Late Shri Motilal, a co-founder of Sankalp Society, dedicated his prime of life to the upliftment of the most underprivileged communities, particularly the Sahariya tribal people. From the inception of the organization until his passing on 23rd September 2015, he remained steadfast in his mission to create lasting change. Motilal began his work in Kota city, focusing on the marginalized and gradually extending his efforts to form Sankalp Society, which became a beacon of hope for the tribal population in the region. He is especially remembered for his selfless service in combating bonded labor problem , securing freedom for hundreds of tribal people, and gainfully rehabilitating them with dignity.
In addition to his tireless work in eradicating bonded labor, Motilal played a key role in important projects such as Shiksha Karmi and Lok Jumbish, which focused on education for underprivileged children. He also helped tribal communities secure fair prices for minor forest produce, furthering his impact on their economic well-being. His legacy continues to inspire all who work towards the betterment of tribal communities.
Mahesh Bindal, one of the three visionary founders of Sankalp Society, has been a lifelong advocate for uplifting disadvantaged communities, with a particular focus on education for children in the most underprivileged regions and urban slums. His deep commitment to social welfare began at a young age and continued throughout his career in various government departments and banks. In 1984, driven by a desire to create lasting change, he co-founded Sankalp Society with two close friends, aiming to transform the lives of the Sahariya Tribal community in one of Rajasthan’s most remote and neglected areas. Since then, he has devoted himself entirely to advancing education, healthcare, and economic development, staying true to his unwavering mission of social transformation.
Virendra Malhotra, now known as Swami Prem Vivekanand, was a founding member and Vice-Chairman of Sankalp Society (1984-1988). His pioneering contributions included:
Spreading education awareness among Sahariya children, empowering future generations
& Championing forest rights and small forest produce for Sahariya communities through meticulous research of government records.
His tireless efforts laid the groundwork for transformative social impact. Later, he embraced spiritual life as Swami Prem Vivekanand, dedicating himself to the Udasin Samparday Ashram in Vikas Nagar, Dehradun.
Nand Kishore Sharma, President of Sankalp Society, is a highly accomplished educator and visionary leader. With a lifelong passion for science and education, he has inspired countless individuals through his remarkable teaching career.
Since 1987, Shri Sharma has been instrumental in driving Sankalp Society's transformative initiatives. His pioneering work in educationally backward areas led to the successful implementation of the Shiksh-Karmi project. This groundbreaking initiative has become a bedrock for future generations, empowering communities through education.
Shri Sharma's extensive experience, commitment to social causes, and leadership have significantly contributed to community empowerment. His dedication to education and community welfare has earned him widespread respect. Through Sankalp Society, he continues to champion innovative solutions, fostering positive impact and progress.
Under his guidance, Sankalp Society remains committed to creating lasting change, inspiring a brighter future for generations to come.
Prashant Patni began his journey as a passionate student activist and went on to become the youngest Sarpanch of Kunjer Panchayat Samiti. A dedicated environmentalist, he spearheaded a social forestry project on 200 bighas of land, freed from encroachment, and witnessed the remarkable revival of water tables in Kunjer. His deep connection with nature and commitment to environmental resurgence reflect his dedication to sustainable development. Currently, he practices as an advocate in the District Court of Baran, continuing his commitment to social and environmental causes.
Mahesh Bindal, one of the three visionary founders of Sankalp Society, has been a lifelong advocate for uplifting disadvantaged communities, with a particular focus on education for children in the most underprivileged regions and urban slums. His deep commitment to social welfare began at a young age and continued throughout his career in various government departments and banks. In 1984, driven by a desire to create lasting change, he co-founded Sankalp Society with two close friends, aiming to transform the lives of the Sahariya Tribal community in one of Rajasthan’s most remote and neglected areas. Since then, he has devoted himself entirely to advancing education, healthcare, and economic development, staying true to his unwavering mission of social transformation.
Chandra Shekhar Bhargava, a resident of Mundiyar village, hails from a humble background. His potential was recognized by Sankalp Society when he was around 18 years old, marking a turning point in his life. He quickly built a strong rapport with the Sahariya tribal community, which became the foundation of his lifelong dedication to their upliftment. Chandra Shekhar established night schools in the villages, serving as a teacher to raise educational awareness among the Sahariya people. Despite numerous challenges, he persisted in organizing meetings to educate the community on crucial issues like education, health, and social rights. Through his efforts, he conducted training programs for women and youth, establishing himself as a skilled social worker. His work has been instrumental in helping the Sahariya community access government benefits related to MGNREGA, ration, pensions, water, and forest rights.
Ramesh Chandra Sen, a dedicated full-time volunteer, began his journey in social work at the young age of 18 with Sankalp Society in Mamoni village. Over the years, he has played a pivotal role in empowering the Sahariya tribal community, focusing on life skills development among adolescents and women in the Bhanwargarh region. Through continuous meetings and training sessions, Ramesh has raised awareness about education, health, and social rights. He has actively collaborated with local administrations to fight for the rights of the Sahariya community. In the Shahabad and Kishanganj regions, Ramesh established a dynamic women’s organization, empowering women through grassroots initiatives and guiding them in their struggle for justice. Along with his wife, Vidya Sain, who is known for her strong organizational capabilities, Ramesh has worked tirelessly to ensure the Sahariya people gain access to education, healthcare, employment, forest rights, and other welfare schemes, making a lasting impact on the community.
Lalit Malhotra is a dedicated social advocate and Executive Committee member of Sankalp Society. With extensive experience in rural banking, he has spent years serving the Sahariya tribal communities in Kishanganj and Shahabad blocks of Baran. Through his work, he has facilitated access to productive financing and government schemes, empowering tribal individuals and families.
Lalit's deep understanding of the Sahariya language, dialect, and culture enables him to effectively connect with and support this marginalized community. His commitment to their upliftment and well-being has made a lasting impact, and he continues to drive positive change through Sankalp Society.
Isha holds a Master’s in Social Work from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) and a Bachelor’s in Political Science and Philosophy from St. Stephen’s College, Delhi University. Isha Sharma is an accomplished professional with over a decade of experience in the social impact sector, working across rural and urban settings. She is currently the Assistant Vice President of Partnerships and Growth at Haqdarshak, where she leads partnership development, institutional fundraising, and growth strategies. Collaborating with government bodies, CSR initiatives, philanthropies, and private companies, Isha is dedicated to empowering women agents (Haqdarshaks) and promoting economic inclusion.
Isha also serves as a Thought Partner at Ashoka.Org and is an Executive Board Member at Sankalp Society, advising on social entrepreneurship and impact strategies. Prior to Haqdarshak, she was the Associate Director at India Leaders for Social Sector (ILSS), driving outreach and marketing for their leadership program aimed at transitioning senior corporate leaders into the social impact space.
Earlier in her career, Isha worked with the Genpact Centre for Women’s Leadership (GCWL) at Ashoka University, focusing on increasing women’s workforce participation, especially for returning mothers. She also led an entrepreneurial skills program at Going to School in Bihar and Jharkhand.
Sanjeev Malhotra is a seasoned banking professional with over 40 years of leadership experience at SBI, where he retired as Deputy General Manager and Additional Compliance Officer. Sanjeev has deep expertise in credit policy, risk management, and business development.Holding an MBA in Finance, he is passionate about improving employability among educated unemployed youth by fostering digital skills. After retirement, he consulted for NABARD on impactful banking projects. In August 2024, Sanjeev joined the Executive Committee of Sankalp Society Mamoni, where his extensive experience and strategic vision are expected to greatly contribute to the organization's growth and success.
Manish Tanden, an alumnus of St. Stephen’s College, Delhi, holds an MA in Philosophy from Delhi University, an MA in Sociology from Jamia Millia Islamia, and an MBA in Finance & Marketing from FMS, Delhi. After retiring from SBI in 2020, he took on the role of Director of Deals Advisory Services at PwC in May 2022. His illustrious career includes leadership positions such as Chief General Manager (CGM) of Government Business Solutions & Services at SBI, CGM of Financial Inclusion & Micro Markets, and Advisor for Banking & Insurance at the Central Vigilance Commission. He has been the head of international operations in SBI Johannesburg.
Manish is deeply passionate about Water Conservation and Management, spearheading initiatives for sustainable water resource management, recycling, and conservation. He is also an advocate for Solar Energy, focusing on promoting renewable energy solutions. In addition to his environmental efforts, he is actively involved in Financial Planning and Skill Development, contributing to community growth and empowerment.
Naresh Yadav, a seasoned professional with an illustrious career spanning over 37 years at the State Bank of India, began his journey as a Probationary Officer in 1985. Over the years, he held various senior roles, including General Manager, Chief General Manager, and eventually MD & CEO at SBI Cap Securities Limited, before superannuating in October 2022.
From an early age, Naresh has been deeply passionate about nature, which he believes to be a ‘Living God.’ As a Conservation Volunteer with Sankalp Society, he is actively involved in advancing the Society’s efforts in social forestry, soil conservation, ecological preservation, and sustainable community engagement.
Naresh is also a Life Member of the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), an organization dedicated to nature conservation and biodiversity restoration. Additionally, he is associated with ‘Raksha,’ a Jaipur-based NGO focused on rescuing and rehabilitating birds and reptiles, releasing them into their natural habitats, and promoting awareness on nature conservation.
Anukool Bhatnagar, joined SBI as a Probationary Officer in Oct 1985. He superannuated from SBI in June 2022,after a career spanning 37 years as Chief General Manager and Head of SBI's Chandigarh Circle, one of its largest operational units. Prior to this assignment,he was on deputation to SBI's International Banking Group and served as MD & CEO of Nepal SBI Bank Ltd, a listed Pvt. Bank in Nepal, for 5 years , from 2015 to 2020.
Mr Bhatnagar has extensive experience in the BFSI sector, specially in the areas of Board level activities, Retail operations, Credit ,InternationalTrade , Financial Inclusion, Planning & Strategy , Policy formulation, Risk and Compliance.
Currently, Mr Bhatnagar is a Managing Partner at Comprehensive Financial Assets and Advisory Services LLP, since November 2022.
Mr Bhatnagar is a Certified Associate of the Indian Institute of Bankers and has a BSc and a MA degree. He is also actively associated with several Business and Trade Associations and Chambers.
He is interested in SDG, Climate issues, and Youth affairs, and is fond of Art, Culture, and traveling.
Mr. Bhatnagar has lived and worked in more than 15 Indian States/UTs and has extensively traveled across the world.
Umesh Kumar Sharma began his career at SBI in 1985 as a probationary officer, working in various capacities across multiple states. He retired in July 2020 as Chief General Manager, Prosecution and Legal Affairs, from the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India ( IBBI) under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, New Delhi. Though associated with Sankalp Society for a long time, he formally joined as an advisor in August 2020. Umesh is particularly passionate about leveraging the latest techniques and innovations to address learning gaps among school-going children, contributing significantly to the organization’s mission in education.
