Board of Directors
Mr. Narotam Sekhsaria
Mr. Narotam Sekhsaria is one of India’s most respected industrialists and philanthropists. He founded Ambuja Cements in 1983, building it into India’s most efficient and profitable cement company. In a career spanning over 40 years, he introduced new standards in manufacturing, management and marketing efficiency. Mr. Sekhsaria is a leader in Corporate Social Responsibility that has done remarkable work in the areas of agriculture, health, education, skill-building and women’s empowerment initiatives. He started Ambuja Foundation with the firm belief that community development is core to business sustainability. He is the Chairman Emeritus of Ambuja Cements, Chairman of Ambuja Foundation, Director JM Financial ARC and Everest Industries Limited and a Board Member of Indian Institute of Crafts & Design, Jaipur.
Ms. Nalini Sekhsaria
Mrs. Nalini Sekhsaria is a philanthropist and a principal at the Narotam Sekhsaria Family Office. She is a Director of Radha Madhav Investments Pvt. Ltd., previously the holding company of Ambuja Cements Ltd. She also holds directorships in GACL Finance Private Ltd., Divine Properties and Investments Pvt. Ltd., and the Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation. Additionally, she is a partner in PI Ventures LLP and NSFO Ventures LLP. Through the Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation, Mrs. Sekhsaria is involved in philanthropic work, especially in education, healthcare, and rural development. The foundation provides scholarships, supports medical research, and improves healthcare access.
Ms. Padmini Sekhsaria
Padmini Sekhsaria is a principal at the Narotam Sekhsaria Family Office where she leads several investment and global operations including the philanthropic activities of the company. She is also the Vice Chairperson of Everest industries, a new age building solutions company.
She started Salaam Bombay Foundation, which works for the development of over 3 million children across India. Her social sector experience in youth education, health and vocational skilling, spans over 20 years. She is on boards of several global organisations, health and educational institutions, including the India Youth Fund and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, India Research Center. She has received numerous recognitions, including from the World Health Organization and the Mayor’s citation from Mr. Michael Bloomberg. She is an alumnus of London School of Economics and has a MSc. in Financial Economics.
Mr. Manish Joshi
Manish Joshi is a seasoned expert in human-centric development and not-for-profit sector with 26 years of comprehensive experience, including 11 years of experience across the Pacific. His expertise spans across health, education, family and sexual violence, child protection, environment, water sanitation and hygiene (WASH), and livelihoods. Manish has showcased exceptional leadership in managing end-to-end programs in Country Offices and he has demonstrated proficiency in every aspect of not-for-profit operations. With his profound commitment to social development, Manish continues to inspire the teams at Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation, driving positive and sustainable change in communities across India
Leadership Team
Mr. Manish Joshi
Manish Joshi is a seasoned expert in human-centric development and not-for-profit sector with 26 years of comprehensive experience, including 11 years of experience across the Pacific. His expertise spans across health, education, family and sexual violence, child protection, environment, water sanitation and hygiene (WASH), and livelihoods. Manish has showcased exceptional leadership in managing end-to-end programs in Country Offices and he has demonstrated proficiency in every aspect of not-for-profit operations. With his profound commitment to social development, Manish continues to inspire the teams at Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation, driving positive and sustainable change in communities across India.
Dr Himanshu Gupte
Dr. Himanshu A. Gupte is a distinguished medical professional with over two decades of experience in Public Health. With a Master’s Degree in Preventive and Social Medicine, he has dedicated his career to advancing healthcare initiatives nationally and internationally. Dr. Gupte’s expertise lies in tuberculosis control, tobacco cessation, and operational research. Currently leading the Health vertical at the Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation, he manages grants and programs focusing on cancer care, tobacco control, and palliative care. Dr. Gupte spearheads the LifeFirst tobacco dependence treatment program, aiming to establish cessation models, provide training, and conduct research. Recognized as a trainer for the WHO TDR Structured Operational Research Training Initiative (SORT IT), his commitment to improving public health outcomes remains unwavering, making him a driving force in impactful healthcare interventions.
Ms. Judith Fernandes
Judith Anne Fernandes is a skilled Chartered Accountant with nearly two decades of extensive experience in finance management within the non-profit sector. Currently serving as the Vice President of Finance at Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation, Judith leads the Finance Vertical, overseeing critical functions such as compliance, accounts, treasury management, and stakeholder engagement. Her strategic vision and meticulous attention to detail ensure the Foundation’s financial stability and accountability. Judith’s passion for process optimization and efficiency drives her to formulate policies and procedures, enhancing operational effectiveness. With her unwavering commitment to financial integrity and innovative leadership, Judith continues to drive the Foundation’s mission forward with excellence.
Ms. Trupti Dandekar
Trupti Dandekar is a seasoned professional with 16 years of experience in education management. As the Senior Manager for Education at Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation, she spearheads initiatives to empower students and educators. Trupti’s role involves strategic planning, program implementation and stakeholder engagement to enhance educational outcomes. Prior to joining the Foundation, she held key positions at renowned organizations like British Council, where she led initiatives in higher education. With a background in quality assurance at global companies like Trainline, Trupti brings a keen eye for detail and process optimization to her work. Passionate about education, Trupti continues to drive impactful initiatives at the Foundation, shaping the future of education in India.