Mr. Vaibhav Chowdhary comes with more than 17 years of experience in the field of energy, climate, and sustainability. He served at various leadership positions across governments, consulting, philanthropies, and think tanks, in India and abroad. He is a visiting Professor of Practice at the department of sustainable energy and engineering (SEE) at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kanpur. In the past, Vaibhav worked as India Lead for an international philanthropy – Clean Air Fund (CAF), wherein he co-designed and delivered large scale air pollution mitigation programs in partnership with multiple stakeholders. Vaibhav also served as a Director at the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago (EPIC) in India, an empirical research center focused on energy and environment issues. Prior to UChicago EPIC, Vaibhav worked as the National Energy Adviser to the Government of UK – at a X-Whitehall team of Department for International Development (DFID), UK-Foreign Office and the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) – wherein he managed multiple low carbon growth initiative in India and beyond.

Vaibhav had also worked as a management consultant at PricewaterhouseCoopers and as an instrumentation engineer at Hindustan Zinc Limited (HZL) in the early days of his professional journey. Vaibhav is a Certified Energy Auditor with a bachelor’s in Electronics and Instrumentation Engineering. He holds an MBA (with honors) in Power Management from the National Power Training Institute (NPTI) and is an executive management professional from the Booth School of Business at UChicago, USA. Vaibhav holds multiple post graduate diplomas in areas of energy and sustainability, IPR, Cyber law, Financial Derivatives etc from premier institutes in India and abroad.

Ilika Mohan holds an MSc in Mathematics and has garnered over a decade of experience in the energy modelling domain. Her professional journey includes working at renowned institutions such as TERI (The Energy and Resources Institute) and CSTEP (Center for Study of Science, Technology and Policy), wherein she was actively engaged in projects that used the MARKAL (MARket Allocation) model – linear programming cost optimization model. During her tenure, she honed her expertise in energy systems analysis, playing a pivotal role in shaping policy recommendations and strategic interventions.

Also, as a part of the Chairman's Office at the Quality Council of India she spearheaded several Project Management Units (PMUs) in collaboration with key governmental ministries such as the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG) and the Ministry of Railways (MoR). Her contributions were instrumental in driving impactful initiatives aimed at enhancing energy efficiency and sustainability.

At ACPET too, her work continues to involve energy-economic models to help influence informed decision-making and sustainable development efforts in the energy sector.

Animesh Ghosh is a Research Fellow at the Ashoka Centre for People-centric Energy Transition (ACPET), IFRE, Ashoka University. His research focuses on energy transition financing, just transition, resource efficiency, behavioral nudging, and social tipping points

Holding a master's degree in Development Practice from TISS Mumbai and a B.Tech from WBUT, Kolkata, Animesh served as a Prime Minister's Rural Development Fellow (2012-2015) and as an Officer on Special Duty at NIRDPR. He has collaborated with UN Women, UNICEF, the World Bank, and various government and non-governmental organizations on sustainable development projects.

Currently pursuing a PhD in Circular Economy at IIT Kharagpur, Animesh's expertise spans energy transition, climate change mitigation, rural development, gender budget analysis, and innovation management. He has published in international journals and contributed to book chapters.

Animesh's diverse experience across academia, government, and international organizations positions him as a valuable asset in clean energy transition and sustainable development research.

Kasvi Sansanwal is a Junior Research Associate at the Ashoka Centre for People-Centric Energy Transition, Ashoka University. She has completed MSc in Economics from TERI School of Advanced Studies. Kasvi earned a B.A. (Hons.) in Economics from Jesus and Mary College, University of Delhi. She brings a wealth of experience from her roles as an analyst at KPMG Global Services and a research intern at the Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER) and NITI Aayog. Her expertise lies in economic analysis, secondary research, and data compilation, with a strong technical skill set that includes proficiency in STATA, R programming, MATLAB, and advanced Excel.

Soumit Pandey is a Junior Research Associate at the Ashoka Centre for People-Centric Energy Transition, Ashoka University. He has completed MSc. in Economics from TERI School of Advanced Studies. Soumit earned a B.Sc. (Hons.) in Economics from Ramakrishna Mission Vidyamandira, University of Calcutta. He brings a wealth of experience from his roles as a Research Intern at Aseries Envirotek India Pvt. Ltd. His expertise lies in economic analysis of quantitative and qualitative data (both, primary and secondary), with a strong technical skill set that includes proficiency in STATA, R programming, and advanced Excel.

Dr. Anandajit Goswami is a Research Fellow and has been a Director and Professor at School of Behavioural and Social Sciences (SBSS), Manav Rachna International Institute of Research and Studies (MRIIRS). He obtained his PhD in Energy Policy from TERI School of Advanced Studies and Masters from JNU. He was a faculty at the TERI SAS and has led projects supported by UNCTAD, UKAID, ADB, World Bank, UNCTAD, UNECA, Atomic Energy Commission, Government Ministries, NITI Aayog, UNIDO, Copenhagen Consensus Centre, WWF and has advised state governments in state-level energy policy-making and transition.

He has published 44 peer reviewed Scopus and Web of Science International Publications,8 fiction books, 3 reference books, 2 award-winning books, and has successfully supervised one PhD thesis. He has been leading his Philanthropic Foundation – “TOHRI Foundation" which has been chosen as one of the 20 best start-ups of 2023. He has been an Ambassador of the Anti- Tobacco campaign of NADA Foundation across states and has been recognized by All India Human Rights Council, Child Rights and You, WWF India. He has also contributed to climate action movements through his music and has recently published an anthology on climate justice called –“A Green Day" by Hachette India in April 2024 along with an epic magnum opus called – “Siddharth”.

Aparna P Taparia, Research Consultant at ACPET, has graduated with a Bachelor of Electrical & Electronics Engineering, Hubli, Karnataka. Pursued MTech (Power System) from ITM college affiliated to RTU Kota. Currently, pursuing Ph.D. from CBRI Roorkee. Worked as faculty in Engineering college for 11 years. Also worked as Associate HOD. Guided 2 MTech projects. Publications in journal 1 & conference Paper 3.

Surendran has more than 35 years’ experience of working as Secretary, Senior Secretary and Executive Secretary. Before joining ACPET, he has worked with CIMMCO Birla Limited for 10 years and The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) for 25 years. He has pursued B. Com from University of Calicut, Kerala. He has also passed the Typewriting (English), and Shorthand (English) examinations conducted by the Kerala Government Technical Examinations (KGTE), Kerala.

Ms. Anjali Goyal is a civil servant (IRAS 1986 batch, Civil Services Exam), retired as Member Finance, Railway Board and ex officio Secretary to Government of India in December 2023.

Ms. Anjali Goyal has been a pioneer in promoting energy efficient, low carbon transport projects. In 2006, based on Nicholas Stern’s famous book ‘The Economics of Climate Change -The Stern Review’ and several other Climate Change literature, she prepared the first official presentation on the impact of climate in India and how India could design, develop and reshape large Transport Infrastructure Projects to be Ultra -Low Carbon. This was personally seen by the then World Bank Director Energy. This led to World Bank requesting her to make a presentation as invitee speaker at World Energy and Transport Forum, Washington 2009. This presentation enabled funding of the Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor by World Bank as a low carbon project and ultimate financial close for this critical energy efficient transformative project.

She sustained the momentum through a series of publications including “Ultra Low Carbon Mega Rail Projects (in Seminar), ‘A Case for High-Speed Rail in India’ (in The Asian Journal), ‘High Speed Rail in India -The importance of National Policies’ (in Economic and Political Weekly) and ‘Strategies for Making Railways a Sustainable Transport in India’ (in Transportation Sector in India and EU- Problems, Prospects and Opportunities for Development).

Over 37 years of service she has held several key positions in Government of India, giving her wide exposure and experience in public finance, policy and technology. As Executive Director Finance and Budget, Ministry of Railways, she worked on Dedicated Freight Corridor projects including incorporation of DFCCIL and framing the Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association of India’s Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Limited in 2006. She was Government Director on Board of Indian Rail Finance Corporation and oversaw international and national borrowing decisions. She is an expert in Transport Planning, Financing and Capex monitoring & management of large projects. As Adviser (Project Appraisal)/NITI Aayog she has appraised more than 200 schemes and projects of the Government on a wide range of subjects including FAME, Agriculture, Electronics, Ultra Super Critical Power Projects, Hydel Projects etc. She also handled Aadhaar and prepared proof of concept report for using Aadhar in DBT schemes including LPG subsidy. As Divisional Railway Manager Jaipur Division of Indian Railways, besides rail operations she revived old wells and set up water recycling plants in a water scarce state of Rajasthan. As Principal Executive Director Accounts in Ministry of Railways she set up and implemented the Goods and Services Tax architecture for Railways in a record four months and digitized all financial transactions.

As General Manager of India’s second largest locomotive manufacturing facility, Banaras Locomotive Works she oversaw end to end, the Govt of Mozambique contract with India, for export 7 locomotives to Mozambique Railways. The timely completion attracted a repeat order. As Member Finance, Railway Board, Ms Anjali Goyal spearheaded wide ranging transformation in project management using IT platforms to integrate physical progress and financial flow databases to create unique project monitoring tools. Railways finances turned around after several years under her leadership of the Finance and Accounts of Ministry of Railways. She conducted techno-financial appraisal of several key projects in rolling stock, signaling and mega rail corridors.

Mr Rakesh Kacker is a retired IAS officer of the 1977 batch from the Tamil Nadu Cadre. He completed his Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Hindu College in 1972, and Master of Arts in Economics from Delhi School of Economics in 1974. He retired as Secretary, the Government Of India, Ministry for Food Processing Industries in 2013 and worked as Director of India Habitat Centre during 2013-18 after retiring from the government. He has also been the committee chairman for framing Uniform Standard Bidding Guidelines for Renewable Energy Sector. He was a member of, the Expert Committee for the revision of SBDs and MBDs, the High Powered Committee for the revision of bidding documents for Coal Mines, and a Chairman CSR Board Michelin Tyres CSR Board Chennai. He was also a Member, the Institute Body, AIIMS, Jodhpur and an Independent Director, the Board of ONGC Videsh, Board of PTC India (Power Trading Corporation of India), and Board of PTC India Financial Services Limited. Additionally, he was a Member of the Dispute Resolution Committee and a President of the TERI Alumni Association.

Anvesha Adhikari is an intern at the Ashoka Centre for People-centric Energy Transition, Ashoka University. She holds an MSc in Economics with a specialization in Environment and Resource Economics from TERI School of Advanced Studies and a BSc in Physics from Wilson College. Anvesha gained valuable experience as an intern at the Raman Kant Munjal Foundation, developing her research and data analysis skills.Her expertise lies in econometric analysis, with proficiency in STATA, R, C++, and advanced Excel. She also has a basic understanding of Python. Anvesha's diverse blend of physics background, specialized economics education, and practical experience contributes to her work on research projects related to energy transition and environmental economics.

Navya is a Research Intern at the Ashoka Centre for People-centric Energy Transition, Ashoka University, focusing on Cybersecurity and Data Analytics. She holds a B.Tech in Information Technology from Inderprastha Engineering College, Ghaziabad, and possesses certifications in cybersecurity. Navya brings valuable experience in web development and designing, with proficiency in database management systems (DBMS) and multiple programming languages. She also has a strong understanding of machine learning (ML) models and is currently involved in researching policies and training models.

Aishwarya is a Consultant at the Ashoka Centre for People-centric Energy Transition (ACPET) at Ashoka University. Her research at the centre focuses on the human health outcomes of net zero strategies, and she is interested in exploring issues around energy literacy. Aishwarya received her PhD from the University of British Columbia, Canada, and primarily does research pertaining to the history, philosophy, and sociology of science, and science education. Aishwarya has led projects pertaining to inter- and transdisciplinary environmental education, and has also worked as a consultant in Canada to develop recommendations for sport and health promotion.

Dr Bahaar Meera Jain is presently working as CEO and Director, RIHAA under Swadheen Initiative Private Limited

She is also serving as a National Value Chain and Private Sector Consultant at United Nations Development Programme, New Delhi on a project for Land Degradation Neutrality in India. She is the Co-Founder of Rihaa Under Swadheen Initiative LLP. She has also worked as a Consultant at the Self-Employed Women’s Association (SEWA) Ahmedabad. Also worked at the National Brain Research Centre in Manesar in the lab of the Director, Dr Neeraj Jain as a Project Assistant.

She has obtained a Bachelor’s in Medicine and Surgery from Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed University Medical College, Pune in May 2017

Dr. Shubham Jain is working as a Research Associate at ACPET. He is an accomplished researcher with expertise in thermal engineering, solar thermal technologies, and thermal batteries. He holds a PhD in Energy Science and Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi. His doctoral research focused on developing a versatile thermal battery tailored for multi-temperature-based community-scale solar cooking applications. He also holds a Master of Engineering in Thermal Engineering from TIET, Patiala, where he designed and developed an innovative solar water desalination system for his master’s thesis. He has extensive experience in both experimental and computational thermal engineering. His expertise includes designing solar thermal systems, developing prototype solutions, and implementing them at a large scale.

Dr. Jain has a strong research background, with publications in prestigious international journals and conferences. He holds several patents for innovative solar thermal technologies and has contributed to books in the field of solar energy. Driven by a passion for translating research into real-world applications, he remains committed to advancing sustainable energy solutions and technological innovation.

Alpana is a Junior Research Associate at the Ashoka University Center for a People-centric Energy Transition (ACPET). She holds an MSc in Climate Change and Artificial Intelligence from the University of Reading, UK, and an MSc in Atmospheric Science from the National Institute of Technology, Rourkela. She worked as a Project Associate in the climate modeling team at The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI). Her interest in climate science grew during her internship at Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, (IITM) Pune. She has expertise in data analysis and visualization using Python and has applied machine learning techniques to predict and analyze time series data. She also has experience working with geospatial data to visualize climate parameters using Python and GrADS.

Dr. Piya Srinivasan works as Communications Manager at ACPET. She has over a decade of experience in news media, research communication, social science research and program management. Before joining ACPET, she served as India Commissioning Editor at 360info, a Melbourne-based global academic newswire, and as Assistant Professor at Manav Rachna International Institute for Research and Studies. She specialised in commissioning and translating complex, often technical, research-based insights into accessible content for a global readership, addressing some of society’s most pressing challenges. She has also worked as a Research Consultant and Program Associate with the Calcutta Research Group, a Communication Officer with Save the Children India, and a Copy Editor with Mint Lounge and Mail Today.

Piya holds a PhD in Law and Governance from Jawaharlal Nehru University, where she was a SYLFF Fellow, and an MPhil in Social Sciences from CSSSC, Kolkata. Her areas of research include disaster risk governance, climate migration, law and literature, history and memory, juvenile justice and sound ecology. She has presented her research in national and international workshops and conferences. She is the editor of Living with the Weather: Climate Change, Ecology and Displacement in South Asia (Yoda Press 2023). Her articles, book reviews and film critiques have appeared in Al Jazeera, Australian Broadcasting Corporation, The Diplomat, Tatler Asia, Frontline, Seminar, Mint, Times of India, Mumbai Mirror and India Today.

Arushi Malhotra is currently pursuing a degree in Economics and Finance at Ashoka University. She is deeply passionate about environmental studies and is committed to building a career in sustainability. Over the past year, she served as the Environment Minister of her university, leading various green initiatives and awareness campaigns. Arushi has engaged with a range of economic models and their real-world applications through numerous analytical essays. Additionally, she channels her problem-solving skills through active involvement in her university’s consulting club. She also enjoys nature walks, trying out new cafes, reading about dinosaurs and spending time with people she is close with.

Sagnik is studying Psychology and Environmental Studies at Ashoka University. He has interests in the natural world, and is learning more about the green-transition. He has created a documentary on the Bandhwari landfill detailing its multiple impacts, and has interviewed local grassroots ecologists regarding their experiences. He also enjoys bird-watching and eating different cuisines.

Varusha is pursuing a degree in Economics and Finance from Ashoka University. She is passionate about education equity and gender justice and has been actively involved in efforts to create meaningful, long-term change. At Ashoka, she leads Raah, an independent anti-sexual harassment initiative that formulates inclusive, restorative policies for survivors of sexual assault and harassment. Alongside her work at Raah, Varusha has pursued internships in areas like education, banking, finance, and business communication. She aims to translate her academic interests and hands-on experience into a long-term commitment to creating systemic and social change. Outside of her academic work, Varusha enjoys watching 2000s Bollywood films, reading fiction, listening to pop music, going to the gym, and indulging in a leisurely nap at the Ashoka Lawns on a sunny afternoon.

Jacob is currently pursuing a degree in Computer Science and Entrepreneurship with a minor in Sociology and Anthropology from Ashoka University. With a keen interest in the social sector, Jacob aspires to work in social impact consulting, where he hopes to combine analytical problem-solving with a deep understanding of human-centered development. A creative thinker with a passion for innovation, Jacob became especially drawn to the energy sector through a case competition, where he recognized the immense potential for impact within India’s evolving energy landscape. He believes that the interdisciplinary nature of his education allows him to approach complex challenges with a unique lens—bridging technology, business, and social insight. Beyond academics and professional interests, Jacob enjoys traveling, seeking out new experiences, and connecting with people from all walks of life. He finds joy in hearing stories, sharing laughter, and of course, unwinding by the beach while watching beautiful sunsets.