Our Chair-Person
Mr Bidhubhusan Panda
Mr. Bidhubhusan Panda, the Chairperson of AJYS, is a multifaceted Mumbai-based filmmaker, digital creator, and a philanthropist. With a deep-seated passion for community development, Mr. Panda is dedicated to addressing the health, nutrition, sanitation, hygiene, and educational needs of children in marginalized communities. His dynamic approach involves collaborating with dignitaries, specialists, and notable figures from diverse fields to enhance the impact of his development programs. An avid traveler and people enthusiast, Mr. Panda’s work is characterized by his commitment to fostering meaningful connections and driving positive change through his diverse initiatives.
Our Program Team
Program Manager
Mr Nila Madhab Digal
Nilamadhab Digal, a seasoned professional in the field of rural development, holds a Master’s in Social Work from TISS, Mumbai, and has undergone the Public & Corporate Leadership program at IIM, Indore. With over 15 years of rich experience, he has left an indelible mark in various capacities, including as PMRDF and with SRLM Odisha, alongside esteemed non-governmental organizations such as IPE Global, AFC India Ltd, SPS, and Udyogini. His expertise spans across diverse thematic areas including Women Empowerment, WASH, Nutrition, Livelihoods promotion, Monitoring, Learning, and Evaluation (MLE), Research and integrated rural development. Beyond his professional commitments, Nilamadhab’s passion lies in promoting sustainable development practices, with a keen interest in organic farming and community-based conservation initiatives.
District Program Coordinator
Mr. Sanjay Kumar Palai
Sanjay Kumar Palai, a dedicated professional with over 15 years of experience, brings a wealth of expertise to the table. He earned his MSW from Utkal University and has since delved into various thematic areas, accumulating over a decade of specialized knowledge in Agriculture, Livestock, WASH, Research, and Monitoring. His career reflects a commitment to grassroots development, where he has played a pivotal role in implementing initiatives aimed at enhancing agricultural practices, promoting livestock welfare, and ensuring access to clean water and sanitation facilities in rural communities. Beyond his professional endeavors, Sanjay finds solace in nature photography, often venturing into the countryside to capture the beauty of landscapes and wildlife, fostering his deep-seated passion for environmental conservation.
District Project Coordinator
Ms. Itishree Biswal
Itishree Biswal, serving as a District Project Coordinator, brings a blend of academic acumen and hands-on experience to her role. Armed with an MBA, she has dedicated over six years to the field of skill development, training, and livelihoods promotion.
With four years of immersive experience in skill development and youth empowerment projects, coupled with an additional year spent as a trainer for students and young adults, Itishree has honed her expertise in fostering the growth and empowerment of individuals. Her dedication to this field is evident in her commitment to equipping youth with the tools and resources they need to succeed in today’s dynamic job market.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Itishree is driven by a passion for mentorship and personal development. She finds fulfillment in guiding others on their journey towards realizing their full potential, whether through formal training programs or informal mentorship opportunities. In her leisure time, Itishree enjoys exploring new cuisines and experimenting with cooking techniques. Her culinary adventures not only serve as a creative outlet but also reinforce her belief in the importance of lifelong learning and skill enhancement.
With her blend of academic qualifications, practical experience, and intrinsic passion for empowerment, Itishree Biswal continues to make meaningful contributions to the lives of individuals and communities, inspiring positive change and fostering a culture of growth and resilience.
District Project Coordinator
Ms. Jyotshnarani Samal
Jyotshnarani Samal, in her role as a District Project Coordinator, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her work. A graduate of Utkal University with a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree, Jyotshnarani has dedicated over five years to serving communities in various thematic areas including youth development, integrated development, nutrition, and sanitation.
Throughout her career, Jyotshnarani has demonstrated a deep commitment to improving the well-being and livelihoods of individuals and communities, particularly focusing on the empowerment of youth. Her holistic approach to development emphasizes the interconnectedness of various social factors and the importance of addressing multiple dimensions of well-being simultaneously.
Beyond her professional responsibilities, Jyotshnarani is driven by a passion for community engagement and advocacy. She actively seeks opportunities to collaborate with local stakeholders and empower community members to become agents of change in their own right. In her leisure time, Jyotshnarani enjoys practicing yoga and meditation, finding solace and rejuvenation in these ancient practices. Her dedication to mindfulness and self-care not only enhances her own well-being but also serves as a source of inspiration for others in her community.
With her combination of academic qualifications, practical experience, and personal passion, Jyotshnarani Samal continues to make meaningful contributions to the advancement of social justice and community development, leaving a positive impact on the lives of those she serves.
District Project Coordinator
Jatin Kumar Mathur
Jatin Kumar Mathur, as a District Project Coordinator, brings a wealth of experience and dedication to his role. Holding a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from Utkal University, Jatin has devoted five years to championing child rights, nutrition, and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) initiatives.
Jatin’s professional journey includes impactful work with Plan India in Boudh district, Odisha, where he actively engaged in projects aimed at safeguarding the rights and well-being of children, promoting nutrition, and improving WASH infrastructure. His commitment to these thematic areas underscores his passion for creating positive change at the grassroots level and advocating for the most vulnerable members of society.
Outside of his professional endeavours, Jatin finds joy in photography, capturing the beauty of nature and the diverse experiences of people around him. Through his lens, he not only documents moments but also seeks to raise awareness and inspire action on social and environmental issues. Photography serves as both a creative outlet and a means of storytelling for Jatin, allowing him to amplify voices and perspectives that might otherwise go unnoticed.
With his blend of academic qualifications, field experience, and creative passion, Jatin Kumar Mathur continues to be a steadfast advocate for social justice and community development, leaving a lasting impact on the lives of children and communities in need.
District Project Coordinator
Sanjukta Mohapatra
Sanjukta Mohapatra, serving as a District Project Coordinator, brings a wealth of expertise and dedication to her role. Armed with an MBA, she has spent six years immersed in the thematic areas of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), livelihoods promotion, and millets promotion across Odisha.
Throughout her career, Sanjukta has been deeply committed to empowering rural communities and fostering sustainable economic development. Her work has focused on strengthening the capacities of FPOs, promoting alternative livelihood options, and advocating for the cultivation and consumption of nutrient-rich millets. Through her efforts, she has contributed significantly to enhancing the resilience and prosperity of marginalized populations in the region.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Sanjukta finds solace and inspiration in gardening. Cultivating plants not only nourishes her soul but also serves as a metaphor for her dedication to nurturing growth and sustainability within communities. Her passion for gardening reflects her innate desire to create positive change and foster connections with the natural world.
With her blend of academic qualifications, hands-on experience, and personal passion, Sanjukta Mohapatra continues to be a driving force for social and economic empowerment, leaving a lasting impact on the lives of individuals and communities across Odisha.
District Project Coordinator
Mr. Mitrabhanu Mishra
Mitrabhanu Mishra, serving as a District Program Coordinator, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his role. A graduate of Allahabad University with a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree, Mitrabhanu has dedicated over 16 years of his career to making a meaningful impact in thematic areas such as nutrition, livelihoods, sanitation, youth development, and microfinance.
Throughout his professional journey, Mitrabhanu has demonstrated a profound commitment to improving the lives of individuals and communities, particularly those facing socio-economic challenges. His extensive experience has equipped him with the skills and insights necessary to design and implement effective programs that address pressing social issues and promote sustainable development.
Beyond his professional responsibilities, Mitrabhanu is driven by a deep-seated passion for advocacy and empowerment. He firmly believes in the power of education and capacity-building to drive positive change and unlock opportunities for marginalized populations. In his free time, Mitrabhanu enjoys immersing himself in literature, finding inspiration in the stories of resilience and triumph over adversity. His love for reading not only provides him with a source of personal enrichment but also informs his approach to community engagement and social justice.
With his blend of academic qualifications, extensive experience, and unwavering dedication, Mitrabhanu Mishra continues to be a steadfast champion for social welfare and inclusive development, leaving a lasting impact on the communities he serves.
Communication and Advocacy Specialist
Mr Tularam Naik
Tularam Naik, a dedicated Communication and Advocacy Specialist, holds a Master’s degree and boasts a decade-long career marked by significant contributions to research, advocacy, monitoring, and thematic surveys. His professional journey includes impactful stints with esteemed organizations like CYSD, J PAL, and NCDS. Throughout his tenure, Tularam has honed his expertise in communication and advocacy strategies, demonstrating a keen understanding of how to effectively convey messages and influence change.
Beyond his professional pursuits, Tularam finds fulfillment in nurturing his passion for community engagement and social justice. His commitment to these causes extends beyond the confines of his work, as he actively seeks opportunities to empower marginalized communities and amplify their voices. In his spare time, Tularam can often be found immersing himself in nature, where he finds solace and inspiration for his advocacy efforts. His love for the outdoors serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness between people and the environment, fueling his drive to create positive change on both fronts.
With his combination of academic credentials, professional experience, and personal dedication, Tularam Naik emerges as a steadfast advocate for social equality and progress, leaving an indelible mark on the communities he serves.
WASH Specialist
Mr. Lekharam Karna
Lekharam Karna, a seasoned WASH Specialist, brings over 17 years of extensive experience to his role, marked by a profound dedication to improving water, sanitation, and hygiene standards. Graduating with an MSW from Utkal University, Lekharam’s journey has been deeply intertwined with the realm of WASH, Agriculture, and Integrated Development programs. His seven-year tenure with Gram Vikas in Water and Sanitation programs stands as a testament to his commitment to grassroots-level impact, where he has played a pivotal role in implementing initiatives aimed at enhancing community health and well-being through improved access to clean water and sanitation facilities. Beyond his professional pursuits, Lekharam finds joy in cultivating organic vegetables in his home garden, channeling his passion for sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship.
Community Mobilization Specialist
Ms. Rashmita Pradhan
Rashmita Pradhan has an impressive background with a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from B J B College. With over 8 years of experience, she has demonstrated expertise in community mobilization, health initiatives, mother and child welfare, and training programs. Her commitment to these areas suggests a passion for social welfare and improving the lives of individuals and communities. With her education and extensive professional experience, Rashmita likely possesses a strong skill set in program management, advocacy, and community development.
Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist
Ms. Barsha Rani Swain
Barsha Rani Swain, an M&E Specialist, brings a wealth of experience to her role, grounded in a Master’s degree in Social Science. With over six years dedicated to the development sector, Barsha has honed her expertise in WASH, Monitoring, Learning, and Evaluation (MLE), and Nutrition thematic areas. Her tenure with PRADAN organization, collaborating with UNICEF on the WASH at School program, underscores her commitment to tangible, community-driven impact. Beyond her professional endeavors, Barsha finds solace in exploring her artistic side through painting, often using her creativity as a means of self-expression and relaxation amidst the demands of her work.
Finance and Administration
Ms. Anusha
Ms. Anusha, a highly skilled Administrative & Finance Officer, brings a robust background to her role, holding the prestigious designation of Chartered Accountant. With six years of experience as an Auditor and Financial Consultant for various organizations and firms, Anusha possesses a keen eye for detail and a strong acumen for financial management. Her expertise lies in streamlining administrative processes and ensuring financial compliance, contributing significantly to the efficient functioning of her workplace. Beyond her professional commitments, Anusha finds joy in mentoring aspiring accountants, volunteering her time to impart knowledge and guidance to the next generation of financial professionals. Additionally, she is an avid traveler, seizing every opportunity to explore new destinations and immerse herself in diverse cultures, which serves as a source of inspiration and personal growth.