Founding Leader of Kumbhathon
Dr. Ramesh Raskar
Dr. Ramesh Raskar, Associate Professor at MIT Media Lab, specializes in imaging, machine learning, and digital health. Founder of Kumbhathon, he pioneered scalable tech solutions for urban and social challenges, including crowd management and healthcare at the Kumbh Mela. Through platforms like REDX.io, he bridges academia and real-world applications, inspiring future changemakers by blending technology with humanity.
Board of Advisory
Ramesh Raskar

Associate Director of MIT Media Lab
A pioneer in computational imaging and machine learning, he serves as an Advisor to Kumbhathon, guiding impactful innovations for societal challenges. With a distinguished career at MIT Media Lab and contributions to the Nashik Kumbh Mela 2015, his expertise has driven solutions at the intersection of technology and community needs. Holder of over 100 patents and creator of groundbreaking technologies, he bridges academic research with practical applications, fostering scalable, tech-driven solutions for global impact.
Ajay Bohora

Co-founder of HDFC Credila Financial Services
Ajay Bohora is the co-founder of HDFC Credila Financial Services, which is recognized as India’s largest private education loan lender. He held this role from February 2006 to December 2019. Bohora's educational background includes an MBA in International Business from Hofstra University, New York, and a Bachelor of Engineering in Production from VJTI University of Mumbai. His expertise spans business development, strategy, and finance.
Ashish Kataria

Director at Ashoka Buildcon Ltd
Ashish Kataria is a director at Ashoka Buildcon Ltd., an Indian Fortune 500 infrastructure company, and has been with the organization for 21 years. He holds a Master's in Construction Engineering and Management from the University of Southern California and an MBA from the University of Bradford. Additionally, he earned a Bachelor's in Civil Engineering from the Maharashtra Institute of Technology. He previously worked as an assistant project manager at Kiewit. Kataria is described as a challenge seeker, adventurer, and business strategist with expertise in highway development
Ashwin Kandoi

Co-founder of Winjit Technologies
Ashwin Kandoi is a co-founder of Winjit Technologies, which started as a small venture and has grown to a software services company employing over 1,000 people. He has over 20 years of experience in areas such as fintech, IoT, and AI. Kandoi is a Chartered Accountant with expertise in business development, ERP, and project management. His education includes a CA from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India and a BCom from Gokhale Education Society’s Bhikusa Yamasa Kshatriya College of Commerce in Nashik.
Amit Kothawade

Manager of Innovation & Startup at the Maharashtra State Innovation Society
Amit Kothawade is an innovation and project management expert with over ten years of experience in both public and private sectors. Currently, he is the Manager of Innovation & Startup at the Maharashtra State Innovation Society, where he champions innovation policies and partnerships. Notable achievements include leading major initiatives like Maharashtra’s tree plantation drive and representing India in a startup ecosystem program in Japan. With a background in engineering and finance, Amit’s expertise is reinforced by certifications in project management and governance auditing.
Co-founders
Sachin Pachorkar

Co-Founder of Kumbhathon
A seasoned academic and innovator, Dr. Sachin Pachorkar specializes in organizational management and marketing. As the founder of KumbhaThon and an Associate Professor at MVP’s KBT College of Engineering, he combines research and leadership to foster impactful solutions. With a Ph.D. in Organizational Management and a focus on self-employment, Dr. Sachin empowers individuals to drive change through innovation and entrepreneurial pursuits
Sandip Shinde

Co-Founder of Kumbhathon
With over 17 years of experience in leading large-scale technology innovations, Sandip Shinde is a dynamic force in the social innovation ecosystem. Currently heading partnerships and operations at Digital Impact Square, a TCS Foundation initiative, he coaches early-stage entrepreneurs to scale impactful solutions. As Co-Founder and CEO of KumbhaThon Innovation Foundation, he delivered 10+ groundbreaking innovations for Nashik Kumbh Mela 2015, establishing Nashik as a hub for social innovation. His expertise spans AgriTech, Health Care, Mobility, and more
Girish Pagare

Co-Founder of Kumbhathon
A Metallurgical Engineer with over 30 years of experience, Girish Pagare is a pioneer in driving technology-led social innovation. As Director of KumbhaThon Innovation Foundation, he has spearheaded impactful initiatives like innovation centers for pre-incubation. Girish played a pivotal role in technological projects for Nashik Kumbh Mela 2015 in collaboration with Dr. Ramesh Raskar (MIT Media Lab). His expertise includes mentoring startups, environmental management, and thought leadership through articles and lectures. A yoga teacher and passionate columnist, he bridges the gap between innovation and social impact