Welcome To Society of Promotion of Himalayan Indigenous Activities- Dehradun Uttarakhand

Our Team

SOPHIA has a small number of staff in order to keep its efforts focused on its projects and their participants. The staff are highly dedicated men and women, who are either from Dehradun or nearby villages; there is an excellent, familial rapport among the staff. Furthermore, SOPHIA’s fieldworkers network with the Van Gujjars and village communities daily, which has forged a close relationship of trust and warmth with the people. SOPHIA’s staff and the Milk Marketing project staff participate in monthly meetings to discuss their work, the projects and any issues that may have arisen.

Praveen Kaushal "Manto"

Manto is one of the founders and the director of SOPHIA, participating in the organisation for 25 years. His work consists of networking with the government, funders, the media and other NGOs. He manages the staff and co-ordinates the projects.

Reena Rana

Reena has been with SOPHIA for 20 years, first as a project facilitator and then as the office administrator. At present officiating as Chair of the board.

Nazim Ali

Nazim is a field worker who has been with SOPHIA for 20 years. He facilitates the projects and spends the majority of his time in the field. Nazim organises field level discussion meetings. Furthermore, he plans interface meetings between the Van Gujjars and local villages and networks with government officials. Additionally, Nazim assists with the documentation of rights.

Munesh Sharma

Munesh has been a member of SOPHIA for 20 years; he is the assistant director and a fieldworker. his time in the field, networking with the communities, discussing issues and helping to plan solutions

Ruhina Tabassum

Ruhina Tabassum is trained health professional as well as Financial Officer working for last 5 years with Sophia. She works mainly for mobilization of community women.

Partners, Affiliates and Friends

SOPHIA is partnered with the Uttranchal Youth and Rural Development Centre (UYRDC), an Indian NGO, which is also based in Uttarakhand. The two NGOs collaborate by working towards forest rights. Additionally, SOPHIA is in the process of forming a networking platform for other NGOs from Uttarakhand that also work on forest rights. Furthermore, SOPHIA takes on international interns from their funder, as well as indepedent national and international volunteers.