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At Passing Gifts, we invite strategic partnerships to drive systemic change and strengthen rural development efforts. Together, we can co-create scalable solutions that support sustainable agri-businesses and inclusive growth.

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Dr Shyam Kumar Katta

Program Director, Andhra Pradesh

Dr Shyam Kumar Katta is an Atlas Corps Scholar and Climate Base Fellow with over 20 years of experience in rural economies and social development.

With a PhD in Digital Tools for Rural Economies and Social Development, he has led 23 impactful projects focused on women’s empowerment, sustainable agriculture, biodiversity, and climate-resilient farming.

Dr Katta holds five international patents and has published extensively, mentoring 54 scholars across 27 countries. A visionary leader in food security, women’s empowerment, and smallholder farmer livelihoods, Dr Katta has secured substantial funding for initiatives addressing hunger and poverty. He specializes in circular economies, women’s entrepreneurship, agri-preneurship, and agricultural value chains.

His insights on climate change adaptation strategies have positioned him as a thought leader in the social development sector, where he advocates for sustainable practices that empower marginalized communities and enhance resilience against environmental challenges.

Akshaya Biswal

Program Director, Odisha

Akshaya Biswal is a seasoned development professional with 29 years of experience in non-profit organizations, UN agencies, state governments, and research institutions. He holds proven expertise in designing and implementing programs, advocacy initiatives, and thematic research.

He is skilled at mobilizing diverse stakeholders towards change. This includes experience with think tanks, civil society, government, public sector units, and corporates, helping them foster meaningful dialogues on state-specific concerns and establish collaborations that address systemic social issues.

He demonstrates a strong understanding of the fundraising landscape and donor engagement. Adept at managing, monitoring, and evaluating programs with a solid track record in budget management and team performance, Akshaya has led and mentored large teams comprising senior, middle, and field-level staff. He possesses exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work diplomatically with culturally diverse groups.

Sonmani Choudhary

Program Director, Bihar

Sonmani Choudhary has over 20 years in the financial and development sectors. Her expertise extends across project implementation, government advisory, MSME management, gender mainstreaming, and policy advocacy. She has worked with SIDBI, MicroSave Consulting, PCI India, C3, and BASIX, driving women’s economic empowerment and inclusive finance.

At PCI India, Sonmani led a Gates Foundation-backed initiative in Bihar, providing technical support to the Rural Development Department to enhance MGNREGA’s impact on women and marginalized communities.

Passionate about bridging gender gaps, she leverages research, strategic advisory, and capacity building to achieve her vision. Choudhary has authored numerous publications and holds certifications in Project Management, Responsible Research, and the Farmer Field Schools Approach. She is currently exploring Development Economics.

Dr Anamika Priyadarshini

Director of Knowledge Management Research & Design

Dr Anamika Priyadarshini has over 23 years of experience in development and academia. She holds a post-graduate degree in International Development from Cornell and a doctorate in Global, Gender & Sexuality Studies from SUNY Buffalo.

A recipient of notable fellowships like the Margaret McNamara and Ford Foundation Fellowships, Dr Priyadarshini’s work has been published in journals such as The Lancet, Economic & Political Weekly, and India Development Review. At Passing Gifts, she focuses on enhancing economic opportunities for smallholder women farmers, particularly through women’s collectives.

She is dedicated to advancing evidence-based planning to develop sustainable economic models for women. In her free time, she enjoys travelling, storytelling, and music.

Kavita Sarah Nathan

Director of Finance & Administration

Kavita Sarah Nathan is a Chartered Accountant with over 30 years of experience in the development sector, specializing in financial management, donor compliance, and procurement. She has held key roles in organizations like ICRIER, Christian Aid UK, Habitat for Humanity India Trust, and SABI Consulting Pvt Ltd in Zimbabwe.

She is adept at achieving statutory compliance across multiple countries, including PF, GST, Income Tax, and ROC. She has a strong track record of emergency procurement and has successfully led multicultural teams spread across the globe.

A cornerstone of her leadership is her dedication to capacity building and team development. With strategic insight and a commitment to financial stewardship, Kavita continues to be a pivotal force in advancing our mission to enhance sustainable livelihoods.

Rina Soni

Executive Director

Rina Soni is a seasoned leader with over 28 years of experience in the financial services and development sectors. She holds a bachelor’s degree in economics and an MBA in finance. As a founding member of Max Life Insurance, Rina dedicated nearly 18 years to driving sales, business development, and strategic planning. In her transition to the nonprofit sector, she has successfully led impactful public engagement and fundraising initiatives for prominent organizations in India, employing innovative technologies and data-driven strategies to achieve meaningful results.

In her current role at Passing Gifts, Rina combines her strategic vision with a commitment to technological advancement, empowering marginalized communities and fostering sustainable growth. Her leadership mantra ‘One Team, One Dream’ reflects her collaborative approach to achieving shared goals. She is especially focused on building resilient food systems that support smallholder women farmers in adapting to the challenges posed by climate change.

Outside of work, Rina enjoys yoga and reading, which she finds instrumental to enhancing her leadership skills and fostering personal growth.

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