Fellowship Team

Abner Manzar has traveled across 16 countries and 28 Indian states covering more than 50 districts and documented the story of digital divide and digital development in India through 16 articles, 150 short films and documentaries and a book published by the Centre for Development Policy & Practice.

Akanksha Ahuwalia is a Deputy Manager of Communications and Media Department at Digital Empowerment Foundation. She holds a Masters in English Literature from Delhi University. Her areas of interest lie in gender studies, studying misinformation and hate speech patterns, new media platforms and intersectionality.

Arpana Sharma Singhal has 20+ years of work experience in the development sector. Currently, she is the Deputy Director of DEF and leading the operations vertical. Prior to DEF, she worked in organizations such as PRADAN, RGF and donned the cap of implementer, funder, and consultant and was part of micro and macro level development work. She has sound experience of working with multiple stakeholders, department officials, local representatives, Civil Society Organisations, and communities across pan India.

Arpita Kanjilal works with the Communications and Media Department at Digital Empowerment Foundation. With a PhD in Applied Linguistics, she contributes to a holistic approach to last mile connectivity, digital rights, and development in India. Through her expertise in research, advocacy and documentation, her work strives for a meaningful impact across all indicators of socio economic development. Arpita’s doctoral research and professional background spans diverse areas, including human rights advocacy, constitutional morality, and legal reforms, informed by an understanding of marginalized position(s) within society.

Ashwini is an explorer for whom life is a canvas to explore and experiment. He has been an entrepreneur, a social worker and has worked in various organizations focused on Handicraft, Handloom & Apparel Sectors. His passion for travel has taken him through the length and breadth of the country. He is a co-founder of Travellers’ University wherein he combines his passion of traveling, experiential learning and working with the youth.

Jenny Sulfath is a Manager in the Communications and Media Department at Digital Empowerment Foundation. She writes grant proposals for DEF along with designing advocacy campaigns, research projects and M&E frameworks. She has authored books, book chapters, reports and articles cutting across the themes of gender, labor, policy exclusions and digital rights.

Pranita Varade is a Senior Executive Communications and Media Department at Digital Empowerment Foundation with expertise in communication, social media, off-page SEO, event management, and brand building and is committed to driving impactful change.

Rahul is an enthusiastic learner and intrepid traveler who has devoted his professional life to inspiring others through experiential learning. He has taken the helm of his enthusiasm for sustainable practices and transformed it into a voyage of self-discovery and exploration for others. He is an author, educator, and a co-founder of Travellers' University. He has created and led a number of workshops and learning excursions, much like an experienced explorer guiding his ship over uncharted seas, to assist several young minds in navigating the turbulent waters of interconnections between oneself, society, and the rest of nature. At Travellers' University, Rahul is assisting young people by using his aptitude for mentoring to help them find their own paths in life by examining their passions, values, and purposes.

Saurabh Srivastava is a development professional with over 13 years of experience in diverse development agencies. For the past 9 years, Saurabh has been an integral part of the Digital Empowerment Foundation, where he currently holds a senior position. During his tenure, he has contributed significantly to the development of various tech and digital based projects, focusing on uplifting underprivileged communities.

Shruti Narula holds a Master's degree in Philosophy from University of Delhi. She is passionate about community development and has about six years of experience of working in the development sector and educational institutions. Some of the thematic areas in the social sector that she has contributed and made an impact include youth empowerment, gender equity and digital literacy. Her skill sets include project management, networking and collaborating with various stakeholders.

Hephzibah has 6+ years of experience in the development sector. She loves to work on curating content and social planning for the greater good. Her learning interests include: urban issues, gender centric intersectionality's, climate change and sustainability, policy design and implementation. During her leisure time, she enjoys traveling and singing.