Meet Our Leadership Team
The Board of DEAL Foundation is made-up of persons with a lived experience and or professional experience of disability and development. It includes members with relevant experience across a range of disciplines and members of the DEAL Foundation’s Executive Team. The Board also includes non-executive members. The Board is collectively accountable for effective governance and ensure efficient delivery of DEAL Foundation’s Project and Programme Activities.
Chairman DEAL Foundation
Prof. Vishnukant S. Chatpalli
A respected and highly acclaimed academic leader with over four decades of experience in education, governance, and strategic development, Prof. Vishnukant Chatpalli has served as former Vice Chancellor Mahatma Gandhi Rural development and panchayat raj university) and Advisor to NAAC (National Assessment and Accreditation Council). With a background in Applied Mechanical Engineering, Prof. Vishnukant, is a innovator and has a Keen interest in development of assistive devices for independent living.
His visionary leadership continues to guide DEAL Foundation’s work and create a lasting impact in the lives of persons with disabilities and women members and the communities they live in.
Board Member DEAL Foundation
Dr. Jaweed Mulla
Former Head, Department of Animal Sciences University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad (UASD), Dr. Jaweed Mulla is a proponent of Integrated Farming Systems (IFS) Model. With deep passion for inclusive growth through imbibing principles of circular economy, he draws on his expertise to minimise vulnerabilities that stem from over-reliance on agriculture-based systems. His vision for adoption of regenerative agricultural practices coupled with a commitment to development of allied enterprises is key to sustainable livelihoods.
Co-founder/Board Member DEAL Foundation
Mrs. Elizabeth Shroff
A former banker, Elizabeth Shroff brings a unique blend of professional experience and insights from the field of personal and social banking. A Certified Associate from Indian Institute of Banking CAIIB)and Financial Advisor Insurance Regulatory Development Authority of India (IRDAI), Elizabeth has an MSc from University College London in Global Health and Development.
With hands-on involvement in grassroots disability and development organizations across Karnataka, Elizabeth has lived experience as a caregiver and spouse of a visually impaired person. Deeply attuned to the needs of persons with disabilities, Elizabeth helps drive initiatives that build entrepreneurial skills, confidence, and leadership among persons with disabilities and women members from marginalized communities.
Board Member – DEAL Foundation
Ms. Chhaya Ashok Joshi
A community activist, Mrs. Chhaya Joshi is widely respected for her commitment and leadership within the grassroot woman’s self help movement. As Board Member of DEAL Foundation, Chhaya plays a key role in advancing gender equality and creating inclusive livelihood opportunities.
Co-founder/Advisor – DEAL Foundation
Surendra Shroff
A authority on inclusion, diversity, social enterprise, and community development, Surendra brings lived experience and professional expertise in mainstreaming inclusion.
With a background in social work administration and public service management, Surendra has over three decades experience of working across the public, private and the non-for-profit sector. His input continues to guide and inform DEAL Foundation’s efforts for inclusive and sustainable development.
Board Member DEAL Foundation
Mr Sarabjeet Gosh
Founder and CEO of laguna clothing Sarabjeet Gosh brings vital business acumen expertise and insights of building successful enterprises. A Textile engineer by background, Sarabjeet Gosh has helped create full time employment for over 2000 women members across Kanakpura Taluk in Bengaluru Rural District. He serves as a board member on several non-profits and is passionate about creating local enterprise opportunities across communities.
Board Member – DEAL Foundation
Chandram S. Grampurohit
A former banker, Elizabeth Shroff brings a unique blend of professional experience and insights from the field of personal and social banking. A Certified Associate from Indian Institute of Banking CAIIB)and Financial Advisor Insurance Regulatory Development Authority of India (IRDAI), Elizabeth has an MSc from University College London in Global Health and Development.
With hands-on involvement in grassroots disability and development organizations across Karnataka, Elizabeth has lived experience as a caregiver and spouse of a visually impaired person. Deeply attuned to the needs of persons with disabilities, Elizabeth helps drive initiatives that build entrepreneurial skills, confidence, and leadership among persons with disabilities and women members from marginalized communities.
Program Manager – DEAL Foundation
Ms. Uma Shirol
With a background in Community Development, Uma — serves as the Program Manager at DEAL Foundation. She brings strong experience of community organisation, self-help, community engagement and program implementation.Uma’s people-centric approach and commitment to social justice make her a key animator for achieving lasting impact in the lives of persons with disabilities and women members and the communities they live in.
Advisor – DEAL Foundation
Shri Nick Edwards
Passionate about building resilient, sustainable and inclusive communities, Nick has over four decades of experience in the NHS (National health service).
Nick plays a key role in fostering international collaboration with like-minded organisations, brings expertise and a deep commitment to social value creation.
Social Enterprise Development Partner – DEAL Foundation
Sagar Virapannavar
With a deep understanding of inclusive business models, Sagar Virapannavar supports the development of impactful ventures that prioritize livelihood opportunities for rural women and persons with disabilities. A Mechanical Engineer by background, Sagar helps create low-cost innovative solutions to foster social enterprise development.
He oversees operational implementation and partnership working ensuring social enterprises are community-centric and rooted in economic and environmental sustainability.
Social Media Fundraising Partner – DEAL Foundation
Arjun Chauhan
A dedicated digital champion, Arjun Chauhan leads on DEAL Foundation’s efforts to amplify community impact through social media channels. Arjun helps mobilize support for grassroots initiatives focused on disability inclusion, rural livelihoods, and community empowerment.
Through compelling storytelling and strategic digital outreach, Arjun connects people with purpose, turning awareness into action and generosity into change.