Board Members

Master of Social Work, Gujarat Vidyapith

Ms Neeta Pandya is a dedicated pastoralism and women empowerment advocate working since 1992 with local communities in and around Gujarat, India. Coming from Gandhian background, she has been passionate about pastoralism issues since childhood. She later went to basic education schools and completed her graduation in Rural Development and Masters in Social Work from Gujarat Vidhyapith (well-known Gandhian institute from Gujarat).

Her vast experience ranges from working for the Aga Khan Rural Support Programme in India and Indian Council for Child Welfare (ICCW) Department. She later founded Maldhari Rural Action Group (MARAG) in 1995 and has since dedicated her life and work to pastoralists and marginalized communities. Her passion for working with Women and Children has led her to be recognized and respected as a champion of the cause.

Master of Social Work

Coming from a pastoralist family herself. Ms Geeta is a commerce graduate by qualification and has done her Masters in Social Work. Her career started with working for earthquake affected families in Gujarat in 2001. She has worked with pastoralist women in Vagad region (Gujarat) for ten years. She was awarded "GHANDHIMITR" award by the Governor of Gujarat for her contribution to the cause of women and children. As a member she gives strategic inputs for working with migrating families and children.

Post Graduate in Development Management

Ms Bhavana, a pastoralist herself has done her graduation in Economics and Post Graduation in Development Management. With over 10 years of experience, she has worked with pastoralists of Banni region (Gujarat) in the past and now she is associated with MARAG and works intensively with pastoralist women. She is passionate about her work and wants to contribute towards the development of pastoral women and girls.

MBA, Institute of Rural Management, Anand

With an MBA in Rural Management from the renowned institute of IRMA, Ms Monika has worked with various national, regional and global alliances on pastoralism since 2011. In the past she has worked with MARAG, EDA Rural Systems, the World Alliance for Mobile Indigenous Peoples (WAMIP) and as the International Land Coalition’s (ILC) National Engagement Strategy Coordinator for India.

Bachelor of Arts

Ms Suraj has done her graduation in Arts from Gujarat University. She is President of Pastoral Women Alliance at block level in Radhanpur, Gujarat. She is actively engaged in various institution building and strengthening activities of pastoralists in Radhanpur. She has indepth understanding of sustainable livelihoods including developing agro-pastoral models and organic farming with pastoral women.

MS Madhu is a social worker and a researcher. She is working with Mudra Institute of Communication Ahmedabad. Coming from a unique pastoral community Bhopa Rabari who are sheep breeders from coastal areas of Gujarat, Ms Madhu has tremendous experience of working at grassroots in coastal areas of Saurashtra region.

Bachelor of Arts

Ms Dharti, a pastoralist herself is a Professor by profession and is actively engaged in working with pastoralist women in Bhavnagar district of Gujarat. She has exposure to Gandhian education and she wants to use her experience while working within her community.

Ms Bhavika is a Teacher by profession and is actively engaged in working with pastoralist women in Patan district of Gujarat. Her work has been felicitated by the district level education department by giving her the award of best teacher.

Ms Dhara is President of Pastoral Women Alliance in Botad district of Gujarat. She is a grassroot leader who has been working with rural women to create awareness regarding local governance processes