Yashwant Deshmukh
Advisor
A pioneering social entrepreneur and founder of CVoter Foundation, with over 30 years of experience in survey research, strategic analysis, and public opinion advocacy, Yashwant Deshmukh is inspiring all.
Starting with a small team in 1993, his efforts made CVoter grow into one of the South Asia’s largest socio-economic research organizations, where more than half a million interviews are conducted annually. He has an expertise of addressing a wide array of critical global issues, from humanitarian recovery to conflict resolution.
Yashwant’s innovative approach led to the creation of South Asia’s only daily perception research tracker, using advanced methods like CATI and CAPI. He has been instrumental in collaborating with global institutions like Yale University to gauge public awareness on environmental issues. One of his standout achievements is leading India’s effort in accurately tracking COVID-19 casualties, a study that was published in the prestigious Science journal.
Yashwant’s commitment to education and research extends to his role as a visiting faculty at numerous universities. He has trained hundreds of postgraduates in media and election observation and has served as a speaker and mentor worldwide. A graduate of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Yashwant is also trained in peace process evaluation and conflict resolution.
His contributions have earned him leadership roles in esteemed organizations like World Association of Public Opinion Research (WAPOR) and the International Social Survey Program (ISSP).
Yashwant is still dedicated to using research to drive impactful, informed decision-making that shapes public policy and enhances societal progress.
Sultanat Khan
Advisor
Ms. Sultanat Khan is a senior Communications, Media and Events Professional with over 16 years of leadership in strategic communications and event management within the development sector. She has driven impactful initiatives for renowned organizations like the University of Oxford’s Young Lives and UNICEF, leading campaigns that address critical social issues such as child marriage, child labor, and teenage pregnancy. With expertise in media relations, advocacy, and the production of high-quality thematic films, Sultanat has a proven track record of influencing policy, mobilizing media, and shaping public discourse. Her ability to develop and execute comprehensive communication strategies makes her an invaluable asset in advancing social change.
Ms. Khan holds a Master’s degree from Sikkim Manipal University and is based in New Delhi. She is currently working as a Senior Communication and Events Coordinator with Young Lives India.
Ashwini Bhatnagar
Advisor
Ashwini Bhatnagar is a highly accomplished journalist, author, and media studies academic with over 30 years of experience in print, television, and digital media.
He has held key editorial roles at various publications, some of them being Editor-in-Chief for WriteConnectIndia.com and Professor and Dean of the Faculty of Mass Communication at SGT University, Gurugram.
His editorial career includes leadership positions at top Indian newspapers such as The Pioneer, The Times of India, Sunday Mail, and The Tribune. He played a pivotal role in launching and redesigning various editions, including The Tribune’s hyper-local editions and its digital presence.
Known for his expertise in political reporting, Bhatnagar travelled extensively with Indian Prime Ministers— Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi, and Atal Behari Vajpayee. His analytical strengths extend to content strategy, design, and media consultancy, having collaborated with organizations such as UNICEF, WHO, and the National AIDS Control Organization on projects related to health communication and child labour.
In addition to his journalism career, Bhatnagar is a prolific author with several books to his credit, including The Lotus Years: Political Life in the Time of Rajiv Gandhi and Starring Mahjabeen as Meena Kumari, a biography of the iconic Indian actress.
His works span biographies, literary fiction, and political analysis, demonstrating his versatility as a writer.
Ashwini has also made significant contributions to media education, having served as a guest lecturer and professor at institutions like the Indian Institute of Mass Communication and Amity School of Journalism. His diverse experience across multiple media formats, combined with his deep understanding of political and social issues, positions him as a leading figure in Indian journalism and media studies.
Deepak Kumar Jha
Advisor
Deepak Kumar Jha is an accomplished journalist with over two decades of experience in field journalism, specializing in political, parliamentary, and sectoral reporting. Currently serving as Associate Editor with the National Political Bureau of The Pioneer, he has built a reputation for insightful coverage of key government sectors, including Parliament, Railways, Aviation, and Education, alongside national political developments. His expertise extends to organizing large-scale events like The Pioneer Tourism Summit 2020, which brought together central ministers and top bureaucrats.
Jha’s editorial journey includes leadership roles at The Pioneer, where he served as Metro Editor, and as Senior Reporter for MiD DAY. Over the years, he has covered six General Elections (2004–2024) and numerous state assembly elections, offering in-depth political analysis and reporting. Beyond journalism, he has contributed to the development of media products such as Rail Bandhu (Indian Railways’ onboard magazine), Dialogue (Delhi Airport magazine), and Exotica (hospitality magazine).
His early career highlights include scripting documentaries for Doordarshan Bharti and corporate films for PricewaterhouseCoopers. Recognized internationally, he has received accolades like the Young South Asian Leadership Award (2012, Taipei) and the Indo-China Diplomatic Relation Award (2010).
Fluent in English and Hindi, he balances his professional commitments with a passion for writing poetry, sketching, photography, and engaging in social work.
Anuja Shukla
Advisor
Anuja Shukla is a seasoned consultant with 30+ years of expertise across the sectors of education, media, and development. Her career insights highlight her serving as Deputy Director at Development Alternatives, where she led communication programs and revitalized the first community radio station in Madhya Pradesh, i.e., Radio Bundelkhand.
Highly skilled at project management, capacity building, and content development, she has contributed to large-scale initiatives focused on gender, community media, and rural journalism.
She collaborated with esteemed organizations such as IIT Bombay, Landesa, and Pratham; and managed and implemented development projects related to women empowerment, public health, and sustainable livelihoods. Her expertise lies in developing strategies for advocacy, training, and media communication, while also creating educational materials, newsletters, and audio-visual content.
Additionally, she also conducted numerous capacity-building workshops, particularly in areas like community participation, gender issues, and life skill development.
Anuja’s academic qualifications include a degree in Creative Media Writing and B.Ed. from Lucknow University. She also holds certifications in communication and development from the University of West Indies.
Fluent in Hindi, Sanskrit, and English, she is passionate about writing poetry, stories, and articles on socio-cultural and political topics.
Anuja’s work has earned her accolades and she has been associated with various national platforms advocating for social change.
Anita Singh
Advisor
Anita Singh is a highly experienced design professional with over three decades of expertise in the national media industry. She holds a Master’s degree in Fine Arts from Jiwa Ji University, Gwalior, and a Bachelor’s degree in Arts from Bhoj University, Bhopal. Additionally, she pursued specialized studies in Textile and Design as well as Commercial Art.
Anita has held various prominent roles, including National Editor Design for Amar Ujala Publication Limited and HT Media Limited, where she led design teams for multi-edition national newspapers such as Hindustan, successfully creating and implementing new design projects.
Her extensive experience includes working at Bennett Coleman & Company Ltd., where she contributed to the Times of India, Navbharat Times, and Sandhya Times as Design Manager, overseeing teams of designers and illustrators, and managing a variety of design tasks, from layouts to in-house advertisements. She has also designed the newspaper layout to prominent publications including, Dainik Jagran, Prajavani, and more.
Throughout her career, Anita has been instrumental in introducing fresh design strategies and layouts that enhanced the visual appeal of several well-known Indian newspapers and magazines.
She has a proven track record of successful leadership, innovation, and adaptability to emerging design trends. In addition to her roles at major media houses, Anita has also contributed her expertise to Asia Media Design Pvt Ltd as Creative Director.
Fluent in both English and Hindi, Anita continues to bring cutting-edge creativity and strategic insights to media design, making her a distinguished figure in the industry.
