Governing council

Jaspal turned a PhD into a movement. His practice-based research at NIFT, on design education for chikankari artisans, became the Foundation's way of training women to design, not just embroider. Over 22 years in fashion and craft, he has worked to put the artisan's name back on the work.

Susan has spent over 20 years helping people grow through learning. An instructional designer, certified NLP practitioner and strategic HR partner, she makes sure every programme the Foundation runs leaves artisans more skilled, confident and in charge of their own progress.

Three decades in garment exports have taught Rajni what the world's markets demand. Production management and buyer communication are her core, and she uses both to help artisans' work meet that standard and reach those buyers, so that skill turns into steady, dignified income.

For over four decades Prof Bhatt has stood where design meets craft. He built NIFT's Accessory Design department, led Ambedkar University Delhi as Vice Chancellor and helped protect craft communities' knowledge through Geographical Indications. He brings that national vision to the Foundation.

Since 1989 Meera has stood beside India's artisans, building their groups, businesses and markets. At KHAMIR she revived Kala cotton and opened new markets. She holds that inherited craft is India's living intelligence, and that losing it is not an option.

Shilpa helped build Fabindia and co-founded Jaypore, India's first online home for fine handmade craft. She has spent two decades proving that craft can thrive in modern retail, and her work with clusters has created lasting livelihoods for women.

Jyotsna has spent over a decade helping women in Barabanki and Lucknow build skills, health and self-reliance. Founder of the FICCI FLO chapters in Lucknow and Kanpur and of the Lucknow Farmers Market, she restored the 250-year-old Habibullah Estate as a stage for artisans and writers.

Architect, artist and educator, Dr Sehgal leads the Faculty of Architecture and Planning at AKTU, Lucknow. She has helped conserve Lucknow landmarks such as Chhatar Manzil and Lal Baradari, and brings to the Foundation a deep feel for the city that chikankari calls home.

Haradhya gave the Foundation its number. A Gen Z thinker with a futuristic vision and deep empathy, he first proposed the concept of 13, the Tera that now runs through all our work. He shares ideas generously, and has played basketball for Gurgaon district.

Danish grew up in a family proud of its craft and learnt embroidery while still at school, before studying commerce and finance. A design and entrepreneurship programme at Kalhath Institute in 2019 led him to teach artisans there and then coordinate the programme. He joined Sangraha full time in 2022 and now heads production. His aim is a community of artisans who become changemakers for the future of innovation.