Team Leads

ORF TEAM
Akhaya Sagar

Akhaya Sagar

Co- Founder and Chairman

Mr Akhaya Sagar is the Co-founder & Chairman of ODISHA RISING FOUNDATION which he started to create impact locally. He has studied Corporate Social Responsibility from HCL Academy -Noida, Public Health Crisis from The John Hopkins University, USA, Sustainability in Indian Context from Azim Premji University- Bangalore, NGO Management in CII-CISM -Bangalore, The Meridian – A Leadership Course by Common Purpose-UK, Post Graduate in Computer Education and a Commerce Graduate from Berhampur University. A social entrepreneur by nature, loves social adventure, which he started during his college days as a volunteer and continuing the journey thus far. He is determined to make social equity and equality – accessible to the poorest of the poor of our country. 

He shares his expertise with other Institutions, Agency, Departments and NGOs across India as an Impact & Fundraising Consultant and as a Sustainability Policy Advisor especially with the grassroot voluntary organizations. Currently, he seats in the Board of reputed organizations namely -Climate Change A Reality Foundation (CCARF) Canada & Operation Sahay Foundation(OSF) Bangalore. He is an active volunteer and have travelled extensively in the US, Europe and Asia Pacific to create a community of innovators and strengthen social entrepreneurs to make this planet a better place to live in for all.

Ch Aishya Prakash

Director - Strategy & Operations

Ch Aishya Prakash is a seasoned development professional with an illustrious career spanning over two decades in the realms of development and humanitarian sectors in India. With an unwavering commitment to making a difference, Aishya has emerged as a trusted expert in the field of education for children. His extensive experience includes program design, monitoring and evaluation, financial management and collaboration with community-based organizations, NGOs and international donors. Aishya possesses a profound understanding of the Indian government’s structure, systems and disaster management frameworks, making him a valuable asset in both routine and crisis situations. His proficiency in proposal development, project management and capacity building has contributed significantly to his numerous successes in the field.

Throughout his career, Aishya has exhibited a profound commitment to disaster response interventions and has developed state humanitarian strategies. His expertise in issues such as child rights, migration and livelihoods make him a valuable resource for addressing pressing challenges in the development and humanitarian sectors.

Ch Aishya Prakash’s passion for education for children and his impressive track record in development and humanitarian work make him an esteemed expert in his field. His dedication to improving the lives of children and vulnerable communities is evident through her extensive experience and accomplishments. 

Sagarika Ray

Senior Program Manager

Sagarika Ray is a seasoned development professional with over 13 years of experience in social research, project management, and community engagement. Holding an M.Phil in Women’s Studies, she has expertise in gender equity, education, and social development. Sagarika has held senior roles at organizations like Breakthrough, Oxfam India, and Sikshasandhan, focusing on program strengthening, advocacy, and capacity building.

Her skills include project management, stakeholder engagement, fundraising, and curriculum development. She has successfully translated research into strategies, contributed to national programs, and facilitated consultations at state and district levels. Sagarika is also a guest faculty member in sociology and social work and is dedicated to improving the lives of marginalized communities through education and advocacy.

Driven by a genuine desire to make a positive impact, Sagarika combines her expertise with a compassionate approach, ensuring that her initiatives are not only effective but also respectful of the communities she serves. Her unwavering dedication and innovative thinking have earned her recognition as a key advocate for social change.

Sagarika continues to pursue her mission with a vision of a more equitable world, where everyone has the opportunity to lead a dignified and fulfilling life.

Prangya Pani

Prangya Paramita Pani

Communication & Partnership

Pragya Paramita Pani is the Operation Lead for Communication & Partnership at Odisha Rising Foundation. With a focus on developing and executing communication strategies, She plays a key role in ensuring that the foundation’s mission and message resonate across all departments. She is responsible for managing public relations and overseeing both internal and external communications, ensuring that the organization’s voice is consistent and impactful.

Her expertise in strategic communication helps in building strong partnerships and enhancing the foundation’s reach and influence. Her role is pivotal in crafting narratives that align with the foundation’s goals, fostering collaboration, and creating meaningful connections with stakeholders.

Dedicated to making a difference, She works tirelessly to ensure that the foundation’s work is communicated effectively, supporting its mission to drive positive change in Odisha.

Sagarika Choini - Program Manager

Sagarika Choini

Program Manager

Sagarika Choini is an experienced Program Manager with a strong academic foundation in social work, having earned her Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from the National Institute of Social Work and Social Sciences (NISWASS) and her Master of Social Work (MSW) from BJB Autonomous College in 2018. With a deep commitment to social justice and community development, Sagarika has dedicated her career to championing the rights of vulnerable populations.

Her professional journey encompasses a wide range of critical social issues, including child rights, advocacy for persons with disabilities, police reform projects, and networking with state human rights institutions. Sagarika has also been actively involved in student engagement initiatives and community development projects, where she has leveraged her skills in advocacy and lobbying to drive meaningful change.

With a passion for creating inclusive and equitable communities, Sagarika is committed to ensuring that every individual can live with dignity and respect. Her comprehensive experience and dedication make her a valuable asset to our team, as she continues to lead impactful programs that empower marginalized communities.

Swadhin Jayasingh

Accountant and Admin

Swadhin is an experienced Accountant with 3 years of expertise in managing financial operations for non-governmental organizations. A B.Com graduate, Swadhin brings a solid foundation in accounting principles, financial reporting, and budget management. In their current role at Odisha Rising Foundation, they are responsible for maintaining financial records, ensuring compliance with statutory regulations, and overseeing the organization’s budgeting and financial planning processes.

Passionate about leveraging their financial skills for social good, He plays a crucial role in supporting the NGO’s mission by ensuring transparent and efficient use of funds. Their dedication to detail and accuracy has made them a reliable team member in managing the financial health of the organization.

Enosh Kumar Nayak

FC - MIS

Enosh Kumar Nayak, an MCA graduate with a passion for precision and financial acuity, stands at the intersection of technology and finance in his role as an accountant at ORF. Armed with a Master’s in Computer Applications from BPUT, Enosh has seamlessly integrated his technical expertise into the world of Accounting. With a proven track record in financial analysis, budgeting, and strategic planning, Enosh brings a unique perspective to every project he undertakes at ORF. His commitment to accuracy and transparent financial reporting, coupled with excellent communication skills, sets him apart in the field. Enosh Nayak is not just an accomplished accountant; he is a financial strategist dedicated to driving success through innovation and meticulous attention to detail, making valuable contributions to the financial landscape of ORF.

Alok Parichha

Alok Chandra Parichha

Vocational Trainer

Alok Chandra Parichha is a social worker by nature. He spent his entire youths volunteering for different causes in his own community and that triggered him to take up a professional course on social work. He has a master’s degree in social work now. He loves to live among the people and therefore he stays in a slum with his family to work for the betterment of the people around. He has worked with state, national & international organizations and have gained experiences in the field of community mobilization, program management and networking with different stakeholders. He is working as a Vocational Trainer with ORF, taking care of our urban development projects in almost 50 slums of Bhubaneswar. He is very keen on developing his digital and communications skills so that he can communicate his idea of change to the larger audience in a professional but meaningful way.