Team Member - Respect India

Shri Balmiki Prasad Singh

Chief Patron, Respect India & Hon'ble Former Home Secretary and Governor, Sikkim Chief Patron, Respect India Balmiki Prasad Singh serves as Chief Patron on the Governing Body of Respect India. He served as the 14th Governor of Sikkim from 2008 to 2013. A distinguished civil servant, he joined the Indian Administrative Service in 1964 and held several key positions in the Government of Assam and the Government of India, including Union Home Secretary, Union Culture Secretary, and Health Secretary. He represented India, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka as Executive Director and Ambassador to the World Bank from 1999 to 2002. He was awarded the Gulzari Lal Nanda Award for Outstanding Public Service in 1998 by the President of India. He is a widely respected scholar and author, having written extensively on Indian culture, governance, and geopolitics. His notable books include The Problem of Change: A Study of North-East India, India’s Culture: The State, the Arts and Beyond, and Bahudha and the Post-9/11 World, all published by Oxford University Press. His latest book, The 21st Century: Geopolitics, Democracy and Peace, was published by Routledge. He was a Jawaharlal Nehru Fellow (1982–84), Queen Elizabeth Fellow at Oxford University (1989–90), and Mahatma Gandhi National Fellow (2007–08). In 2003, he received the Man of Letters Award from the Dalai Lama. He served as Chancellor of the Central University of Tibetan Studies, Sarnath, and was Chief Editor of the South Asia Series published by Oxford University Press, New York. He is educated in Political Science and completed his M.A. from Patna University at the age of 19. He currently continues to speak and write on issues of peace, democracy, culture, and global governance. https://respectindia.org/assets/uploads/media-uploader/balmiki17469383911747827043.jpg fab fa-instagram # fab fa-twitter # fab fa-facebook-f #

Shri Vikas Singh

Chairman, Respect India and Hon'ble President Supreme Court Bar Association & Former Additional Solicitor General of India Chairman, Respect India Mr. Vikas Singh serves as the Chairman of Respect India, bringing with him an extraordinary legacy of legal excellence, institutional leadership, and unwavering commitment to public service. His association significantly strengthens the organisation’s vision of justice, constitutional values, and nation-building through ethical leadership. An eminent Senior Advocate of the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India, Mr. Singh has over 35 years of distinguished standing at the Bar. He has served as the Additional Solicitor General of India (2005–2008) and has been elected President of the Supreme Court Bar Association four times, a rare honour reflecting the immense confidence reposed in him by the legal fraternity. As a Law Officer for the Government of India, he has represented the Union in a wide range of complex matters including Constitutional and Administrative Law, Taxation, Preventive Detention, National Security, Company Law, and Government Policy, securing several landmark judgments that are widely cited in leading legal journals and authoritative texts. He was also appointed Special Public Prosecutor in the high-profile Abu Salem trial. Mr. Singh is a respected legal thinker and commentator, known for his forthright views on judicial reforms, the collegium system, and the principle of separation of powers. He has served as a visiting faculty at the Indian Parliament, addressing international delegates on legislative drafting and counter-terrorism frameworks. He is uniquely associated with three historic temple cases—Ayodhya Ram Mandir, Guru Ravidas Temple, and Balayogi Shri Sadanand Maharaj Ashram—and has successfully represented numerous eminent personalities, often appearing pro bono in matters of national and public interest. As Chairman of Respect India, Mr. Vikas Singh embodies integrity, intellect, and service, guiding the organisation with wisdom, constitutional vision, and an enduring commitment to justice and social good. https://respectindia.org/assets/uploads/media-uploader/vikas-singh-photo1770190682.jpg fab fa-instagram # fab fa-twitter # fab fa-facebook-f #

Prof. M.P Singh

Patron, Respect India & Former Professor of Political Science, University of Delhi Patron, Respect India Prof. M.P. Singh serves as a Patron of Respect India, bringing with him a wealth of academic insight, intellectual depth, and a lifelong commitment to democratic values and public discourse. His association significantly strengthens the organisation’s mission of promoting informed citizenship, policy awareness, and nation-building through knowledge and scholarship. A distinguished scholar of Indian and comparative politics, Prof. Singh currently serves as a Senior Fellow at the Centre for Multilevel Federalism, Institute of Social Sciences, New Delhi, and as a National Fellow at the Indian Institute of Advanced Study (IIAS), Shimla. He is widely recognised for his expertise in federalism, political institutions, and democratic governance. A former Professor of Political Science at the University of Delhi, he has held several key academic and administrative positions, including Head of the Department of Political Science, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, and Director of the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), New Delhi. His leadership has played a pivotal role in strengthening academic institutions and advancing research in the social sciences. Prof. Singh holds a Ph.D. from the University of Alberta, Canada, and has been a multiple-time recipient of the Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute’s Faculty Research and Enrichment Fellowships. He has presented his scholarly work at leading international forums across the United States, Australia, France, Belgium, and Nepal. He has also served as Editor of the Indian Journal of Public Administration (2015–2019). His extensive publications with globally reputed publishers such as SAGE, Routledge, Orient BlackSwan, and Pearson continue to shape contemporary discourse in political science. As Patron of Respect India, Prof. M.P. Singh exemplifies intellectual excellence, academic leadership, and a deep commitment to democratic ideals, inspiring meaningful contributions towards governance, policy awareness, and societal progress. https://respectindia.org/assets/uploads/media-uploader/mp-singh-11750935741.jpg fab fa-instagram fab fa-twitter fab fa-facebook-f

Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi

Senior Patron, Respect India & Eminent Scholar Senior Patron, Respect India Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi serves as the Senior Patron of Respect India, lending the organisation his vast experience in cultural administration, academic leadership, and public intellectual engagement. His association greatly strengthens Respect India’s mission of promoting social responsibility, cultural awareness, and nation-building rooted in India’s rich civilisational heritage. A distinguished cultural administrator and academician, Dr. Joshi is widely recognised for his significant contributions to the preservation and promotion of India’s cultural heritage, arts, and intellectual traditions. His work reflects a deep commitment to bridging tradition with contemporary discourse. He currently serves as the Member Secretary of the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), an autonomous institution under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. In this role, he plays a pivotal part in advancing research, documentation, and cultural outreach initiatives at both national and international levels. With decades of experience spanning academia, public communication, and cultural leadership, Dr. Joshi has been instrumental in fostering meaningful dialogue between India’s traditional knowledge systems and modern society. His visionary leadership continues to shape cultural policy and intellectual engagement across diverse platforms. As Senior Patron of Respect India, Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi exemplifies cultural stewardship, intellectual depth, and a profound commitment to preserving and promoting India’s heritage, inspiring impactful contributions towards a more aware and inclusive society. https://respectindia.org/assets/uploads/media-uploader/whatsapp-image-2026-02-18-at-34230-pm1771409569.jpg fab fa-instagram fab fa-twitter fab fa-facebook-f

Padma Shri Dr. Yash Gulati

Senior Patron, Respect India- Renowned Orthopedic Surgeon Senior Patron, Respect India Dr. Yash Gulati serves as the Senior Patron of Respect India, lending the organisation his vast experience, clinical excellence, and lifelong commitment to service in the field of medicine. His association greatly strengthens Respect India’s mission of social responsibility, public health awareness, and nation-building through professional excellence. A distinguished Orthopaedic Surgeon, Dr. Gulati is the Senior Consultant in Orthopaedics at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi, and a Visiting Consultant at RAK Hospital, Ras al-Khaimah. He is internationally recognised for his expertise in joint replacement and spine surgeries, with a career marked by innovation, precision, and compassionate care. An alumnus of Maulana Azad Medical College, University of Delhi, Dr. Gulati completed his MS in Orthopaedics, followed by an MCh from the University of Liverpool and an Advanced Diploma in Sports Medicine from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. He has held senior leadership roles at premier institutions in India and abroad, including Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, BLK Super Speciality Hospital, Batra Hospital, and St. James’s Hospital, Dublin. Dr. Gulati has treated former Prime Ministers of India, VVIPs, diplomats, and international sportspersons, and has delivered keynote lectures and performed live surgeries globally. He has served as Honorary Surgeon to the President of India, the Indian Armed Forces, and the Border Security Force. In recognition of his exceptional contribution to medicine, he was awarded the Padma Shri (2009), becoming the youngest orthopaedic surgeon to receive this honour, along with the Dr. B.C. Roy National Award, IMA Distinguished Service Award, and Chikitsak Ratna Award. As Senior Patron of Respect India, Dr. Yash Gulati exemplifies excellence, service, and humanitarian commitment, inspiring meaningful impact across healthcare and society. https://respectindia.org/assets/uploads/media-uploader/whatsapp-image-2026-02-04-at-20849-pm1770194360.jpg fab fa-instagram fab fa-twitter fab fa-facebook-f

Prof. Anil Kumar

Shri Binod Kumar

Prof Rekha Saxena

Shri Vinay Mani Tripathi

Shri Amrendra Kumar

Prof. Pramod Dwivedi

Dr. Nirmal Gehlot

Vice-chairman, Respect India & Founder and CEO Utkarsh Classes & Edutech Pvt. Ltd. Vice-chairman, Respect India Dr. Nirmal Gehlot serves as Vice- Chairman on the Governing Body of Respect India. He is the Founder and CEO of Utkarsh Classes, a leading educational institution based in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, that has transformed the landscape of competitive exam preparation in India. A first-generation entrepreneur and educationist, he has dedicated over two decades to making quality education accessible to students from all walks of life. Born on 13 August 1978 in Jodhpur, he began his journey as a tutor while still in school, following the loss of his father’s job. After completing his M.A. in Hindi from Jai Narayan University, he started Utkarsh Classes in a small two-room setup. With his vision and perseverance, the institution has grown exponentially, offering both offline and online education, including through the widely popular Utkarsh App. Under his leadership, Utkarsh Classes has reached over 31 million students and currently has more than 13.3 million digital subscribers. Thousands of learners from across the country have successfully cracked competitive exams with the help of Utkarsh’s resources and teaching methods. Beyond education, Dr. Gehlot is committed to social causes. He is the President of the Aadarsh Vidya Mandir Group and Rajasthan Divyang Seva Samiti, organizations focused on educational development and support for differently-abled individuals, respectively. He is known for his deep commitment to inclusive, affordable, and high-impact learning, especially for students in rural and remote areas. Through Utkarsh and his social initiatives, he continues to shape the future of education in India. https://respectindia.org/assets/uploads/media-uploader/whatsapp-image-2026-04-24-at-64730-pm1777036675.jpg fab fa-instagram # fab fa-twitter # fab fa-facebook-f #

Shri Rajesh Kumar

Vice-chairman, Respect India & Senior Vice-President, Reliance Industries Vice-chairman, Respect India Rajesh Kumar serves as the Senior Vice Chairman of Respect India, bringing with him extensive corporate experience, administrative expertise, and a deep-rooted commitment to public service. His association significantly strengthens the organisation’s mission of social responsibility, community engagement, and nation-building through impactful leadership. An accomplished professional with a dynamic career spanning over three decades, Rajesh Kumar has been active in leadership roles since his early years. A graduate of Kirori Mal College, University of Delhi, he served as the General Secretary of the College Union, demonstrating his leadership acumen from the outset. He later pursued legal studies at the Campus Law Centre, further strengthening his foundation in governance and administration. He began his professional journey in the corporate sector before joining the Sahara Group, where he played a pivotal role in organisational leadership. Starting as an officer, he rose through the ranks with an exceptional record of 21 promotions over 24 years, ultimately serving as Group Chief General Manager. Early in his tenure, he was entrusted with the responsibility of overseeing seven major divisions under the Deputy Managing Director (Commercial), reflecting the organisation’s confidence in his capabilities. During his tenure at Sahara, he also served as Chief Administrative Officer of Sahara Media for four years and gained extensive experience across diverse sectors, including airlines, media, product divisions, real estate, and hospitality. His wide-ranging exposure has made him a seasoned leader with a comprehensive understanding of large-scale operations and corporate governance. Following his tenure at Sahara, he served as Director of Corporate Affairs at Ammonix Group. He is currently associated with Reliance Industries Limited as Senior Vice President, Corporate Affairs, based in New Delhi, where he continues to contribute to strategic corporate initiatives and stakeholder engagement. Beyond his corporate accomplishments, Rajesh Kumar has remained actively engaged in social and community initiatives for over three decades. His involvement in programs related to education, healthcare, and social welfare reflects his enduring commitment to public service and grassroots engagement. As Senior Vice Chairman of Respect India, Rajesh Kumar exemplifies visionary leadership, professional excellence, and a strong sense of social responsibility, inspiring meaningful contributions towards inclusive growth and national development. https://respectindia.org/assets/uploads/media-uploader/whatsapp-image-2026-04-24-at-53336-pm1777034167.jpg fab fa-instagram fab fa-twitter fab fa-facebook-f

Dr. Manish K. Chaudhary

Shri Shambhu Jha

Dr. Anurag Sharma

Prof. Mridula Bhatia

Executive Member, Respect India & Professor, University of Delhi Executive Member, Respect India Mridula Bhatia serves as an Executive Member of Respect India, bringing over three decades of academic excellence, leadership, and social commitment to the organization. A Professor of Economics at the University of Delhi, she has spent 30 years shaping young minds and contributing to academia with a keen focus on sustainability and gender equality. Her academic background includes a B.A. (Hons) and M.A. in Economics, along with an M.Phil. in Business Economics from the Department of Business Economics, University of Delhi. Her specialization in non-conventional energy, particularly solar power, underscores her passion for sustainable development and environmental responsibility. Prof. Bhatia has played a prominent role in university life beyond the classroom. She was entrusted with anchoring the Valedictory Ceremony during the University of Delhi’s Centenary Celebrations, an event graced by the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. She has also hosted and organized several high-profile university events featuring dignitaries such as the Vice President of India, the Lt. Governor of Jammu &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp; Kashmir, the Election Commissioner of India, and other notable public figures. A strong advocate for gender justice and student welfare, she currently serves as the Presiding Officer of the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) at the Non-Collegiate Women’s Education Board (NCWEB), overseeing the well-being of over 32,000 women students. She has also served as the Convenor of the ICC at Satyawati College, handling sensitive matters with compassion and integrity. Prof. Bhatia's well-rounded personality reflects in her hobbies—swimming, fitness, music, and cinema—mirroring her belief in holistic well-being and balanced living. Her leadership, experience, and progressive outlook continue to enrich Respect India’s mission of inclusive education, sustainability, and empowerment. https://respectindia.org/assets/uploads/media-uploader/imgl1420-1-new-41752581697.jpg fab fa-instagram fab fa-twitter fab fa-facebook-f

Prof.Sanjeev Kumar

Executive Member, Respect India Executive Member, Respect India Prof. Sanjeev Kumar serves as an Executive Member on the Governing Body of Respect India. He is Professor of Political Science at Zakir Husain Delhi College, University of Delhi, with over two decades of teaching and research experience. His academic interests span social and political philosophy, global political thought, vulnerability and disaster, citizenship and rights, peacebuilding and conflict resolution, and Gandhian philosophy. He is the author of Gandhi and the Contemporary World (Routledge, 2020), a critically acclaimed work underscoring the enduring relevance of Gandhian principles. His edited volumes Political Theory (Orient Blackswan, 2019) and Political Theory (Sage, 2021) are key texts in the Undergraduate Curriculum Framework (UGCF)-2022 for Political Science courses at the University of Delhi. His upcoming book, Conflict Resolution in the Twenty-First Century – Ethical and Psychological Dimensions of Gandhi’s Creative Non-Violence, is forthcoming from Springer in 2025. Prof. Kumar’s work has been published in leading platforms such as Economic and Political Weekly, Gandhi Marg, Indian Sociological Review, APA Studies, India Quarterly, The Indian Express, and Employment News Weekly. He has participated in over seventy-five academic seminars and conferences in India and abroad. He has held fellowships at the Centre for the Study of Developing Societies (CSDS) and the Developing Countries Research Centre (DCRC), and is currently an Honorary Senior Fellow at the Centre for Ethics, Politics and Global Affairs, New Delhi. In recognition of his academic excellence and commitment to Gandhian thought, he was conferred the Dr. S. Radhakrishnan Memorial Award for Excellence in Teaching and Learning by Respect India and Hansraj College in 2021, and an Award of Excellence by Gandhi Bhavan, University of Delhi, in 2020. https://respectindia.org/assets/uploads/media-uploader/sanjeev17469383951747827007.jpg fab fa-instagram # fab fa-twitter # fab fa-facebook-f #