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Cmde Manish Sinha (Retd)
Additional Director General
Cmde Manish Sinha (Retd) is a Surface Warfare specialist who served in the Indian Navy for 33 years, with a background in operations, defence cooperation and training. He has served as Executive Officer on board Abhay and Shivalik, whilst being entrusted with command of CGS C-01, Ajay and Betwa.
His staff assignments include those at HQIDS/ DIA (Defence Protocol & Foreign Liaison); NHQ (Directorate of Foreign Cooperation) and HQWNC (Command Ops Officer, Command Plans Officer and Staff Officer to Chief of Staff).
His training assignments include the 1st Training Squadron on board INS Tir; Directing Staff and Head of Training Team (Navy) at Defence Services Staff College, Wellington; as also member of the first Indian Military Training Team (IMTT) positioned at the Command and Staff College, Tanzania.
Prior superannuating in 2025, he was Executive Director of India’s premier maritime think tank, the National Maritime foundation.
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Ms. Shalini Khanna
Head - Communication and Outreach - Chakra Foundation
Shalini Khanna brings over three decades of rich experience in the field of education. Having served as a Headmistress and Principal in renowned schools across Delhi and National Capital Region (NCR), she possesses a deep understanding of educational dynamics and pedagogical practices.
Ms. Khanna's influence extends beyond administrative roles. Her mentoring and guidance have catalyzed transformative experiences for numerous individuals, leaving an enduring impact on the educational landscape. With a vision fueled by passion and sustained by tireless dedication, she has contributed significantly to shaping the future of education.
At Chakra Foundation, Ms. Shalini Khanna leverages her expertise to drive communication and outreach initiatives, fostering meaningful engagements and partnerships within the education community as well as other industries. Her unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation continues to enrich the educational experiences of countless young minds, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in an ever-evolving world.
Dr. Neha
Head – Sustainability & Behaviour Change
Dr. Neha is a visionary sustainability leader and seasoned strategist with over 23 years’ experience in environmental policy, strategic communication, and behaviour change. She has led 140+ projects—35+ as Project Lead—covering climate action, water conservation, waste reduction, biodiversity, energy efficiency, and WASH (Water, Sanitation & Hygiene).
Known for bridging global sustainability agendas with local action, Dr. Neha works with governments, corporates, multilateral agencies, and civil society to deliver impactful, self-sustaining solutions. A nationally recognised expert in Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) and Behavioural & Social Change Communication (SBCC), she has created multilingual educational resources, innovative environmental games, and large-scale awareness campaigns that have reached diverse audiences across India and beyond.
She has represented India at global platforms including COP 24 & 25, UN forums, the World Sustainable Development Summit (WSDS) and many more. Her work includes over 50 publications, multiple innovation and client satisfaction awards, and service on prestigious advisory bodies including member of IUCN Commission on Education and Communication. As Guest Faculty at leading universities, she contributes to policy development, capacity building, and curriculum innovation in environmental sustainability.
Grounded in evidence-based strategy and collaborative leadership, Dr. Neha continues to design and deliver initiatives that drive systemic change, advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and inspire the next generation of environmental leaders.
