Executive Board
Mr. Ravikiran M. Katkar
Mr. Ravikiran Manik Katkar is the visionary founder and President of MITRA Foundation. With over 13 years of extensive grassroots experience in rural development, he has spearheaded numerous initiatives focusing on sustainable agriculture, financial inclusion, and community empowerment. His profound technical expertise has been instrumental in designing climate-resilient farming models and establishing successful Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) across drought-prone regions. Under his dynamic leadership, MITRA Foundation has grown from a localized initiative into a highly credible institutional partner for major stakeholders like NABARD and various CSR bodies. He remains deeply committed to empowering marginalized communities through data-driven, sustainable interventions.
Mr. Ganesh V. Karhale
Mr. Karhale serves as the visionary Founder & Secretary of MITRA Foundation, bringing a wealth of experience in program management and community mobilization. With a deep-rooted understanding of the socio-economic challenges faced by rural communities, he oversees the seamless execution of all grassroots initiatives. His expertise lies in forging strong relationships with local stakeholders, organizing village-level awareness campaigns, and ensuring that interventions are tailored to the specific needs of the beneficiaries. He has played a pivotal role in the successful implementation of the Save Water Campaign and various Child Labour eradication drives, consistently ensuring that operations are transparent, inclusive, and highly impactful.
Mr. Janardhan K. Ghumare
As the Treasurer of MITRA Foundation, Mr. Ghumare is responsible for the financial stewardship and administrative oversight of the organization. He ensures that all institutional funds, grants, and CSR contributions are managed with the highest degree of transparency and accountability. With a strong background in commerce and financial accounting, he has developed robust internal audit systems and compliance frameworks that meet the rigorous standards of institutional donors. Mr. Ghumare also takes a keen interest in the financial literacy components of the SHG and JLG programs, directly mentoring women entrepreneurs on financial planning and book-keeping.
Mr. Kundalik S. Shinde
Mr. Kundalik S. Shinde is a Founder and Trustee of MITRA Foundation and contributes to the organisation's work in livelihoods, community institutions, resource mobilisation and strategic development. A graduate in Agriculture, he brings practical knowledge of rural communities and agriculture-based livelihoods. His contribution has included capacity building and technical guidance in livelihood programmes, including agriculture and allied activities. As Director for Resource Mobilisation, he contributes to developing institutional relationships, exploring funding opportunities, strengthening partnerships and connecting MITRA's grassroots experience with wider development resources. His focus is on building sustainable partnerships that can help MITRA expand its reach while maintaining quality, accountability and community ownership.
Mr. Dattatray K. Panchal
Mr. Dattatray K. Panchal is a Founder and Trustee of MITRA Foundation and provides leadership in the areas of finance, administration and organisational accountability. With a Master's degree in Social Work, he combines a social-development perspective with an understanding of organisational systems and financial management. His contribution is particularly relevant to ensuring that MITRA's resources are managed responsibly and that financial processes support effective programme implementation. As Treasurer, he contributes to financial planning, budgeting, oversight of expenditure, statutory compliance and financial reporting. He also supports the Foundation's efforts to strengthen transparent and accountable systems as it prepares to engage with larger CSR and institutional partners. His approach reflects MITRA's belief that strong financial governance is essential for sustainable social impact.
Mr. Kiran S. Rathod
Mr. Kiran S. Rathod is a Founder and Trustee of MITRA Foundation and contributes to the organisation's programme development, agricultural initiatives and institutional partnerships. A graduate in Agriculture with an MBA, he brings together technical knowledge of agriculture with management and organisational perspectives. His background supports MITRA's work in rural livelihoods, agriculture and allied activities, enterprise development and community-based economic opportunities. He contributes to the design and strengthening of programmes that seek to connect community needs with practical livelihood solutions. His management perspective also supports MITRA's efforts to develop partnerships and create programmes that can be implemented effectively and scaled responsibly. His focus is on building programmes that are practical, relevant to local needs and capable of generating sustainable outcomes.
Mr. Pankaj B. Joshi
Mr. Pankaj B. Joshi is a Trustee of MITRA Foundation and contributes to the organisation's governance and strategic development. With a Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, he brings an understanding of rural communities, agriculture and development challenges. His perspective contributes to MITRA's broader focus on sustainable livelihoods, rural development and community empowerment. As a member of the Board, he participates in strategic discussions and provides guidance towards strengthening the organisation's programmes, governance and institutional direction. His association with MITRA reflects the organisation's commitment to bringing together diverse professional perspectives in pursuit of sustainable community development.