Leadership Team
Meet the visionary leaders guiding Harvesting Foundation's mission to transform rural India through entrepreneurship and community empowerment.
Directors
Leading the foundation's strategic vision and operations
Taranjit Singh Sandhu
Chairman
Senior Indian diplomat who served as India's Ambassador to the United States from 2020 to 2023, playing a key role in strengthening India–US strategic and economic ties. He has also served as Ambassador to Sri Lanka and held senior postings in Washington, including Deputy Chief of Mission, and is widely respected for his statesmanship and diplomatic leadership.
Ruchit G Garg
Founder & Director
Entrepreneur and social innovator focused on agricultural development and rural empowerment. Ruchit has spearheaded initiatives partnering with state governments to transform farming communities across India. His work bridges technology with grassroots impact, creating sustainable livelihoods for rural entrepreneurs.
Prof. Jitander Kumar Nepal
Director & Advisor
Retired Professor of Chemistry from Hisar Agriculture University, Haryana. With decades of academic excellence and research in agricultural sciences, Prof. Nepal brings deep expertise in sustainable farming practices and rural development. His guidance has shaped agricultural education and innovation in Northern India.
Advisory Board
Distinguished experts providing strategic guidance and support
Vijay Shekhar Sharma
Founder & CEO, Paytm
Pioneering fintech entrepreneur and founder of Paytm, India's leading digital payments platform. Recognized globally as one of Time Magazine's 100 most influential people, Vijay has revolutionized financial inclusion in India. His vision of digital empowerment aligns with the foundation's mission to transform rural economies through technology and entrepreneurship.
Shekhar Kapur
International Film Director & Producer
Acclaimed filmmaker known for international successes including the Oscar-nominated 'Elizabeth' films. Recipient of the Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan, India's highest civilian honors. Shekhar brings creative vision and global perspective to storytelling that amplifies rural India's transformation narrative.
Admiral Sunil Lanba
Former Chief of Naval Staff, Indian Navy
Retired Admiral and 23rd Chief of Naval Staff of the Indian Navy, decorated with PVSM, AVSM, and other honors. Admiral Lanba's distinguished military career and strategic leadership experience provide invaluable guidance in organizational excellence and nation-building initiatives. First Indian to receive Singapore's Meritorious Service Medal.
Kunwar Vijendra Shekhar
Co-founder & Chancellor, Shobhit University
Visionary education leader and social entrepreneur dedicated to empowering rural youth through accessible higher education. As Chairman of ASSOCHAM National Council on Education, he has established multiple universities and institutions serving rural communities. His three decades of work in education perfectly aligns with the foundation's upskilling mission.
Sunil Srivastava
Former Deputy MD, State Bank of India
Banking veteran with extensive expertise in corporate banking and financial strategy. As former Deputy Managing Director of Corporate Banking at State Bank of India, Sunil brings deep knowledge of financial systems and economic development. His experience in affordable finance and rural banking provides critical insights for entrepreneurial funding initiatives.
Empowered by Experience, Driven by Impact
Our leadership team brings together decades of expertise in entrepreneurship, technology, finance, education, defense, and creative industries. Together, we're committed to creating sustainable change in rural India.