About the Webinar

The Postgraduate Diploma in Development Leadership (PGDDL) programme at Azim Premji University was launched in 2022. This webinar is headlined by alumni from each graduated batch of the programme who are also senior development professionals/​leaders in the sector. The participants of the webinar reflect upon their journeys in the development sector. In doing so, they also contemplate over the meanings of ​“development leadership”. The webinar focuses on their learning experiences during the PGDDL programme and their key takeaways from the programme especially in the realms of development thinking, strategy, project implementation and operations.

Who should attend?

The webinar will be relevant for all working in the development sector, particularly those working or planning to work in leadership roles in social sector organisations.

About the Speakers

Chandan Singh is an alumnus of PGDDL 2022 and MA in Education from Azim Premji University, Bengaluru. Chandan is the co-founder of Pratigya— a trust working to ensure access to quality education for children of Jharkhand from the last 18 years. Pratigya works with the state and community to build an ecosystem for inclusive growth for all. Chandan’s interests lie in educational leadership, inclusive education and teacher training. He recently completed a study on social support systems for children with autism in tribal areas. 

Kashina Kareem is an alumnus of PGDDL 2023. Kashina strongly believes that informed individuals make responsible and empowered choices. With over nine years of experience at Prerana, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting children from marginalised backgrounds, she has worked closely with survivors of sexual violence, abuse, and trafficking, as well as with key stakeholders involved in their rehabilitation. She co-founded Manjhi in 2022 that is dedicated to empowering women as self-reliant community leaders.

Deepak Goel is an IIT alumnus and experienced development leader, focused on sustainable livelihoods, agriculture, and clean energy. As a Founding Member at Blood Connect Foundation, he has helped create and scale youth-led blood donation movement across India. Formerly at Shell Foundation, he led global investments across electric mobility, clean energy and rural development, supporting 70+ social enterprises in India and Africa. As an alumnus of the PGDDL 2024, Deepak brings a unique blend of grassroots insight and strategic leadership.

Moderator, V Manikandan is currently associated with the School of Development, Azim Premji University, Bengaluru. He also anchors admissions, placements, and alumni functions at the University. He is a development practitioner with extensive work experience in action research, NGO governance, grant management, fundraising, planning, monitoring and evaluation (PME), and operations including finance and human resource management.