1

Er. PVN Pratap, President

Pratap is a software engineer having over eight years of development exposure. He is founder; Managing Director & CEO of Jayam Solutions (P) Ltd. which supports microfinance institutions through FIMO, an integrated computer based Management Information System. He is serving in the boards of Saadhana Microfin Society, Kurnool and Vardaan Trust, Dahod, Gujarat. He is also into the advisory committees of couple of other Microfinance Institutions (MFIs). Pratap holds a bachelor degree in Engineering (Production Engineering) from Baba Sahib Ambedkar University, Aurangabad, Maharashtra. Pratap is one of the founder members on Nirantara. He brings in his valuable experience of integration of technology in livelihood finance.

2

Niranjan ‎Sheelavant, ‎ Secretary ‎& ‎CEO

Niranjan is in the development sector since 9 years. His prior work experience includes serving as team leader in participatory projects on watershed management, tank management, sustainable agriculture & natural resources management. Niranjan worked as a faculty member in Bidar DCC Bank’s training center, as an institutional development consultant to clients of BASIX and as an independent consultant for many start-up microfinance institutions in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. He has been trained and exposed to important toolkits of MicroSave, an internationally recognized training and research organization. He has traveled extensively in the country and seen operations of many leading and mid-sized microfinance organizations having operations in various methodologies. He is also exposed to operations of Grameen Bank of Bangladesh. He is also part of the Rotary Club of Bidar New Century (RI 3160). Niranjan holds a bachelor degree in Horticulture from University of Agriculture Sciences, Dharwad (1998).

Niranjan is key founder of the institution and he is committed for building a professional and reputed development institution.

3

Surykant Ramshetty, Treasurer

Suryakant is an entrepreneur based in Bidar and running his retail franchisee business in association with Eureka Forbes Ltd., since last 6 years. He is an active social worker involved activities of many voluntary institutions including Rotary Club of Bidar New Century (RI 3160). Suryakant is an expert in marketing and public relations. He has done his MBA from Allahabad Agricultural University (2006). Suryakant is one of the founder members and he contributes his marketing and skills with people for delivery of our goods and services.

4

Anilkumar ‎Gadigeppa, Member

Anil is an experienced development worker with vast experience in animal husbandry, watershed management, natural resources management, livelihood promotion and community based microfinance. He has over 15 years of experience in grass-root voluntary organizations including Myrada. He was instrumental in establishing a successful community based microfinance model by federating SHGs in to a Souharda Cooperative in Bidar district. Now the cooperative is one of the best models in the district. He is currently replicating the same success in Bellary district by working with a leading voluntary organization. Anil holds degrees in Arts and Education from Mysore University. Anil is one of the founder members and he brings his experience of management of community based microfinance institutions.

5

Dr. KC Veeranna, Member

Dr. Veeranna holds a Masters degree in Veterinary Science from University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore. He is currently working as Associate Professor and Head of the Department, Veterinary Extension Division in Veterinary College, Bidar. He is having over 12 years of teaching, research and extension experience in Veterinary and Animal Husbandry. Dr. Veeranna is also associated with development sector through active involvement in National Service Scheme of the Veterinary College and as a Project Evaluator for CAPART. He serves in boards of reputed voluntary organizations. Dr. Veeranna is also one of the founder members and brings to Nirantara, his valuable veterinary extension and development experience.

6

B. Sharanabasava, Member

Sharan has experience in development as well as corporate sectors. After completion of his post-graduation in Horticulture, he started working in a grass-root voluntary organization and facilitated implementation of watershed management project. Now he is working in a leading drip irrigation company in a senior position. Sharan’s interests include rural development through provision of need-based enterprises. He is a gold medalist in Horticulture from University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore (2000). He is one of the founder members and brings with his corporate experience of horticulture and water management.

7

Dr. Rajshekhar Patil, Member

Dr. Rajshekhar is a doctor by profession and social worker by passion. He is a leading medical practitioner based in. He completed his MBBS and MD from MR Medical College, Gulbarga. He is an active member of Rotary Club of Bidar (RI 3160) with many social interventions. Dr. Rajshekhar is in the board of Nirantara since April 2007 and he brings in his networking abilities to Nirantara Community Services.