Board of directors

  As the Founder and President of Astitva Women Education & Empowerment Foundation in Chhattisgarh, India, Anupam is a trailblazer whose pioneering leadership has been transforming lives at the grassroots level. She is the visionary behind Astitva Grameen Hastshilp, a social enterprise, that provides a seedbed for handicraft production as a cottage industry, empowering rural artisans and fostering sustainable livelihoods. Simultaneously, as a corporate leader in the United States, she effortlessly bridges two worlds, channeling her expertise to create a lasting impact on communities in both spheres.

Having witnessed firsthand the systemic challenges that females encounter with limited access to resources, economic dependence, and deeply entrenched societal barriers that stifle their potential, Anupam is rewriting the narrative. She has spearheaded a range of initiatives that dismantle barriers to education and economic empowerment including digital transformation programs, international mentoring, rural micro-entrepreneurship ventures, ‘upskilling to self-reliance’ initiatives, and financial inclusion models, that have ignited a profound shift uplifting underprivileged women. 

Beyond grassroots impact, Anupam has advocated for rural women at both regional and national levels, and served as an advisor on gender, equality & disability in the G20 Summit in India, along with the United Way advisory panel in the USA for community development programs. She is a changemaker and catalyst for transformation, seamlessly bridging grassroots impact with global influence. Her work has garnered numerous accolades, including prestigious awards for both social impact and corporate leadership. Frequently invited as a keynote speaker, she shares her insights on gender equality and sustainable change on prominent platforms. 

Anupam serves as the Global Vice President at MUFG USA. She holds an MBA from Lindner College of Business, University of Cincinnati, and pursued advanced studies in Social Entrepreneurship at Oxford University, UK. She has been selected for the prestigious Multicultural Women Executive Leadership Program, embracing Harvard's Authentic Leadership framework with the University of Southern California's expertise, further strengthening her commitment to inclusive leadership and fostering global impact. A distinguished academic, she is a gold medalist, and recipient of multiple scholarships in India and USA, including the University Endowment and Texas Excellence Award at the University of Houston. 

Dr. Anand P. Joshi is a well-established Orthopaedician at VY Hospital, Chhattisgarh, with over two decades of experience in Orthopaedics. Known for his precise diagnosis and empathetic patient care, Dr. Joshi has treated numerous complex medical cases across India and UK. His speciality in Revision Surgeries has made him a trusted expert in the field. Dr. Joshi’s qualifications include MBBS, MS in Orthopaedics, MCh in Orthopaedics, and a Fellowship in Trauma and Orthopaedics. He has also contributed to research and published several papers in his field.

As a Board Director at Astitva Women Education & Empowerment Foundation, Dr. Joshi is a driving force behind the organization's mission to empower rural women in Chhattisgarh. His deep commitment to healthcare, coupled with his passion for women’s empowerment, has been pivotal in shaping and advancing initiatives aimed at improving health outcomes and social well-being for women in rural communities.

 Dr. Sneh Lata Singh is a Senior Medical Officer at the District Government Hospital in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, a Board of Director at Astitva Women Education & Empowerment Foundation, and a passionate advocate for women’s health and empowerment. 

With a wealth of experience in healthcare, Dr. Singh has been instrumental in leading ASTITVA’s health and menstrual hygiene campaigns, ensuring rural women have access to vital health education and resources. Under her guidance, the foundation has conducted numerous awareness programs, addressing menstrual health, period poverty, and improving hygiene practices. Her dedication to improving the lives of women in rural communities has not only promoted better health outcomes but also empowered women to break societal taboos and take charge of their well-being. Dr. Singh’s expertise and compassion continue to inspire and positively impact the lives of thousands of women across Chhattisgarh. 

  Meena Mishra is a founding Board Member and the principal benefactor of Astitva Women Education & Empowerment Foundation, playing an instrumental role in shaping the organization’s mission and growth since its inception. A passionate advocate for women’s empowerment, Mrs. Mishra has dedicated her resources, vision, and unwavering commitment to advancing educational and economic opportunities for women in rural Chhattisgarh. Her philanthropic leadership has been a cornerstone of ASTITVA’s impactful initiatives, from promoting female literacy to fostering sustainable livelihoods. Driven by a deep belief in the transformative power of community-led change, she continues to champion programs that uplift marginalized women and create pathways to independence and dignity. Mrs. Mishra’s steadfast support and guidance inspire the foundation’s ongoing journey, as she remains deeply committed to building a more equitable future where every woman has the chance to thrive.

 Sameer Shukla is the Editor of Central Chronicle, a leading English-language daily published from Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, and Raipur, Chhattisgarh. As a seasoned media professional and Board Director at Astitva Women Education & Empowerment Foundation, he brings a powerful voice to the mission of advancing rural women’s empowerment. 

With a deep understanding of regional dynamics and a passion for social impact, Mr. Shukla has been a steadfast supporter of ASTITVA’s initiatives, using the influence of media to amplify stories of change from grassroots communities. His commitment to highlighting issues of gender equity and rural development has played a pivotal role in mobilizing awareness and fostering community engagement. Through his editorial leadership and dedication to the cause, Mr. Shukla continues to be a driving force in shaping narratives that inspire action and empower women across Chhattisgarh. 

 Dr. Abhinav Diwan is a member of the ASTITVA Board of Directors. He is a practicing cardiologist and a scientist and lends his expertise to promoting Astitva’s mission in various domains. He currently holds the Charlie W. Shaeffer MD, Professor of Cardiology, and is also a Professor of Medicine, Neurology, Cell Biology and Physiology, and Obstetrics and Gynecology at Washington University School of Medicine and Chief of the Division of Cardiology at the Saint Louis Veterans Affairs Healthcare System at Saint Louis, Missouri, USA.

Dr. Diwan obtained his medical degree from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in New Delhi, India, and pursued Internal Medicine residency and Cardiology fellowship training through the physician-scientist training pathway at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas, UA. He joined the faculty at Washington University School of Medicine in 2008 and is an attending physician at the Barnes Jewish Hospital and at the Saint Louis Veterans Affairs Hospital. Dr. Diwan practices general cardiology and specializes in echocardiography.

Dr. Diwan directs a laboratory-based basic and translational research program supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health and the Department of Veterans Affairs to determine mechanisms of cardiac dysfunction in cardio-metabolic diseases and heart failure. His laboratory focuses on lysosome function and protein quality control in cardiac myocytes and macrophages. Work from his group implicates lysosome dysfunction as the underlying common cellular pathway in heart failure, atherosclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, and diabetes, raising hopes for unified therapeutic approaches to these common diseases with shared risk factors. Ongoing work in his laboratory has uncovered evidence for protein aggregation in cardiomyopathy and heart failure, underscoring the mechanistic similarities with neurodegenerative diseases and pointing to shared pathologic mechanisms. 

Dr. Diwan has mentored physicians and scientists at different stages of their careers, and his trainees have successfully competed for career development awards and established independently funded research programs. He serves as the Program Director for a long-standing training grant in the Cardiovascular Division and serves as Associate Program Director for the Cardiology Fellowship investigator-training pathway for physician-scientists in the Cardiovascular Division. Dr. Diwan is a standing member on scientific peer review committees at the National Institutes of Health, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and the American College of Cardiology and serves as one of the Principal Investigator for VA-SHIELD (VA Science and Health Initiative to Combat Infectious and Emerging Life-Threatening Disease), a nation-wide bio-specimen and data repository of the Department of Veterans Affairs that he assisted with setting up in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. 

  Aaradhya Diwan stands at the intersection of science, leadership, and global advocacy, forging a unique path as a future leader in biomedical innovation and community empowerment. Currently pursuing a dual major in Molecular & Cellular Biology and International Studies at Johns Hopkins University, he has earned consistent academic distinction on the Dean’s List, while pushing the boundaries of scientific research and social impact.

As a pioneering young scientist, Aaradhya has engaged in advanced research at world-renowned institutions including Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, and Washington University in St. Louis. His contributions span critical fields such as developmental biology, biomolecular condensates, lysosome biology, and cardio-oncology, with a focus on addressing diseases at the molecular level. 

Beyond the laboratory, Aaradhya exemplifies transformative leadership. As Climate Advisor and Board Director of the Astitva Women Education & Empowerment Foundation, he champions initiatives that intertwine environmental sustainability with female education in rural India. His leadership has propelled literacy campaigns, climate action projects, and contributions to high-level policy dialogues, including the G20 Summit’s white paper on climate sustainability.

Demonstrating entrepreneurial spirit, Aaradhya founded Chess Scientist, a social impact program that has empowered over 4,000 children through chess education, enhancing critical thinking and resilience in underserved communities. 

Whether leading as Director-General of the inaugural Johns Hopkins Model UN Conference or driving scientific inquiry at the frontiers of biology, Aaradhya embodies a rare blend of intellectual rigor, empathy, and vision, poised to become a catalyst for global change in science, education, and community empowerment.

 An accomplished and strategic marketing leader with over two decades of extensive experience in leading initiatives across diverse therapeutic areas in the Pharma industry, Siji serves as the Board Advisor at Astitva Women Education & Empowerment Foundation. Having worked with industry giants such as Eli Lilly, Baxter, Allergan, and Bayer, Ms. Siji Nair Kaul has developed a reputation for driving operational excellence, digital transformation, and fostering market expansion. A visionary leader, she is recognized for her ability to inspire teams, spearhead digital integration, and develop innovative solutions that achieve high-impact growth.

Siji is a science graduate from DAVV, Indore and has done her Executive Business Management from Indian Institute of Management (IIM-Calcutta).

Siji is recognized as a thought leader and has been invited to speak at industry events and various pharma conferences. She has authored articles and has shared insights on pharma marketing, digital transformation, and leadership. She is a nature lover and an artist with deep interest in meditation. 

 Deepali Naidu brings over a decade of rich experience in textile arts and women’s skill development to Astitva Grameen Hastshilp as the Master Trainer. A postgraduate in Fine Arts from Bhopal University, she has dedicated her career to preserving and promoting the traditional craft of block printing. Prior to joining our foundation, she served for eight years with the Block Printing Unit of the Naval Wives Welfare Association, where she mentored and empowered women to design and create exquisite textiles.

At ASTITVA, Mrs. Naidu is passionately leading training sessions in handicrafts, helping rural women artisans cultivate skills to carry forward a proud artistic legacy. Her commitment to sharing her expertise not only preserves the timeless art form but also transforms lives, making her an inspiring force in our mission to empower women and build brighter, self-reliant futures.