Leadership Team

Leadership Team

Meet Our Leadership Team

Babu Abraham

Babu Abraham has been associated with social enterprises for several decades. Along with his professional career as a software and IT consultant, he has been actively involved with a number of NGOs and companies in the social sector. He has now retired from his full time job, but is actively involved as Adviser/ Consultant to IT companies, as a teacher cum coach in leadership development and as a Board member of several companies and NGOs. Professionally, he has been in the field of IT industry for about 40 years. Read More

Dr. Lavanya Suneetha

Dr. Lavanya is a Scientist from Osmania University, Hyderabad. She has a Doctorate Degree in Biochemistry from Institute of Genetics & Hospital for Genetic Diseases and has been working on three diseases Leprosy, TB and HIV/AIDS respectively over the last two decades. She is a recipient of the young scientist award in Human Genetics Society in India, 1988. Dr. Lavanya has about 38 Research Publications in National and International Journals. Dr Lavanya currently is the Executive Director for Nireekshana ACET, India.

James Kella

He has a rich background in banking and non-profit leadership. He worked with Indian Bank for 27 years, retiring as vice president in 2001. Post-retirement, he is a consultant planning & budgeting and due diligent to the various organizations.

Ethics and Research Advisory Committee

Prof. P.P. Reddy

Prof. P.P. Reddy is a distinguished researcher and educator specializing in environmental mutagenesis, genetic disorders, and molecular studies in human diseases. With a Ph.D. from Osmania University and over four decades of teaching experience, he has served in prominent roles, including professor, director, and dean at institutions like the Mahatma Gandhi National Institute of Research & Social Action. Prof. Reddy has led numerous research projects funded by prestigious agencies, resulting in over 300 published papers Read More

Dr. Sujai Suneetha

Dr. Sujai Suneetha graduated as a Medical Doctor in 1980 from Kakatiya Medical College, Warangal. He pursued his post Graduate Degree in Pathology (DCP) in 1984 from Osmania Medical College, Hyderabad. He started his medical career in Leprosy work in 1984 as Research Medical Officer at Dhoolpet Leprosy Research Center, Hyderabad and subsequently at Vellore for almost 18 years in Leprosy Medical Care and Research. During this time he completed his PhD in Leprosy from CMC, Vellore in 1997. Read More

Prof. A. Jyothy

M.Sc., Ph.D., FAPAS, FTAS, is a distinguished expert in medical genetics, cytogenetics, and molecular genetics with over 30 years of experience. She earned her Ph.D. from Osmania University in 1982 and has held significant administrative roles, including Director of the Institute of Genetics. Prof. Jyothy has published 182 research articles, mentored numerous Ph.D. and post-doctoral students, and supervised over 250 dissertation projects. Recognized with prestigious awards, Read More

Dr. Suman Jain

Dr. Suman Jain is a medical professional specializing in thalassemia and sickle cell disease research and management. With an MBBS from Calcutta University, Kolkata, and a Diploma in Child Health (DCH) from the College of Physicians & Surgeons, Mumbai, she has amassed extensive experience in her field. Dr. Jain's illustrious career has seen her hold significant roles at prestigious institutions such as the Thalassemia & Sickle Cell Society and the Infectious Disease Research Laboratory at Nireekshana ACET. Read More

Dr. Sunita Bidari

Dr. Sunita Ebenezer Bidari is a medical professional with an MBBS from Christian Medical College, Ludhiana, and a DNB in Family Medicine from the National Board of Examinations, New Delhi. She has experience working in various medical roles, including Senior Resident at CMC Vellore. Dr. Bidari worked on a research project titled “Impact Assessment Study of Rotavirus Vaccine” at the Welcome Trust Research Laboratory, where she set up a surveillance system for rota viral gastroenteritis in four Indian states. Currently, she practices as a Family Medicine Specialist, in Belagavi, Karnataka, and serves as an Online Tutor for the Master's in Family Medicine Course at the University of Edinburgh UK. A member of the Academy of Family Physicians of India, she has participated in numerous training courses and workshops related to her field.

Dr. P. Govardhini

Dr. P. Govardhini MBBS from Gandhi Medical College, Hyderabad, and specializing in Pediatrics at Vijaya Hospitals, Chennai, holds a post-graduate diploma in Obstetrics and Child Health from IGNOU. With seven years at ICMR researching malaria and filariasis in tribal areas and three years as an Emergency Physician in Saudi Arabia, she brings over three decades of expertise to her role at Nireekshana ACET. Dr. Govardhini's dedication to healthcare and research has earned her respect in the medical community, where she continues to make significant contributions.

Nisha Kurian

Nisha Kurian, an Assistant Professor in Biostatistics at Pushpagiri Institute of Medical Sciences, Tiruvalla, Kerala, has 34 years of expertise in teaching and research. With an M.Sc. in Biostatistics and a Master of Population Studies, she has authored 43 publications and led numerous research projects. Nisha's leadership roles include Director of Pushpagiri Centre for Evidence Based Practice and core member of the Clinical Epidemiology Unit. Her contributions have significantly impacted evidence-based medical practices.

Dr. P. Judson

Dr. P. Judson is an academician and development practitioner with a Ph.D. in Zoology from Osmania University. He has held key roles such as Professor of Zoology, Principal of Osmania University, and Head of the Department of Zoology. Dr. Judson has significantly contributed to academia and research and led development projects in environmental education, watershed management, and rural entrepreneurship. He has also served as a resource person for national and international organizations Read More

Arun Raj Manda

Arun Raj Manda is a social worker with a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree specializing in Family and Child Welfare from Osmania University, Hyderabad. With over two decades of experience, he has held significant roles such as Research Associate at the Administrative Staff College of India (ASCI) and HIV/AIDS Counsellor and Trainer at LEPRA INDIA Society. Currently, Arun serves as the Secretary/CEO at the Global Organisation for Development (GOD) and contributes as a visiting faculty member at R.M. College of Social Work and Research Centre, Osmania University.

K. Padmaja Thomas

K. Padmaja Thomas is an advocate with over 15 years of experience, holding an L.LB degree from Pendakanti Law College, Hyderabad, and an M.A. in Public Private Management. With a record of accomplishment of success in legal advocacy specializing in providing effective advocacy and support in various legal matters. Her practice includes representing clients in high courts, consumer forums, civil and criminal courts Read More

Meet Our Leadership Team

Babu Abraham

Babu Abraham has been associated with social enterprises for several decades. Along with his professional career as a software and IT consultant, he has been actively involved with a number of NGOs and companies in the social sector. He has now retired from his full time job, but is actively involved as Adviser/ Consultant to IT companies, as a teacher cum coach in leadership development and as a Board member of several companies and NGOs. Professionally, he has been in the field of IT industry for about 40 years. Read More

Dr. Lavanya Suneetha

Dr. Lavanya is a Scientist from Osmania University, Hyderabad. She has a Doctorate Degree in Biochemistry from Institute of Genetics & Hospital for Genetic Diseases and has been working on three diseases Leprosy, TB and HIV/AIDS respectively over the last two decades. She is a recipient of the young scientist award in Human Genetics Society in India, 1988. Dr. Lavanya has about 38 Research Publications in National and International Journals. Dr Lavanya currently is the Executive Director for Nireekshana ACET, India.

James Kella

He has a rich background in banking and non-profit leadership. He worked with Indian Bank for 27 years, retiring as vice president in 2001. Post-retirement, he is a consultant planning & budgeting and due diligent to the various organizations.

Ethics and Research Advisory Committee

Prof. P.P. Reddy

Prof. P.P. Reddy is a distinguished researcher and educator specializing in environmental mutagenesis, genetic disorders, and molecular studies in human diseases. With a Ph.D. from Osmania University and over four decades of teaching experience, he has served in prominent roles, including professor, director, and dean at institutions like the Mahatma Gandhi National Institute of Research & Social Action. Prof. Reddy has led numerous research projects funded by prestigious agencies, resulting in over 300 published papers Read More

Dr. Sujai Suneetha

Dr. Sujai Suneetha graduated as a Medical Doctor in 1980 from Kakatiya Medical College, Warangal. He pursued his post Graduate Degree in Pathology (DCP) in 1984 from Osmania Medical College, Hyderabad. He started his medical career in Leprosy work in 1984 as Research Medical Officer at Dhoolpet Leprosy Research Center, Hyderabad and subsequently at Vellore for almost 18 years in Leprosy Medical Care and Research. During this time he completed his PhD in Leprosy from CMC, Vellore in 1997. Read More

Dr. Sundeep Chaitanya Vedithi

Holding a doctoral degree in Molecular Biology and Immunology with a specialization in leprosy from a renowned leprosy institution in India, I have honed my expertise through laboratory-based research experiences in genomics, transcriptomics, immune biomarkers, and computational biology. Currently steering multicentric scientific research projects at the University of Cambridge, my focus is on drug discovery and the development of advanced diagnostic tools for leprosy and other skin-neglected tropical diseases. Fuelled by a deep-seated passion for bridging the gap between laboratory research findings and practical applications, I spearhead initiatives that underscore translational research and innovation. These endeavors aim not only to alleviate the global burden of leprosy but to work towards its eradication, extending further to address other neglected tropical diseases affecting the skin.

Prof. A. Jyothy

M.Sc., Ph.D., FAPAS, FTAS, is a distinguished expert in medical genetics, cytogenetics, and molecular genetics with over 30 years of experience. She earned her Ph.D. from Osmania University in 1982 and has held significant administrative roles, including Director of the Institute of Genetics. Prof. Jyothy has published 182 research articles, mentored numerous Ph.D. and post-doctoral students, and supervised over 250 dissertation projects. Recognized with prestigious awards, Read More

Dr. Suman Jain

Dr. Suman Jain is a medical professional specializing in thalassemia and sickle cell disease research and management. With an MBBS from Calcutta University, Kolkata, and a Diploma in Child Health (DCH) from the College of Physicians & Surgeons, Mumbai, she has amassed extensive experience in her field. Dr. Jain's illustrious career has seen her hold significant roles at prestigious institutions such as the Thalassemia & Sickle Cell Society and the Infectious Disease Research Laboratory at Nireekshana ACET. Read More

Dr. Sunita Bidari

Dr. Sunita Bidari is a medical professional with an MBBS from Christian Medical College, Ludhiana, and a DNB in Family Medicine from the National Board of Examinations, New Delhi. She has experience working in various medical roles, including Senior Resident at CMC Vellore. Dr. Bidari worked on a research project titled “Impact Assessment Study of Rotavirus Vaccine” at the Welcome Trust Research Laboratory, where she set up a surveillance system for rota viral gastroenteritis in four Indian states. Currently, she practices as a Family Medicine Specialist, in Belagavi, Karnataka, and serves as an Online Tutor for the Master's in Family Medicine Course at the University of Edinburgh UK. A member of the Academy of Family Physicians of India, she has participated in numerous training courses and workshops related to her field.

Dr. P. Govardhini

Dr. P. Govardhini MBBS from Gandhi Medical College, Hyderabad, and specializing in Pediatrics at Vijaya Hospitals, Chennai, holds a post-graduate diploma in Obstetrics and Child Health from IGNOU. With seven years at ICMR researching malaria and filariasis in tribal areas and three years as an Emergency Physician in Saudi Arabia, she brings over three decades of expertise to her role at Nireekshana ACET. Dr. Govardhini's dedication to healthcare and research has earned her respect in the medical community, where she continues to make significant contributions.

Nisha Kurian

Nisha Kurian, an Assistant Professor in Biostatistics at Pushpagiri Institute of Medical Sciences, Tiruvalla, Kerala, has 34 years of expertise in teaching and research. With an M.Sc. in Biostatistics and a Master of Population Studies, she has authored 43 publications and led numerous research projects. Nisha's leadership roles include Director of Pushpagiri Centre for Evidence Based Practice and core member of the Clinical Epidemiology Unit. Her contributions have significantly impacted evidence-based medical practices.

Dr. P. Judson

Dr. P. Judson is an academician and development practitioner with a Ph.D. in Zoology from Osmania University. He has held key roles such as Professor of Zoology, Principal of Osmania University, and Head of the Department of Zoology. Dr. Judson has significantly contributed to academia and research and led development projects in environmental education, watershed management, and rural entrepreneurship. He has also served as a resource person for national and international organizations Read More

Arun Raj Manda

Arun Raj Manda is a social worker with a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree specializing in Family and Child Welfare from Osmania University, Hyderabad. With over two decades of experience, he has held significant roles such as Research Associate at the Administrative Staff College of India (ASCI) and HIV/AIDS Counsellor and Trainer at LEPRA INDIA Society. Currently, Arun serves as the Secretary/CEO at the Global Organisation for Development (GOD) and contributes as a visiting faculty member at R.M. College of Social Work and Research Centre, Osmania University.

K. Padmaja Thomas

K. Padmaja Thomas is an advocate with over 15 years of experience, holding an L.LB degree from Pendakanti Law College, Hyderabad, and an M.A. in Public Private Management. With a record of accomplishment of success in legal advocacy specializing in providing effective advocacy and support in various legal matters. Her practice includes representing clients in high courts, consumer forums, civil and criminal courts Read More

Ethics and Research Advisory Committee

Prof. P.P. Reddy

Prof. P.P. Reddy is a distinguished researcher and educator specializing in environmental mutagenesis, genetic disorders, and molecular studies in human diseases. With a Ph.D. from Osmania University and over four decades of teaching experience, he has served in prominent roles, including professor, director, and dean at institutions like the Mahatma Gandhi National Institute of Research & Social Action. Prof. Reddy has led numerous research projects funded by prestigious agencies, resulting in over 300 published papers Read More

Dr. Sujai Suneetha

Dr. Sujai Suneetha graduated as a Medical Doctor in 1980 from Kakatiya Medical College, Warangal. He pursued his post Graduate Degree in Pathology (DCP) in 1984 from Osmania Medical College, Hyderabad. He started his medical career in Leprosy work in 1984 as Research Medical Officer at Dhoolpet Leprosy Research Center, Hyderabad and subsequently at Vellore for almost 18 years in Leprosy Medical Care and Research. During this time he completed his PhD in Leprosy from CMC, Vellore in 1997. Read More

Prof. A. Jyothy

M.Sc., Ph.D., FAPAS, FTAS, is a distinguished expert in medical genetics, cytogenetics, and molecular genetics with over 30 years of experience. She earned her Ph.D. from Osmania University in 1982 and has held significant administrative roles, including Director of the Institute of Genetics. Prof. Jyothy has published 182 research articles, mentored numerous Ph.D. and post-doctoral students, and supervised over 250 dissertation projects. Recognized with prestigious awards, Read More

Dr. Suman Jain

Dr. Suman Jain is a medical professional specializing in thalassemia and sickle cell disease research and management. With an MBBS from Calcutta University, Kolkata, and a Diploma in Child Health (DCH) from the College of Physicians & Surgeons, Mumbai, she has amassed extensive experience in her field. Dr. Jain's illustrious career has seen her hold significant roles at prestigious institutions such as the Thalassemia & Sickle Cell Society and the Infectious Disease Research Laboratory at Nireekshana ACET. Read More

Dr. Sunita Bidari

Dr. Sunita Ebenezer Bidari is a medical professional with an MBBS from Christian Medical College, Ludhiana, and a DNB in Family Medicine from the National Board of Examinations, New Delhi. She has experience working in various medical roles, including Senior Resident at CMC Vellore. Dr. Bidari worked on a research project titled “Impact Assessment Study of Rotavirus Vaccine” at the Welcome Trust Research Laboratory, where she set up a surveillance system for rota viral gastroenteritis in four Indian states. Currently, she practices as a Family Medicine Specialist, in Belagavi, Karnataka, and serves as an Online Tutor for the Master's in Family Medicine Course at the University of Edinburgh UK. A member of the Academy of Family Physicians of India, she has participated in numerous training courses and workshops related to her field.

Dr. P. Govardhini

Dr. P. Govardhini MBBS from Gandhi Medical College, Hyderabad, and specializing in Pediatrics at Vijaya Hospitals, Chennai, holds a post-graduate diploma in Obstetrics and Child Health from IGNOU. With seven years at ICMR researching malaria and filariasis in tribal areas and three years as an Emergency Physician in Saudi Arabia, she brings over three decades of expertise to her role at Nireekshana ACET. Dr. Govardhini's dedication to healthcare and research has earned her respect in the medical community, where she continues to make significant contributions.

Nisha Kurian

Nisha Kurian, an Assistant Professor in Biostatistics at Pushpagiri Institute of Medical Sciences, Tiruvalla, Kerala, has 34 years of expertise in teaching and research. With an M.Sc. in Biostatistics and a Master of Population Studies, she has authored 43 publications and led numerous research projects. Nisha's leadership roles include Director of Pushpagiri Centre for Evidence Based Practice and core member of the Clinical Epidemiology Unit. Her contributions have significantly impacted evidence-based medical practices.

Dr. P. Judson

Dr. P. Judson is an academician and development practitioner with a Ph.D. in Zoology from Osmania University. He has held key roles such as Professor of Zoology, Principal of Osmania University, and Head of the Department of Zoology. Dr. Judson has significantly contributed to academia and research and led development projects in environmental education, watershed management, and rural entrepreneurship. He has also served as a resource person for national and international organizations Read More

Arun Raj Manda

Arun Raj Manda is a social worker with a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree specializing in Family and Child Welfare from Osmania University, Hyderabad. With over two decades of experience, he has held significant roles such as Research Associate at the Administrative Staff College of India (ASCI) and HIV/AIDS Counsellor and Trainer at LEPRA INDIA Society. Currently, Arun serves as the Secretary/CEO at the Global Organisation for Development (GOD) and contributes as a visiting faculty member at R.M. College of Social Work and Research Centre, Osmania University.

K. Padmaja Thomas

K. Padmaja Thomas is an advocate with over 15 years of experience, holding an L.LB degree from Pendakanti Law College, Hyderabad, and an M.A. in Public Private Management. With a record of accomplishment of success in legal advocacy specializing in providing effective advocacy and support in various legal matters. Her practice includes representing clients in high courts, consumer forums, civil and criminal courts Read More

Dr. Sundeep Chaitanya Vedithi

Holding a doctoral degree in Molecular Biology and Immunology with a specialization in leprosy from a renowned leprosy institution in India, I have honed my expertise through laboratory-based research experiences in genomics, transcriptomics, immune biomarkers, and computational biology. Currently steering multicentric scientific research projects at the University of Cambridge, my focus is on drug discovery and the development of advanced diagnostic tools for leprosy and other skin-neglected tropical diseases. Fuelled by a deep-seated passion for bridging the gap between laboratory research findings and practical applications, I spearhead initiatives that underscore translational research and innovation. These endeavors aim not only to alleviate the global burden of leprosy but to work towards its eradication, extending further to address other neglected tropical diseases affecting the skin.