The core of SLD is a team of highly motivated and dedicated individuals. With in-depth thematic knowledge and experience, the team, together aims to fulfil the aspirations of workers across sectors, thereby edging businesses towards being much more ethical and responsible.

  • An alumnus of the Tata Institute of Social Studies, Mumbai, Ashmita Sharma, is the Executive Director at Society for Labour and Development. An awardee of the Prof. Chhaya Datar Award for her research, ‘Experiencing Widowhood in Vrindavan’, Ashmita is an MPhil in Women’s Studies and is recognized for her numerous publications on the subject. Along with her team of dedicated individuals, she envisions reaching out to larger audiences to not just improve the working conditions of workers, but also to bring about cordial and mutually respectful relationships between workers and industries. She was also a curriculum developer in the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) and significantly supported the project titled, ‘e-PG Pathshala: e-Content Creation for Postgraduate Students’.

  • As Fellowship Lead at SLD, Sagrika oversees the strategic design, implementation, and monitoring of the programs across regions and themes. She mentors fellows engaged in grassroots research, legal awareness, and community mobilisation, while collaborating across teams to integrate policy, law, and advocacy into SLD’s broader vision on labour rights. An alumna of BA LLB (Hons.), she brings a background in human rights advocacy, labour law, and community engagement, with experience working on gender, migration, and legal empowerment. Her writing has been featured in platforms such as The Leaflet, Newsclick, and The Print. Certified in labour strategies, political economy, and rights-based frameworks, she is committed to building worker-led approaches to justice. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, writing, music, and spending time with friends.

  • Soni Kumari is a social researcher who primarily studies, analyses, writes, and reflects. An alumna of the International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS), Mumbai, she holds a Master’s degree in Population Studies (2021). Her work focuses on generating rigorous, ethical, and evidence-based insights on labour and social development to strengthen labour rights, social justice, and inclusive growth. As the Senior Fellow – Research & Learning at the Society for Labour and Development (SLD), based at the New Delhi Head Office, she leads and supports mixed-methods research, research design, data analysis, and the preparation of analytical reports that inform SLD’s advocacy and programmatic work. She is UGC-NET qualified (2021), a recipient of a Government of India Fellowship, and has presented her research at national conferences. Soni aims to contribute to a world that advances workers’ rights, social equity, and inclusive development. 

  • As the Field Coordinator with the Society for Labour and Development, Mahima’s work involves conducting field research, supporting awareness campaigns, and engaging with workers from the migrant, domestic, and garment sectors. She plays an active role in documenting worker challenges, promoting access to entitlements, and strengthening community-based organising. Mahima holds a Master’s degree in Social Work from IGNOU. She is deeply motivated by SLD’s commitment to social justice and finds meaning in working directly with workers to support their rights and amplify their voices. Post work, you can find Mahima listening to K-pop and discovering new music, which helps her relax and recharge.

  • Mamta is our Field Organiser at the Society for Labour and Development, based in Faridabad. She works closely with garment and domestic workers, helping raise awareness about their rights, connecting them to SLD’s initiatives, and facilitating regular meetings to support collective action and voice. Before joining SLD, Mamta worked with Azad Foundation as a Field Organiser, where she helped women workers access documentation and entitlements. She brings strong experience in grassroots mobilisation and community engagement. Mamta has studied up to Class 10 and is passionate about learning new things. She finds great meaning in working with women and enjoys seeing more of them join the movement for rights and recognition. In her spare time, Mamta enjoys studying and exploring new skills.






Veraval, Gujarat

  • As the Project Manager at the Society for Labour and Development, based in Veraval, Mukesh oversees day-to-day implementation and coordination of the seafood workers’ project, ensuring timely reporting and stakeholder engagement. Mukesh holds a Ph.D. and brings expertise in research, training, and project implementation with a focus on socio-economic development, climate resilience, and advocacy for marginalized communities. He is driven by the opportunity to support the formation of a seafood women’s collective, aiming to empower women workers and improve their working conditions. In his free time, he enjoys reading on socio-economic issues and engaging in community conversations.

  • Mohit is a Finance Executive at the Society for Labour and Development, based at the Head Office in New Delhi. He is responsible for maintaining accurate financial records and supporting day-to-day financial operations, ensuring transparency and compliance in all transactions. He holds a B.Com and M.Com, and brings a detail-oriented approach to managing budgets and documentation. Since joining SLD in 2024, Mohit has continued to build his expertise in financial systems relevant to non-profits. He is motivated by SLD’s mission of supporting labour and women workers and values contributing to an organisation committed to equity and justice. In his free time, Mohit enjoys expanding his financial knowledge through reading and learning.

  • Satyapal leads the administrative and human resource systems at SLD’s Delhi office, ensuring operational continuity and cross-team coordination. His role supports internal processes that enable field teams to focus on grassroots mobilisation and worker engagement. An alumnus of Indira Gandhi National Open University, he holds a Master’s in Social Work and brings over 26 years of experience in the development sector. His earlier work spans health systems strengthening, including a leadership role with the Akshya Project under the Global Fund, and public health programs in the North East under the aegis of the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. He was recognised by Caritas India for his contribution to the Intensified Malaria Control Program in remote districts. A strong believer in discipline and lifelong learning, Satyapal finds energy in early mornings, enjoys long walks, and often volunteers time mentoring young professionals entering the sector.



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  • Anshika is a youth fellow who primarily engages with young people and workers to build awareness and dialogue around Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR). Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of Delhi, she is based in Kapashera, NCR. As a Youth Fellow at the Society for Labour and Development (SLD), her work focuses on understanding SRHR in the context of youth and worker communities and facilitating meaningful discussions to support awareness and empowerment. She is motivated by the opportunity to collaborate closely with young people and workers. In her free time, she enjoys learning more about SRHR through reading, videos, and activity-based approaches. 

  • Ashutosh is a Senior Fellow at SLD based in Kanpur. His work focuses on labour rights and decent working conditions in the leather and garment sectors. At SLD, he leads research and field-level training that supports workers and their leadership across informal industries. He collaborates with local actors to promote secure livelihoods, social protection, and responsive labour systems. Before joining SLD, Ashutosh worked as a Research Assistant on Gulf migration in Kerala, served as a Project Coordinator at CSDS during the 2023 Tripura elections, and was a Political Strategist at IPAC during the 2021 West Bengal elections. He has published research on reverse labour migration and state welfare in journals and national media. He holds a Master’s degree in International Relations from Pondicherry University. Outside work, he enjoys watching films and writing Hindi poetry that explores emotions and everyday life.




  • Fiza is a Junior Fellow under the Fellowship Program at the Society for Labour and Development, currently based in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh. Since December 2023, she has contributed to various research and field-level engagement activities aimed at understanding the challenges faced by informal workers. She focuses on community-level data collection and helps communicate complex field realities to inform broader conversations on dignity at work. Her ability to build rapport with people allows her to gather nuanced insights that support SLD’s vision of inclusive development. Fiza holds a Master’s in Business Administration from Aligarh Muslim University and previously worked as an academic counselor, supporting young learners. She finds motivation in SLD’s mission to improve lives through information, access, and field-based understanding. In her personal time, she enjoys listening to music, which helps her recharge and stay connected to her inner calm.






  • Anil is a Junior Fellow at the Society for Labour and Development, currently based in Veraval, Gujarat. Since June 2024, he has been working closely with migrant and women workers in the seafood sector. His work involves grassroots research, engaging with local communities, and building trust with workers to better understand the everyday challenges they face—ranging from workplace safety to access to government schemes. Through these efforts, Anil helps bring clarity to real-world conditions and supports SLD in building meaningful, informed strategies. Before joining SLD, Anil worked as a teacher in Kendriya Vidyalaya Diu and later as a front office manager in the hospitality industry—experiences that strengthened his people skills and adaptability. He holds a Bachelor’s in Education with a focus on Arts. Anil is driven by the opportunity to connect with people at the ground level and to contribute with sincerity. In his spare time, he enjoys outdoor games, listening to music, exercising, and being with family.

  • Sharad is our Junior Research Fellow who works closely with tea garden communities across North Bengal, facilitating awareness on fair wages, social security, and access to government schemes. His work involves regular field engagement, community dialogues, and visual documentation to spotlight the lived experiences of tea plantation workers. An alumnus of North Bengal University, Sharad brings over five years of experience in student leadership, grassroots organizing, and digital storytelling. He uses photography and film as tools to capture both everyday struggles and the resilience of working communities. Rooted in the region, Sharad is deeply committed to advancing justice and collective empowerment. In his free time, he enjoys working with youth, exploring visual media, and spending time in nature.

  • Puja is a social worker who primarily writes, researches, documents and contemplates. An Alumnus of Tata Institute of Social Sciences she is a Masters in social work (Public Health) and a bachelors in English literature. Her work focuses on researching, documenting, and highlighting the inaccuracies in the narrative building of marginalized communities. As the Senior Manager - Programs, she contributes to the ongoing assessments and analysis to understand incidences of gender-based violence (GBV) at the workplace and public spaces, to map points of strategies to bring about cases of GBV among vulnerable individuals, and work towards making these cases visible to the outside world. She builds knowledge and understanding regarding the POSH ACT (2013). Puja aims to contribute to creating a world that is not only gender equitable but also celebrates gender-diverse people and communities.

  • Punya, as Manager – Programs at SLD’s Head Office in New Delhi, leads the design and implementation of initiatives advancing labour concerns and social justice for workers through a feminist lens. Her work centres women workers lived experiences and applies research-informed, intersectional approaches to programme design, implementation, and learning, including the integration of Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (EVAWG) perspectives. She has previously led large-scale programmes such as Career Plus and Education for All in partnership with state governments, combining policy engagement with field-based research to advance girl-child education, digital access, and women’s empowerment. Her work has engaged over 120,000 stakeholders and strengthened evidence-driven collaboration with state and local governance systems. Trained as a social work researcher-practitioner, Punya holds a master's degree in social work (Women-Centred Practice) from TISS, Mumbai, with strong experience in monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL), qualitative research, and survivor-centered approaches. She was drawn to SLD for its commitment to feminist praxis and worker-led advocacy. In her free time, she enjoys powerlifting, music, and art. 

  • Shweta works at the intersection of labour rights and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), anchoring community engagement and advocacy with youth fellows across Delhi NCR and Veraval, Gujarat. Her work focuses on strengthening awareness and access to SRHR in informal sectors such as domestic work, seafood processing, and industrial manufacturing, building supportive systems that empower workers through knowledge and dialogue. Before joining SLD as the Programs Associate, Shweta engaged with women construction workers on the outskirts of Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar through Aajeevika Bureau, where she studied the impact of mechanisation on gender, wages, and work conditions in the informal construction sector. She is an alumna of the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), with a Master’s in Development Policy, Planning and Practice. Shweta is drawn to SLD’s rights-based, feminist approach to justice and inclusion. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, connecting with nature, meaningful conversations, and discovering new food spots.

  • As the Field Organiser, Priyanka works closely with garment and domestic workers, raising awareness about their rights, conducting outreach visits, supporting legal redressal, and maintaining records and reports for ongoing field activities. Previously, Priyanka worked with Jeevika (Bihar Rural Livelihoods Promotion Society) as an HNS-MRP and taught women in Anchhar Aanchal. She was recognized at the block level for her work on food diversity and women’s empowerment. She holds a B.A. and is passionate about promoting legal literacy and gender rights. Since joining SLD, she has gained deeper insight into women’s legal entitlements and workplace rights, motivating her continued engagement. After working hours, she enjoys spending time with her family, listening to music, and helping others in her community.

  • As the Field Organizer, Rakesh works with leather sector workers in Kanpur, conducting field visits, awareness sessions, and capacity-building meetings to strengthen worker solidarity and access to rights. He supports garment and footwear workers in navigating social security schemes and workplace challenges. He brings experience from Civil Defence (1998–2006) and over 15 years as a Quality Checker with Red & Chief Leather and Footwear Pvt. Ltd., where he gained firsthand insight into shopfloor realities. Rakesh is an alumnus of Chhatrapati Sahu Ji Maharaj University, Kanpur, with a Master’s in Sociology. His commitment to labour rights is shaped by his own work history, and his efforts at SLD aim to support equitable change for workers. In his spare time, he enjoys gardening—a quiet connection to nature that brings him peace.

  • Rajesh is a Project Officer at SLD’s Veraval office in Gujarat, where he mobilizes women workers, strengthens community-based groups, and supports their access to labour rights and healthcare. Since joining SLD in 2020, Rajesh has helped form over 20 SPI women worker groups across Veraval block, facilitated large-scale medical camps benefitting 1,100+ workers, and conducted grassroots research into issues faced by seafood industry workers. He has also trained women on solidarity and leadership. With an MSW and prior experience in community organising and skill development at HDRC, Rajesh brings deep knowledge of rural outreach. He was awarded the Best Social Activist Award by HDRC during the COVID-19 pandemic. In his spare time, Rajesh enjoys social work, reading, and playing cricket.







  • Vrinda leads communication and advocacy initiatives at SLD, crafting strategic content to strengthen the organisation’s visibility and engagement. She works closely with regional teams and the in-house professional design unit to produce compelling campaigns, social media content, and website updates. Her work focuses on building a consistent narrative around workers’ concerns and monitoring digital analytics to inform outreach strategies. With a background in economics and international relations, Vrinda brings experience in policy advocacy, monitoring and evaluation across sectors like gender, WASH, education, and public health. She has previously worked with civil societies, government, and private actors in the social impact space. She holds certifications from the Johns Hopkins Center for Communication Programs and UN Women on gender equality and behavioural change communication. Vrinda is motivated by SLD’s mission to centre women workers and promote social justice through education, legal empowerment, and grassroots advocacy. Post work you can find her painting, reading, playing badminton, and caring for community animals.

Kapashera, Delhi NCR

  • Kanchan is our Field Organiser with SLD based in Kapashera (NCR), and has been a part of the organization since March 2018. Her work involves conducting field surveys, gathering insights on local issues, and providing assistance to workers regarding workplace concerns. Kanchan’s strong field presence and ability to build trust among communities play a vital role in ensuring that SLD’s interventions are relevant and timely. She also contributes data and on-ground perspectives that shape project development. Although she has studied up to the 10th grade, Kanchan brings over seven years of hands-on experience and a deep understanding of the community she serves. She takes pride in being a reliable presence for those around her. In her spare time, she often continues organizing and planning for her work — something she finds deeply fulfilling.

Faridabad, Delhi NCR

Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh

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  • Brijesh is a Field Organizer with the Society for Labour and Development, based in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh. He works closely with workers in the leather and garment sectors to support access to social protection schemes, organise awareness sessions, and facilitate on-ground engagement. His role involves building relationships with communities and contributing to field documentation and program implementation. Before joining SLD, Brijesh interned with the Indian Wood Factory as an HR trainee and worked with organisations like SOS Children’s Village and the Labour Office in Varanasi, focusing on child rights, community mobilisation, and labour outreach. He holds a Master’s degree in Social Work. Drawn to SLD’s approach of working directly with communities, Brijesh is committed to supporting workers and contributing meaningfully at the grassroots level. Post working hours, he enjoys playing cricket, gardening, visiting the hills, and spending time with his family.

  • Based in Veraval, Gujarat, Kiran is a Field Organizer who joined SLD in October 2023. Her role includes visiting different villages, holding conversations with women workers, and facilitating access to useful resources that can improve their daily lives. She plays a key part in ensuring that women are aware of health, safety, and workplace-related matters. Her consistent engagement helps translate research goals into real-world actions, aligning with SLD’s broader mission. Kiran has completed her secondary education and previously worked as a premotor from 2008 to 2016. She is inspired by the opportunity to work in roles that bring her closer to real stories and experiences. Post working hours, she can be found enjoying dancing, cooking, and traveling — especially when it involves connecting with new people and places. 







Finance and Administration Staff

Finance

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Administration

  • Rahul supports SLD’s day-to-day operations as an Office Assistant at the Head Office in New Delhi. His responsibilities include maintaining a clean, organized, and hygienic environment to ensure the team works comfortably and efficiently. Through his consistent efforts, he contributes to a professional and enabling workplace that aligns with SLD’s broader vision of supporting meaningful change. Having completed his education till the 7th standard, Rahul brings a strong work ethic and deep commitment to his role. He takes pride in being part of an organization that strives to improve the lives of workers and underlines the importance of every contribution, big or small, in advancing this mission. Working at SLD gives him a sense of purpose and belonging. In his spare time, Rahul enjoys riding his scooter, eating street food—especially chaat—and visiting temples, which offer him moments of peace and reflection. 



FELLOWS

  • Rinki is our Junior Research Fellow who works with tea garden workers in North Bengal, creating awareness on labour rights, social entitlements, and government schemes. She conducts field visits, engages with women and worker communities, and supports access to services through grassroots mobilisation. A graduate in Arts, she is a first-generation organiser from a tea worker family. Her work is driven by a strong personal commitment to justice and dignity for women and workers in remote areas. She has been recognised by Bal Suraksha Abhiyan for her contributions as a volunteer, and continues to build community trust through her field presence. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with children and elders in her village, building connections and listening to stories that ground her activism.

Kapashera and Faridabad (Delhi NCR)

  • Shivani is a youth fellow who primarily engages, listens, connects, and supports young people in community spaces. A graduate of the University of Delhi, her work focuses on creating awareness and dialogue around Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) among young people. Based in Faridabad, she works to disseminate information and awareness on SRHR issues, connect young people with SLD, and encourage them to raise their voices and seek solutions to the challenges they face. Prior to joining SLD, Shivani worked as a supervisor in a private manufacturing unit producing garments, jewellery, and floral products, where she oversaw workers, monitored production processes, tracked outputs, and prepared reports. She is motivated by her earlier engagement with social work and domestic violence–related issues, for which she received certification from the Saket Court DLSA. In her spare time, she enjoys travelling, meeting new people, and learning about different cultures. 

  • Fiza is a Junior Fellow under the Fellowship Program at the Society for Labour and Development, currently based in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh. Since December 2023, she has contributed to various research and field-level engagement activities aimed at understanding the challenges faced by informal workers. She focuses on community-level data collection and helps communicate complex field realities to inform broader conversations on dignity at work. Her ability to build rapport with people allows her to gather nuanced insights that support SLD’s vision of inclusive development. Fiza holds a Master’s in Business Administration from Aligarh Muslim University and previously worked as an academic counselor, supporting young learners. She finds motivation in SLD’s mission to improve lives through information, access, and field-based understanding. In her personal time, she enjoys listening to music, which helps her recharge and stay connected to her inner calm.






Veraval, Gujarat

  • Rasila is a youth fellow who primarily engages, listens, and works alongside young people in community spaces. Currently pursuing her bachelor's degree in arts, her work focuses on building awareness around gender equality, leadership, and rights. As the Youth Fellow – SRHR at the Society for Labour and Development (SLD), based in Veraval, Gujarat, she facilitates discussions, supports training sessions, and assists with field activities, data collection, and reporting. Rasila is motivated by her commitment to empowering young people and challenging gender-based inequalities. In her spare time, she enjoys listening to music and self-reflection, which help her find balance and personal fulfilment. 

North Bengal

Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh

  • Shivam is a Junior Fellow at the Society for Labour and Development, where he supports research and field engagement with domestic workers in Delhi NCR. His work focuses on documenting lived experiences, challenges, and strategies that promote awareness and worker empowerment. He has prior experience with organisations such as IYRC and the Centre for Education and Communication (CEC), and has served as an interpreter and field mobiliser for a doctoral research project from SOAS, University of London. His strengths include data collection, worker outreach, and issue-based documentation. Shivam holds a Master’s degree in Computer Science and IT. He has been recognised for his contributions to field research on gender discrimination and participated in the NULM Exporters’ Conclave, earning a certificate from the Kapashera District Office in 2021. He is driven by the goal of making rights and protections accessible to workers. Outside work, he enjoys long walks, time with friends, and watching geopolitics content online. 

  • Shivani is a youth fellow who primarily engages, listens, connects, and supports young people in community spaces. A graduate of the University of Delhi, her work focuses on creating awareness and dialogue around Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) among young people. Based in Faridabad, she works to disseminate information and awareness on SRHR issues, connect young people with SLD, and encourage them to raise their voices and seek solutions to the challenges they face. Prior to joining SLD, Shivani worked as a supervisor in a private manufacturing unit producing garments, jewellery, and floral products, where she oversaw workers, monitored production processes, tracked outputs, and prepared reports. She is motivated by her earlier engagement with social work and domestic violence–related issues, for which she received certification from the Saket Court DLSA. In her spare time, she enjoys travelling, meeting new people, and learning about different cultures. 

  • Asmita Vala is a youth fellow who works closely at the field level with SPI workers and adolescent girls to build awareness around Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR). Based in Veraval, Gujarat, she works as the SRHR Youth Fellow at the Society for Labour and Development (SLD), where she engages communities through group discussions, awareness sessions, and regular field visits, sharing information on rights, safe workplaces, consent, health, and respectful relationships. She holds a Bachelor’s degree (B.A.), completed in 2025, and was recognised at an academic honours ceremony for her performance. Asmita is motivated by her commitment to working with youth and women’s rights. In her free time, she enjoys visiting the field, meeting people, and understanding their concerns. 

  • Abhishek is a Junior Fellow under the Fellowship Program at the Society for Labour and Development, currently based in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh. Since December 2023, his work has focused on researching workplace challenges such as wage gaps, occupational risks, lack of social security, and skill deficits. He contributes to SLD’s vision by building grounded insights, supporting awareness programs, and helping shape field-based recommendations for improved working conditions. Abhishek previously collaborated with the YR Gaitonde Medical Research Foundation and Plan India on public health initiatives related to Hepatitis C, HIV, TB, and STIs, and supported outreach among migrant workers. He holds a Master’s degree in Social Work from Indira Gandhi National Open University. He is motivated by the belief that every worker deserves dignity, safety, and access to essential support. Outside work, Abhishek enjoys exploring technology and life skills that broaden his perspective and personal growth.





  • Jenti Gohel is a youth fellow who actively engages at the field level with young people, adolescent girls, and women to build awareness around Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), gender equality, consent, and rights. Based in Veraval, Gujarat, he works as the Youth Fellow – SRHR at the Society for Labour and Development (SLD), contributing through community meetings, workshops, and dialogue to identify grassroots issues and strengthen SLD’s inclusive, rights-based, and empowerment-driven approach. He holds a Master’s degree in Sociology (2025) and has previously worked with SLD as an intern, supporting fieldwork, research with SPI women workers, and group formation efforts. Jenti is motivated by the desire to support women and workers through awareness and rights-based engagement. In his free time, he enjoys singing, reading on social issues, engaging in conversations, and helping those in need. 

Meet the Team