WHO WE ARE
At Chaithanya, we are a group of committed volunteers united by a common goal: to make a meaningful impact in our communities. We prioritize the needs of our programs, seeking efficient solutions to create real change. With diverse skills and experiences, we work collaboratively to develop straightforward approaches that address challenges head-on.
​
TEAM MEMBERS.
SARAVANA KUMAR SESHADRI
CHIEF FUNCTIONARY
Saravana Kumar Seshadri, the founder of Chaithanya, is a civil engineer by profession whose passion for rural development has shaped his career path. An active student leader in his time, he was always driven by a deep motivation to contribute to India’s development. This commitment to making a difference has guided his journey, leading him to dedicate his expertise and leadership towards meaningful change in rural communities.
"Everyone is equal and deserves the opportunity to grow—with dignity, respect, and a fair chance to build a better future."
NIRMALA VADLAMUDI
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
With an MSW in Social Work, she has dedicated her career to serving marginalized communities. From the very beginning, she has worked closely with women, children with disabilities, and patients affected by leprosy, actively participating in relief work and advocating for their rights. As a women’s rights activist, she has continually challenged social norms and stereotypes, striving to create an inclusive and just society.
NEETHI SARAVAN SESHADRI
TECHNICAL EXPERT - ORGANIZATION RE-STRUCTURING & DEVELOPMENT
Neethi Saravan Seshadri is a qualified social scientist and dedicated professional with over 8 years of experience in human rights and development, working alongside policymakers, political parties, and renowned organizations including Oxfam, ChildFund, and Rainforest Alliance amongst others; contributing to impactful projects in human rights, education, and sustainable development and developing impactful programs.
PALLAVI KUNDU
Senior Consultant
Data Management & Analytics
Pallavi Kundu is a biotechnology researcher turned development professional with over 3+ yrs of experience. Driven by a commitment to growth and empowerment, she has led initiatives focused on farming value chains, women’s empowerment, financial literacy, and rural healthcare and clean energy managing teams and designing intervention plans. Her work spans partnerships with WhatsApp, Villgro, DVARA Health finance, MSSRF, KSRLM & SBI Foundation, where she has developed entrepreneurial models for tribal communities and designed PMU units for cleantech and health finance. Currently with Dr. Reddy’s Foundation, Pallavi is building credit linkage models to support persons with disabilities, blending her expertise in risk analysis and collaborative problem-solving to foster sustainable community impact.
THUKARAM LAKKIREDDY
Associate Consultant - Unnathi
Research & Knowledge
Thukaram Reddy Lakkireddy is a specialist in international relations and social studies, with a focus on human rights and diplomacy. Holding a Master’s in International Relations and Diplomacy from the Geneva School of Diplomacy and an MBA from Anglia Ruskin University, he has acquired hands-on experience through roles such as his internship at the Permanent Mission of the Maldives to the UN, where he contributed to human rights reporting and engaged in key Human Rights Council sessions. He also served as a Project Advisor for a UNICEF-sponsored initiative to empower adolescents in rural India. His dedication to research and policy development is further reflected in his work at the Cyber Peace Foundation and in his published research on cyber diplomacy and foreign policy.
WASIM BASHA
Senior Consultant
PR, Social Media & IT
Wasim Basha is a seasoned Data Scientist and BI tool developer with over 8 years of experience in the field. He specializes in leveraging data analytics to drive business insights and improve decision-making processes. His commitment to achieving desired results is evident through his work in developing innovative BI solutions that enhance operational efficiency. Wasim has been part of State WarRooms for Assembly and Loksabha Elections, Wasim is also part of Home of Dream project a house for people who aren’t accepted by society which is lead by Akkai Padmabhushan.
RAHATH RAHILA ILLIYAS
Associate Consultant - Shakthi
Research & Knowledge
Rahath Rahila Illiyas is a researcher and analyst currently pursuing a Master's in Conflict Analysis and Peacebuilding from Jamia Millia Islamia, Delhi. With 3 yrs of experience in research, tutoring, content writing, and communications, she has contributed to organizations like the All India Congress Committee, Unacademy, and Global Youth. Her work focuses on issues related to human rights, hate speech, religious and caste divides, history, development, social equality, gender, and peace and conflict in South Asia. Driven by a commitment to address root causes and create impactful solutions, she envisions a world where humans, flora, and fauna coexist in physical and mental harmony.
BINJAL SHAH
Senior Consultant - Unnathi
Learning & Knowledge Management
Binjal Shah is a policy professional with a focus on Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI). Her interdisciplinary expertise spans research, program management, fundraising, stakeholder management, knowledge management, and news reporting across sectors such as journalism, development, and policy. She has worked extensively on the ground addressing issues like climate resilience, water security, sanitation, farm mechanization, education, access to social protection schemes, and sustainable mobility. Her articles on feminist issues, current affairs, and socio-political movements have been featured in publications including HuffPost India, Outlook Magazine, Newslaundry, and The News Minute.
RAHMATH RAHILA ILLIYAS
Associate Consultant - Aid & Care
Research & Knowledge
Rahmath Rahila Illiyas is a postgraduate student of Social Exclusion and Inclusive Policy at the Centre for the Study of Social Inclusion, Jamia Millia Islamia. She graduated from Ramjas College, University of Delhi in History Honors. She has 2+ yrs of experience in data encoding and transcribing and content. She is interested in comprehending intersectionality in media and culture. Apart from that she is interested in exploring marginalisation in social systems and the impacts in political as well as geographical systems. She had previously interned with the Behan Box and Common Cause.