Applications open for the NCPEDP Bajaj Finserv Scholarship Program for Students with Disabilities
Our Trustees
Stewards of Our Mission
PRADEEP GUPTA
CHAIRPERSON, BOARD OF TRUSTEES Chairperson and MD of Cyber Media India Limited
PRADEEP GUPTA
Pradeep Gupta, a prominent figure in the IT industry, chairs the National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People (NCPEDP). He’s lauded for his leadership and mentoring, receiving the “National Entrepreneurship Award as the Best Mentor” from the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Government of India. He’s deeply engaged in fostering startups globally, evident in his roles as an Angel investor, Chief Mentor at Electropreneur Park, and co-founder of the Indian Angel Network.
Recognising Pradeep’s contribution to the startup ecosystem of India, the Government has put him on the Investment Management Committee of its 10,000 crore ($1.25 Bn) Fund of Funds.
As the Chairman of the CyberMedia Group, overseeing brands like Dataquest and PCQuest, Pradeep remains at the forefront of media innovation. His contributions have earned him prestigious awards, including the Distinguished Alumni accolades from IIT Delhi and IIM Calcutta, as well as the Helen Keller award for his work in the disability sector. He features in the book “100 Great IITians”.
Pradeep holds degrees from IIT Delhi (1975) and IIM Calcutta (1977), and has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate by Rai University for his remarkable contributions.
ARVIND GUPTA
MEMBER, BOARD OF TRUSTEES Head and Co-Founder of Digital India Foundation
ARVIND GUPTA
Arvind Gupta has dedicated the past three decades to leading and innovating within the digital space. As the Head and Co-Founder of Digital India Foundation, he has committed himself to digital inclusion and policy innovation. His role extends to academia, where he shares his knowledge as an Adjunct Professor at IIT-BHU.
Mr. Gupta’s extensive career spans sectors and continents, excelling in Consumer Internet, Digital Media, Payment Systems, Analytics, and the Data Economy. Recognized on the Global FinTech Top100 list, he also holds prestigious roles at the World Economic Forum and OECD.
He received the Eisenhower Global Fellowship for Innovation in 2014, the DataQuest Pathbreaker of the Year award, and the Distinguished Centenary Alumni award from IIT-BHU. As CEO of MyGov, he spearheaded efforts for digital inclusion through participative governance.
Mr. Gupta drives successful startups like amplify.ai and ApnaPay. As a Founder Member of iSPiRT, he champions nationwide Digital Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) initiatives, showcasing his commitment to digital progress. He’s a prominent speaker at global forums and contributes articles on the digital economy and governance to prestigious publications like The Harvard Business Review and The World Economic Forum. Recently, he joined an advisory council addressing digital monopolies.
MEENU BHAMBHANI
MEMBER, BOARD OF TRUSTEES Vice President, Head of Corporate Citizenship and Inclusion and Diversity, APAC
MEENU BHAMBHANI
Dr. Bhambhani is the VP and Head of Corporate Citizenship & Global Inclusion, Diversity and Equity (GIDE), APAC at State Street. She is a D&I professional with over two decades of experience in human development with specialisation in social policy. She is responsible for oversight of all Corporate Citizenship, Global Inclusion and Diversity programmes throughout the Asia Pacific Region covering 12 locations. Dr Bhambhani spent over a decade at Mphasis, a global IT conglomerate where she played a key role in creating high-profile opportunities to address systemic challenges in disability inclusion. Experienced in disability advocacy with the World Bank and nonprofits, she holds a Master’s in Disability and Human Development from the University of Illinois at Chicago besides being an alumna of the International Ford Foundation Fellowship.
She holds prominent recognitions ranging from the President’s National Award for Best Individuals Promoting Employment Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities in 2010; received special recognition at NASSCOM for Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion; Received APAC Disability Award in Marketplace Category for Innovative Programmes in Disability Inclusion through CSR.
Our Team
Stewards of Our Mission
ARMAN ALI
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
ARMAN ALI
Arman Ali is a disability rights activist for over two decades. Before NCPEDP, he worked as the HR Specialist, Equal Opportunity Initiative, Infosys. Following Infosys, he served as the Executive Director for Shishu Sarothi wherein he was instrumental in forging ties beneficial for people with disabilities and the organization, taking it forward in the areas of early intervention, rehabilitation, education, employment, advocacy, awareness as well as legal aid for both children and people with disabilities. He has also held several Honorary Positions in various important Committees of Government at the state and national levels. He was part of UNESCO’s Editorial Board on State of the Education Report for India 2019 -Children with Disabilities. Arman is an alumnus of the International Visitor Leadership Program of the United State’s Department of State and has also undergone a Leadership in Public Policy Training conducted by Oxford University. Arman is a recipient of various awards namely including the IBN7 Super Idol Award 2011, Infosys Excellence Award for Inclusivity and Diversity and the National Award in Public Recognition for Outstanding Performance as the Most Efficient Disabled Employee for the Year 1998 by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India from the then Prime Minister, Shri Atal Behari Vajpayee.
Arman’s pragmatic outlook and quick witt sets him apart.
AAKANGSHA DUTTA
PROGRAM OFFICER- PARTNERSHIPS
AAKANGSHA DUTTA
Aakangsha is a Program Officer at the National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People (NCPEDP), working on the project titled ‘Engagements for Inclusive Practices and Sustainable Advocacy for Promotion of Rights of Persons with Disabilities.’ She holds a degree in Political Science from Ashoka University and a Diploma from the Ashoka Scholars Program, specializing in International Relations and Entrepreneurial and Leadership Strategy.
Aakangsha has diverse experience in the social sector, having worked with various NGOs and consultancies, with a focus on public health and education. She has also assisted Members of Parliament, which has deepened her understanding of advocacy and policy-making.Aakangsha’s enthusiasm lights up NCPEDP as she hopes to bring light to the world
AKEEL AHMED USMANI
LEGAL AID COORDINATOR
AKEEL AHMED USMANI
Akeel Ahmad Usmani is the Legal Aid Helpline Coordinator at NCPEDP. Akeel has a rich background in using legal tools to address disability-related issues. He has considerable experience in filing Right to Information (RTI) applications concerning disability rights, particularly regarding the allocation of national funds for persons with disabilities and skill training programs. Additionally, he has worked on several cases before the Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities (CCPD) and States Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities (SCPD). His advocacy extends to filing representations with various ministries at both the central and state levels, striving to improve the legal and policy landscape for persons with disabilities. His dedication to disability rights, combined with his legal knowledge and experience, makes him a passionate and effective advocate for persons with disabilities.
Akeel puts the aid in Legal Aid!
