Mr. Deepak Jolly
Founder and Chairman
A visionary leader with nearly 40 years of experience, Deepak Jolly has dedicated his career to transforming communities through coomunication, empowerment and philanthropy. As the Founder and Chairman of Sashakt Development and Empowerment Foundation (SDEF), he leads with a deep commitment to social impact, focusing on enhancing community health and fostering positive change.
Deepak’s leadership is rooted in his extensive background in Public Affairs, Communications, Sales, and Marketing with top multinational organizations, and his commitment to philanthropy. Through SDEF, he works to bridge the gap in access of quality education & healthcare services , raise awareness, and drive initiatives that empower underserved communities.
His approach emphasizes actionable, community-centric programs, from health environmental and advocacy to skill building for youth advocacy to organizing health camps, with the aim of creating lasting, tangible improvements in society. Under his guidance, SDEF continues to grow as a beacon for social good, uniting individuals and organizations for a shared mission of community empowerment and well-being.
Deepak helped establish a scholarship programme in the leading College of Communications for meritorious students from economically backward communities.
Dr. Praveen Aggarwal
Founder and Executive Director
Dr. Praveen Aggarwal is a seasoned leader with over 38 years of experience in business management, CSR, and corporate affairs, with a focus on driving social change. As the Founder and Executive Director of Sashakt Development and Empowerment Foundation (SDEF), Dr. Aggarwal has channeled his extensive experience into advancing the Foundation’s mission of empowering communities and improving lives.
Before establishing SDEF, Dr. Aggarwal held key leadership positions at Swadesh Foundation, Coca-Cola India, Jain Satellite Television, and MGF Group. His work in CSR and public affairs has consistently focused on creating sustainable, impactful change. From 2002 to 2012, he led CSR and Corporate Affairs for Coca-Cola India and South West Asia, successfully promoting health, education, and community development programs.
In 2012, he took on the role of Head and COO of Swades Foundation, where he oversaw transformative work in over 2,100 villages, focusing on Community Health, Water & Sanitation Education, Livelihoods, Agriculture and empowerment. This experience shaped his approach to SDEF, where he continues to drive initiatives that address critical issues such as livelihood, health disparities and education in underserved communities. He continues to be on the Advisory Board of a leading NGO Read India.
Dr. Aggarwal’s leadership at SDEF is rooted in a deep commitment to philanthropy and social justice, focusing on initiatives that directly impact communities in need. Through his guidance, SDEF continues to expand its efforts, creating a lasting and meaningful impact on society by focusing on advocacy, awareness, and community well-being.
As a Rotarian and past president of Rotary Club Delhi, Rohini, he has been contributing to the upliftment of the marginalised section of society through many social and environmental projects.
Dr. Kulwant Singh
Dr. Kulwant Singh, presently the Coordinator of Smart Move High Level Group (India) of the Geneva based International Road Transport Union (IRU), is also the CEO of 3R WASTE Foundation (India). Dr. Singh served as Chief Technical Adviser for the Urban Basic Services Branch of UN-Habitat, Nairobi from January 2004 to December 2008.
Since December 2008, Dr. Kulwant Singh has continued to support the work of UN-Habitat, with particular reference to the basic urban services comprising, water, sanitation, waste management, energy and urban mobility.
Prior to joining UN-Habitat in January 2004, he was the Executive Director, Human Settlements Management Institute, New Delhi for 12 years. An urban economist, he was a part of the Indian Economic Service from 1971-1992.
Mr. Dinesh Agrawal
Dinesh Agrawal has more than 45 years of experience in the areas of ESG, Sustainability, Business Excellence, Corporate Social Responsibility, Resettlement & Rehabilitation and land acquisition etc. He was the national head of CSR and sustainability in NTPC. He was the main architect in formulating the CSR policy of NTPC and DPE and the NVG/ NGRBC. He was instrumental in establishing the NTPC Foundation. He was a board member of the renowned NGO LEAD India for 9 years.
Their commitment and tireless efforts play a crucial role in advancing SDEF’s mission, exemplifying the spirit of volunteerism and community service.
