Mr. Prakash Kumar Jha
Founder, Pravasi Setu Foundation
Editor-in-Chief, Pravasi Pulse
Prakash Kumar Jha is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of the Pravasi Setu Foundation, an organization dedicated to bridging research and advocacy on migration and diaspora issues. As a Senior Research Fellow of the University Grants Commission and a PhD candidate at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Prakash focuses his academic research on the Indian diaspora in Madagascar, exploring their economic, social, cultural, and political contributions from 1960 to 2019.
Prakash is also the editor of Pravasi Pulse, a magazine that highlights key themes related to migration and diaspora, fostering discussions around identity, culture, and policy. Prakash believes in producing meaningful research and fostering dialogue to address the complexities of migration, with a focus on inclusion and understanding. Through the Pravasi Setu Foundation, he hopes to contribute to building bridges between communities and fostering deeper insights into the migration experience.
Ms. Sonam Pathak
Director of Operations
Executive Editor
Sonam Pathak brings extensive experience from her work with various non-governmental organizations to her role as Director of Operations at the Pravasi Setu Foundation. She is deeply passionate about the diaspora and migration phenomena occurring across the globe.
As a member of a migrant family, Sonam has a personal connection to the challenges and experiences faced by migrants. This background drives her commitment to ensuring that migration issues are highlighted and addressed effectively. She believes in creating impactful initiatives that support migrants and diaspora communities while fostering greater understanding and collaboration.
Sonam’s expertise and dedication make her an invaluable part of the team, ensuring the smooth execution of the foundation’s operations and its vision to bridge communities through research, advocacy, and dialogue.
Mr. Nilotpal Kant
Director, Migration Studies
Nilotpal Kant is a Research Fellow at the Centre for Canadian, US & Latin American Studies and serves as the Director of Migration Studies at the Pravasi Setu Foundation. With a strong focus on migration issues, Nilotpal leads the foundation’s Migration Studies Department, overseeing research and policy initiatives that address the complexities of global and regional migration.
Through his work, Nilotpal aims to provide deeper insights into migration dynamics, exploring the challenges and opportunities they present. His expertise and leadership are integral to the foundation’s efforts in advancing migration studies and advocacy.
Mr. Jagmanjot Singh
Head of Development
Jagmanjot Singh serves as the Head of Development at Pravasi Setu Foundation, where he leads institutional strategy, partnerships, and outreach. Currently a final-year PhD candidate at the Centre for International Politics, Organisation and Disarmament (CIPOD), JNU, his research focuses on the evolving role of Artificial Intelligence in International Politics, including its impact on military operations, international trade, and human security.
Jagmanjot holds a Master’s degree in Political Science from Panjab University and a Bachelor’s in Journalism and Mass Communication from Guru Nanak Dev University. He has prior academic experience as a Lecturer in Political Science in Punjab, where he taught for two years before transitioning into research and development work.
At PSF, he combines academic rigour with practical engagement to scale the foundation’s work on Indian diaspora and migration. He brings a unique blend of communication expertise, international policy insight, and strategic planning, making him a key pillar in expanding PSF’s national and global footprint.
Ms. Kezia Fanomezantsoa
Chief Technology Officer
Kezia serves as the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at the Pravasi Setu Foundation, leveraging her extensive experience in UI/UX design and technical leadership. Based in Antananarivo, Madagascar, she has contributed to numerous organizations, including Central Test, Kannel Agency, and MyAgency, where she showcased her expertise in design systems, interactive design, user interface prototyping, and front-end development.
With a strong background in both design and technology, Kezia has held leadership roles such as Technical Director & Co-Founder of Kannel Agency and Trainer in UI/UX Design at Gasy Tech, where she mentored aspiring designers. Her work spans creating intuitive user interfaces, innovative design solutions, and robust digital systems that align with organizational goals.
At Pravasi Setu Foundation, Kezia leads the development of the foundation’s digital platforms, ensuring seamless user experiences and impactful technological solutions that advance the mission of bridging migration and diaspora research.
Her dedication to innovation and her ability to merge creative design with technical precision make her a cornerstone of the foundation’s efforts.
Mr. Saurav Kumar
Head of Finance
Saurav Kumar serves as the Head of Finance at Pravasi Setu Foundation, overseeing the financial planning, management, and sustainability of the organization. With a deep understanding of financial systems and strategies, he ensures that the foundation’s resources are effectively allocated to achieve its mission.
Saurav’s expertise in finance plays a crucial role in driving the foundation’s growth and ensuring transparency in all financial operations. His dedication to accountability and efficiency strengthens the foundation’s ability to impact migration and diaspora research meaningfully.
Ms. Priyanka Dass
Director of Art
Priyanka Dass is the Director of Art at the Pravasi Setu Foundation, where she spearheads all creative and art-related initiatives. With a wealth of experience in the field of art and design, Priyanka ensures that the foundation’s projects are enriched with meaningful artistic expression that resonates with its mission.
Priyanka is also the founder of Label Ekai, a brand that embodies her innovative approach and commitment to creativity. Her leadership at the foundation leverages her expertise to craft impactful narratives, blending art with advocacy to connect and inspire communities worldwide.
Mr. Vishnu Aggarwal
Vishnu is the Social Media Incharge at Pravasi Setu Foundation, bringing a solid academic foundation and a keen understanding of communication strategies to the role. He holds a B.Com and M.Com, along with a B.Ed, and is currently pursuing an M.Ed at the prestigious Regional Institute of Education (RIE), NCERT.
With a focus on connecting audiences and fostering engagement, Vishnu ensures that the foundation’s mission and initiatives reach a wider community through impactful social media campaigns and strategies.
Academic Advisory Board
Mr. Siddhant Mishra
Siddhant Mishra is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Political Science at Shaheed Bhagat Singh Evening College, University of Delhi. He has an Honors degree in Political Science from Sri Aurobindo College (M), University of Delhi, and a master’s in political science from ISDC, University of Allahabad. Currently, Siddhant is pursuing his research at the Centre for African Studies, School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi.
As a member of the Academic Advisory Board at the Pravasi Setu Foundation, Siddhant leverages his expertise in Political Thought, Foreign Policy, International Relations, Diaspora Studies, Migration, and Conflict Studies to support the foundation’s mission of advancing migration and diaspora research. His scholarly insights contribute significantly to the foundation’s academic initiatives.
Ms. Rimpi Sonowal
Rimpi Sonowal is an Assistant Professor in the Department of English at Gurucharan College, now upgraded to Gurucharan State University. She is also pursuing her doctoral research at the Centre for African Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi.
As a member of the Academic Advisory Board of the Pravasi Setu Foundation, Rimpi contributes her academic expertise in literature and African studies to support the foundation’s research and initiatives. Her interdisciplinary approach and commitment to fostering knowledge make her a valuable part of the foundation’s advisory team.
Dr. Ritwik Raj
International Advisory Board
Mr. Hemraj Ramdath
Hemraj Ramdath is a Canadian-based Business Consultant and researcher with over four decades of global experience in the energy and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sectors. His distinguished career began with the United Nations (ECLA) and advanced through executive roles such as Barbados Country Manager with Shell Oil Company, VP Global Business at S.M. Jaleel & Co Ltd., and VP Strategy and Business Development at Petrotrin, the national oil company of Trinidad and Tobago.
Currently, Hemraj manages a Miami-based distribution center, facilitating the entry of Caribbean brands into the North American market. He holds a BA in Political Science and Economics, an Executive Master’s of Business (EMBA), and was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters in 2023.
Hemraj’s dedication to service is evident through his roles as a Charter Member of the Rotary Club of Barbados South, a life member of the National Council of Indian Culture (NCIC) in Trinidad, and his active participation in diaspora discussions. He has presented papers on Indentureship and Entrepreneurship at several Global Indian Diaspora Conferences in recent years.
An ardent mentor, Hemraj spends much of his time guiding business students globally. His work on diaspora and entrepreneurship is a valuable addition to the foundation’s mission of advancing migration and diaspora research.
Ms. Miki Kashiwa
Miki Kashiwa is a Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) Research Fellow, a researcher at the Center for Southeast Asian Studies, Kyoto University, and a PhD candidate at Kyoto University. With a Master’s degree in Area Studies from Kyoto University, Miki’s research addresses the challenges of coexistence between immigrants and local residents in Japan, where immigration is on the rise.
Her work focuses on Chetti Melaka (Peranakan Indians) in Malaysia, a community of Indian immigrants who have lived in Malaysia since the 15th century, intermarried with locals, and assimilated into the culture.
As the only Japanese member of the Pravasi Setu Foundation, Miki serves on the International Advisory Board, contributing her expertise to the foundation’s mission of advancing migration and diaspora studies. She shares the foundation’s vision of fostering inclusion and understanding in migration research.
Through her work, Miki aims to enhance the understanding of immigrant integration, particularly in Japan, where the Indian diaspora and other immigrant populations continue to grow.
Mr. Ashok Vardhan Adipudi
Ashok Vardhan Adipudi is a PhD Researcher in Global Environmental Governance at Utrecht University in the Netherlands, working within the PROBLEMSHIFTING project, which examines the complex dynamics of problem-shifting in global environmental governance. His research interests include network structures, optimization in global governance, complexity, and law.
As a member of the International Advisory Board at the Pravasi Setu Foundation, Ashok contributes his expertise and global perspective to the foundation’s mission of advancing migration and diaspora research. His interdisciplinary insights enhance the foundation’s efforts to address challenges and opportunities in migration dynamics.
Ethics Panel
Dr. Bhaskar Jyoti
Head of Ethics Panel
Dr. Bhaskar Jyoti, a distinguished PCS Officer and renowned diasporic researcher, serves as the Head of the Ethics Panel at Pravasi Setu Foundation. His deep understanding of governance and diaspora studies ensures that the foundation’s work is guided by the highest ethical standards.
Through his leadership, Dr. Jyoti contributes to fostering integrity and accountability in all aspects of migration and diaspora research, reinforcing the foundation’s commitment to excellence and ethical responsibility.
Research Fellow
Mr. Alok Chaudhary
Research Fellow
Alok is a Research Fellow at the Pravasi Setu Foundation, actively contributing to its research on migration and diaspora studies. He holds a Master’s in Social Work and a B.A. (Hons.) in Political Science from Banaras Hindu University, combining academic expertise with practical experience.
Alok has worked with the KIRAN Society, focusing on community development fieldwork, and completed a Summer Internship at the National Institute of Social Defence, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, in New Delhi. His diverse experiences and dedication to social research strengthen the foundation’s mission to address the complexities of migration and diaspora dynamics.
Mr. Mayank Kumar
Research Associate – Migration in India Vertical
Mayank Kumar is a Research Associate at Pravasi Setu Foundation, where he contributes to the “Migration in India” vertical, focusing on internal migration, informal labour, and social protection policies. With dual master’s degrees in Development Studies (Ambedkar University) and Human Resource Management (Jamia Millia Islamia), he brings both academic depth and field-based insights to his work.
Mayank has successfully led research on migrant workers, gig economy transitions, and labour rights—interviewing over 160 informal workers across Delhi NCR, Gurugram, and Bihar. He has previously worked with VV Giri National Labour Institute and Aastha Foundation, and has authored articles currently under peer review in reputed journals.
Fluent in multiple languages and skilled in tools like Excel, SPSS, and Python, Mayank is passionate about translating field realities into actionable policy insights.
