Governing Body
Panth Foundation is guided by a governing body that brings together experience in social work, grassroots development, education, mental health, organisational development, and community engagement. Together, the team combines professional expertise with lived experience and a strong commitment to advancing equity, dignity, and opportunity for underserved communities.
Dr. Usman Mehandi
FOUNDER
Dr. Usman Mehandi is a social work researcher, educator, and development professional with extensive experience in education, youth development, mental health, and social inclusion. He holds a Ph.D. in Social Work from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai, and has spent his academic and professional career working on issues affecting marginalized communities.
As a first-generation scholar from a rural background, Dr. Usman’s own journey has shaped his commitment to educational equity, social justice, and community empowerment. His work focuses particularly on creating opportunities for young people, especially adolescent girls, to overcome social and structural barriers and pursue their aspirations.
As the Founder of Panth Foundation, he provides strategic leadership and steers the organisation’s vision, programmes, and partnerships. His approach is rooted in the belief that sustainable change is possible when communities are recognised not simply as beneficiaries, but as active participants in identifying challenges and shaping solutions.
RANI
CO-FOUNDER
Rani is a grassroots development practitioner and community leader with more than two decades of experience working directly with women, adolescent girls, and marginalized communities. Her areas of experience include women’s empowerment, girls’ education, health and hygiene, WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene), community mobilisation, and prevention of domestic violence.
Her long-standing engagement with communities has given her a deep understanding of local realities, social relationships, and the barriers that affect women and girls. She has worked with women’s groups, supported girls to continue their education, promoted health and hygiene awareness, and strengthened community participation in development initiatives.
As Co-Founder, Rani plays a central role in Panth Foundation’s grassroots work. She leads community engagement and helps ensure that programmes remain grounded in the needs, experiences, and aspirations of the people with whom Panth works. Her work reflects her belief that women and girls can become powerful agents of change when they are given knowledge, confidence, opportunities, and space to lead.
Faizan Maniyar
CO-FOUNDER
Faizan Maniyar is a social impact practitioner and mental health advocate with a strong interest in youth empowerment, mental well-being, and inclusive development. His engagement with young people and communities has focused on building awareness, confidence, resilience, and collective capacity for positive change.
Faizan is particularly committed to supporting adolescents and young adults as they navigate educational, social, and emotional challenges. His areas of interest include mental health advocacy, leadership development, community mobilisation, mentorship, and youth participation.
As Co-Founder, Faizan contributes to Panth Foundation’s programme development, community engagement, and strategic partnerships. He works towards strengthening programmes that enable adolescent girls and underserved communities to become more informed, confident, and active participants in their own development.
Vasi Iqbal
Vasi Iqbal is a development sector professional and an alumnus of the Gandhi Fellowship Programme, with experience in talent management, stakeholder engagement, organisational development, public health, development programmes, and CSR initiatives. He holds a Master’s degree in Social Exclusion and Inclusive Policy from Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi.
As a first-generation learner, Vasi’s own educational journey has strengthened his commitment to inclusion, social justice, and expanding opportunities for young people from underserved communities. He is particularly passionate about creating pathways through which adolescent girls can access education, develop leadership capacities, and realise their potential.
As Co-Founder, Vasi contributes to organisational development, programme strengthening, partnerships, and institutional growth. His work is guided by the belief that meaningful and sustainable change begins at the grassroots, where communities are supported to identify their own challenges, develop appropriate solutions, and take ownership of their development.
Our Collective Approach
The strength of Panth Foundation’s governing body lies in the diversity of experiences it brings together. From academic research and organisational leadership to grassroots mobilisation, mental health, youth development, and community engagement, each member contributes a distinct perspective.
Together, the governing body provides strategic direction while keeping Panth’s work rooted in its core belief: lasting change is created when people have the knowledge, confidence, agency, and opportunity to shape their own futures.