Manujtha C

Tamil Nadu

 Manjhuta C is a committed community researcher and evaluator based in Andipatti, Theni District, Tamil Nadu. Working closely with diverse communities, she believes that research is not just for experts, but also for everyday people who are deeply connected to their surroundings. Her approach emphasizes listening with care, offering guidance rooted in real-life experiences, and ensuring that community voices are heard and respected. For Manjhuta, ethical fieldwork means being kind, honest, and protective of people’s privacy—always aiming to do work that genuinely benefits the community.

Highest Qualification: Bachelor of Arts in Sociology

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Experience: 8 years

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Thematic Knowledge: Sanitation, Livelihood, Education, Women's Federation.

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Technical skills: 

• Use of participatory methods and tools such as FGDs, Participatory mapping, Digital storytelling etc.

• Field Research

• Data Collection and Analysis

• Report Writing

• Facilitating Group Discussions

• Transcription

• Adept with Kobo Toolbox and MS Excel

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Language skills: Proficient in Tamil

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Research Experience:

Manjhuta C has practical experience working with sanitation workers and the Arunthathiyar community, focusing on issues of social justice and inclusion. Her field engagement is strengthened by her participation in three specialized community research training programs, which have equipped her with skills in ethical, participatory research. Her work reflects a deep commitment to highlighting the voices of marginalised groups and supporting them through respectful, community-driven approaches.  

Bala Vidhya Devi

Tamil Nadu

Bala Vidhya Devi E. is a community researcher and evaluator with 7 years of experience working with children, adolescents, workers, and local communities. Her work centres on community-driven research that prioritises ethical engagement, informed consent, and meaningful participation. Committed to amplifying community voices, she focuses on identifying needs and co-creating solutions that genuinely benefit the people she works with.​
 

Highest Qualification: Bachelor of Science in Mathematics

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Experience: 7 years in community research

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Thematic Knowledge: Adolescent Education, Health, Data collection, Research, Community engagement, Fieldwork, Stakeholders engagement, Mental health, Gender, Workers Rights & Schemes

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Technical skills: 

• Data collection

• Use of participatory methods and tools such as FGDs, Participatory mapping, Digital Storytelling

• Facilitating group discussions, FGDs, Participatory mapping, Digital storytelling

• Transcription

• Report Writing

• Adept with Kobo Toolbox and MS Excel

Language skills: Proficient in Tamil and English

Research Experience:

Bala Vidhya Devi E. has extensively engaged with marginalised groups, including Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), children, adolescents, workers, and broader community members. Her work spans data collection, evaluation studies, field research, and training, reflecting a strong commitment to grassroots-level engagement. She has been certified in community research and training in Delhi and Bangalore.

Anil Balmiki

Bihar

Anil Balmiki is an experienced Sindhanai researcher. He recently coordinated and was a part of the lead research team of a study on health of sanitation workers in 10 states across India. The study report titled Occupational Safety and Health of Sanitation Workers: Access to Protective Equipment and Services, is available here. Anil is the National Coordinator of South Asian Sanitation Worker and Labour Network (SASLN). He has worked extensively in the rehabilitation of manual scavengers.

Experience: 20 years in community mobilisation and research

Thematic Knowledge: Sanitation, Health, Education, Livelihood, Gender, Caste

Technical skills: 

• Data collection

• Use of participatory methods and tool

• Facilitating group discussions

• Data analysis

• Report Writing

• Adept with Kobo Toolbox 

Language skills: Proficient in Hindi

Research Experience:

Anil Kumar Balmiki has worked extensively with sanitation workers from all communities, including SC, ST, OBC. He has attended a training of trainers workshop on accessing Social Protection Schemes for the Sanitation and Manual scavenging workers held from 26 - 28 September, 2013 in Patna organised by ILO. 

Akash Chhari

Madhya Pradesh

Akash is a dedicated Sindhanai researcher and evaluator based in Morena, Madhya Pradesh. Driven by the realities he sees around him, Akash is motivated to guide communities toward positive change, working alongside them to understand and improve their conditions. He believes that community research is about working in solidarity — understanding people’s situations by being with them, and supporting transformation from the ground up.

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Experience: 2 years in field research and community engagement

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Thematic Knowledge: Education, Community Change, Participatory Development

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Technical skills: 

• Report writing

• Participatory methods, including group discussions, community mapping, and digital storytelling

• Use of Kobo Toolbox
   

Language skills: Proficient in Hindi

Research Experience:

Akash has worked closely with the Bediya community in Madhya Pradesh. Through field visits and participatory research, he aims to raise awareness and promote change from within. He has undergone both evaluator and HEAL training to support his work in field-based community assessments.​

Baskar Mohan

Tamil Nadu

Baskar Mohan is a Chennai-based community researcher dedicated to advancing social equity by supporting marginalised communities in accessing entitlements, often through online facilitation and focus group discussions. Motivated by personal experiences, his work is rooted in a deep commitment to structural change and inclusive development. Baskar brings a people-centered approach to research, emphasising ethical engagement, informed consent, and the active participation of community voices in shaping meaningful, transformative outcomes.

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Highest Qualification: 10th Standard, with a Diploma in Tailoring

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Experience: 20 years in community research

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Thematic Knowledge: Health, Education, Gender, Livelihoods

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Technical skills: 

• Data collection

• Use of participatory methods and tool such as FGDs, Participatory mapping, Digital storytelling etc.

• Data Analysis, 

• Community Mobilizing

• Organising and Managing Events

• Office Administration 

• Facilitating Group Discussions

• Transcription

• Adept with Kobo Toolbox and MS Excel

Language skills: Proficient in Tamil, English, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam and Hindi

Research Experience:

Baskar Mohan is a certified Community Evaluator and Researcher who has dedicated his work to empowering marginalised communities, including Scheduled Tribes (ST), LGBTQIA+ groups, and homeless populations. With hands-on experience in field research, community assessments, and grassroots engagement, he has contributed significantly to initiatives such as self-help group (SHG) formation, career guidance, and training programs. His insights are shaped by his participation in numerous international workshops and conferences, including the ICAAP Conferences in Bangkok and Bangladesh focused on HIV/AIDS, a CREA workshop in Nepal on gender equality, and a PRA workshop by PRAXIS. His commitment to inclusive development and social equity is reflected in every aspect of his fieldwork and advocacy.

Anju Kumari

Madhya Pradesh

Anju is a community researcher and evaluator based in Patna, Bihar. She became a community researcher to ensure equal rights for all and to help improve society through informed participation. She sees her role as a way to awaken communities to their rights and support collective development. Anju believes that community research is a proactive step to promote participation and raise awareness, and it’s essential to listen and lead people toward positive change.

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Highest Qualification: Matriculation
 

Experience: 8 years of experience in community mobilisation and field engagement,  6 years of experience working with Save the Children

Thematic Knowledge: Sanitation worker issues, Gender, Health, Caste

Technical skills: 

• Data collection

• Use of participatory methods and tool

• Facilitating group discussions

• Video Editing

• Data analysis

• Report Writing

• Adept with Excel and Kobo Toolbox 
   

Language skills: Proficient in Hindi and Maghi

Research Experience:

Anju has experience working with Scheduled Caste (SC) communities in Bihar. Her work has been largely focused on mobilization and awareness through participatory field methods. She has collaborated with organizations like Save the Children.

M Anandh

Tamil Nadu

M. Anandh is a dedicated community researcher and evaluator based in Chikkapoovathi, Krishnagiri. His work is rooted in a strong belief that research should serve the people it represents. Through community-based research, Anandh strives to build trust, centre local voices, and ensure that the knowledge generated leads to meaningful change. He sees lived experience as equally valuable as academic insight and is committed to collaborative, respectful engagement that prioritises the well-being and development of his community.

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Highest Qualification: 12th Standard, with a diploma in Mechanical Engineering

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Experience: 5 years

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Thematic Knowledge: Education, Health, Livelihood 

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Technical skills: 

• Use of participatory methods and tools such as FGDs, Participatory mapping, Digital storytelling etc.

• Data collection

• Transcription

• Report Writing

• Audio/Video editing

• Facilitating Group Discussions

• Transcription

• Adept with Kobo Toolbox and MS Excel

Language skills: Proficient in Tamil and Hindi

Research Experience:

M. Anandh has hands-on experience working with Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities, where he has been actively involved in evaluation work that supports inclusive development. He brings a grounded understanding of community needs, backed by certifications in Health, Livelihood, and Forest Rights Act (FRA) training. His work reflects a commitment to using research and evaluation as tools to uplift marginalized groups and promote sustainable, rights-based progress.​

Jogendra Singh Parihar

Uttar Pradesh

Jogendra is a community researcher and evaluator based in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh. Jogendra chose to become a community researcher because he personally witnesses the pain and injustice in his community. This perspective drives his mission to create visibility and solutions for their problems through research. He views community research as a tool to deeply analyze and bring out issues from within the community, aiming for practical solutions and positive transformation. He is one of the Directors of South Asian Sanitation Worker and Labour Network (SASLN).

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Highest Qualification: Masters in Social Work

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Experience: 20 years of experience in community mobilisation, grassroots engagement and field research

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Thematic Knowledge: Sanitation worker issues, Gender, Health, Education, Livelihood, Caste

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Technical skills: 

• Data collection

• Use of participatory methods and tool

• Facilitating group discussions

• Data analysis

• Report Writing

• Adept with Kobo Toolbox 

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Language skills: Proficient in Hindi

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Research Experience:

Jogendra has a deep-rooted understanding of the challenges faced by the scavenger community, being a member himself. His work centers around observing and highlighting the harsh realities of this community’s daily life and striving to bring change. Through participatory methods and direct field engagement, he brings sensitivity and lived experience into his research.

Rohini Chhari

Madhya Pradesh

Rohini Chhari is a community researcher based in Morena, Madhya Pradesh. She uses research to understand local issues, connect with people, and support positive social change. To her, community research means listening to voices from the ground, building partnerships, and creating solutions that reflect real needs. She follows strong ethical practices, ensuring informed consent, confidentiality, and respect in all her fieldwork.​​

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Highest Qualification: Bachelor of Arts in Sociology

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Experience: 15 years

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Thematic Knowledge: Sanitation, Health, Education, Livelihoods, Gender

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Technical skills: 

• Use of participatory methods and tools such as Participatory mapping and Digital storytelling.

• Data Collection and Analysis

• Field Research

• Audi/Video Editing

• Adept with Kobo Toolbox, Canva and MS Excel

• Transcription

Language skills: Proficient in Hindi and English

Research Experience:

Rohini Chhari has extensive experience working with the Bediya community in Madhya Pradesh, focusing on field research, community evaluations, and training facilitation. Her work is grounded in a strong commitment to social equity and community empowerment. She has completed a range of specialized certifications and courses, including HEAL Training, Evaluator Training with Praxis, WRRC with ActionAid, NRHM and NACO trainings, as well as MPSACS and One Stop Center Counselling courses conducted by DALSA and CEHAT. This diverse training background equips her with the tools to engage sensitively and effectively with marginalized communities.

Priyaswara Bharti

Bihar

Priyaswara is a dedicated Sindhanai researcher and evaluator based in Patna, Bihar. Coming from a grassroots background herself, Priyaswara is deeply committed to creating impact by working for and with the community. Real change, to her, begins at the level of those most affected. For her, community research must be entirely rooted in the community—by the community, of the community, and for the community. It’s not just about participation, but about ownership and initiation by the people themselves. She has won several awards, one of them being the Special Jury Award for documentary on Patna water logging issue 2019 by Kala and Film Festival Bihar. 

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Highest Qualification: Bachelor's in Mass Communication

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Experience: 3 years in youth engagement, community-based research, and media production. 

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Thematic Knowledge: Child rights, Youth participation, Mental health, Gender

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Technical skills: 

• Data collection

• Report writing

• Participatory methods such as group discussions and community mapping

• Digital Storytelling

• Social Media communication

• Adept at using Excel, Adobe Premier Pro, Canva 

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Research Experience:

Priyaswara works extensively with youth and children, facilitating ground-level sessions, conducting training workshops, and producing content and films centered around community issues. She is involved in research, monitoring and evaluation, and believes in creative, participatory approaches to fieldwork. She has worked with several organisations including Pratham Council for Vulnerable Children (PCVC), Unicef Bihar and Yuvaa.

Vasantha M 

Tamil Nadu

Vasantha M is a community researcher and evaluator based in Kethaiurmbu, Oddanchatram Block, Dindigul. Driven by a strong commitment to truth and development, she became a community researcher to better understand people’s realities and help create pathways for positive change. Her work focuses on identifying and addressing the root causes of social issues, always guided by a deep respect for the feelings and experiences of the community. Honest and compassionate engagement is at the heart of meaningful research and lasting impact.

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Highest Qualification: 9th Standard

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Experience: 10 months engaging with communities

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Thematic Knowledge: Sanitation Workers, Women, Health, Livelihood

Technical skills: 

• Use of participatory methods and tools such as FGDs, Participatory mapping, Digital storytelling etc.

• Field Research

• Data Collection and Analysis

• Adept with Kobo Toolbox

• Facilitation

Language skills: Proficient in Tamil

Research Experience:

Vasantha M has valuable experience working with women and sanitation workers, focusing on issues that directly impact their daily lives and well-being. She has actively facilitated community discussions and conducted Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), creating spaces where people can openly share their experiences and insights. Her facilitation work reflects a deep understanding of grassroots challenges and a commitment to ensuring that community voices inform meaningful solutions.

Dolly Singh

Madhya Pradesh

Dolly is a dedicated Sindhanai researcher and evaluator based in Morena, Madhya Pradesh. She aims to help end line-based (hereditary) occupations and guide her community toward new opportunities through awareness and support. To her, community research is about showing the right path to the community and making space for collective change with consent and collaboration.

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Thematic Knowledge: Sanitation, Community Health 

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Technical skills: 

• Data collection

• Use of participatory methods and tool

• Facilitating group discussions

• Report writing

• Group discussion facilitation 

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Language: Hindi 

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Research Experience:

Dolly works with the Bediya community in Morena, Madhya Pradesh. With training from HEAL, she is focusing on gathering community insights and spreading awareness around the importance of sanitation for living a dignified life.

Sadiq

Tamil Nadu

Sadiq is a community researcher based in Veppanapalli, Krishnagiri District, Tamil Nadu. He leverages participatory research to identify local needs, build trust with Scheduled Tribe communities, and catalyze sustainable social change. To him, community-based research means co‑creating solutions with people on the ground, honoring their knowledge, and ensuring findings directly inform action. He upholds honesty and integrity in all field engagements, ensuring respect and transparency.

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Highest Qualification: Higher Secondary Certificate (12th) 

Experience: 20 years

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Thematic Knowledge: Health training and awareness, Education, Livelihoods training and access to schemes, Sanitation 

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Technical Skills:

• Data collection & Analysis 

• Qualitative analysis & report writing

• Audio/video editing

• Field research & training facilitation

• Focus Group Discussions (FGDs)

• Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) & mapping

• Digital storytelling

• Kobo Tool

• NVivo 

• Excel 

• Canva

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​​Language skills: Tamil, Telugu, Urdu, Kannada; working knowledge of English

Research Experience:

With over 20 years in Krishnagiri District, Sadiq began as a volunteer with Valar Kalvi Iyakkam—leading cultural outreach and evening literacy classes across 50+ villages. He then supervised UNICEF’s IVDP project, conducting PRA need assessments, baseline surveys on 24 indicators, forming Village Level Management Committees in 50 villages, and enrolling 60+ drop‑out students through home visits and counselling. As Block Coordinator for CFVP–UNICEF (2008–2017), he arranged livelihood loans for household toilets, trained panchayat leaders on convergence planning, monitored the expansion of 116+ Anganwadi centers, and delivered Iron & Nutrition and water‑sanitation training to schoolchildren and SHG members. More recently, he facilitated Forest Rights Act implementation—securing land titles for 71 Irular families, providing power tillers to 20 farmers, establishing village committees, and organizing skill‑development workshops—and has overseen evening education and child‑protection programmes in 20 Irular villages, improving school enrolment and raising awareness on child marriage and labour.

Jeevachandiran

Tamil Nadu

Jeeva is a community researcher based in Veppanapalli, Krishnagiri District, Tamil Nadu. She uses research to understand local issues, connect with people, and support positive social change. To her, community-based research means working hand‑in‑hand with Scheduled Tribe communities—valuing their knowledge, co‑creating solutions, and ensuring research reflects real needs. She adheres to strong ethical principles, maintaining honesty, transparency, and respect in all her fieldwork.

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Highest Qualification: Higher Secondary Certificate (12th)

Experience: 15 years

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Thematic Knowledge: Health, Education, Sanitation, Livelihood​

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Technical Skills:

• Data collection and Analysis

• Report writing

• Focus Group Discussions (FGDs)

• Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) & mapping

• Digital storytelling

• Kobo Toolbox 

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​Language skills: Tamil, English 

Research Experience:

Jeeva began as a volunteer with Valar Kalvi Iyakkam, educating villagers across 50+ villages and leading cultural outreach to promote education. As a supervisor on a UNICEF‑supported IVDP project, she conducted PRA exercises, baseline surveys on 24 indicators, and formed Village Level Management Committees to address school drop‑outs, sanitation gaps, and welfare entitlements. She facilitated loans for individual toilet construction, organized water quality tests, and provided Iron & Nutrition training for schoolchildren and SHG members. As a block co‑trainer under CFVP (UNICEF), she trained panchayat leaders on convergence planning, monitored Anganwadi expansion (116+ centers), and supported village development planning. From 2022 to 2024, she coordinated the HEAL programme to improve ST access to health, education, livelihoods, and government schemes at village, panchayat, and district levels. ​

Kamaljeet Kaur

Punjab

Kamal Jeet Kaur is a dedicated community researcher based in Amritsar, Punjab. She became a community evaluator to deepen her understanding of the lives of sanitation workers and to support efforts that bring visibility and dignity to their experiences. She practices community-based participatory research, an inclusive approach where researchers and community members work together as equals throughout the research process. She upholds strong ethical values, emphasizing informed consent, voluntary participation, and respectful collaboration in all her work.

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Highest Qualification: Bachelor of Arts

Experience: 4 years

Thematic Knowledge: Sanitation Workers, Women, Health, Livelihood

Technical skills: 

• Use of participatory methods and tools such as Participatory mapping and Digital storytelling.

• Field Research

• Audi/Video Editing

• Adept with Kobo Toolbox and MS Excel

Language skills: Proficient in Hindi and Punjabi

Research Experience:

Kamal Jeet Kaur has been actively involved in community research and social work, with a strong focus on understanding and addressing grassroots issues. She has participated in several capacity-building workshops, including sessions with Praxis and Durham University on research, evaluation, facilitation, research methods, digital storytelling, and report writing. 

Seema Sapriban

Assam

Seema is a community researcher and evaluator based in Guwahati, Assam. She has always enjoyed working with people and understanding community challenges. She believes research can drive meaningful change in people’s lives and offers her the chance to connect deeply with individuals and their realities. Seema believes that community research means collaboratively identifying and solving real-life problems through empathetic and respectful engagement. It’s a process rooted in honoring people’s experiences and emotions. She is one of the State Convenors of Assam, South Asian Sanitation Worker and Labour Network (SASLN).

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Highest Qualification: Higher Secondary Certificate

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Experience: 10 years of experience in community mobilisation and research

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Thematic Knowledge: Sanitation worker issues, Gender, Health, Caste

Technical skills: 

• Data collection

• Use of participatory methods and tool

• Adept with Kobo Toolbox 

Language skills: Proficient in Hindi

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Research Experience:

Seema has worked as a field researcher which involved grassroots engagement to understand local problems and document them through participatory methods. Her work focuses on community-centric approaches to health and well-being.​​

Jayagopal

Uttar Pradesh

Jayagopal is a community researcher and evaluator based in Farrukhabad, Uttar Pradesh. Being deeply connected with the community of sanitation workers, he has witnessed their struggles firsthand. His personal experiences and empathy have driven him to document their realities through research and work toward better solutions. To him, community research is crucial to analyze all aspects of sanitation workers’ lives. He sees it as a tool to uncover solutions that can improve their quality of life and ensure their voices are heard. He is one of the State Convenors of Uttar Pradesh, South Asian Sanitation Worker and Labour Network (SASLN).

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Highest Qualification: M.Com

Experience: 20 years of experience in community mobilisation and work

Thematic Knowledge: Sanitation worker issues, Health, Caste

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Technical skills: 

• Data collection

• Use of participatory methods and tool

• Facilitating group discussions

• Data analysis

• Report Wrtiting

• Adept with Kobo Toolbox 

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Language skills: Proficient in Hindi

Research Experience:

Jayagopal has worked extensively with all castes and communities engaged in sanitation work. His research focuses on understanding the lived realities of sanitation workers — covering economic, mental, social, and geographical aspects. His fieldwork involves direct engagement and participatory discussions. He has also received training from SASLN on health, and on assessing sanitation workers’ socio-economic and mental health conditions.

Shweta Chhari

Madhya Pradesh

Shweta is a dedicated Sindhanai researcher and evaluator based in Morena, Madhya Pradesh. Motivated by the conditions of her community, Shweta sees herself as a facilitator of change, supporting and guiding people toward a better future with empathy and care. To her, community research means being a part of the community's journey, understanding their challenges, and co-creating pathways to education and empowerment.

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Highest Qualification: Matriculation

Experience: 3 years in youth engagement, community-based research, and media production

Thematic Knowledge: Health, Sanitation, Education, Community Development

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Technical skills: 

• Data collection

• Report writing

• Participatory methods such as group discussions and community mapping

• Use of street theatre (nukkad natak) for awareness

• Kobo Toolbox proficiency 

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Language skills: Proficient in Hindi

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Research Experience:

Shweta has been actively working at the grassroots level, conducting field visits and community assessments. Her work focuses on bringing change by raising awareness about health, hygiene, and education, and she has completed HEAL training to strengthen her participatory research approach.

Anil Kumar

Madhya Pradesh

Anil is a dedicated Sindhanai researcher and evaluator based in Morena, Madhya Pradesh. He is passionate about encouraging educational awareness in his community. He wants to bring change by understanding and addressing the challenges of underprivileged families. To Anil, community research means gaining insight into people’s real-life conditions and helping bring positive change through evidence-based action.

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Highest Qualification: Matriculation

Experience: 4 years in community-based research and education outreach

Thematic Knowledge: Education, Community Mobilization, Socioeconomic Challenges of Marginalized Groups

Technical skills: 

• Use of participatory methods and tool

• Facilitating group discussions

• Video Editing

• Report Writing

• Street theatre (nukkad natak) as an engagement tool

• Adept with Kobo Toolbox 

Language skills: Proficient in Hindi

Research Experience:

Anil has worked with the Bedia community, focusing on raising awareness about education. His approach combines participatory field methods and creative tools like street plays to communicate key messages. He has conducted both field and government-related research visits and participated in HEAL training for enhancing research and engagement capacity.

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Vijayakumar R

Tamil Nadu 

Vijayakumar R is a community researcher based in Krishnagiri, Tamil Nadu. He leverages participatory methods to engage communities in health, education, and livelihood initiatives—aiming to uncover and address their real needs. To him, community-based research means understanding people’s true conditions through transparent, ethical fieldwork, ensuring integrity and respect in every interaction.

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Highest Qualification: Bachelors in Tamil 

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Experience: 20 years

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Thematic Knowledge: Health, Education , Livelihoods

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Technical Skills:

• Data collection and Analysis

• Report writing

• Audio/Video editing

• Participatory Methods & Tools

• Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) 

• Kobo Toolbox

• MS Excel

Language Skills: Tamil (native); working knowledge of English

Formal Training & Certification: Health training programmes 

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Research Experience:
Over two decades, Vijayakumar has worked with Valar Kalvi Iyakkam—leading cultural outreach and evening literacy classes in 50+ villages—supervised UNICEF’s IVDP programme performing PRA assessments, baseline surveys, and enrolling drop‑out students; as Block Coordinator for CFVP–UNICEF, he trained panchayat leaders on convergence planning, oversaw the expansion of 116+ Anganwadi centers, and delivered health and sanitation trainings; he has also conducted needs assessments, evaluated sanitation and livelihood initiatives, and supported Village Development Plans throughout Krishnagiri District. ​

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