JRD Foundation

Director

Professor Madhu Khullar, PhD, FNAMS

Professor MadhuKhullar is a distinguished scientist and educator, with a career that spans significant contributions to experimental medicine and biotechnology. A former Professor in the Department of Experimental Medicine and Biotechnology at PGIMER, Chandigarh, and an Emeritus Scientist with the Indian Council of Medical Research, India, ProfessorKhullar’s academic achievements are complemented by her fellowship appointments with the National Academy of Medical Sciences, India, the International Academy of Cardiovascular Research, and the International Society of Nutrition.

She has authored over 200 research papers in peer-reviewed journals and has held a Fogarty Fellowship at the National Institutes of Health, USA. Following her retirement, Professor Khullar has channeled her passion for education into supporting underprivileged children. A dedicated volunteer at Government Model Senior Secondary School, Sector 16, she taught science to class 8 students until the pandemic. As a founder member of The Coloring Box (TCB), an NGO focused on art therapy and promoting reading among disadvantaged children, she initiated a teaching program in Singha Devi Village for young children aged 4-10 years, fostering their educational growth. Additionally, she serves on the board of the NGO Development of Indigenous Resources (DIR) and mentors students at Government Senior Secondary Model School, Dhanas, Chandigarh, furthering her commitment to educational empowerment.

Director

Ekta Bajaj, M.Sc (Food and Nutrition)

She is a senior Nutritionist in Punjab university, Chandigarh. As a dietitian she runs a clinic independently for patients with obesity, hypertension and Diabetes and various other diseases. She has written several chapters on Nutrition. She has been teaching Nutrition for 23 years in Punjab university. Works in the community with social organisations like Enactus, Panjabuniversity delivering lectures and educating the underprivileged on Health and nutrition. She has done various talks on radio on health and nutrition.

Director

Golda Bansal, MBA

Golda Bansal is an experienced executive management consultant based in California, with over 20 years of expertise in managing projects at Robert Bosch LLC. Originally from India, Golda holds a bachelor’s degree in Biology from the University of Delhi and furthered her education in Germany, where she studied German and earned a degree in Business Administration.

Passionate about early childhood education, Golda has long been a dedicated supporter of the India Literacy Project (ILP) and brings her professional experience and commitment to the JRD Foundation. Along with her husband and two children, Golda continues to advocate for the transformative power of education, particularly for underserved communities, with a focus on creating sustainable change.

Director

Professor Dr. Rajesh Kumar

Professor Dr. Rajesh Kumar is a pioneering figure in the field of public health, best known for his work in child-mother care and for establishing the School of Public Health at PGIMER, Chandigarh. A former Dean and Professor & Head of the Departments of Community Medicine and Public Health at PGIMER, Dr. Kumar has dedicated his career to improving health systems and promoting public health education. His contributions to healthcare have been further recognized through his role as an Emeritus Scientist at the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), New Delhi.

In addition to his academic achievements, Dr. Kumar has served as the Executive Director of the State Health Systems Resource Centre under the National Health Mission in Punjab, and as an Honorary Professor at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. He is a trusted advisor to the World Health Organization (WHO) and a Senior Consultant at ICMR, New Delhi. Dr. Kumar’s global influence in public health, particularly in maternal and child health, continues to shape health policies and initiatives both in India and abroad.

Director

Prof. Abhijit Chowdhury, MD, DM, FNA, FNASc

Prof. Abhijit Chowdhury is a globally recognized hepatologist and a tireless advocate for health and education for underprivileged communities. Serving as Provost and Professor in the Department of Hepatology at the Institute of Liver and Digestive Sciences, Sonarpur, Kolkata, he is a pioneer in his field. Prof. Chowdhury was among the first in the world to identify and describe “Lean NASH,” a groundbreaking concept highlighting fatty liver disease in non-obese individuals.

Beyond his academic and clinical expertise, Prof. Chowdhury is deeply committed to social development. He leads impactful initiatives in healthcare through the Liver Foundation (www.liverfoundation.in) and elementary education via Paralekha (www.paralekha.in), reflecting his holistic approach to community empowerment. His work bridges cutting-edge medical research with grassroots efforts to improve lives, making him an inspirational leader in both science and social welfare.

Director

Professor Dr. Yogesh Chawla, MD, DM, FNA

Professor Dr.Yogesh Chawla is a globally esteemed liver specialist with a career marked by exceptional contributions to hepatology and medical education. Formerly the Professor and Head of the Department of Hepatology at PGIMER, Chandigarh, he was later selected as the Director of the institution, a prestigious role in his remarkable career. Currently serving as Chairman of Academics and Professor Emeritus at the Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) in Bhubaneswar, Dr.Chawla continues to shape the future of medical education and research.

A recipient of numerous prestigious awards, including the B.C. Roy Award (1999) and the Padma Shri (2015), Dr.Chawla is recognized for his pioneering work in liver disease. With over 450 publications to his name, he is also an accomplished research scientist whose contributions have had a profound impact on the field of hepatology. Dr.Chawla's legacy in both clinical practice and medical research continues to inspire and guide the next generation of healthcare professionals.

Director

Professor Vikas Dilawari

Professor VikasDilawari is a renowned conservation architect with a distinguished career marked by multiple international accolades. With a double Master’s degree in Conservation from the School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi, and the University of York, UK, he has made significant contributions to the field of architectural conservation. Prof. Dilawari was the Head of the Conservation Department at Kamla Raheja Vidya nidhi Institute of Architecture (KRVIA) in Mumbai, shaping future generations of conservation experts.

Prof. Dilawari’s expertise has been instrumental in the preservation of some of India’s most iconic structures, including his pivotal role in the listing of ChhatrapatiShivajiMaharaj Terminus (formerly Victoria Station) as a World Heritage Site with the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH). His work includes 18 projects that have received the prestigious UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Preservation in Southeast Asia, with his most recent achievement being the Award of Excellence for the Chhatrapati Shiva ji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalay (CSMVS) Museum in 2022. An accomplished lecturer and writer, Prof. Dilawari continues to influence the field of conservation on both national and international platforms.

Director

Satyan Dilawari, MBA

Satyan Dilawari is a dynamic and visionary business professional with over 30 years of experience, bringing a unique blend of entrepreneurial insight and commitment to excellence. As the Managing Director of Kashmir Herbal Remedies in Amritsar, Punjab, and Chairman of a collaborative cluster project with the Government of India’s Ministry of Ayush, he has led the research and development of medicinal plants and herbal formulations, bridging traditional wisdom with modern business practices.

Beyond his business success, Satyan is deeply dedicated to creating a positive societal impact. He has established and funded a scholarship program to support aspiring Ayurvedic scholars, fostering social responsibility and educational development. An active mentor for young entrepreneurs, he shares his knowledge to inspire the next generation of business leaders. Additionally, Satyan participates in numerous environmental initiatives, demonstrating a strong commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.

Board of Directors

Director

Professor Madhu Khullar, PhD, FNAMS

Director

Ekta Bajaj, M.Sc (Food and Nutrition)

Director

Golda Bansal, MBA

Director

Professor Dr. Rajesh Kumar

Director

Prof. Abhijit Chowdhury, MD, DM, FNA, FNASc

Director

Professor Dr. Yogesh Chawla, MD, DM, FNA

Director

Professor Vikas Dilawari

Director

Satyan Dilawari, MBA