Our Work
Governing Board
Saeed Akhtar Mirza
Indian director and screenwriter in Hindi films and television. One of the most respected names among India’s New Wave Cinema, his films include Mohan Joshi Hazir Ho!, Albert Pinto Ko Gussa Kyoon Aata Hai, Salim Langde Pe Mat Ro, and Naseem (which won two National Film Awards in 1996). He is also the writer of four highly regarded books.
Niranjan Pant
A civil servant widely respected for his integrity – served in the Government of India at senior positions for 35 years and retired as the Deputy Comptroller & Auditor General & ex-officio Chairperson of Government Accounting Standards Advisory Board (GASAB)
Uma Shankari Narendranath
A writer, researcher and farmers’ rights activist, is an organic farmer from Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh; working with farmers movements and other social movements.
John Dayal
He is one of India’s most senior veteran journalists. He is a leading human rights activist, particularly working on the rights of religious minorities in India. He was a member of the National Integration Council (NIC) of India, Secretary-General of the All India Christian Council and a past president of the All India Catholic Union.
Loitongbam Babloo Singh
A lawyer, anthropologist and human rights activist based in Manipur. He has been fighting to protect human rights in the northeast of India for more than 20 years. He has meticulously documented no fewer than 1528 cases in which innocent people were killed in so-called “fake encounters” (alleged combat against terrorists). Babloo bases his methods on Gandhi’s form of non-violent resistance.
Harsh Mander
He is a human rights and peace worker, writer, columnist, researcher and teacher. He led the campaign Karwan e Mohabbat to fight lynching and hate violence. He was nominated by the Director, Oslo Peace Research Institute for the Nobel Peace Prize 2022.
Distinguished Fellows
Neera Chandoke
She is a Leading political scientist, was Professor of Political Science at the University of Delhi and Director of Developing Countries Research Centre at the University of Delhi. Her recent publications include Nelson Mandela: Peace Through Reconciliation, 2021; Rethinking Pluralism, Secularism, Tolerance: Anxieties of Co- Existence, 2019; Democracy and Revolutionary Politics, 2015; and Contested Secessions, 2012
Prabhat Patnaik
He is one of India’s most respected economists and political commentators. He taught at the Centre for Economic Studies and Planning in the School of Social Sciences at Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi, from 1974 until his retirement in 2010. His recent publications include A Theory of Imperialism, 2016; Marx’s Capital: An Introductory Reader Essays, 2011; Re-Envisioning Socialism, 2011; The Value of Money, 2008; and Retreat to Unfreedom: Essays on the Emerging World Order, 2003.
Aditi Mehta
She had a distinguished career as an Indian civil servant, holding several positions of responsibility in the central and Rajasthan governments. She is particularly remembered for her contributions in the fields of social welfare and culture.
Avinash Kumar
A scholar in Modern History, has contributed significantly to civil society efforts for human rights. He was the Executive Director, Amnesty International India before joining CES as a distinguished fellow. Previously, he worked as the Director, Policy & Planning, Wateraid India.