Advisory Council

Sr. No.

Name

Designation

BIoSketch

1

Dr. Utpala Kharod

Chairperson Quality Assurance Group,  Amrita Patel Centre for Public Health, Bhaikaka University

Dr. Utpala Kharod is a distinguished academic leader who brings decades of executive experience to her role as Head of the Quality Assurance Group at the Amrita Patel Centre for Public Health. Her career is marked by foundational leadership, having served as the first Provost of Bhaikaka University and as the Dean of Pramukhswami Medical College for over a decade. Dr. Kharod’s contribution to public health policy is significant, with advisory roles including membership on the Gujarat Medical Council and as an expert for the Ministry of Health, helping review national medical standards. She integrates this high-level systemic expertise with a special focus on holistic and prenatal education

2

Dr. Deepak B Sharma

Director, Amrita Patel Centre for Public Health, Bhaikaka University

Dr. Deepak B Sharma is the Director of the Amrita Patel Centre for Public Health and a Professor of Community Medicine. His profile is marked by an MD in Community Medicine, a Post Graduate Certificate course in Industrial Health (PGCIH), Advance Course in Medical Education (ACME) and a Ph.D. in Psychiatry. This combination allows him to lead innovative research in occupational health psychology, workplace wellbeing and mental health in the community. An award-winning researcher and prolific author, Dr. Sharma is a guiding force in public health, serving as a Ph.D. guide and a key resource person for promoting health across diverse populations.

3

Dr. Nitin Raithatha

Professor & Head, Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Pramukhswami Medical College, Bhaikaka University

Dr. Nitin Raithatha is a senior Professor of Obstetrics & Gynecology with over 22 years of teaching experience. His public health contributions are substantial, specializing in clinical research governance. He holds a Graduate Certificate in Clinical Investigations and is a certified NABH assessor for Clinical Trial Ethics Committees. This expertise in research ethics is complemented by his ACME certification in medical education and his training in Emergency Obstetric Care (EmOC). Dr. Raithatha is a prolific author with 29 journal publications and four textbook chapters.

4

Dr. K Sujatha Rao

Former Union Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.

Dr. K. Sujatha Rao, has had a remarkable 36-year career as a civil servant including nearly two decades devoted to the health sector. In 2010, Madam Rao became the Secretary to the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. Her visionary leadership is evident in her involvement with the first-ever national program for non-communicable diseases and the development of a national antibiotic policy. As the former Director General of the National AIDS Control Organization (NACO), she significantly expanded the organization's capacity. Her international representation on the WHO, Global Fund, and UNAIDS boards highlights her global influence. Additionally, Dr. Rao's authorship of 'Do We Care? Indias Health System' showcases her deep insights into India's health challenges and successes.

5

Dr. Amarjeet Singh

Former Principal Secretary Family Welfare & Commissioner of Health, Gujarat, Director, Public Health, MoH & FW, GOI and Union Secretary, Jal Shakti Ministry

He served in the Kathiawar region of Gujarat in the districts of Kutch, Junagadh, Bhavnagar and Rajkot for the initial ten years of his service. For six years, he served as Health Commissioner of Gujarat and introduced Chiranjeevi Scheme, a Public Private Partnership which resulted in the reduction of MMR. He served the Government of India in the Ministries of Health & Family Welfare, Human Resource Development, and Water Resources River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation.

He also facilitated the setting up of the first Indian Institute of Public Health in Gandhinagar. He was actively involved with a World Bank assisted major programme for control of Cataract blindness, which facilitated a significant scaling up of cataract surgeries in the country through skill upgradation of health professionals and PPP.

Post retirement he was working as a Chairman, Gujarat Real Estate Regulation & Development Authority till 2022. He did his Ph.D. on the Cost-effectiveness of the Blindness Control Programme in Karnataka, at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine in the UK and has received Overseas Research Students award by the Committee of Vice- Chancellors and Principals of the UK for PhD studies. He also received various awards “Asian Innovation Award” for Chiranjeevi Scheme, HMIS “Skoch Award” for the implementation of computerization in the hospitals in Gujarat, “Dataquest” award for the implementation of Integrated disease surveillance programme in Gujarat. He also was the recipient of National award (Bronze) for e-governance 2008-09 for Development and implementation of Hospital Management Information System in Gujarat. He received PM’s award for good Governance for 2008 for successful implementation of PPP in reducing maternal mortality in Gujarat.

6

Dr. A.M. Kadri

Executive Director, State Health Systems Resource Centre, Gandhinagar

Dr. A.M. Kadri, a distinguished public health leader with over two decades of dedicated service, began his illustrious career in community medicine and public health in 1996 and has been serving the Government of Gujarat since 1997. Since July 2019, Dr. Kadri has been the Executive Director of the State Health System Resource Centre (SHSRC), Gujarat. Under his leadership, SHSRC has been instrumental in supporting health reforms and tackling the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. He also leads the World Bank-assisted STRESTHA-G project, a $500 million initiative aimed at health system reform in Gujarat. Earlier he had served as Joint Director at the Gujarat State AIDS Control Society (GSACS), the National President the Indian Association of Preventive & Social Medicine (IAPSM), as well as National Secretary General of IAPSM. He has been the Editor-in-Chief of three editions of the IAPSM Textbook of Community Medicine.

7

Dr. Dileep Mavlankar

Honorary Professor, Indian Institute of Public Health - Gandhinagar

Prof. Dr. Dileep Mavlankar is a distinguished professor at the Indian Institute of Public Health Gandhinagar. With an MBBS and MD from Gujarat University as well as MPH and Dr.P.H from Johns Hopkins School of Hygiene and Public Health, Dr. Mavlankar has held prestigious positions at institutions such as NHL Municipal Medical College, the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad, and Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health. His extensive consultancy work for organizations including WHO, UNICEF, and the Aga Khan Foundation underscores his global impact. His dedicated research has led to improvements in emergency obstetric care, reproductive health program management, and the quality of care in family welfare. His numerous honors, including the Paul Harper Award and the National Science Talent Award, are a testament to his invaluable contributions.

8

Dr. Nomita Chandhiok

Former Sr. Deputy Director General/Scientist ‘G’, Indian Council of Medical Research

Dr. Nomita Chandhiok is a renowned biomedical researcher with over 35 years of experience in public health, specializing in reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health (RMNCH+A) and HIV/AIDS prevention. She has served as Senior Deputy Director General/Scientist ‘G’ at the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and continues to contribute as a consultant. With a background in Obstetrics and Gynecology and a doctorate in medical statistics, Dr. Chandhiok has provided strategic vision for developing and leading research programs aligned with India's Sustainable Development Goals. Her extensive work in coordinating clinical evaluations and operational research has significantly impacted national health policies. She has been conferred with mutltiple awards including Fellow of the Indian College of Maternal and Child health- FICMC , Fellow of the Indian College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists – FICOG, Chikitsak Ratan award 2022 from Indian Medical Council and Exemplary Contribution Award- from Indian Medical Association among others.

9

Shri Atul Patel

Born in 1950 at Vadodara, Mr. Atul H Patel is a dynamic industrialist with the vision of growth, progress and prosperity through commitment and hard work, the philosophy which was imbibed by him from his illustrious father Shri Haribhai F. Patel (Former Chairman of Transpek Industry Limited). 
He graduated in Textile Engineering from VJTI, Bombay and joined Transpeak Industry Limited as Joint Managing Director and looked after various functions. Under his dynamic leadership, coupled with the excellent technical and managerial competence, the Company could go in for massive expansion, diversification and made tremendous progress and Technology improvement.

At present he is managing Director of Tarak Chemicals Limited, a company involved in manufacturing of Oil field Chemicals & other Specialty Chemicals.

He is presently on the Board of Directors of following listed and closely held companies which inter alia includes Enviro Infrastructure Co. Limited, 20 Microns Limited, Indo Nippon Chemical Company Limited and Shrieve Chemicals (India) Private Limited.

He is deeply involved in the activities of Industrial association, Charitable Organizations and Educational Institutions.  He is associated with Federation of Gujarat Industries (FGI), a body which promotes the interest of the industry. He was the president of FGI for the year 1991 & 1992.  He was the President of Vadodara Industrial employers’ Union for the period 1993-95 and Senate Member of M. S. University of Baroda.

He is a Trustee of United way of Baroda and United way of India. He is past Chairman of Baroda Citizen Council, a body which promotes the developmental activities in the city of Baroda. Besides he is a trustee of Gyana Yagna Vidya Mandirat Atladra-Vadodara, Nar Seva Samaj, Nar, Dist. Kheda & Shram Mandir Trust, Sindhrot-Vadodara. He is the Chairman of Charutar Arogya Mandal, Karamsad.

10

Dr. Abhay Dharamsi

Provost, Bhaikaka University

Located on a lush 100-acre campus in Karamsad, Dist Anand, Gujarat, Bhaikaka University boasts state-of-the-art infrastructure and a 1000 bed multi-disciplinary super-specialty hospital conducive to advanced teaching, learning, and research. The university offers programs in Nursing, Physiotherapy, Allied Health Sciences, alongside its Medical programs, setting benchmarks in excellence to surpass targets continually. 
A strong believer and practitioner of the dictum “Knowledge is Power”, Bhaikaka University has been on the path of delivering high-quality education to the students by inculcating ethical and moral values, nurturing leadership qualities, fostering research culture and cultivating innovative skills. The university is driven by a commitment to quality and excellence, positioning itself as a one of the most respected university, underscored by its significant accomplishments. The university strive to excel in patient care, teaching, research and extension activities, while seeking collaboration opportunities with esteemed global universities.

It is both an honour and privilege to be part of Bhaikaka University.  We remain committed to grow and succeed in our mission of providing equitable access to modern healthcare resources and quality education. As we continue to grow, our university harbours a dream of becoming a globally renowned and admired university in future.

11

Dr. Jyoti Tiwari

Registrar, Bhaikaka University

Dr. Jyoti Tiwari has a Ph.D. in Computer Science from Sardar Patel University. She has worked in the Sardar Patel University in various capacities like Technical Assistant, Programmer, Director, Computer Centre, and Registrar (I/C).

She has varied experience of 36 years in the field of Information Technology and administration at Sardar Patel University. She has led the team of Sardar Patel University in software development, establishment of Internet, Networking (both cabled and Wifi) in the entire campus, procurement of hardware, networking components, and software, establishment of data centre, website development and maintenance, training of the faculty and staff on Computers and various portals. She also has administrative and teaching experience.

12

Dr. Gauri Trivedi

President

Dr. Gauri Trivedi, an eminent figure of distinguished stature, serves as an Advisor to Sanskardham and holds pivotal positions as a Board Member in several esteemed companies, including Adani Total Gas, The Sandesh Group, and Nikhil Adhesives. Her illustrious career spans over 22 years as an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, marking a journey of extraordinary leadership and profound contributions.

Dr. Trivedi’s scholastic prowess is exemplified by her academic accomplishments, including a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) from the Institute for Social and Economic Change (ISEC) in Bengaluru and the Institute of Development Studies (IDS) in Mysuru. Furthermore, she holds an M.A. in Political Science from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) in Delhi, M. Phil in Soviet Studies from JNU, and Post Graduate Program in Public Policy and Management (PGPPM) from the prestigious Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Bangalore, signifying her unwavering dedication to intellectual enrichment.

Throughout her remarkable career, Dr. Trivedi has demonstrated her expertise in diverse domains, including public policy, government administration, strategic planning, and industrial development and management. Her corporate acumen is evident through her tenure as the Managing Director and Director on the boards of several Central Public Sector Undertakings (CPSUs), a testament to her multifaceted leadership and strategic insight.

Dr. Trivedi’s influence extends to education and public service, as she imparts her knowledge to government officers, civil servant aspirants, young students, and non- governmental organizations (NGOs). As a guest faculty at renowned institutes, including the Indian Institute of Management, Sardar Patel Institute of Public Administration, CEPT Ahmedabad, and others, Dr. Trivedi imparts invaluable knowledge on governance, public policy, rural planning and management, and current affairs. She plays a pivotal role in the governing bodies of prestigious educational institutions, including the NTPC School of Business, Charutar Arogya Mandal (CAM), Bhaikaka University, and Power Management Institute. Dr Trivedi is a Board Member of a skilling institute called New Age Makers’ Institute of Technology (NAM:TECH).

Dr. Gauri Trivedi’s distinguished career as an IAS officer, culminating in posts such as Secretary to Government, Revenue Department, and Secretary to the Governor of Karnataka, bears testament to her commitment to public service. Her corporate experience as Vice President of Reliance Retail and her directorship at the Sardar Patel Institute of Public Administration (SPIPA-SIRD), Ahmedabad, further underscore her multifaceted administration.In conclusion, Dr. Gauri Trivedi’s journey from public service as an IAS officer to her multifaceted leadership roles in the corporate world and academia exemplifies her enduring commitment to excellence and knowledge dissemination. Her extraordinary contributions to governance, public policy, and education serve as an enduring testament to her remarkable legacy.

13

Dr. Swapnil Agarawal

Dean, Pramukhswami Medical College

An alumnus of Pramukhswami Medical College [PSMC], Dr. Agarwal started his journey in 1992 with MBBS. He later pursued MD Forensic Medicine & Toxicology from Government Medical College, Surat. In 2002, he was awarded with MD followed by DNB from National Board of Examinations [NBE] in same subject. Before joining PSMC in November 2010, he had worked at Government Medical College, Surat, Jawarharlal Nehru Medical College, Belgavi and Jhalawar Hospital and Medical College, Jhalawar. With vast experience in medicolegal work and teaching after having worked in 3 different States, he served as Head of Department, Forensic Medicine & Toxicology before being appointed as Dean. Over the years, he has been advocating for Medical as well as Research Ethics. Along with his colleagues, he has authored few books in his parent subject too.