Team

MJAS has a vibrant team that comes from different streams and brings in a rich experience of working in the development sector and being part of the women’s movement at the grassroots. To know more, click below
Founder Members

Nandu Bai Meena

Nandu Bai Meena, a tribal, vibrant and determined leader from Bhandawas village near Kekri, has become a symbol of resilience and empowerment for women in her community. Widowed at a young age, she overcame societal challenges to claim her rightful inheritance and support her four children as a farmer and daily wage laborer. Her journey as a Sathin under the Rajasthan Government’s Women Development Program marked the beginning of her advocacy for women's rights. Nandu Bai has played a pivotal role in organizing communities affected by the Bisalpur Dam and continues to champion the rights of marginalized individuals, even at 70 years old, inspiring others with her unwavering dedication to social justice.

Bardi Bai Bhil

Bardi Bai Bhil, representing the tribal community - has been a powerful leader in the women’s movement for over 30 years, advocating for the rights of Tribals, Dalits and marginalized communities. At 70, she continues to address issues such as violence against women and social justice. Born into poverty in Tajpura village, she completed her education up to the 8th grade and became a Sathin under the Rajasthan Government’s Women Development Program, where she organized women into collectives and contributed to health education initiatives. Bardi Bai has led numerous movements for drought relief, property rights, and community welfare, serving as Sarpanch of Chosla Gram Panchayat in 2000. Today, she remains an active grassroots motivator and knowledgeable farmer, significantly impacting her community through her advocacy and leadership.

Chhaggi Bai Bhil

Chhaggi Bai Bhil, born in 1958 in Jamola village, Masuda development block of Rajasthan, was a resilient leader in the women’s movement. Overcoming personal hardships as a single mother, she began social work in the late 80s with local organisations and became Sarpanch of Rasulpura Gram Panchayat in 1995. Chhaggi Bai exposed corruption in local governance, mobilized Dalit groups, and co-founded the Ekal Nari Shakti Sangathan to champion women's rights. Her legacy includes significant contributions to movements for widows' pensions and property rights. Chhaggi Bai passed away on May 21, 2019, leaving behind an inspiring legacy of courage and dedication to social justice.

Gyarsi Bai Bhat

Gyarsi Bai Bhat, a dedicated leader from the Dalit (SC) community, served as Ward Panch of Kajipura Gram Panchayat of Srinagar development block of Ajmer district from 1995, elected three consecutive times. She was a fierce advocate against illicit liquor and worked tirelessly to ensure the fair implementation of the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA), focusing on women's job cards, pensions, ration (PDS) and combating fraudulent practices. Known for her political acumen, Gyarsi Bai mobilized women to demand accountability from leaders and championed education and health initiatives. Even after her passing in November 2019, her legacy continues to inspire the fight for justice and equality among marginalized groups.

Bhanwari Bai

Bhanwari Bai, a Dalit (SC) woman from Rampura village, Srinagar Development block, Rajasthan, defied social norms to advocate for marginalized communities. Despite limited educational opportunities, she joined the "Child Welfare and Pre-School Education Centers" in 1984, educating children and raising awareness among women about their rights. Bhanwari led efforts to secure clean drinking water for Dalits and founded the "Women’s Rights Organization" in 1998, addressing issues like water scarcity, caste and gender-based violence. She herself suffered from caste and gender-based violence; become a strong leader. She received the Resourceful Woman International Award 2001. Her activism earned her accolades, including the Rajiv Gandhi Memorial Award. Bhanwari's legacy of grassroots activism continues to inspire others in the pursuit of equality and justice.

Indira Pancholi

Indira Pancholi has been an active member of India’s women’s movement since the 1980s. She began her career at the age of 22–23 through the renowned Sathin program in Rajasthan, a pioneering women’s development initiative. Early in her journey, she played a key role in uniting fellow Sathins to advocate for the recognition and status of women workers transitioning from voluntary to professional roles.

A committed feminist and women’s rights activist, Indira Pancholi brings nearly 40 years of expertise in advancing gender equity and human rights. Her extensive experience includes impactful research, process documentation, and organizing state and national-level programs. She has significantly contributed to feminist discourse through her work on issues such as gender-based violence, healthcare access, and leadership development among women and girls.

With a master’s degree in philosophy, she is deeply engaged in policy advocacy, legal reform efforts, and capacity-building programs. She actively works to enhance leadership and decision-making abilities among women and girls while collaborating with numerous institutions, networks, and social processes. Indira’s unwavering commitment to social justice ensures that her work authentically represents the lived experiences of marginalized communities.

Geeta Mohanpuriya

Geeta Mohanpuriya, a child bride, took a courageous stand against domestic violence and dowry harassment at the young age of 17. With the support of her mother and guidance from active women leaders, she annulled her forced marriage. Following this, she established a strong women's collective in her hometown, Kishangarh.

Geeta educated young girls about their legal rights and connected them with various social security schemes. Under her guidance and support, many young women raised their voices against domestic violence, workplace harassment of women laborers, and economic exploitation. Through legal aid and social action, Geeta played a crucial role in providing relief and justice to these women.

Dr Sunita Pachori, President

Dr. Sunita Pachori is a dynamic and accomplished individual celebrated for her multifaceted achievements. She has excelled as an educator, state-level athlete, researcher, and retired professor, leaving an indelible mark on thousands of young lives through her work in higher education. Beyond academics, Dr. Pachori has dedicated herself to fostering employment opportunities for youth while actively supporting their personal and skill development. Her commitment to social causes reflects her strong sense of community responsibility and engagement. For over a decade, she has been an integral part of MJAS, serving as a General Body and Advisory Board member, where she continues to play a pivotal role in advancing the organization’s vision and mission.

Ms. Aparna Dewal, Vice President

Aparna Dewal is a dedicated humanitarian worker with extensive experience in project implementation, community outreach, stakeholder management, and team leadership. She has a background in Law and Psychology, with a keen interest in mental health. In addition to her project work, Aparna identifies as a trainer, specializing in various training programs, including fact-checking, prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse (PSEA), accountability to affected persons, psychological first aid, and the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) in the workplace.

Ms. Indira Pancholi, Secretary

Indira Pancholi, a visionary, a prominent feminist-human rights activist and the founder of MJAS has over 30 years of experience. She has dedicated her career to empowering rural and urban women, children, and adolescents-young & men, while actively engaging with local self-governments. Her expertise is in grassroots action, training and promoting young leaders, documenting the experiences of women and girls, and conducting research across various issues and states in India. Her work focuses on promoting social and gender justice, social development, governance, Young leadership and addressing violence against women.

She has also pioneered initiatives such as the “Football for Freedom, Unity, and Solidarity” program and the “Technology Enabled Girls Alliance.” Her extensive publications on women’s rights further highlight her commitment to social change. Indira holds a Master’s in Philosophy and continues to inspire future generations of leaders.

Ms. Padma, Treasurer

Padma holds an M. Com degree and brings over 16 years of experience in advocating for child rights, particularly focusing on issues affecting adolescents, such as education, health, gender equality, Child sexual abuse and child marriage. As a trainer in Child Sexual Abuse (CSA) and rights, she is dedicated to empowering girls and enhancing community mobility. Her work aims to create sustainable change by equipping young people and communities with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate and advocate for their rights effectively.

Ms. Ankita Maloo, Executive Member

Ms. Ankita Maloo is a young professional in technical science and a proficient trainer in learning and teaching new technology-related subjects. She conducts experiments with new technologies and has empowered over 1000 rural and urban girls with computer skills. Ankita Maloo holds a Master's Degree in Computer Science.

Ms. Devyani Bhardawaj, Executive Member

Devyani, a dynamic professional based in Delhi, India, serves as the Head of Communications and Content Development Specialist at Humana People to People India. With a diverse background, she has previously contributed as a Resource Person at Azim Premji Foundation and worked at Digantar. She brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to her roles, making a significant impact in the field of communications and content development.

Miss Nosheen Khan, Executive Member

Miss Nosheen Khan is a young professional with a degree in fashion designing. She has worked with several renowned brands in India, gaining extensive experience in the field. Currently, she collaborates with Hatheli Sansthan and Barefoot College, focusing on livelihood initiatives for rural women. She provides expertise in designing, sales, and marketing while supporting women in establishing their roles in business with confidence and empowerment.

Education Development and Protection

  • Karuna Philip
  • Mehraj Bano
  • Shambhu Devi
  • Rajesh Meghwansi

Young Women Leadership Development Program

  • Mery Sadumaha
  • Yashoda Gurjar

Technology Enabled Girls Alliance

  • Renu Arya
  • Nameera Bano
  • Santara Chaurathiya

Hum Ladke Badal Rahe Hain: Parivartan Saathi

  • Sylvestor Ariel
  • Rampal Regar

Sports for Freedom Unity and Solidarity

  • G. Amarnath
  • Padma Joshi

Adolescents Resource centres: Leadership clubs

  • Mukesh Tharuka
  • Rekha Solanki

Manbhar Kendra

  • Parveen Bano

Governance Team

  • Indira Pancholi (Director)
  • Sanjay Palod (Governance & Finance Manager)
  • Dhwani Mishra (Admin & HR)
  • Anima Jain (Communications & Donor Management)
  • Lalit Sharma (Accountant)
  • Shobha Bano (Logistics)