Executive Committee Members
Dilmeher Bhola
Dilmeher holds a post graduate degree in Social Work from TISS Mumbai specializing in Medical & Psychiatric Social Work. She initially worked with TISS as Program Officer & was also lecturer in the department for one semester. She then worked with Apnalaya, a community-based NGO before shifting to Pune. In Pune, she has volunteered with various NGOs & worked actively at Akanksha. She was actively involved in school counselling and worked at, The Rewachand Bhojwani Academy. In 2014, she was introduced to CYDA and joined initially to coordinate their Diploma in Counselling program in collaboration with TISS. She also supervised the school and CB interventions at CYDA and started the school counselling program. Her motivation & involvement with children & young adults keeps her actively involved in life skills programs for youth and training workshops for parents and teachers. Presently, she is President of CYDA.
Dr.Shantaram Badgujar
Dr. Shantaram Pundlik Badgujar, former Registrar and Principal, completed MA, MPhil, (Defence, and Strategic Studies/Sociology), PhD, basic diploma in counseling has a vast experience of 38 years in teaching, and academic administration, in college and different universities in Maharashtra, Youth development/Rural development & Tribal development, continuing Education and Extension/Field outreach across 4 cities of Maharashtra. He is associated with CYDA since 1999 as Executive Member. Presently he is the Secretary of CYDA.
Priyanka Sharma
Priyanka has over two and a half decades of work experience of which the last 20 years have been in the development sector working on causes pertaining to Women, Youth, Reproductive Health and Urban Governance. She has been engaged with Praja Foundation for the last 16 years in the Praja Dialogue Programme, Organisation Planning, Elected Representative Contact Programme and held several workshops and training programmes for multiple stakeholders. She has a Master’s in Social Work and an MBA in Marketing. CYDA has been a guiding organization since the journey of Development sector, her association with CYDA is of 20 years. Presently, she is Treasurer of CYDA.
Mr.Manabendra Nath Sanyal
Manabendra Nath Sanyal, a Rural Development Post-Graduate and Fulbright Hubert H Humphrey Scholar, boasts 33 years of CSR expertise. Currently he leads the CSR initiatives of Merino Industries Ltd. and coordinates the sustainability program "Nirmal". The program got the Prithvi 2023 Award for sustainability and the CII Northern Region Award for Best Practices in Renewable Energy. Noteworthy, for pioneering a groundbreaking public-private partnership with Pune District Administration and Akanksha Foundation, impacting 3000+ students. A founding member of CYDA, his contributions span Education, Environment, Entrepreneurship, and Health. An adept leader, he blends academic prowess with a commitment to transformative social change. Currently, he is Executive Committee Member of CYDA.
Shahaji Gadhire
Shahaji Gadhire, a graduate and renowned social activist dedicated to the development & empowerment of SC, ST, NT, and other marginalized communities. Since 2006, he is the President of Astitva Samaj Vikas Sanshodhan Sanstha at Sangola. Recognized for his significant contributions, Shahaji received the prestigious Maharashtra Foundation Award in 2019. He has been associated with 'Parivartan' organization, Solapur since its inception. His humble and inclusive approach, free from discrimination, is an evident in his commitment, addressing a critical economic issue in India—landlessness among Dalits. Shahaji's active involvement in the organization reflects his dedication to fostering self-awareness and empowerment among the marginalized, helping them navigate the harsh realities of adversity and destitution. Presently, he is Executive Committee Member of CYDA.
Sinjini Mookherjee
Sinjini completed MSW from TATA Institute of Social Sciences and has been closed working with development sector professional with 14 years of experience in the nonprofit space. She is a TISS Alumni and worked across the country on issues of gender, young people & child rights. She has been associated with CYDA since 2018. Currently she is working as part of the Donor Partnerships vertical of STiR Education. She is one of the Executive Committee member of CYDA.
Priya Kothari
Priya Kothari graduated from the prestigious Symbiosis Institute of Computer Studies and holding an MBA in marketing and advertising, is a well-rounded professional with deep knowledge and expertise in her field of sustainability and doing fellowship on International Development in USA. She is a passionate and dedicated member of Entrepreneurship community, with a focus on creating positive social change. As the youngest EC member of CYDA, she brings fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to the table. With a strong 11 years background in Entrepreneurship development & a decade of experience in social Entrepreneurship, Priya has made significant contributions in the field. She is currently serving as the CEO of YouthAid World Wide and Board Director with Formal CEO of the YouthAid Foundation, an organization that promotes entrepreneurship in India and the USA. She is organizing committee member of DC Startup week, USA. She is also Executive Committee Member of CYDA.