Our Mentor
Shri Awadh Kishore Singh
Shri Awadh Kishore Singh is a respected leader in social development, known for his lifelong commitment to community development. He is the Founder, Managing Trustee, and Director of LEADS, an organization he has led for the past 21 years, guiding its growth into a trusted institution working across education, child rights, livelihoods, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and several other development initiatives.
He holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Rural Development (PGDRD) from XISS, where he was honoured with the Best Award for Social Work in 1995. In 2023, he represented India at the G20 Summit on behalf of LEADS, reflecting and sharing India's development journey and growth during the G20 Summit.
With 30 years of experience in rural development, he brings deep expertise across a wide range of areas, including the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the Right to Education (RTE) Act 2009, participatory strategic planning, organizational development, budget analysis, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Right to Information Act, government schemes and entitlements, child development, project planning, the Logical Framework Approach (LFA), Theory of Change, Results Matrix, livelihood planning, and many other development domains.
He has held several key positions of national importance, including serving as a member of the National Steering Group of the RTE Forum. He has also served as the State Convener of the Jharkhand Right to Education Forum, working closely to promote quality primary education across Jharkhand. He currently serves as the Convener of the Jharkhand SDG Alliance.
In 2017, he received the prestigious International Education Excellence Award in recognition of his outstanding work in strengthening government school systems and advancing education reform in Jharkhand. Under his leadership, LEADS has earned both national and international recognition for its significant contributions to education, livelihoods, environmental sustainability, and social accountability.
Driven by a clear vision and an unwavering commitment to transforming ideas into action, he has successfully led LEADS in developing innovative and community-driven development models that have been replicated across multiple project areas, creating sustainable and lasting impact for the people of Jharkhand.
Program Team

Nirjharini Rath
HR Executive & Senior Programme Facilitator
Ms. Nirjharini Rath is a distinguished development professional with over 25 years of experience in strategic leadership, human resource management, institutional development, fundraising, partnership building and Policy Engagement. Throughout her career, she has successfully led organizational transformation, strengthened institutional systems, and mobilized resources for sustainable development initiatives. She has been associated with Life Education and Development Support (LEADS) since 2012 and currently serves as the Senior HR Executive & Senior Programme Facilitator. She provides strategic leadership in organizational development, human resource management, programme planning, donor engagement, institutional strengthening, and resource mobilization while fostering long-term partnerships with government departments, CSR foundations, bilateral agencies, philanthropic organizations, and international development partners. Ms. Rath holds an LL.B. and a Master's Degree in Human Resource Management from Pondicherry University. She is having various other national and international level developmental exposure.

Mahendra Kumar
Senior Programme Facilitator
Mr. Mahendra Kumar is a senior development professional with over 31 years of experience in rural development, natural resource management, education, sustainable agriculture, Plantations, PRIs, Animal Husbandry and programme management. As one of the founding members of LEADS, he has played a pivotal role in shaping the organization's growth and programme excellence. He has been associated with Life Education and Development Support (LEADS) since its inception and currently serves as the Senior Programme Facilitator, providing strategic leadership in programme planning, implementation, quality assurance, team management, and institutional coordination across multiple development initiatives. He holds a Postgraduate Degree in Rural Development from the Xavier Institute of Social Service (XISS), Ranchi with various long term and short-term developmental trainings. He is having various other national and international level developmental exposure. His professional work includes natural resource management, organic farming, rural livelihoods, clean energy, Right to Education (RTE), digital documentation, programme management, and government convergence. His practical leadership and technical guidance continue to strengthen LEADS' programme effectiveness and community impact.

Nisha Tripathy
Program Facilitator
Mrs. Nisha Tripathy is a committed development professional with over 19 years of experience, including 14 years with LEADS, in women's empowerment, child rights, financial inclusion, entrepreneurship development, and community institution strengthening. She has consistently worked towards promoting gender equality and inclusive development. She has been associated with Life Education and Development Support (LEADS) since 2012 and currently serves as the Program Facilitator. She facilitates strategic partnerships with government agencies, civil society organizations, community institutions, and development partners while strengthening grassroots networks and organizational collaboration. She also serves as a nodal person of LEADS' Internal Complaints Committee (ICC). Mrs. Tripathy holds a Master's Degree in Social Work (MSW) with various long term and short-term developmental trainings.

Santosh Kumar
Central Programme Facilitator
Mr. Santosh Kumar is a social development professional with over 13 years of experience in designing, implementing, and managing integrated development programmes across Jharkhand and Bihar. His work focuses on strengthening public systems and promoting sustainable, community-led development. He currently serves as the Central Programme Facilitator at Life Education and Development Support (LEADS), where he provides technical leadership across education, child protection, sustainable livelihoods, governance, public health, and community empowerment programmes. He works closely with government departments, donor agencies, civil society organizations, and community institutions to strengthen programme quality and institutional partnerships. Mr. Kumar holds a Postgraduate Degree in Rural Development with various long term and short-term developmental trainings.

Ranjit Bhengra
Livelihood Expert
Mr. Ranjit Bhengra is a livelihood specialist with over 15 years of experience in integrated natural resource management, climate-smart agriculture, integrated farming systems, and sustainable livelihood promotion. He has worked extensively with rural communities to enhance agricultural productivity, climate resilience, and household incomes. He is associated with Life Education and Development Support (LEADS) as the Livelihood Expert, providing technical guidance for livelihood promotion, agriculture-based enterprises, women-led producer groups, financial inclusion, and government convergence initiatives. He holds a Master's Degree in Rural Development (MARD). His professional work includes integrated natural resource management, climate-smart agriculture, organic farming, Farmer Producer Organization (FPO) development, value chain promotion, community mobilization, technical documentation, and gender-responsive livelihood programming. His expertise continues to strengthen resilient farming systems and sustainable livelihood opportunities for rural and tribal communities.

Ashutosh Jaiswal
Education Expert
Mr. Ashutosh Jaiswal is a development professional with nearly 10 years of experience in education, child rights, Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE), school governance, and community-based education initiatives. He has dedicated his career to strengthening public education systems and improving learning opportunities for children from underserved communities. He has been associated with Life Education and Development Support (LEADS) since 2013 and currently serves as the Education Expert. He provides technical leadership in strengthening government schools, School Management Committees (SMCs), School Development Plans (SDPs), and community participation while working closely with teachers, education departments, and local institutions across Khunti and West Singhbhum districts. Mr. Jaiswal holds a Postgraduate Degree from Utkal University, Odisha. His professional portfolio includes the Right to Education (RTE) Act, ECCE, school governance, teacher capacity building, child counselling, health and nutrition, educational research, and stakeholder engagement. Through his technical guidance and commitment to quality education, he continues to strengthen inclusive learning environments and improve educational outcomes for children across LEADS' intervention areas.

Anjali Kumari
Programme Facilitator
Ms. Anjali Kumari is a development professional with over 3 years of experience in rural development, programme facilitation, monitoring and evaluation, documentation, communications, and stakeholder engagement. Throughout her professional journey, she has contributed to initiatives focused on women empowerment, education, livelihoods, child development, and institutional strengthening while promoting evidence-based programme management. She has been associated with Life Education and Development Support (LEADS) and currently serves as the Programme Facilitator. In her role, she facilitates programme implementation through high-quality documentation, donor reporting, proposal development, knowledge management, publications, annual reports, case studies, website content, digital communications, and organizational visibility. She also supports programme monitoring, learning, and stakeholder coordination to strengthen institutional knowledge and effective programme delivery. Ms. Kumari holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) in Rural Management from the Xavier Institute of Management. Her professional portfolio includes programme documentation, donor reporting, knowledge management, organizational communications, monitoring and evaluation, social media and digital outreach, stakeholder engagement, proposal development, and impact storytelling. Through her commitment to quality documentation and strategic communication, she contributes to strengthening LEADS' visibility, institutional learning, and development impact.

Prativa Kumari
MIS Facilitator
Ms. Prativa is a development professional with over 4 years of experience in programme monitoring, management information systems (MIS), community engagement, project implementation, and organizational reporting. She has worked across diverse development initiatives promoting women's empowerment, livelihoods, child protection, and financial inclusion. She is associated with Life Education and Development Support (LEADS) as an MIS Facilitator, supporting programme teams through efficient information management, data compilation, reporting systems, monitoring processes, and documentation. She works closely with field teams to ensure data accuracy, timely reporting, and effective information flow that supports programme implementation and decision-making. She holds a Postgraduate Degree in Rural Management. Her professional work includes MIS management, monitoring and evaluation, database management, programme reporting, data quality assurance, stakeholder coordination, documentation, and community-level information systems. Through systematic data management and monitoring support, she contributes to strengthening programme quality, accountability, and organizational learning across LEADS' interventions.

Manish Kumar Singh
Programme Facilitator
Mr. Manish Kumar Singh is a development professional with over 4 years of experience in planning, facilitating, and implementing community development programmes across Jharkhand. He has worked extensively with government departments, donor agencies, CSR partners, and community institutions to promote sustainable and inclusive development. He has been associated with Life Education and Development Support (LEADS) for the past four years and currently serves as a Programme Facilitator. He facilitates donor-supported programmes, strengthens government convergence, coordinates stakeholder engagement, and supports programme implementation across renewable energy, climate action, migration, labour rights, and sustainable livelihood initiatives. Mr. Singh holds a Master's Degree in Rural Development from Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee University, Ranchi. His professional portfolio includes renewable energy, climate action, migration and labour rights, sustainable livelihoods, water resource management, project management, donor coordination, monitoring and evaluation, proposal development, institutional partnerships, and capacity building. His multidisciplinary experience continues to support integrated and sustainable development programmes across LEADS' intervention areas.

Kumari Priya
MIS Facilitator
Ms. Kumari Priya is a development professional with over 3 years of experience in Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability & Learning (MEAL), Management Information Systems (MIS), human resource management, livelihood promotion, and skill development. Her professional experience combines strong analytical skills with grassroots engagement to support evidence-based programme implementation. She has been associated with Life Education and Development Support (LEADS) as an MIS Facilitator. She facilitates project monitoring systems, MIS management, reporting, data quality assurance, evaluations, and organizational learning while supporting programme teams in tracking performance and strengthening accountability mechanisms. She holds an MBA in Human Resource Management from Usha Martin University. Her professional portfolio includes monitoring and evaluation, MIS development, data analysis, reporting systems, accountability frameworks, programme quality assurance, human resource management, and community engagement. Through effective information management and data-driven reporting, she contributes to strengthening programme performance, organizational learning, and informed decision-making across LEADS' development initiatives.

Bhawanand Jha
Finance Manager
Mr. Bhawanand Jha is an accomplished finance professional with over 25 years of experience in financial management, budgeting, accounting, auditing, statutory compliance, and grant management. Throughout his career, he has played a vital role in strengthening financial governance and ensuring transparency and accountability within development organizations. He has been associated with Life Education and Development Support (LEADS) since 2005 and currently serves as the Finance Manager. He leads the organization's financial planning, budgeting, fund management, donor financial reporting, statutory compliance, audit processes, and internal financial systems while providing strategic financial guidance to the management and Board of Trustees. Mr. Jha holds a Master's Degree in Commerce and an LL.B. from Ranchi University. His professional portfolio includes financial planning, grant management, budgeting, audit coordination, financial analysis, donor compliance, internal financial controls, and organizational governance. Through his financial leadership and commitment to accountability, he continues to strengthen LEADS' financial sustainability and institutional credibility.

Satish Kumar Malik
Senior Accountant
Mr. Satish Kumar Malik is an experienced accounting professional with over 18 years of experience, including 9 years with Life Education and Development Support (LEADS). He has built a strong reputation for maintaining financial accuracy, transparency, and compliance while supporting efficient programme implementation. He has been associated with LEADS since 2017 and currently serves as the Senior Accountant. He manages day-to-day accounting operations, financial documentation, expenditure monitoring, payroll processing, bank reconciliation, statutory compliance, and audit support, ensuring adherence to organizational policies and donor requirements. He holds a Graduate Degree in Accounting and has advanced technical proficiency in Tally ERP, computerized accounting systems, and digital financial management. His professional responsibilities include maintaining financial records, strengthening internal financial controls, supporting financial reporting, and ensuring compliance with statutory and donor regulations. His meticulous approach and technical competence contribute significantly to LEADS' financial efficiency and operational accountability.

Rakesh Kumar Choudhary
Accounts Officer
Mr. Rakesh Kumar Choudhary is a dedicated finance professional with over 15 years of experience in accounting, financial administration, banking operations, and compliance management. His systematic approach and commitment to financial integrity have made him an integral part of LEADS' finance team. He has been associated with Life Education and Development Support (LEADS) since 2009 and currently serves as the Accounts Officer. He is responsible for managing accounting transactions, payment processing, bank reconciliation, financial documentation, cash management, and compliance with organizational financial policies and donor guidelines. Mr. Choudhary holds an MBA from Sikkim Manipal University. His professional experience includes financial accounting, computerized accounting systems, banking operations, audit support, financial documentation, donor compliance, and internal financial controls. His dedication to maintaining accurate financial records continues to strengthen the organization's financial governance and operational excellence.
