At Vidya Research Foundation, our leadership team brings together decades of experience in research, education, and social development. Their collective vision guides our mission to create inclusive, equitable, and sustainable impact at the grassroots level.
Board Member | Strategic Advisor
Dr. Sheelwant Singh is a visionary leader, distinguished scholar, and strategic thinker with over two decades of experience in global publishing and interdisciplinary research. As a Board Member and Strategic Advisor, he plays a pivotal role in shaping the Foundation’s long-term vision and strengthening its research-driven approach.
He holds a Ph.D. in Environment from NEERI, along with an LL.B., M.Sc., and multiple Master’s qualifications (+3), reflecting his diverse academic foundation and multidisciplinary expertise.
With more than 200 publications to his credit, Dr. Singh’s work spans across social development, public policy, science, culture, and technology. His deep understanding of governance systems and policy frameworks brings significant value to the Foundation’s strategic planning and program design.
In addition to his academic and advisory roles, he is a respected public speaker and serves as a Senior Editor, actively contributing to knowledge dissemination and intellectual discourse. He is also the Coordinator of the Nishulk Coaching of Civil Services Scheme at Uttar Pradesh Sanskrit Sansthanam, where he mentors and guides aspiring civil servants.
Dr. Singh actively engages with government institutions, academic bodies, and cultural organizations, contributing to public dialogue through seminars, media, and policy discussions. His leadership ensures that the Foundation’s initiatives remain rooted in evidence-based practices, advocacy, and inclusive, sustainable development.
Founder & Executive Director
Dr. Sarika is the visionary Founder of Vidya Research Foundation, committed to transforming lives through education, research, and social empowerment. With a strong belief in inclusive development, she leads the Foundation with a mission to create meaningful and sustainable change in society.
She holds a Ph.D. in Sociology and is NET & JRF qualified. Her academic background includes Master’s degrees in Social Engineering, Sociology, and Political Science, along with a Post Graduate Diploma in Management—reflecting her strong interdisciplinary expertise and research excellence.
Her work focuses on critical social issues such as women’s empowerment, gender equality, child protection, and social justice. Under her leadership, the Foundation has successfully implemented impactful grassroots initiatives, creating opportunities for marginalized communities and strengthening community-driven development.
Beyond her role as Founder, Dr. Sarika is actively engaged in teaching and academic collaborations across private and public institutions. She contributes to capacity building by mentoring students, professionals, and community stakeholders, while also addressing key societal challenges through research and dialogue.
She works closely with academic institutions, government bodies, and civil society organizations to drive policy-level impact as well as grassroots transformation. Through training programs, workshops, and research initiatives, she continues to influence both community development and policy discourse.
Dr. Sarika’s leadership is defined by compassion, resilience, and a deep commitment to building an inclusive society where every individual is empowered with dignity, knowledge, and equal opportunity.
Board Member & Education Specialist
Ram Kumar Verma is a seasoned education professional with over two decades of experience dedicated to advancing equitable and high-quality education. As a Board Member, he brings deep field expertise and strategic insight to the Foundation’s mission of transforming learning outcomes across diverse communities.
Throughout his career, Mr. Verma has played a pivotal role in strengthening educational systems at the grassroots level. His work has consistently focu sed on expanding access to meaningful, inclusive learning opportunities—particularly for underserved and marginalized populations.
He possesses strong expertise in the design and implementation of education programs and policies that drive measurable impact. His hands-on approach, combined with a clear understanding of systemic challenges, enables him to contribute effectively to scalable and sustainable education initiatives.
Mr. Verma’s continued commitment to educational equity and institutional development makes him a valuable guiding force in the Foundation’s efforts to create lasting, positive change in the education landscape.
Social Development Professional
She is a dedicated social development professional associated with Vidya Research Foundation, contributing actively to program implementation and community outreach initiatives. With a strong commitment to grassroots development, she works closely with communities to support initiatives in:
Women Empowerment Education & Awareness Community Mobilization Social Welfare Programs She plays a key role in coordinating field activities, engaging beneficiaries, and ensuring smooth execution of projects. Her ability to connect with local communities and understand their needs helps strengthen the Foundation’s impact at the ground level. Monika is passionate about creating inclusive opportunities and empowering individuals, especially women and marginalized groups, to lead more independent and informed lives.
Legal Advisor
Mrs. Neha Saxena is a committed legal professional serving as the Legal Advisor to the Foundation. She holds a Master’s degree along with a Bachelor of Laws (LL. B) and is an active member of the Bar Association, reflecting her strong academic background and professional credibility.
With a keen understanding of legal systems and governance, she provides vital legal guidance to the organization, ensuring that all its programs and operations are carried out with integrity, transparency, and full compliance with legal standards.
Mrs. Saxena plays a key role in strengthening the Foundation’s institutional framework by advising on policy matters, legal rights, and regulatory requirements. She is deeply committed to promoting legal awareness and empowering communities by helping them understand and exercise their rights.
Her dedication, ethical approach, and professional expertise significantly contribute to advancing the Foundation’s mission of building an inclusive, just, and empowered society.
