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Bhushan Punani · Blind People's Association (BPA)
Executive Director, Blind People's Association
In this episode of the ADCLOD Podcast with Social Sector Leaders, Prof. Neharika Vohra speaks with Bhushan Punani, Executive Director of the Blind People's Association (BPA), about building a mission-driven organization that has transformed the lives of persons with disabilities for over four decades. He reflects on BPA's culture of trust, collective leadership, and commitment to empowering people rather than controlling them.
The conversation explores institution-building, partnerships with government, innovation in disability inclusion, and the importance of transparency and accountability in the social sector. Punani also shares lessons on succession planning, nurturing future leaders, and creating sustainable impact that extends beyond the organization itself.
Through stories from BPA's journey, the episode offers valuable insights for leaders, practitioners, and students interested in social impact, inclusive development, and values-based leadership.
Mirai Chatterjee · SEWA
Director, SEWA Social Security
What does it take to build a movement that empowers millions of women across generations? In this episode of the ADCLOD Podcast with Social Sector Leaders, Prof. Neharika Vohra speaks with Mirai Chatterjee of SEWA, whose four-decade journey offers a rare window into the evolution of one of India's most influential grassroots organizations.
Mirai traces SEWA's growth from a small union of self-employed women workers to a nationwide movement spanning 20 states and 3.8 million members. She shares how listening to women at the grassroots led to pioneering innovations in financial inclusion, healthcare, childcare, insurance, and cooperative enterprise, while also shaping SEWA's distinctive approach to leadership and institution-building.
The conversation explores collective leadership, succession planning, advocacy, and the power of organizing from the ground up. At its heart, the episode is a reflection on trust — in people's capabilities, in community-led solutions, and in the belief that lasting social change is built not through individual heroes, but through empowered communities working together.
Ramji Raghavan · Agastya International Foundation
Founder & Chairman, Agastya International Foundation
What happens when a successful investment banker leaves a global career to reimagine how children learn? In this episode of the ADCLOD Podcast with Social Sector Leaders, Prof. Neharika Vohra speaks with Ramji Raghavan, founder of Agastya International Foundation, about his journey from international finance to building one of the world's largest experiential learning initiatives.
Ramji reflects on Agastya's evolution from a bold idea into a movement that has reached millions of children through mobile science labs, innovation centers, and community-based learning programs across India. He shares insights on nurturing curiosity, building a culture of innovation, managing large-scale social impact, and creating learning experiences that inspire children to ask questions, experiment, and imagine new possibilities.
The conversation offers a compelling perspective on purpose-driven leadership, institution-building, and the power of curiosity as a force for individual and societal transformation.