Key Team Members
Team – Mahiti Trust
Mahiti Trust’s strength lies in its people—80% of our team members come from the very communities we serve. This deep local connection fosters trust, cultural understanding, and sustained impact at the grassroots level.
Our work is guided by a committed Managing Trustee and an experienced Board, and implemented by a dedicated team of program managers, coordinators, and field staff. Many senior members have been with the organization for over three decades, bringing invaluable continuity, institutional memory, and a shared passion for justice.
By nurturing leadership from within, we promote community ownership, build local capacity, and ensure that our interventions are context-specific and sustainable. More than a workforce, our team is a collective force for inclusive, transformative change in the Bhal region.
Devuben Pandya – Visionary Leader & Founding Trustee
Mrs. Devuben Pandya has been a guiding force behind Mahiti Trust since its inception in 1984–85. As a founding trustee, she has played a central role in shaping the organization’s vision, values, and long-term impact. Her unwavering commitment to community empowerment, especially in the rural and underprivileged regions of Gujarat, continues to inspire Mahiti’s people-centered approach.
Devuben provides strategic leadership across the organization, overseeing program development, legal compliance, and institutional governance. She plays a key role in shaping policies, mentoring staff, and strengthening collaborations with government bodies, civil society networks, and grassroots stakeholders. Her focus on inclusive growth, accountability, and partnership-building has been instrumental in expanding Mahiti Trust’s reach and relevance over four decades.
As an active member of the coordination committee, she ensures that the organization remains rooted in its founding ethos while adapting to evolving social and environmental challenges. Her deep grassroots experience and visionary leadership continue to guide Mahiti Trust’s mission of sustainable development, equity, and community-led transformation.
Dinesh Pandya, Manager (Programs & Administration)
With a Master’s in Social Work from Maharaja Krishnakumar Sinhji University, Bhavnagar, Dinesh Pandya has been a pillar of Mahiti Trust since 2004. As a core leader and member of the Coordination Committee, he brings vision and dedication to every aspect of the Trust’s work. He leads program coordination, strategic planning, and impact assessment, while also guiding financial management, documentation and reporting. Known for his collaborative approach, Dinesh works closely with government bodies, funding partners, and communities to strengthen Mahiti’s initiatives. His unwavering commitment to inclusive, community-led development continues to shape meaningful and lasting change on the ground.
Bhumi Devmurari, Program Coordinator
Since joining Mahiti Trust in 2019, Ms. Bhumi Devmurari has played a pivotal role in empowering communities through financial inclusion and development initiatives. As a Secretary of Bhal Mahila Jagruti Women’s Savings and Credit Cooperative Society Ltd., she leads program management and coordination in Bhavnagar district. A dedicated member of the Coordination Committee, Bhumi actively collaborates with local government agencies to drive impactful developmental programs, ensuring sustainable progress for the region.
Jagdish G. Sindhav, Program Coordinator
With over two and half decades of dedicated service, Jagdish Sindhav has been an integral part of Mahiti Trust since 1995. As a key member of the Coordination Committee, he leads the implementation and monitoring of the Coastal Area Development Program on Drinking Water and Sanitation across Dhandhuka, Dholera, and Barwala blocks. Beyond water and sanitation, he is deeply committed to mobilizing communities around natural resource management, health, social justice, sustainable agriculture, and youth development, fostering long-term resilience and empowerment.
Ishwar Parmar, Finance Officer
A valued member of Mahiti Trust since 1995, Ishwar Parmar plays a crucial role in ensuring financial integrity and compliance. He holds the position as Finance Officer in the organization. He oversees bookkeeping, financial reporting, and internal audits for Mahiti Trust and its cooperatives. His responsibilities include preparing financial statements for funding agencies, managing FCRA compliance, and ensuring adherence to regulations set by the Charity Commissioner and Income Tax authorities. His meticulous approach strengthens financial transparency and accountability within the organization.
Bhanjibhai Khasiya, Technical Officer
A dedicated member of Mahiti Trust’s Coordination Committee, Bhanjibhai Khasiya brings his expertise in civil engineering to drive impactful change. He plays a pivotal role in the technical planning, execution, and monitoring of natural resource management projects. With a strong commitment to sustainable development, he ensures the effective implementation of water conservation, land management, and infrastructure initiatives that enhance community resilience and environmental sustainability.
Paresh Hapani – Program Coordinator
Paresh Hapani, a local resident plays a vital role in advancing sustainable agriculture and farmer empowerment at Mahiti Trust. He leads the coordination, implementation, and monitoring of the Organic Agriculture Program, working closely with small and marginal farmers to promote eco-friendly farming practices. Beyond agriculture, he manages the Community Help Desk, ensuring vulnerable families access essential government schemes. He also spearheads the Land Rights Program and facilitates the formation of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), strengthening collective resilience and economic sustainability for farming communities.
Jayaben Jadav, Community Facilitator
A resilient leader and dedicated grassroots activist, Ms. Jayaben Jadav has turned personal adversity into a powerful force for change. As a widow and Self-Help Group (SHG) leader from Sandhida village, she has emerged as a driving force in women’s empowerment and financial inclusion. Currently serving as President of the Bhal Women's Savings & Credit Cooperative Society, she leads microfinance initiatives, mobilizing and organizing vulnerable women across the Bhal region. Through capacity-building programs and financial literacy initiatives, she equips women with the skills, resources, and confidence to achieve economic self-reliance. Her leadership continues to inspire a movement of resilience, empowerment, and lasting transformation.
Geetaben Jadav, Community Facilitator
Ms. Geetaben Jadav, a local resilient leader and dedicated grassroots worker from Sarsala village, has turned personal adversity into a driving force for change. Despite limited formal education, she has emerged as a powerful advocate for women's empowerment and financial inclusion, actively engaging in every initiative of Mahiti Trust. As the Secretary of the Bhal Women's Savings & Credit Cooperative Society, Geetaben plays a pivotal role in strengthening microfinance efforts across the Bhal region. She mobilizes women into Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and cooperatives, facilitates savings collection, and manages essential clerical tasks. Through capacity-building programs and financial literacy initiatives, she equips women with the knowledge and resources to achieve economic independence and secure their futures. Her unwavering commitment continues to transform lives, fostering a community where women have the confidence, skills, and opportunities to thrive.
Payal Chudasama, Community Facilitator
Ms. Payal Chudasama works as Field Executive in the organization and play a crucial role in advancing women's land rights by bridging the gap between legal provisions and grassroots realities. Despite constitutional guarantees, patriarchal norms often impede women’s access to land ownership. PLWs serve as community-based legal facilitators, enhancing legal literacy, assisting with documentation, and advocating for gender-equitable land policies. Through training, awareness campaigns, and collaboration with local governance structures, they empower women to secure their inheritance rights, correct land records, and navigate legal processes. Their efforts contribute to strengthening rural governance, promoting sustainable land ownership, and ensuring women’s rightful access to property.
Shabnam Shelat, Community Facilitator
Ms. Shabnam Shelat has dedicated the last four years of her life to empowering rural women as a Field Worker in Barwala Taluka, under the banner of Bhal Women’s Savings and Credit Cooperative Limited, established by the Mahiti Trust. A resident of Ranpari village in Barwala Taluka, Shabnam's journey has been one of remarkable determination and passion despite limited formal education, having studied up to Standard 12th. Her role goes beyond routine tasks. She is a driving force in organizing rural women, fostering awareness about the importance of savings, and forming strong, supportive women’s groups. She also takes on the critical responsibility of ensuring savings collection and facilitating loan recoveries from group members. Shabnam's commitment stems from her genuine enthusiasm for working with rural women and her deep understanding of the challenges they face.
With each village she visits, her efforts resonate with the ideals of Mahiti Trust—building a foundation for financial independence and sustainable growth among women in Barwala Taluka. Shabnam Shelat exemplifies the transformative impact of grassroots leadership, proving that passion and determination can overcome any barrier.
Ajay Dharani, Community Facilitator
Ajay Dharani has been an integral part of Bhal Mahila Savings and Credit Cooperative Society Ltd. for the past five years, contributing his skills and dedication to financial empowerment in the region. A graduate by education, he plays a key role in managing data entry and accounting operations, ensuring smooth financial processes within the cooperative. Beyond his technical responsibilities, Ajay actively engages with the community—conducting village visits, facilitating loan recoveries, and organizing meetings with women to strengthen their connection with the cooperative. His enthusiasm and commitment drive financial inclusion, fostering trust and economic resilience among women in the Bhal region.
Kiran Nimavat, Community Facilitator
Kiran Nimavat, a dedicated financial professional from Kapadiyali village in Barwala Taluka, has been a vital part of Bhal Mahila Savings and Credit Cooperative Society Ltd. for the past eight years. Based in Barwala Block, he oversees microfinance activities, ensuring seamless accounting operations and meticulous record-keeping to strengthen the cooperative’s financial foundation. Beyond his technical expertise, Kiran is deeply engaged with the community, visiting villages, facilitating loan recoveries, and organizing meetings to empower women through financial inclusion. His unwavering commitment fosters trust, economic resilience, and a stronger cooperative network, helping women build a secure and self-reliant future.
Amrut Baraiya, Community Facilitator
Amrut Baraiya, a local resident of Kadipur village has been an integral part of Bhal Mahila Jagruti Savings and Credit Cooperative Society Ltd Bhavnagar for the past ten years, contributing his skills and dedication to financial empowerment in the region. A commerce graduate by education, he plays a key role in managing data entry and accounting operations, ensuring smooth financial processes within the cooperative. Beyond his technical responsibilities, Amrut Baraiya actively engages with the community—conducting village visits, facilitating loan recoveries, and organizing meetings with women to strengthen their connection with the cooperative. His enthusiasm and commitment drive financial inclusion, fostering trust and economic resilience among women in the Bhal region.
Falji Zampadiya, Community Facilitator
Kalpesh Meniya, Community Facilitator
Kalpesh Meniya has been a dedicated field worker at Mahiti Trust for over a decade. A native of Chokdi village in Barwala Taluka, he draws deep inspiration from Dr. Subhash Palekar’s Zero Budget Farming practices, having participated in comprehensive training sessions led by Dr. Palekar. With an unwavering commitment to sustainable agriculture in the Bhal region, Kalpesh actively promotes organic farming methods that pave the way for a healthier future. Through immersive, hands-on training and live demonstrations, he equips farmers with the skills to produce biofertilizers and biopesticides, significantly reducing reliance on chemical inputs. His support extends far beyond the classroom—Kalpesh works hand-in-hand with farmers, addressing challenges and crafting practical solutions to enhance their livelihoods.
Tejpalsinh Chudasama, Community Facilitator
Tejpal Sinh Chudasama, a dedicated field worker at Mahiti Trust for the past decade, hails from Pipal village in Dhandhuka taluka and holds a bachelor's degree in rural studies. Committed to transforming agriculture in the Bhal region, he actively promotes sustainable and organic farming practices, inspiring farmers to embrace eco-friendly methods for a healthier future. Through hands-on training and demonstrations, Tejpal Sinh empowers farmers with the knowledge and skills to create biofertilizers and biopesticides, reducing reliance on chemical inputs. His unwavering support extends beyond training—he works closely with farmers, addressing challenges and finding practical solutions to improve their livelihoods.