Designation : Senior Visiting Professor cum Chief Mentor -SVEP

Email ID :pksinha@ediindia.org

Piyush Sinha has previously served on deputation from the Government of India as Advisor to Rwanda-India Entrepreneurship Development Centre in Kigali, Rwanda. Concurrently, he holds the position of Chief Mentor at the Start-up Village Entrepreneurship Programme (SVEP), a flagship program of the Ministry of Rural Development, GoI. With professional experience spanning over 40 years, Dr. Sinha brings extensive expertise in teaching, research, advisory and training, as well as managerial experience in entrepreneurship and business strategy. Dr. Sinha has held prominent academic positions at IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, XIMB, and has also served as the Dean at MICA.

• Academic Professional Qualification Ph.D Management

• Areas of Specialisation : Marketing, Retailing and E-Commerce, Entrepreneurship, Rural Markets


• Projects Handled :Retailing, E-Commerce, Entrepreneurial Ecosystems

Designation : Associate Professor cum Program Director - SVEP

Email ID :rajesh@ediindia.org

A business management professional with more than 2 decades of work experience in industry and development sector. He has worked extensively in the areas of creative co-creation in livelihoods and has promoted rural micro-enterprises in various sectors. Currently under the Ministry of Rural Development Project, he is involved in promoting nano enterprises in rural areas across the country. His thematic areas of interest include development studies, sub-sector analysis, livelihoods, institutional innovations in the informal sector, value chain, new product & design development and social entrepreneurship.

• Academic Professional Qualification M.Com PGDBM

• Areas of Specialisation : Cluster development, Rural entrepreneurship


• Projects Handled : Startup Village Entrepreneurship Program (SVEP), Srinagar Mega Carpet Cluster Development Project, Handloom Cluster Development Projects, Projects of KVIC under SFURTI

Designation : Professor

Email ID :lalitsharma@ediindia.org

Dr. Lalit Sharma is a Professor of Entrepreneurship at the Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India in Gandhinagar. Previously, he served as the Director of the Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. With over 23 years of experience in both corporate and academic settings, Dr. Sharma has been actively involved in shaping and implementing various skill development and entrepreneurship development policies of the Government of India.

• Academic Professional Qualification Ph.D. (Management)

• Areas of Specialisation : Entrepreneurship


• Projects Handled : Temple Town Project, SFURTI, PMJVM, PM JANMAN, SVEP, ASPIRE, PMKVY 4.0, SWAVLAMBINI, SANKALP, RUVP, STRIVE, SAMARTH, & Others.

Designation : Program Manager

Email ID :svep.uttarpradesh@gmail.com

Subhasish Chaki is a seasoned CSR and development sector professional with over two decades of experience in spearheading transformative projects across different parts of India. He is currently serving as State Anchor at the Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII). With a Post Graduate Diploma in Rural Development from Xavier Institute of Social Service, Ranchi, Subhasish has dedicated his career to driving inclusive growth and sustainable development, particularly among tribal and vulnerable communities. He has successfully led large-scale CSR projects and government-funded national programs such as the Startup Village Entrepreneurship programme (SVEP), ensuring alignment with SDG goals and SROI outcomes.

• Academic Professional Qualification Post Graduate Diploma in Rural Development

• Areas of Specialisation : Entrepreneurship Development


• Projects Handled : CSR and R&R projects at the AAPL, JITPL and Renaissance; SVEP at JSLPS and EDII

Designation : Designer Cum E-commerce Specialist

Email ID :svep.pm4@ediindia.org

She is a professional designer with diverse experience spanning the garment export industry and the development sector. She began her career at prominent Rajasthan-based companies like Cheer Sagar Exports, Ram Exports, Dilip Babu Textiles, and Eco Effigo Pvt. Ltd., where she gained expertise in design, production, and global fashion trends. Later, she joined EDII under the Hastkala Setu Yojana, working closely with traditional Indian artisans, especially in Gujarat. Currently, she serves as a Designer cum E-Commerce Specialist under SVEP, where she supports micro-entrepreneurs in improving product design, packaging, and online presence. Her goal is to bridge traditional craftsmanship with modern markets, fostering sustainable livelihoods through design innovation and digital empowerment.

• Academic Professional Qualification B.Sc. (Hons) degree in Textile and Apparel Designing

• Areas of Specialisation : Textile and Apparel Designing, Sustainable Practices and Community-Based Production, Rural Entrepreneurship and Design Thinking


• Projects Handled : Hastkala Setu Yojana, SVEP

Designation : Program Manager

Email ID :nretp-cm-a@ediindia.org

Sudrip Dhar is a public policy professional currently serving as Project Manager at the Start-Up Village Entrepreneurship Programme (SVEP) Secretariat housed at EDII Ahmedabad. At EDII, he leads the implementation of rural enterprise and cluster development initiatives under SVEP and the Cluster Development Programme (CDP), part of the National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM), Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD), Government of India. His work focuses on building grassroots entrepreneurial ecosystems, strengthening institutional capacities, and supporting rural livelihoods. With over three years of experience, Sudrip has previously worked on high-impact policy and research projects at J-PAL South Asia, contributing to national programmes such as the Jal Jeevan Mission and environmental policy studies with Waste Warriors Society. His career reflects a strong commitment to governance reform, data-driven policymaking, and inclusive development.

• Academic Professional Qualification B.A (Hons) English & Political Science, M.A Public Policy

• Areas of Specialisation : Project Management, Policy Research & Analysis, Data Analytics, Design Thinking, Strategic Communication and Outreach, Public Finance & Budget Analysis


• Projects Handled : 100 Success Stories from across India- SVEP 2025, SVEP, NRLM-CDP

Designation : State Anchor

Email ID :svep.odiaha@ediindia.org

Rama Chandra is a seasoned development professional with over 20 years of experience in entrepreneurship, livelihoods, and institution-building under various government and government-assisted projects. Holding an MA in Economics and an MBA, he is currently pursuing a PhD. Rama Chandra has deep expertise in social research, policy formulation, capacity building, cluster promotion, financial inclusion, and CSR projects related to entrepreneurship. Throughout his career, he has successfully managed high-impact initiatives, including the Startup Village Entrepreneurship Programme (SVEP), SFURTI, and NRLM. Committed to fostering rural self-reliance, he continues to support sustainable entrepreneurship and holistic community development at the grassroots level.

• Academic Professional Qualification MA Economics, MBA

• Areas of Specialisation : Entrepreneurship Development


• Projects Handled : SVEP, SFURTI, NRLM

Designation : State Anchor

Email ID :svep.assam@ediindia.org

Goutam is a dedicated development professional with over nine years of experience in entrepreneurship promotion, rural livelihoods, and enterprise ecosystem development across India. Currently serving as Sectoral Expert – Entrepreneurship Promotion, he designs and implements strategies for sustainable, community-led enterprise growth in collaboration with SRLMs. He has contributed to programs like SVEP, MED, NRETP, EAP, ESDP, and SFURTI, strengthening capacity, cluster development, and business planning. Previously with EDII, he led large-scale entrepreneurship initiatives in Assam, Tripura, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Rajasthan. Holding a Master’s in Development and a PGPDM, he is committed to empowering rural communities with practical, long-term solutions for inclusive growth.

• Academic Professional Qualification M.A Development, PGP in Development Management

• Areas of Specialisation : Rural Entrepreneurship, Non-farm livelihoods, Capacity building, Enterprise Development, Cluster strengthening, Strategic planning, Stakeholder Engagement, Institutional mentoring, Women-led models, Sustainable enterprise ecosystems, Community-based development


• Projects Handled : SVEP, MED, EDP, ESDP, EAP
• Certifications : NAR Certified

Designation : Block Mentor

Email ID :svep.matanhail@ediindia.org

Avanish Mishra is a dedicated professional with more than 12 years of experience in rural development, SHG promotion, and DPR preparation across Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh. He holds a master’s degree in Sociology and Social Work, bringing strong academic and practical expertise to his field. His core areas of expertise include rural entrepreneurship and sustainable livelihood promotion. Over the years, he has successfully handled several key projects, including SVEP, contributing significantly to empowering rural communities and fostering economic self-reliance at the grassroots level.

• Academic Professional Qualification M.A Sociology, MSW

• Areas of Specialisation : Rural Entrepreneurship


• Projects Handled : SVEP
• Certifications : NAR Certified

Designation : Block Mentor

Email ID :svep.wagoora-singhpora.org@ediindia.org

Rasik Malik is a committed development professional with 12 years of diverse experience across roles as a customer associate, trainer, training manager, and community mobilizer. Since October 2021, he has been working as a Block Mentor under the Startup Village Entrepreneurship Programme (SVEP) with EDII at Waghoora-Singpora, Jammu & Kashmir. Holding a B.Tech degree, Rasik specializes in trainings, management, and entrepreneurship development. Throughout his career, he has focused on capacity building, skill enhancement, and mentoring rural entrepreneurs. Passionate about fostering sustainable livelihoods, he plays a key role in empowering local youth and women to establish successful rural enterprises under SVEP.

• Academic Professional Qualification B.Tech

• Areas of Specialisation : Trainings, Management and Entrepreneurship Development


• Projects Handled : SVEP
• Certifications : NAR Certified

Designation : State Anchor

Email ID :svep.jashpur@ediindia.org

Surendra is a dedicated social development professional with 12 years of hands-on experience in designing, implementing, and evaluating community-driven programs across rural and urban India. He specializes in poverty alleviation, entrepreneurship education, sustainable livelihoods, gender empowerment, and supporting marginalized communities. Surendra holds a Master’s in Local Governance and has worked extensively with NGOs, government agencies, and international organizations. Skilled in participatory rural appraisal, capacity building, research, and advocacy, he bridges policy and practice with strong grassroots leadership. Currently engaged in the SVEP programme with EDII, Surendra strives to foster inclusive, resilient communities through participatory and evidence-based approaches for sustainable change.

• Academic Professional Qualification M.A Local Governance

• Areas of Specialisation : Social Entrepreneurship and Development


• Projects Handled : SVEP, MED
• Certifications : NAR Certified

Designation : Block Mentor

Email ID :svep.sambha-purmandal.org@ediindia.org

Mohit is a dedicated development professional serving as a Mentor under the DAY-NRLM Startup Village Entrepreneurship Programme (SVEP) with EDII. With over six years of experience in project management, community mobilization, capacity building, and training, he plays a key role in fostering rural entrepreneurship. Mohit holds a Master’s in Social Work (MSW) with a specialization in Livelihoods and Social Entrepreneurship. His expertise lies in promoting financial inclusion, enhancing local livelihoods, and encouraging rural communities to establish sustainable micro-enterprises. Throughout his career, he has successfully handled impactful projects like SVEP and Micro Enterprise Development (MED), empowering rural youth and women towards self-reliance.

• Academic Professional Qualification MSW

• Areas of Specialisation : Livelihoods and Social Entrepreneurship


• Projects Handled : SVEP , MED
• Certifications : NAR Certified

Designation : Block Mentor

Email ID :svep.baikunthpur@ediindia.org

Having 16 years of experience and started his professional career with TATA Steel Rural Development Society, Jamshedpur. Also worked with Pratham, Jaipur as Project Coordinator and independently handled projects based on improving quality of elementary education. Increasing enrolment and retention of the children in school was the primary objective of the project. In four years of tenure with Udyogini, he has played vital role in identification of value chain like incense sticks and backyard poultry to engage large no. of beneficiaries with the value chain. Developing business plan, Value chain analysis and making standard operating procedure (SoP) are the main achievements. Other expertise includes strategy making for training, exposure visit and monitoring of the project.

• Academic Professional Qualification Post Graduate Diploma in Rural Management

• Areas of Specialisation : Rural Marketing & Rural Development


• Projects Handled : SVEP
• Certifications : NAR Certified

Designation : Block Mentor

Email ID :svep.gandarbal-kangan-srinagar@ediindia.org

Shaista Yousuf is a dedicated Block Mentor with over two years of experience under the Startup Village Entrepreneurship Programme (SVEP). Holding a Master’s degree in Arts, she currently supports three merged blocks where handicrafts and farming are primary livelihoods. Shaista specializes in mentoring rural women and building their capacity to run their own enterprises. Passionate about empowering women, she plays a vital role in encouraging them to come to the forefront as entrepreneurs. Despite progress, she believes there is still much to do to enable these communities to earn a dignified income and achieve sustainable rural livelihoods through entrepreneurship development.

• Academic Professional Qualification M.A

• Areas of Specialisation : Entrepreneurship Development, Capacity Building


• Projects Handled : SVEP
• Certifications : NAR Certified

Designation : Block Mentor

Email ID :svep.qazigund-doorushabad@ediindia.org

Rameez Shafi is a dynamic professional with strong expertise in strategic planning and execution. With a proven record in business development and client relationship management, he excels at identifying new opportunities and expanding market presence. Skilled in financial modeling, budgeting, and market research, Rameez enables data-driven decisions that enhance operational efficiency. He holds a BCA and MBA, with expertise spanning IT, marketing, training management, and entrepreneurship development. Throughout his career, Rameez has successfully handled impactful projects such as DDUGKY, CSR, PMKVY, RPL, and SVEP. His leadership and collaborative approach have driven innovation, supported rural entrepreneurship, and contributed to sustainable community development.

• Academic Professional Qualification BCA, MBA

• Areas of Specialisation : IT, Marketing, Training Management, and Entrepreneurship Development


• Projects Handled : DDUGKY, CSR, PMKVY, RPL, SVEP
• Certifications : NAR Certified

Designation : Block Mentor

Email ID :svep.udhampur-chenani.org@ediindia.org

Sonu is a budding new-age development professional and enterprise development trainer with NAR certification from RUDSETI. He holds a Master’s in Social Work and specializes in livelihood promotion, business development, and counseling. Currently, he is based in Udhampur Block, Jammu and Kashmir, where he serves as a Block Mentor under the SVEP. In this role, Sonu is strengthening grassroots initiatives and guiding aspiring rural entrepreneurs to establish sustainable enterprises. His commitment to empowering local communities and fostering self-reliance is evident in his hands-on approach. Sonu’s dedicated efforts continue to drive meaningful social and economic change across the region.

• Academic Professional Qualification MSW

• Areas of Specialisation : Entrepreneurship Development


• Projects Handled : SVEP
• Certifications : NAR Certified

Designation : Block Mentor

Email ID :svep.lalbarra@ediindia.org

Ashish Pandey is a dedicated development professional with extensive experience in rural livelihoods promotion, enterprise development, and capacity building. He has worked closely with the National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM) and Start-up Village Entrepreneurship Programme (SVEP), focusing on promoting nano and micro-enterprises in rural and tribal areas. His professional journey reflects a strong understanding of grassroots entrepreneurship ecosystems, community-based institutions like SHGs, VOs, and CLFs, and the CRP-EP strategy of enterprise promotion. At EDII, Ashish served as a State Anchor under SVEP, where he mentored Block Resource Centers (BRCs), built capacities of CRP-EPs, and supported the implementation of SVEP across multiple districts. His work also included enterprise diagnostics, CEF linkage, market linkages, and convergence with schemes like PMFME and ODOP. Ashish is passionate about participatory development, entrepreneurship training, and livelihood strengthening. His field experience has helped in shaping sustainable models of enterprise support through mentoring, training, and institutional strengthening. With strong documentation, facilitation, and program management skills, he continues to contribute meaningfully to the domain of rural development.

• Academic Professional Qualification M.A Rural Development

• Areas of Specialisation : Rural Livelihoods and Entrepreneurship, Capacity Building of CRP-EPs and Community Institutions, Business Planning and Diagnostics, Project Implementation and Monitoring, Participatory Training and Facilitation Convergence and Stakeholder Engagement


• Projects Handled : SVEP
• Certifications : NAR Certified

Designation : Block Mentor

Email ID :svep.thandla@ediindia.org

Santosh is a dedicated professional with over 12 years of experience in the skill development sector. He currently serves as Operations Manager and State Head at Face Society, overseeing projects across Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Assam, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, and Uttar Pradesh. Previously, he worked with Aditya Birla Skills Foundation as a Mobilizer-cum-Placement Coordinator and with IL&FS Skills Development Corporation as a Marketing Coordinator with added roles in business development and placements. Sonu excels in operations management, youth mobilization, training quality, MIS reporting, and team capacity building, consistently ensuring smooth execution of projects while supporting placements and recovery efforts.

• Academic Professional Qualification M.A Sociology

• Areas of Specialisation : Training & Marketing


• Projects Handled : MMKSY, PMKVY, STAR, Learn & Earn, RPL & NJJM
• Certifications : NAR Certified

Designation : Block Mentor

Email ID :vikassamparc@gmail.com

Vikas Umesh Pandey is a dedicated social work professional with over six years of diverse experience in community development, child welfare, entrepreneurship mentoring, and capacity building. Holding a Master’s in Social Work (HRM) from Shivaji University, Kolhapur, he was awarded Best Student at Yashwantrao Chavan School of Social Work, Satara. Currently a Mentor under SVEP in Shahapur, Thane, Vikas supports rural entrepreneurs with proposal assessments, training, and business development under EDII. Previously, he served as a Child Welfare and Probation Officer, specializing in child protection. Passionate about social change, he remains committed to empowering rural communities and fostering sustainable livelihoods.

• Academic Professional Qualification Master of Social Work In Human Resource Management

• Areas of Specialisation : Rural Entrepreneurship Development, Child Protection & Juvenile Justice, Social Work in Institutional Care, Training & Capacity Building, Project Management & Documentation, Research and Fieldwork, Human Resource Development (HRD) in Social Work


• Projects Handled : Startup Village Entrepreneurship Programme (SVEP), Shahapur, Thane (EDII) – May 2024–Present
  Child Welfare & Probation Officer under JJ Act – SAMPARC Balgram, Raigad – Sep 2023–Apr 2024
  Supervised social work projects at Child Care Institutions
  Conducted Disaster Management Training – SEVA, Aurangabad
  Conducted Watershed Management Training – SEVA/District Resource Organization, Satara
  ASER Survey Training – PRATHAM, Satara – Oct 2018; trained 60+ students and ensured survey quality and community engagement
• Certifications : NAR Certified

Designation : Block Mentor

Email ID :svep.pandharkavada@ediindia.org

Santosh is a dedicated professional with more than six years of experience in the social sector, including five years focused on the promotion of non-farm and agri-allied livelihood activities. Throughout his career, he has successfully supported over two thousand micro and small enterprises, helping them grow and sustain their ventures. Santosh has also conducted more than sixteen batches of training programs for a diverse set of stakeholders, including CRP-EPs, community members, and entrepreneurs. His expertise lies in empowering communities with practical knowledge and skills, facilitating sustainable livelihoods, and driving impactful grassroots-level initiatives in the rural and social development sectors.

• Academic Professional Qualification BSW,M.A Development

• Areas of Specialisation : Enterprises Promotion, Women Empowerment, Nonfarm, Farm and Allied Livelihood Promotion, Training and Data collection


• Projects Handled : SVEP (Implementation and DPR Preparation Activities), CDP (Scoping Studies), HDFC's Parivartan, Project Sakham for growth of miycn indicator
• Certifications : NAR Certified

Designation : Block Mentor

Email ID :svep.kalamb@ediindia.org

Chittaranjan is a dedicated development professional working as a Block Mentor in Yavatmal, Maharashtra. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Arts and a Diploma in Yoga Teacher Training, and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Social Work. Throughout his career, he has supported NGOs on initiatives related to women’s empowerment, water and sanitation, yoga education, and financial inclusion. His expertise lies in rural entrepreneurship, skill training, and business development. Chittaranjan has successfully implemented the Start-up Village Entrepreneurship Programme (SVEP), mentoring rural youth and women to establish sustainable enterprises. Passionate and committed, he strives to empower rural communities toward long-term self-reliance.

• Academic Professional Qualification B.A. (Bachelor of Arts), Diploma in Yoga Teacher Training

• Areas of Specialisation : Rural Entrepreneurship, Skill Training, Business Development


• Projects Handled : SVEP

Designation : Block Mentor

Email ID :svep.palghar@ediindia.org

Mamta Shriram Madavi holds a Master of Arts in Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship, as well as a Bachelor of Social Work. Her expertise lies in women’s empowerment, livelihoods, and entrepreneurship, with hands-on experience in leading initiatives such as Project Udyamita, SVEP, and PVTG. Mamta firmly believes in the power of collaboration and innovation to address pressing challenges in village entrepreneurship. Beyond her entrepreneurial work, she is actively engaged in training programs, research, and mentoring micro-entrepreneurs. An innovative and strategic thinker, Mamta continually refines her approaches to operations, budgeting, and market trends to identify new growth opportunities. She values public relations and team-building, driven by strong leadership. Mamta is dedicated to creating impactful, sustainable change in rural livelihoods and fostering entrepreneurship that contributes to lasting prosperity.

• Academic Professional Qualification BSW, M.A Specialisation in Social Innovation And Entrepreneurship

• Areas of Specialisation : Women Empowerment, Livelihood, Enterpreneurship


• Projects Handled : Project Udyamita, SVEP, PVTG
• Certifications : NAR Certified

Designation : Block Mentor

Email ID :svep.valtoha-chohlasahib@ediindia.org

Mohinder Kumar Sharma is a committed rural development professional who began his career with the Startup Village Entrepreneurship Programme (SVEP) in 2018 in Sunam Block of Sangrur District, Punjab. After successfully completing his assignment there, he moved on to Valtoha-Chohla Sahib Block of Tarn Taran District, where he continues to contribute to grassroots entrepreneurship development. He holds an MBA with dual specializations in Marketing and Human Resources, along with a Master’s degree in Sociology, equipping him with a strong academic foundation and a deep understanding of rural societies. With core expertise in rural development and entrepreneurship promotion, Mohinder has successfully supported the implementation of SVEP, helping to foster sustainable enterprises and self-reliance in rural communities. Passionate about creating inclusive growth, he remains dedicated to empowering rural youth and women through capacity building and enterprise promotion at the block level.

• Academic Professional Qualification MBA (Marketing & HR), M.A Sociology

• Areas of Specialisation : Rural Development


• Projects Handled : SVEP
• Certifications : NAR Certified

Designation : Block Mentor

Email ID :Bankati.svep@ediindia.org

Rohit Kumar holds a Master’s in Sociology, completed in 2018. He began his career with the CRP-EP and Accountant team under the Startup Village Entrepreneurship Program in Nighasan Block, Lakhimpur, working to support grassroots entrepreneurship. In 2023, he joined the Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India as a Mentor. During his tenure in Bankati Block, Basti District, he guided rural entrepreneurs through mentoring, capacity-building, and hands-on support. In September 2024, he was transferred to Ladpur Block, Kota, Rajasthan, continuing his role with EDII. Rohit’s work with EDII has enhanced his skills and commitment to empowering local communities and entrepreneurs.

• Academic Professional Qualification M.A Sociology

• Areas of Specialisation : Entrepreneurship Development


• Projects Handled : SVEP

Designation : Block Mentor

Email ID :svep.chinnakodur@ediindia.org

Banoth Lalu is a committed development professional serving as Block Mentor in Chinnakodur, Telangana. He holds a BTech degree and brings strong expertise in rural entrepreneurship, training, and business development. Throughout his career, he has played a vital role in empowering local communities by guiding aspiring entrepreneurs to establish and grow sustainable businesses. Banoth has successfully handled the SVEP project, where his hands-on mentoring and practical support have enabled rural enterprises to thrive. Passionate about creating new livelihood opportunities, he continues to contribute to grassroots economic development and skill enhancement, making a lasting impact on the rural entrepreneurship landscape in his region.

• Academic Professional Qualification B.Tech

• Areas of Specialisation : Rural Entrepreneurship, Business Development, ECE


• Projects Handled : SVEP
• Certifications : NAR Certified

Designation : Block Mentor

Email ID :sevapuri.svep@ediindia.org

As a Mentor EDII, Ahmedabad, I had the opportunity to work closely with aspiring entrepreneurs and guide them on their journey towards success. Have guided individuals in creating and refining business ideas with strategic development. Facilitated workshops on important aspects of business-like marketing, finance, and operations. Offered tailored mentorship and support to create effective business strategies to mentees on their entrepreneurial journey. Played an integral role in coordinating networking events, fostering connections within the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Instrumental in formation of over 1500 enterprises across diverse regions including Gujarat, Haryana, and Jammu. Conducted over 50 comprehensive training sessions for rural entrepreneurs and other stakeholders of the community, empowering them with essential skills and knowledge about running a successful

• Academic Professional Qualification MSW

• Areas of Specialisation : Entrepreneurship Development


• Projects Handled : SVEP
• Certifications : NAR Certified

Designation : Block Mentor

Email ID :Svep.kadaura@ediindia.org

Ravi Shekhar holds a B.Sc. in Nautical Science, a B.Sc. in Geography, and a Master’s in Social Work. He began his career in the Merchant Navy as a Navigation and Radio Officer, where eight years at sea instilled discipline and resilience. Over time, however, he felt a deeper calling to create meaningful, grassroots impact. This led him to pursue a Master’s in Social Work and transition into the development sector. Currently, he serves as a Block Mentor with the Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India under the Startup Village Entrepreneurship Programme (SVEP), where he supports women-led micro-enterprises in rural areas. Witnessing these women gain financial independence and transform their communities has given him a profound sense of purpose and fulfillment. His journey reflects a commitment to empowering others through sustainable, inclusive development.

• Academic Professional Qualification MSW

• Areas of Specialisation : Rural Entrepreneurship Development, Capacity Building, DPR Making


• Projects Handled : SVEP

Designation : Mentor

Email ID :svep.joshimath@ediindia.org

A passionate rural development professional with 7 years of experience in the Social field & livelihoods sector. A MSW in Rural Development graduate from HNBGU, Srinagar, Garhwal. She is currently serving as the Block Mentor under the Start-Up Village Entrepreneurship Programme (SVEP) at Joshimath Block, Uttarakhand. Based in the remote terrains of Indian Himalayan region, Mrs. Rupa is doing incredible works in empowering local women nudging them enter into the domain of Rural Entrepreneurship, Business Development and Marketing locally produced items.

• Academic Professional Qualification Master in Social Work (MSW)

• Areas of Specialisation : Rural Development


• Projects Handled : SVEP, SRS,(Sample Ragistration System )RSOC(Rapid Survey On Children)
• Certifications : NAR Certified

Designation : Block Mentor

Email ID :svep.dharchula@ediindia

An experienced development sector professional based in Dharchula, Uttarakhand. Have worked in multiple sectors, in multiple positions. Work for the betterment of people and upliftment of the society. As a Block Mentor from the Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII), He is impacting many lives through the Start-Up Village Entrepreneurship Programme (SVEP) in close coordination with Uttarakhand State Rural Livelihoods Mission. My goal is to empower local people of Dharchula through educating them on enterprise and business development, equipping them with necessary entrepreneurial skills and transforming them into budding Rural Entrepreneurs of India.

• Academic Professional Qualification M.A.

• Areas of Specialisation : Social & Development Sector


• Projects Handled : SVEP
• Certifications : NAR Certified

Designation : Cluster Development Executive

Email ID :cde.badarwasediindia.org

Mustakeem is a dedicated Cluster Development Executive with proven expertise in strengthening rural economies through cluster-based approaches, enterprise promotion, and value chain enhancement. With a background in social development, he empowers producer groups, especially women and marginalized communities, by creating sustainable livelihood opportunities. At EDII, he supports micro-enterprise clusters through baseline surveys, DPR preparation, capacity-building programs, and marketing linkages. Skilled in stakeholder coordination, community engagement, and training, he ensures smooth field-level implementation and convergence with government schemes. Passionate about inclusive growth, he believes participatory planning and grassroots innovation can drive lasting socio-economic transformation in rural areas.

• Academic Professional Qualification B.A, BSW, DCA

• Areas of Specialisation : Entrepreneurship & Cluster Development


• Projects Handled : NRLM-CDP
• Certifications : NAR Certified