Raahgiri Foundation (www.raahgirifoundation.org) is a non-profit trust working to improve the quality of life in India’s cities and towns. Established in 2015, the Raahgiri Foundation emerged as a dynamic coalition, fostering innovation and collaboration among State Governments, City administrations, NGOs, Private sectors, and Funders. Committed to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 13, 11, 5, and 3, the foundation focuses on the following key aspects: Climate Change, Public Health, Road Safety, Inclusive Infrastructure, and Environmental Awareness, using tools and activities like Civic Participation, Capacity Building, Advocacy, and youth empowerment, especially through our Raahgiri Day Program. By strengthening urban capacities and resources, the Raahgiri Foundation aims to transform urban mobility & public spaces and create livable, accessible, and equitable cities. Raahgiri Foundation believes that the level of quality in citizenship, along with the quality of infrastructure and services, collectively shapes the overall quality of life
Our Team
RF team is a multidisciplinary force driving its mission of making Indian cities more safe & sustainable. It includes urban planners and designers, architects, road safety experts & communications professionals. Together, this diverse team leverages its complementary skills to engage in policy changes, demonstrate model projects and accelerate a citizen-led movement for reclaiming roads as inclusive public spaces
Meet Our Team
Bhawna Jha
Bhawna Jha, an urban planner and architect, is dedicated to solving urban mobility challenges and promoting sustainability. At Raahgiri Foundation, she leads the Gurugram Vision Zero project, aiming to eliminate traffic fatalities and enhance safe mobility. With degrees from Sushant School of Art and Architecture and SPA Delhi, Bhawna brings extensive knowledge to her field. Inspired by Jane Jacobs and William H. Whyte, she focuses on community-impacting projects. Her publication “I City-My City-Idea City” examines social disparities in Gurugram’s mobility sector. Bhawna’s team won first prize in the DULT 6-6-6 Innovation Challenge, highlighting her innovative approachHer work includes mitigating traffic blackspots, improving intersection safety, and developing landscape projects for safer urban environments, contributing to creating sustainable and inclusive cities.
Dushyant Yadav
Dushyant, a civil engineer at Raahgiri Foundation, brings expertise in transforming cities into vibrant, people-centric spaces. A B.Tech graduate from JC Bose University of Science and Technology YMCA Faridabad, he specialises in meticulous site execution, ensuring high-standard implementation of initiatives. Dushyant oversees projects prioritising community well-being, contributing significantly to the Foundation’s mission of creating inclusive urban landscapes. His technical prowess and dedication drive the transformation of urban spaces, enhancing residents’ quality of life. Through his work, Dushyant plays a crucial role in Raahgiri’s efforts to build sustainable, livable cities that cater to the diverse needs of their inhabitants.
Seema Karhana
Seema, from Jhajjar, Haryana, brings a decade of NGO sector experience to her role as an accountant at Raahgiri Foundation. She expertly manages HR, accounts, audits, compliance, and administration. Her versatility shines in organizing Raahgiri Day events, continuously expanding her skill set. Seema’s strength in stakeholder management ensures smooth collaboration across the organization. Her ability to work under pressure, multitask effectively, and meet tight deadlines showcases her exceptional time management and organizational skills. She also plays an active role in the successful organization of Raahgiri days happening across cities in India. Seema’s comprehensive approach and diverse capabilities make her an invaluable asset, contributing significantly to Raahgiri’s operational efficiency and successful event execution.
Shakti Singh
Shakti Singh, a civil engineer with a master’s in highway safety and engineering, leads the Sanath Road redevelopment at the Raahgiri Foundation. As a site engineer, he merges theoretical knowledge with practical skills to create safer, more efficient roads. Shakti optimises transportation systems to meet community needs while prioritising user safety. His collaborative approach and industry expertise drive the development of user-friendly infrastructures that enhance connectivity. Shakti’s work focuses on balancing safety, efficiency, and accessibility in road design, contributing significantly to Raahgiri’s mission of improving urban mobility and quality of life. His commitment to creating transportation solutions that serve all commuters underscores the foundation’s goal of building inclusive, sustainable urban spaces.
Sherebanu Frosh
Sherry Frosh, a versatile professional at Raahgiri, combines expertise in engineering, economics, and environmental advocacy. With a Bachelor’s in Chemical Engineering anda Master’s in Economics, her career evolved from oil industry engineering to environmental policy, focusing on air pollution. At Raahgiri, Sherry leads content strategy and creation, developing educational materials to raise awareness. She also spearheads fundraising and business development initiatives, securing resources to expand the organization’s impact. She has a flair for writing and developing communication materials to engage with stakeholders and design advocacy materials to influent policymakers for safe & sustainable cities.
Shivani Khurana
Shivani Khurana is an urban planner and researcher dedicated to promoting equitable accessibility and safety in city planning. As a key member of the Gurugram Vision Zero project, she advocates for government initiatives to reduce road fatalities through policy and design interventions at high-risk areas. Her work encompasses intersection redevelopment, traffic data analysis, and stakeholder engagement to enhance urban mobility and safety.Khurana holds a Bachelor of Architecture from DCRUST Murthal and a Master’s in Urban Planning from SPA New Delhi. Her 2022 publication, “Planning for Equitable Accessibility to Public Facilities: Case Study of Faridabad,” underscores her commitment to improving access to public services.
Sabiha Ansari
Sabiha Ansari is a dedicated communications professional with over eight years of experience in crafting impactful narratives for social change. Currently, she is part of the Communications team at Raahgiri Foundation, where she works on promoting sustainable urban mobility, road safety, and environmental consciousness. Her previous roles include extensive experience in climate action, disaster response, and management, where she contributed to creating awareness and mobilizing resources for vulnerable communities. With a Master’s in Development Communication from Jamia Millia Islamia (Gold Medalist), Sabiha brings expertise in content creation, social media engagement, campaign management, and storytelling. Passionate about driving meaningful change, she leverages her skills to amplify voices and foster a safer, more sustainable future..
Tanmay Goyal
Tanmay Goyal is an Urban Planner and Architect with a keen interest in environmental sustainability, wildlife conservation, and the impacts of rapid urbanization on these. At the Raahgiri Foundation, Tanmay plays a pivotal role in developing detailed construction drawings for the different blackspots, and streets development. With his experience in Railway Station Redevelopment Projects, he brings knowledge of GFC drawings and site management at the execution level. Due to his past experience and a keen interest in environmental sustainability, he brings on the aspect of green designs in the various projects of intersection design, street development and blackspot rectification.
He holds his Bachelor’s degree in Architecture from Rajasthan Technical University and a Master’s in Planning from Sushant University, Gurugram with on-field experience of around two years in Architecture. He also holds knowledge of green building design and construction practices and is a registered Accredited Professional of IGBC.
Dipanksha
Dipanksha Bawankar is an Environmental Planner and Architect with over three years of experience in sustainable urban development, air quality management, and architectural design. She has a proven track record of collaborating with diverse stakeholders, including national and international government organizations, to implement national-level programs, develop capacities, and prepare guidance documents for sustainable development.
Currently serving as a Project Associate for Low Emission Zone (LEZ) Implementation project at Mathura-Vrindavan, Dipanksha is dedicated to improving urban air quality and mitigating traffic congestion through innovative and impactful solutions. Her expertise includes data analysis, stakeholder engagement, and policy development to create actionable strategies that address complex urban challenges.
Dipanksha holds a Master’s in Environmental Planning from the School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi, and a Bachelor’s in Architecture from Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology (VNIT), Nagpur. She has also contributed to academic research, with her work featured in publications addressing nature-based solutions for resilient urbanization.
Deepali Khunteta
Deepali Khunteta is an urban designer and an architect with a strong commitment to creating “happy cities” for all. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from S.P.A. Bhopal and a Master’s in Urban Design from S.P.A. Delhi, experiences that have profoundly shaped her approach to design and research. Her Master’s research and design thesis addressed the critical issue of gender occupational segregation in isolated industrial estates, focusing on the challenges of safer mobility, access and gender equity in accessing public spaces. What began as a focus on crafting functional individual spaces has evolved into a mission to transform entire cities, fostering sustainable, livable, and inclusive urban environments.
Nidhi Madan
Educated at the School of Planning and Architecture, Delhi and the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, with degrees in architecture and landscape architecture as well as varied work experiences, including a decade spent on research-based hands-on public projects and initiatives. Nidhi’s experiences have honed her interest in the expansive potential of design in the un-built environment –places and spaces, people and the environment, sustainability and accessibility. Her work in the public domain includes award-winning community-driven projects -streetscapes, parks and greenways, with a focus on accessibility, safety, resource-consciousness and equity through nature-based solutions. She continues to be a Director at Samarthyam, National Centre for Accessible Environments and is an active member, and former Secretary, of the Indian Society of Landscape Architects (ISOLA).
Uttam Singh Negi
Uttam Singh is an accomplished Architectural Assistant (Senior Draftsman) with 32 years of extensive experience in the field. He has done 2 years Diploma in Draftsman Civil from ITI Pokhra in Uttarakhand. Over the past decade, he has specialized in landscape architecture, bringing his deep expertise and creativity to transform outdoor spaces. Uttam Singh’s long-standing dedication and proficiency in architectural drafting and a focus on landscape design has made him a valuable asset in shaping aesthetically pleasing and functional environments.
Dhruv Swamini
Dhruv Swamini, co-founder of Duplay, promotes sports activities in Gurugram. With a background in computer science, an MBA, and experience at McKinsey, she partnered with a UAE company to establish sporting facilities and foster community engagement. Swamini also contributed to public health initiatives, assisting in setting up an Immunization Technical Support Unit.
Manit Jain
Manit Jain, a Harvard alumnus, is a key advisor to Heritage Xperiential School and co-chair of FICCI’s School Education Committee. He supports the school in infrastructure development, talent acquisition, teacher capacity building, and parent engagement. Jain’s role strengthens the school’s educational framework and community connections.
Rajesh Kalra
Rajesh Kalra, Executive Chairman of Asianet News Media & Entertainment, has a 30-year journalism career with chief editor roles at major publications. He specializes in IT, telecom, sports, and development issues. An active sportsman, Kalra contributes to sports policy and maintains a blog discussing various topics including sports and IT.
Sarika Panda Bhatt
Sarika leads the Raahgiri Day movement in Haryana and oversees non-motorized transport initiatives in Haryana and Punjab. With 15 years of experience in urban development, she’s recognized internationally as a mobility leader by TUMI, Germany. As Bicycle Mayor of Gurugram, she combines her architecture degree and sociology master’s to promote sustainable urban development.
Shubhra Puri
Shubhra Puri, founder of Gurgaon First, promotes sustainability and empowerment through workshops and research. A Hindustan Times columnist, she also creates environmental songs. With two decades in business journalism, including roles at The Economic Times, and an MBA, Puri combines media expertise with social entrepreneurship to address urban issues in Gurugram.
Alok Mittal
Alok Mittal, an IPS officer and Additional Director General of Police in Haryana, champions sustainable mobility and road safety. His career spans roles in NIA, CBI, and various districts. Mittal introduced initiatives like all-women PCR vehicles and the Cyber Safe Campaign. He’s received the Indian Police Medal and President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Services.
Deepa Malik
Deepa Malik, a Paralympic medalist and world #1 in the F-53 category, excels in multiple para-sports. As President of the Paralympic Committee of India, she’s won 81 medals nationally and internationally. Honoured with Arjuna and Padma Shri awards, Malik also consults for MoHUA and Smart Cities Mission on urban development and accessibility.
Hitesh Vaidya
Hitesh Vaidya is an urban development expert with over 20 years of experience. He specializes in city planning, urban governance, and infrastructure management, working with the UN, World Bank, and USAID. Previously UN-Habitat’s Country Representative for India, Vaidya focuses on integrating poverty alleviation into urban development projects, promoting sustainable and equitable growth.
Donors
Raahgiri Foundation receives valuable support from corporate donors and companies’ Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives across sectors. This funding is crucial for sustaining and scaling up the foundation’s efforts towards road safety work and urban rejuvenation. Corporate and CSR donors bring financial assistance as well as expertise from diverse domains like urban planning, traffic management, public outreach and more.
By aligning with the Raahgiri Foundation’s mission, corporate partners demonstrate their commitment to creating safer, more livable cities. This collaboration generates shared value by promoting sustainability, community well-being and responsible business practices.
As India’s urban landscapes rapidly evolve, such partnerships will play an increasingly vital role in human-centric urban development. The Raahgiri Foundation deeply values the support from its corporate and CSR donors.
Individual Donors
Raahgiri Foundation is dedicated to promoting road safety and rejuvenating public spaces in urban areas through citizen-led initiatives. A key part of our funding comes from individual donors & supporters who support our mission.
Some of the ways individual donors contribute include:
- Monthly or annual membership donations
- One-time contributions for specific initiatives or events
- Fundraising through personal networks and social media
- Volunteering time and skills for the foundation’s activities
- Providing pro-bono professional services like legal, marketing etc.
The foundation recognizes and values each donor. With donor support, Raahgiri has organised car-free community events, launched awareness campaigns, worked with municipal bodies for better road design, and created more inclusive public spaces across cities. As we expand our efforts, sustained funding from individual donors will be crucial to amplify their impact.
- 01. Advait Jani
- 02. Mukta Naik
- 03. Laxmi Sharma
- 04. Seema Vijayan
- 05. Chandan
- 06. Sarika Panda Bhatt
- 07. Sameer Mirani
- 08. Sherebanu Abbas Frosh
- 09. Manas Human
- 10. Suman Maheshwari
- 11. Prabhat Agarwal
Knowledge Partners
The Raahgiri Foundation collaborates with several knowledge partners including academic institutions, research organizations, urban planning experts and transportation authorities. These partnerships bring crucial domain knowledge and technical expertise to the foundation’s initiatives.
Academic and research institutions act as vital knowledge partners, providing data-driven insights, evidence-based recommendations and access to the latest scholarly work in areas like urban transportation, low-emission zones, road safety, public health, civic engagement and more. They support the foundation through joint research studies, knowledge-sharing workshops, capability-building programs and technical advisory.
By tapping into this multidisciplinary ecosystem of knowledge partners, we ensure our campaigns are built on solid research, technical rigour and an understanding of both top-down and bottom-up factors influencing road safety and urban rejuvenation.
We thank all our knowledge partners.
Government Partners
The Raahgiri Foundation collaborates with various ministries and government partners, including state governments, district administrations, municipal corporations and enforcement agencies, to drive sustainable urban development and promote active lifestyles. These partnerships leverage the government’s resources, policy-making authority, and reach to implement transformative initiatives.
Government partners play a critical role in providing policy support, infrastructure support and regulatory frameworks for the Foundation’s projects. They also help to integrate Raahgiri Foundation’s initiatives into broader urban development plans and strategies by improving awareness and capacity building training programs.
By working closely with government agencies, the Raahgiri Foundation can ensure that its programs align with local and national priorities, and contribute to a more sustainable and equitable future for cities.
We thank all our government partners for their continued support and collaboration.
FCRA Disclosure
Raahgiri Foundation is registered and compliant with all required statutes of the Government of India. We have the requisite approvals to receive foreign contributions.
FCRA Quarterly Disclosure :
FCRA Annual Disclosure :
