Management of SELF HELP
Shri. Vijendra Singh
President, SELF HELP
- A Prominent Spiritual and Development Sector Practitioner
- An aeronautical engineer by profession – Worked as Manager in HAL, Lucknow and taken voluntary retirement to undertaken healing activity
- An international Pranic healer and trainer
- Have healed more than 2000 people not only in India but also in other countries
- Having a healing and training centre in Himalayan region of India
Training on Basic, Advance and Psychotherapy – Trained more than 5000 people from India and various countries like Australia, USA and European countries
Orientation Programmes Organised – In order to promote Pranic Healing, conducted several orientation programmes in – United Nations Development Programme, (UNDP) New Delhi; National Institute of Visually Handicapped, Dehradun; Integrated Livelihood Support Project of International Fund for Agriculture Development(IFAD),Uttarakhand ; Aurobindo Ashram, New Delhi; Dehradun Club, Dehradun; Various schools and Academic Institutions across the country; Life Insurance Corporation and IFFCO
International Exposure- Having a good international exposure. Visited UK and frequent visitor of Australia
Neelkusum Saraf
Vice President and Director, Management Committee
Neelkusum Saraf was a well Known Educationist, Pranic Healer and Social Activist
In heartfelt remembrance of our esteemed former member, Smt.Neel Kusum Saraf, who sadly left us in October 2022. The Society remains deeply grateful for her unwavering support and invaluable guidance throughout the years.
She was M.A, B. Ed, Post graduate in special education to teach differently-abled students who are visually impaired and also the kids who are deaf and dumb. She has been in the field of Education since 1980 and worked as Principal North Point Rajpur, Dehradun. Later, She functioned as an independent Educationalist in Dehradun.
She had been actively involved in the programmes of Pranic Healing and Anti Dengue. She has been instrumental in distributing the Preventive for Dengue and Corona in Dehradun.
Navin Anand
General Secretary and Member – Management Committee
A National Development Practitioner, Former UN official and Promoter of Alternative Medicinal systems
Dr. Anand has worked with United Nations, India office as a Resource Person and Moderator, Microfinance Community of Practice, Solution Exchange (A Knowledge Sharing project of United Nations).
He is having more than 30 years of experience of working in the development sector and cooperatives. Has done his doctoral research is on “Self-Help Groups in the Development Process of Rural Non-farm Sector” from Pune University, Pune. He has done Diploma in Journalism & Mass communication from Oxford College of Education, Calcutta and MA (Economics) from Christ Church College, Kanpur and also completed his Faculty Development Programme (FDP) from Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Ahmedabad in 2000-2001.
He has undertaken more than 25 study/research & consultancy and evaluation projects in the capacity of Coordinator as well as core Team member in various subsectors and thematic areas.
He has worked as National Consultant for Project Design, PCR and M&E for several institutions – UNDP – SECURE Himalaya project preparation covering Sikkim, HP, Uttarakhand and Jammu & Kashmir ; World Bank – WBADMI project of West Bengal; IFAD – Project Completion Reports – Tejaswini project, MP and CAIM project Maharashtra ; Consultant for FOCUS Project of IFAD in Mizoram – Support in preparation of AWBP, Action Plan, Procurement plan; Integrated Livelihood Support project (ILSP) in Uttarakhand for Annual Outcome Survey, Apex formation at the state level and design of the Five year extension of the project;
He has also worked with SOS Children Villages of India – Family Support Programme; He was nominated to function as Coordinator – Task Force on Knowledge Sharing for VCB-N (a IFAD Regional Training Network on Pro-poor value chains);
He has also worked as a Team Leader and Coordinator for a National level impact evaluation of Central Sector Scheme (CSISAC) (Covering 13 States) of Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India for the Cooperative Sector.
He is an External National Evaluator/ Consultant for Azim Premji Philanthropic Initiatives (APPI), Bangalore.
Dr. Anand is known in India for several knowledge sharing initiatives and production of hybrid knowledge products like – Ready Reckoner on Microfinance, Strategy document on NRLM, Policy Practice Atlas, Synthesis documents on Small and Marginal Farmers, MGNREGA, Micro enterprise and value chain financing ( MSME) , MF Regulations, Financial literacy and Livelihood promotion and financial inclusion of Rickshaw Pullers.
He has worked as Chief Programme Manager/Deputy PD in IFAD (A specialized agency of UN) Supported Integrated Livelihood Support Project, Uttarakhand ; DFID supported Micro-finance and livelihood project – CASHE, CARE project as Technical Support Specialist, World Bank/EEC funded project on cooperatives and National and regional institutes of Cooperatives (Ministry of Agriculture).
Published several articles on Non-Farm Sector, Financial cooperatives, Livelihoods and Microfinance for Senior Citizens in different edited Books. Contributed in more than 20 e-discussions on livelihoods promotion and microfinance. He has several Published papers on cooperatives, Livelihoods, SHG Federations and MF at national and international levels.
Dr. Anand has great interest in Homeopathy and Pranic Healing. Since last 20 years he has been promoting Homeopathy. He has also done one year course on Homeopathy. Moreover, He has also got training on Pranic Healing from his guru Shri. Vijendra Singh. He has done Basic, Advanced and Psychotherapy courses in Pranic Healing. He practices both Homeopathy and Pranic Healing for the benefit of the people.
Devendra Bahuguna
Treasurer and Director – Management Committee
Shri. Devendra Bahuguna is a well known Social Activist, Development Practitioner, and a guru of Yoga and Marma Chiktsa.
A follower of Mahatma Gandhi’s teachings, Devendra Bhauguna is M.A, B.Ed from HNBGU Srinagar and a trained yoga guru from the Bihar School of Yoga as well as Divya Jivan Sang Rishikesh. Way back in 1982, Shri. Devendra fought for banning the liquor shops in the area of Guptkashi, Rudraprayag. With Dr.Swami Manmathan (1989-90), he participated in Shri Bhuvaneshwari Mahila Aajeevika, Development and education program.
In 1991 worked for earthquake relief work in Ghat block. He has also worked with Shri Sundarlal Bahuguna in ‘Himalaya Bachao Aandolan’. He was instrumental in establishing a Self-reliant cooperative in Swaraj Sahakari Samiti in Guptkashi. He has also worked with Himmothan Society Dehradun on up gradation of Gharats in Uttarkashi. He was also associated with SBMA in Aajeevika project (ILSP-IFAD) in Ghat cluster.
He also volunteered not only for Tehri-Chamoli Earthquake relief work but also in the relief work of Gujarat Earthquake in Kuchh.
Shri. Devendra Bahuguna plays an active role in the activities of Uttarakand Sarvodaye Mandal. In the recent COVID -19, he played a leading role in distribution of food and also homeopathic preventive on behalf of SELF HELP.
Dr. Jaya Patel
Director, Management Committee
Dr. Jaya Patel is a well known Development Practitioner and Social Activist.
She is MA in Rural Development & Extension and Ph.D in Watershed Development with over a decade of rich experience in Project Coordination, Research, Community Development, Rural Development, Training & Development, Liaising / Coordination and Team Management in the Corporate Goverment and Development Sector. She is a graduate in Science – B.Sc. (Biology) and also done a Diploma in computer Education/MS Office. She also learned Classical Vocal from Prayag Sangit Samiti, Allahabad.
She is a keen planner, strategist & implementer with demonstrated abilities in devising social programs and projects across the Corporate and Development Sector. She is an expert in conducting research & analysis with expertise in organising training and development programs for community development in co-ordination with Internal / External Departments. She has expertise in identifying training needs, designing training material and executing the same. She is also an effective communicator with exceptional relationship management skills and hands on experience in networking with Consultants, NGOs, Govt. Agencies for various initiatives.
She was awarded for participation of tribal women in watershed Development project of district-Jhabua (M.P.)
Presently, She is associated with the Azim Premji Foundation as a ‘Resource Person’ for the State Uttarakhand. Earlier, She has worked with Tata Power in Jharkhand as Manager CSR; United Nations World Food Programme as District Coordinator; IFAD supported Uttarakhand Livelihood Improvement Project for the Himalayas as Project Manager. She has also worked with Gramin Vikas Trust in a DFID supported Livelihood Enhancement Project as Field Specialist and also in Gramin Vikas Trust, Bhopal as Community organizer.
She has experience of working with National Center for Human settlement and environment – Bhopal as Project Officer;and JNKVV Agri University, Indore (Implemented a women’s economic development project funded by IFWA) as Trainer.
Dr. Jaya Patel has written several articles on Watershed Management, livelihood options for the poor, rain water harvesting and drudgery reduction. Worked as Editor of Monthly News Magazine “Aajeevika Raibar”.
She has also written a booklet – “The Cow-Backbone of Indian Economy”
Om Prakash Saxena
Member – Management Committee
A former senior official of Government, Thinker and Promoter of Social and Government Reforms
Shri. Saxena is MSc. in Maths from the University of Allahabad. He was selected by the UPPSC for the Sales Tax Services in 1961. He worked as Deputy Commissioner – Sales Tax in Uttar Pradesh. For six years he was doing Chamber practice in the sales tax matters. Shri Saxena lives in Raj Nagar Ghaziabad. He functioned as President of Raj Nagar residents welfare association in 2005. Have always been interested in sports and played hockey, badminton and cricket. He has special interest in yoga and therefore practices yoga every day. He is associated with his spiritual guru Paramahance Baba Ram Magal Das ji
Ashok Narang
Director, Management Committee
A true believer and practitioner of Gandhian philosophy and Practices
Swami Aditya Chaitanya
Director, Management Committee
A Spiritual Practitioner, Yoga trainers and Social Activist and Reformer
Peeyoosh Kumar Raghubanshi
Director, Management Committee
An Agriculture Expert, a Sports enthusiast and promoter of Youth
PEEYOOSH KUMAR RAGHUBANSHI is an Agriculture Expert and a Sports enthusiast and promoter. He is having more than 15 Years of Work Experience in Government, Cooperative and Private Institutions. Having great interest in Cricket, he has also engaged himself with BCCI as Video Analyst From Jan-2019.
He is MBA and B.Sc. in Agriculture with Specialization in Animal Husbandry. Also having two years Advance Diploma in Software Technology with Ecommerce (eDAST); Holds NCC ‘C ‘ Certificate. He participated actively in “Demonstration of Defense by Imaginary Attack by Airforce” Organized by “NAGARIC SURAKSHA SANGATHAN (Civil Defense)” at Varanasi, U.P. India; He is a winner of I.T. Cup Cricket Tournament (2001-2002) Organized by SPARK Committee & sponsored by WEBCOM TECHNOLOGIES U.S.A.
Shri. Peeyoosh works with Uttarakhand Technical University in Exam Section as a System Manager. Since Nov-2018, He is also functioning as Sports Coordinator in Sports Department of the Uttarakhand Technical University. He has experience of working with Tata Capital Ltd. Dehradun as Business Development Manager. He was also associated with Institute of Cooperative Management, Dehradun (An Organization working under the aegis of Ministry of Agriculture, Govt. of India) in Research Work. He actively worked for preparation of the Detailed Project Reports – Integrated Cooperative Development Project (ICDP) Almora & Nainital and an evaluation study project- “Support for Training and Employment Programme (STEP) for Women in Dairy Sector of Uttarakhand” financed by Ministry of HRD, Govt. of India. This project covered 13 Districts of Uttarakhand.
Dr. Mallika Kumar
Advisor, SELF HELP
Associate Professor of Economics & Founder Coordinator, Office of International Programmes (OIP) at Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC), University of Delhi, India
Economist with 33 years of teaching experience; research focuses on Cooperatives, Women Empowerment, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Ph.D. (Jamia Millia Islamia) on rural financial cooperatives in India and their global parallels. Experienced institution-builder, international speaker, and policy adviser.
Current Key Positions
• Head, Research Council, World Cooperative Economic Forum (WcooF)
• Deputy Dean, Foreign Student Registry, University of Delhi
• Special Invitee, Committee for Gender Analysis & Budgeting, Ministry of Women & Child Development
• Member, Committee for Women Security & Safety, University of Delhi
• Member, Search & Selection Committee, NCUI, Ministry of Cooperation
• Focal Point, ARTNET, UNESCAP
• Member, Academic Councils, SRM University & KR Mangalam University
Professional Development
Completed Harvard University Professional Development Program: “Managing Yourself and Leading Others.”
She has made significant international and national contributions in the field of cooperatives and sustainable development. She serves as the Vice Chairperson of the ICA-AP Committee for Cooperatives in Educational Institutions (ICEI) and participated as an observer at the 4th UNESCAP Sustainable Business Network meeting held in Bangkok. She has also played a key role as a resource person and moderator at the ICA-AP/EU Global Youth Workshop on the UN Sustainable Development Goals and Campus Cooperatives in Kuala Lumpur. Her expertise and leadership were further recognized when she was invited as a plenary speaker at the Centenary Cooperative Conference in Rochdale, UK, and as a keynote speaker at the G20 Outreach Event in Udaipur. Most recently, she was invited to speak at the UN Headquarters in New York during the soft launch of the International Year of Cooperatives on July 9, 2024.
She has been the recipient of several prestigious awards and honours for her work in higher education and cooperative development. Notably, she received the Women Achiever Award 2025 (Higher Education), presented by Shri R. Venkatramani, the Attorney General of India, on March 8, 2025. She was also honoured with the Romasha Award 2025 for her contribution to the Cooperative Education Framework, presented by Shri Dileep Sanghani, Chairman of IFFCO, on May 6, 2025. Additionally, she was recognized with the Best of International Region Award at the ACBSP Annual Conference in Miami, USA, through an e-presentation.
In the realm of academics and capacity building, she has served as the Coordinator for the National Resource Centre (Economics) under the Ministry of Education, where she designed MOOCs for the SWAYAM (ARPIT) initiative. She has also contributed to the UNDP’s “Ready Reckoner on Microfinance” and has been nominated as an expert for NCUI research scholarships and various search and selection committees. As the Founder Coordinator of the SRCC Office of International Programmes (OIP), she has led several major initiatives, including the SRCC USA-India Initiative (October 6–22, 2016), the Global Millennium Summit in Dubai (March 18–19, 2017), the SRCC-OIP India-Nepal Initiative (July 2–8, 2019), the International Conference on Empowering Women with NITI Aayog (July 16–17, 2018, New Delhi), and the International Conference on “Globalisation, Trade & Economic Policy” at Kyunghee University in Seoul.
Her research credentials include authorship of refereed and SCOPUS-indexed papers, as well as the book Cooperatives in BIMSTEC Countries, which was launched in 2022 by the Minister of Cooperation, Uttarakhand. She has presented papers and lectures globally, including in China, France, the Netherlands, Nepal, Dubai, Thailand, Bhutan, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, South Korea, New York, Wisconsin, Michigan, and the United Kingdom, and has played a key role in establishing 12 international MOUs for SRCC.
Her community and advisory engagements reflect her deep commitment to social impact. She serves as an advisor to Saksham, an organization supporting the visually impaired, and SELF HELP, which implements UNDP-supported livelihoods and eco-tourism projects in Uttarakhand. She actively facilitates engagement with the NITI Aayog Women Entrepreneur Platform, the Ministry of Cooperation, the United Nations, and the World Bank, providing opportunities for students, researchers, and women entrepreneurs.
Dr. Madhav Deo Saraswat
Advisor, Education
Academician, Advisor, Mentor, Gowth Facilitator.
With over 35 years in Indian education, Dr. Madhav Deo Saraswat is a transformative leader known for his work in residential schooling and commitment to inclusive, high-achieving learning environments. Guided by the principle of “Leadership through Service,” he has impacted generations of students and educators through his empathetic and visionary leadership.
Dr. Saraswat has served in leadership roles across prestigious institutions, including:
l Principal & Director, Good Shepherd International School, Ooty (2023–2024)Principal, The Hyderabad Public School, Begumpet (2022–2023)
l Principal, The Scindia School, Gwalior (2015–2022) – where he led the school to top national rankings
l CEO, Sapkal Knowledge Hub, Nashik (2009–2015)
l Founder Principal, Orchid International School (Nashik) & Parasrampuria GEMS International School (Jaipur)
l Faculty & Housemaster, The Doon School, Dehradun (1989–2005)
l He holds postgraduate degrees in English, Hindi, and Sanskrit, along with a PhD in Hindi from Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Agra.
His contributions extend beyond schools to advisory roles for institutions such as Mayoor School (Jaipur), The Manthan School (Noida), and The Ummed International School (Abu Road). As India Coordinator for the Round Square International Service (1989–2007), he promoted global citizenship through student-led service initiatives.
Dr. Saraswat was recognized by Forbes India as a “Leader of Leaders” (2020) for his role in nurturing educational leadership. A sought-after speaker at national and international forums, he continues to inspire through his strategic insight, academic excellence, and service-driven philosophy.