Ms. Geeta Malhotra, Country Director
Geeta has been working with READ India since June 2008 and has helped bring four community library resource centers to life in multiple states of this expansive country. Geeta constantly performs networking and outreach activities to bring the best training and capacity-building programs to READ Centers while overseeing all operations in India. Geeta uses her strong experience and professional and academic connections to create new opportunities for READ India. Since 1981, she has been actively working in the social sector to implement grassroots programs across India. This includes work for One World South Asia, Open Knowledge Network, Digital Empowerment Foundation and Population Foundation of India. Geeta holds multiple degrees from Delhi University, Annamali University and Deemed University. She has recently completed her thesis on Elected Women's Roles in Reproductive and Child Health.
Ms. Smita Anand Rai, Operations Manager
Smita joined READ India in June 2007. She is responsible for overall operations, administration and coordination in READ India office as well as assisting the country director with program operations. Prior to joining READ, she worked with PlaNet Finance India, an affiliate international microfinancing institution working in the field of Technical Assistance and Capacity Building. Previously, she worked at HSBC Retail banking as a customer relationship officer. Ms. Rai holds a post graduate diploma in international business.
Mr. Jitesh Agarwal, Program Officer
Jitesh joined READ India as Program Officer in March 2011. As Program Officer he will focus on market research, training and identification of sustainable projects for READ Centers in India. Jitesh has four years of experience in the development sector. Before joining READ India he worked in vocational training with Aide et Action and Youth Development Academy, where he was responsible for coordination, management and communication with government and business enterprises for the training and placements of the candidates. He has also worked in the field of micro-finance consulting with IntellCash. Jitesh received his post graduation diploma in rural management and marketing from Indian Institute of Rural Management (IIRM) in Jaipur.
Mr. Yashpal Malik, Program Officer
Yashpal joined READ India in January of 2012. He is responsible for READ India’s training program, which includes community level capacity building trainings in education, health, livelihood skills and farming activities. Yashpal has more than two and a half years of experience in training and development. Before joining READ India he worked as a Project Manager for Apex Cluster Development Services Pvt. Ltd. a poverty reduction program for the Madhya Pradesh Rural Livelihoods project (MPRLP). He has done several diagnostic studies related to textiles, leather, stone and marble, as well as the food-processing sector. Yashpal received his MBA in Banking and Finance from ICFAI Business School, Bangalore. Apart from this Yashpal holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Rural Development, Masters in Economics, CAIIB, Post Graduate Certificate in Project Management and a Diploma in Micro-Finance, among others.
Mr. Nahid Barbhuiya, Field Coordinator
Nahid is the field coordinator for the India office and spends much of his time visiting library sites and meeting with villagers. He holds both a BSc and MMC (Master of Mass communication) from Assam University, Silchar. His diverse previous professional experience includes newspaper editing for the Frontier Sun, market research for the Indian Market Research Bureau and customer service for Inerzinger. Nahid's work in the social sector includes a campaign on Pulse Polio, an adult education program in villages.
Mr. Anjan Roy, Finance and Office Assistant
Anjan has been working for READ India since May 2009 as its Finance and Office assistant. He holds a bachelor's degree in commerce and has interests in accounting and information technology. Anjan manages the READ India day-to-day office operations.