Ajay Kumar Chawariya leads Project Prakash’s India operations, overseeing outreach, vocational rehabilitation, and education programs. He collaborates closely with the U.S. team on strategy and organizational development. With over 18 years of experience in education, health, and disability sectors, he has worked with organizations like The Blind Relief Association and Venu Eye Institute. Ajay holds a Master’s in Social Work from Delhi School of Social Work and a postgraduate diploma in Public Health & Hospital Management. He is deeply committed to inclusive education and livelihood initiatives for people with disabilities.

Dr. Priti Gupta is a cognitive neuroscientist heading Project Prakash’s research team in India. Her work focuses on perceptual development, cognitive neuroscience, and brain plasticity. She holds a Ph.D. in Computational Neuroscience from Dayalbagh University and completed postdoctoral research at IIT Delhi. Priti’s studies have been published in journals like Science. Additionally, she serves as Director of Fundraising and Partnerships for the Project Prakash Charitable Trust. Passionate about maternal and child health, she balances her scientific pursuits with a love for art and music.

Dr. Chetan Ralekar brings expertise in experimental and computational neuroscience, with research interests spanning artificial intelligence, computer vision, and brain-computer interaction. He earned his Ph.D. from IIT Delhi and completed postdoctoral work at MIT’s Brain and Cognitive Sciences department. Associated with Project Prakash since 2016, he has explored brain plasticity and learning using EEG, eye-tracking, and brain imaging. His work appears in journals like Current Biology, Scientific Reports, and IEEE publications, earning several best paper and poster awards.

Rakesh Kumar is a Monitoring Coordinator at Project Prakash Charitable Trust, managing eye screening camps for visually impaired children in partnership with various institutions. Holding a Master’s in Social Work, Rakesh is experienced in counseling patients and families, guiding them through available treatment options, and ensuring their participation in surgical interventions. His career includes work in skill development and community health, where he organized health check-up camps and mobilized local communities for healthcare access. Rakesh’s dedication to public health and social welfare is reflected in his commitment to improving the lives of visually impaired children and promoting inclusive healthcare services.

Jamuna Parsad Gautam serves as Program Manager at Project Prakash, where he leads and organizes eye screening camps for visually impaired children in collaboration with both government and non-government institutions. With a Master’s in Social Work from Kurukshetra University, Jamuna has over 17 years of experience in the social sector, particularly in healthcare and community welfare. His work focuses on patient counseling, mobilizing families for medical interventions, and facilitating treatment processes. Jamuna has previously contributed to several esteemed organizations, including the National Health Mission, Ambuja Cement Foundation, Dalmia Bharat Group Foundation, and Dr. Shroff’s Charity Eye Hospital. He remains deeply passionate about public health and patient-centered care initiatives.

Rakesh Kumar is a Monitoring Coordinator at Project Prakash Charitable Trust, managing eye screening camps for visually impaired children in partnership with various institutions. Holding a Master’s in Social Work, Rakesh is experienced in counseling patients and families, guiding them through available treatment options, and ensuring their participation in surgical interventions. His career includes work in skill development and community health, where he organized health check-up camps and mobilized local communities for healthcare access. Rakesh’s dedication to public health and social welfare is reflected in his commitment to improving the lives of visually impaired children and promoting inclusive healthcare services.

​With nearly two decades of experience in eye care and social welfare, Shakila Bi serves as Senior Counsellor at Project Prakash. She holds a Master’s degree in Social Work from Chaudhary Devi Lal University. Shakila specializes in patient coordination, counseling, and social mobilization. She plays a pivotal role in preparing children and families before hospital visits, guiding them through the treatment journey, and providing post-treatment support. Shakila's empathetic engagement ensures that patients and their families feel supported throughout their medical care. Her long-standing dedication to patient advocacy and healthcare outreach makes her a vital member of the Project Prakash team.

Sanjeev Kumar has been associated with Project Prakash since December 2020 and officially joined as a Coordinator in March 2023. He holds a Master’s degree in Geography from Deen Dayal Upadhyay Gorakhpur University, Uttar Pradesh, and brings three years of experience in the eye care sector. Sanjeev actively supports various programs and outreach activities at Project Prakash, contributing to the organization’s mission of providing accessible eye care to underserved communities. His role involves coordinating field operations, assisting in patient mobilization, and facilitating healthcare interventions, ensuring that Project Prakash’s services reach those in need effectively and efficiently.

Ranupriya is an optometrist with Project Prakash, having joined the team in 2021. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Optometry from Uttar Pradesh University of Medical Sciences, Saifai, and completed her clinical internship at CL Gupta Eye Institute. In her role, Ranupriya conducts patient screenings during outreach camps, performs low vision examinations, and assists in pediatric ophthalmology services. With a keen interest in neuro-vision science research, she is passionate about contributing to the well-being of visually impaired individuals through clinical practice and scientific inquiry. Ranupriya’s compassionate approach and technical proficiency make her a valued asset to the Project Prakash team.

Purva Sethi is a Research Associate at Project Prakash with a background in neuropsychology. She is deeply interested in the intricate relationship between brain function, memory, and sensory experiences, particularly how these processes shape human behavior and learning. At Project Prakash, Purva is actively involved in research initiatives and derives great satisfaction from working with children, whose resilience inspires her work. Her commitment to research-driven interventions aligns with the organization’s mission of improving lives through science and care. Purva aspires to bridge neuroscience research with humanitarian service, making meaningful contributions to both academic and social welfare domains.

Stutee Narang is a Research Associate at Project Prakash with academic training in Neuroscience and Neuropsychology. Her research interests lie in affective and consumer neuroscience, with a focus on how multisensory inputs shape emotions, decisions, and behaviors. Stutee is passionate about applying scientific insights to real-world challenges and connecting cognitive research to practical solutions. At Project Prakash, she contributes to studies that explore the complexities of human perception and behavior, particularly among visually impaired children. Through her work, Stutee aims to translate research findings into interventions that enhance the quality of life for underserved communities while advancing the field of translational neuroscience.

Rani Chawariya works as a Counsellor with Project Prakash Charitable Trust, supporting the education and vocational rehabilitation of visually impaired children and youth. A graduate of the University of Delhi, Rani recently completed her Master’s in Social Work from Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), New Delhi. She plays a pivotal role in guiding Prakash children enrolled at partner institutions such as the National Association for the Blind and the Blind Relief Association, Delhi. Rani’s counseling services ensure children receive holistic support, both educational and emotional, fostering their empowerment and rehabilitation. She remains committed to promoting inclusivity and livelihood opportunities for individuals with blindness.

Abhishek Kumar has been part of Project Prakash since 2020, managing patient-related data and providing essential technical support for program operations. A certified Computer Operator and Programming Assistant, he ensures the accuracy and security of the organization’s digital records and databases. Currently, Abhishek is pursuing Cost Management Accounting (CMA) from the Institute of Cost Accountants of India. His skills in data management and his commitment to operational efficiency play a critical role in supporting Project Prakash’s outreach and healthcare initiatives. Abhishek’s contributions help maintain seamless coordination across various programs, directly impacting service delivery to visually impaired children.

Vidya Prakash serves as the Outreach Coordinator for Project Prakash in New Delhi. With a Master’s degree from Deen Dayal Upadhyay Gorakhpur University, he has over a decade of experience in community development through projects with organizations like PGSS Gorakhpur and NABARD. Between 2019 and 2021, Vidya successfully coordinated two Prakash Vision Centers in Uttar Pradesh, enhancing pediatric eye care services in rural areas. In his current role, he organizes outreach initiatives, including pre-camp visits, pediatric eye screening camps, and patient welfare programs. Vidya’s dedication to fieldwork and grassroots healthcare access has made him an invaluable member of the Project Prakash team.