a year in a multinational e-publishing unit as a graphics artist.

Rubina

Rubina has amassed 15 years of experience in the media industry. She holds a BSc in Mass Communication, Advertising, and Journalism from Rai University, Delhi. Joining PlanetRead as Operational Manager, she oversees a dedicated team in Zirakpur. Her expertise spans across FCPX, Adobe Premiere, Adobe Photoshop, and Adobe After Effects. Rubina's commitment to excellence and passion for media drive her efforts to advance literacy initiatives at PlanetRead.

Santosh Jadhav

Santosh Jadhav has been part of PlanetRead from June 2004. He works in Video editing and is responsible for all SLS work. He has done Diploma in Journalism.

His hobbies include painting, writing, reading, travelling and film direction. He has directed a feature film and also multiple short films.

Suraj Parkash

Suraj Parkash from Patiala, Punjab, has worked as an Assistant Director on several projects, where he gained valuable experience in leadership, coordination, and problem-solving. Recently, he has joined PlanetRead as a Video and Subtitle Editor. The role aligns perfectly with his skills and interests. He is excited about the opportunities ahead and looks forward to contributing to the team’s growth while continuing to develop professionally in this dynamic environment.

Swapnil Jadhav

He has also been with PlanetRead since September 2005. He is an editor and works closely with Santosh for all the SLS work. He has done a diploma in Film Editing.

Aditi Dindorkar

Aditi is an impact-driven media professional experienced in talent management, business development and creative development. She is passionate about translation, language accessibility and the role of multilingual media in shaping inclusive narratives.

Anushree

Anushree joined PlanetRead as a Researcher: Gender and Media. With an MA in Development from Azim Premji University, she started her career with a grassroots development organisation called Gram Vikas in Odisha. Transitioning to gender research, Anushree also conducted an impact evaluation study of the SWAYAM project under NRLM in Deogarh, Odisha, using ethnography and qualitative methods.

She plans to use her research experience to contribute more to policymaking and on-ground implementation efforts by PlanetRead in order to advance literacy and accessibility. She also has a keen interest in photography and is eager to explore how it can be used as a medium in her research.

Hema Jadwani

As one of the first team members, she joined the PlanetRead right from the day we started field research for the Same Language Subtitling (SLS) project at the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad. She has been instrumental in the making of many Gujarati folk songs and children's stories and provided research support in several states.

Sandhya Jeremiah

With a deep-rooted passion for research and academia, Sandhya has actively engaged in researching and collating qualitative data about the intersection of gender, labour, migration and marginalisation among informal workers in India. She also has a keen interest in exploring the dynamics of inaccessibility of quality education among children from distinct economic and social stratas. Secondly, having worked with displaced children from Manipur, she has extensive experience in teaching children coming from a conflict zone and socially marginalised backgrounds. She has an equal amount of experience in engaging with children in innovative ways to cater to their psychological needs.

At PlanetRead, she works closely with children at the grassroots level to identify and analyse the components that influence the level of reading and language comprehension of children coming from contrasting backgrounds.

Saurabh

Saurabh has joined as an eye-tracking coordinator at PlanetRead. He has 4 years of work experience as a Quality Analyst at Reliance Jio Infocom Limited. He has completed his MBA in Operations Management from Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies.

Tamanna

Tamanna is a dedicated educator with over six years of experience in the teaching profession. She has a strong background in Mathematics and English, having taught at Government Sarvodaya Co-Ed Vidyalaya School in Jangpura, and has experience teaching in slum areas at the community level.

She has also worked on climate readiness initiatives at government schools, fostering a strong belief in students to bring positive changes to the environment and become young changemakers. Before joining PlanetRead, Tamanna was actively involved in these diverse educational roles.

At PlanetRead, Tamanna leverages her teaching skills to make a significant impact in the fields of educational technology and literacy. She contributes her expertise to organizing educational community events and screenings, and conducting spoken English sessions, helping to create engaging and effective learning resources for students.

Outside of her professional work, Tamanna enjoys outdoor activities, arts, and crafts, which further enrich her approach to teaching and learning.

Tanushree Rawat

Tanushree is a Researcher & project manager who is committed to equity in education, with 8+ years of experience in the US, Asian

And African education contexts. She is an expert in research design and execution, program design, stakeholder management, and leading trainings and workshops.