Meet Our Team

Director and Co-Founder of Kumbhathon

Girish Pagare, Director of KumbhaThon Innovation Foundation, is a seasoned Metallurgical Engineer from COEP with over 30 years of industry experience. A visionary leader and social innovator, he has led impactful projects like the Kumbh Mela 2015 initiative with MIT Media Lab, co-founded innovation centers in Nashik, and mentors at platforms like Digital Impact Square. A Chartered Engineer and certified valuer, Girish is also a speaker, columnist, and university faculty member, contributing to education, innovation, and environmental systems. His holistic outlook is enriched by his dedication to yoga and ancient meditation practices.

Girish Pagare

Director and Co-Founder of Kumbhathon

Sandip Shinde is a dynamic leader with over 17 years of expertise in large-scale technology implementations and social innovation. As the Head of Alliances and Operations at Digital Impact Square (DISQ), a TCS Foundation initiative, he mentors early-stage entrepreneurs to build sustainable, tech-driven solutions that address community challenges. Co-founder of the Kumbhathon Innovation Foundation alongside Dr. Ramesh Raskar from MIT Media Lab, Sandip has led impactful innovations, including solutions for the Nashik Kumbh Mela. His background in business strategy and ecosystem development enables him to bridge the gap between technology and social impact effectively.
Sandip Shinde

Co-Founder of Kumbhathon

Dr. Sachin Pachorkar is an esteemed Associate Professor in the Department of Management at MVP's KBT College of Engineering, with a profound expertise in research and organizational management. A visionary leader and the founder of Kumbhathon, he is committed to fostering innovation and impactful community-driven initiatives. Dr. Pachorkar holds a Ph.D. in Organization Management from the University of Pune, an MBA in Marketing, and a Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering. With a robust academic foundation and a passion for self-employment and entrepreneurship, he continues to inspire students and professionals alike in Nasik, Maharashtra.
Sachin Pachorkar

Co-Founder of Kumbhathon

Dr. Ramesh Raskar is an influential innovator and Associate Professor at MIT, where he directs the Camera Culture group at the MIT Media Lab. With a career spanning groundbreaking inventions such as femto-photography and low-cost eye care devices, Dr. Raskar has launched numerous initiatives that intertwine societal systems with advanced technological solutions. He co-founded the Kumbhathon Innovation Foundation with Sandip Shinde to foster social innovation in India, addressing challenges during the Nashik Kumbh Mela. A recipient of prestigious awards, including the Lemelson-MIT Prize, Dr. Raskar continues to drive forward-thinking projects in health-tech, computer vision, and machine learning.
Ramesh Raskar