INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR
PEOPLE NATURE AND
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

Dr. Sanghamitra Sarkar

Chairperson and Founder, IAPNEM

Dr. Sanghamitra Sarkar brings a profound academic foundation, including a Master’s degree in Geography, a Ph.D., and Post-Doctoral experience centered on the physical environment and community studies. Her expertise spans rigorous research into ecological and environmental dynamics alongside extensive pedagogical experience across school and college levels. Driven by a deep aptitude for bridging grassroots environmental realities with education, she is dedicated to fostering community empowerment, ecological resilience, and sustainable development.

Mr. Ganesh Chandra Khanal

President, Governing body member IAPNEM

Ganesh Chandra Khanal is a Senior Geologist and is a Sikkim-based disaster management expert and community leader. He is the retired Director of the Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority (SSDMA), where he spearheaded state-level emergency response and disaster mitigation strategies. Additionally, he served as an Associate Director at Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham. He also actively promotes inclusive sports for individuals with intellectual disabilities as the Area Director for Special Olympics Bharat (Sikkim Chapter).

Mr. Paul Subhendu Biswas

Governing Body Member, Vice Chairperson

Paul Subhendu Biswas is a six sigma Green Belt certified Senior Manager with nearly two decades of expertise in operations and process excellence. A compassionate leader, he actively drives corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives alongside managing large-scale operations. His dedicated community work includes rendering service to an orphanage home in Hyderabad adopted by his company, mobilizing relief efforts for flood survivors, organizing blood donation camps, and leading tree plantation drives. By combining operational rigor with active social engagement, he consistently delivers business results while creating a lasting positive impact on society.

Mr. Swarup Sarkar

Secretary, Governing body member, IAPNEM

Swarup Sarkar is an accomplished financial professional with over 30 years of expertise in fund management and advisory. Beyond his corporate career, he is an avid adventurer, nature enthusiast, and dedicated social worker whose humanitarian efforts include flood relief and pandemic support during the Covid 19 lockdown period. Driven by a lifelong commitment to continuous learning, he holds specialized credentials in sustainable aquaculture alongside his core academic achievements. A passionate trekker and athlete whose pursuits include a historic Kolkata-to-Bhopal cycling expedition for the National Integration Camp in 1989 at Bhopal. He seamlessly integrates his passions for environmental advocacy, outdoor adventure, and community service with his professional life.

Mr. Samrat Sarkar

Governing Body member, Treasurer

With over 20 years of experience in the IT domain, Samrat brings a strong strategic background and a deep commitment to community outreach and social welfare. A dedicated nature lover, he stands strong to safeguard the environment and promote sustainable ecological practices. Beyond his professional and academic pursuits, he is a passionate fish hobbyist who has completed a specialized course in biofloc fish farming—skills he leverages to help local communities explore sustainable alternative livelihoods. A dedicated advocate for personal endurance and well-being, Samrat has also participated in the Calcutta Marathon several times, embodying the same resilience, discipline, and community spirit that drive his philanthropic efforts

Ms. Mohua Dutta

Joint Secretary, IAPNEM

Ms. Mohua Dutta holds an M.Sc. in Chemistry and a Master’s degree in Library and Information Science. She works as a freelance library educator, engaging with children and young adults to nurture a culture of reading, creativity, curiosity and independent thinking.

Mr. Samar Bej

Executive member

Samar Kumar Bej is a seasoned professional with over 32 years of diverse experience, including 24 years in Supply Chain Management across various organizations and 8 years as an Entrepreneurship and Skill Development Trainer working with Institutions and NGOs. His areas of expertise include Hydroponics Farming, Sericulture, Rooftop Gardening, Pisciculture, Vermicomposting, Mushroom Cultivation, Apiculture, Rainwater Harvesting, and Green Energy. He is committed to promoting sustainable livelihoods, entrepreneurship, skill development, and environmentally responsible practices.

Gombu Tseten Lepcha

Executive Member of IAPNEM

Director (Rtd.) Mines & Geology, Government of Sikkim

A professional Geologist with more than thirty years experience.

Shri Kuber Chandra Dahal

Adviser, IAPNEM

Shri Kuber Chandra Dahal is a retired Additional Secretary (S.C.S.) of the Government of Sikkim, a distinguished public servant, and a prominent literary figure. He is widely recognized for his pioneering role in translating the Constitution of India into Nepali, making the country's foundational legal text accessible to Nepali-speaking citizens since 1991. Beyond his administrative career, he has made enduring contributions to society and literature through his leadership in cultural organizations, advocacy for persons with disabilities, and the publication of his acclaimed 2025 Nepali novel, Teesta-Rangeet.

Prof. Babu P. Remesh

Adviser, IAPNEM

Professor , School of Development Studies

Dean , School of Development Studies

Director , Human Resource Development Centre

Director , Karampura Campus

Prof. Tomás Ponce Dentinho

Adviser, IAPNEM

Prof. Tomás Ponce Dentinho is an eminent economist, academic and researcher with extensive international experience in regional economics, sustainable development, environmental economics and landscape management. A retired Professor of the University of the Azores, Portugal, he currently holds research affiliations with leading academic institutions in Portugal and Romania. He has served in several distinguished international academic and professional positions, including President of the Association for Science and Development of the Azores and Chief Editor of Regional Science Policy & Practice. His outstanding contributions to research, regional development and environmental management bring valuable global expertise and academic insight to IAPNEM.

Prof. Joseph Anthony Magner, Ph.D.

Adviser and Executive Member of the Technical Expert Committee (TEC) of IAPNEM

Prof. Joseph Anthony Magner, Ph.D. is an internationally recognised hydrologist and Research Professor at the University of Minnesota, USA, with over four decades of distinguished experience in watershed management, water resources science, water quality, ecological restoration and environmental sustainability. A Fulbright Specialist and visiting professor at several international universities, he has led major research initiatives, secured and managed multi-million-dollar research grants, mentored numerous graduate students, and authored over 130 publications, including books and peer-reviewed research papers. His outstanding contributions to water resources research and environmental management have earned him several prestigious lifetime achievement awards. As Adviser and Executive Member of the Technical Expert Committee (TEC) of IAPNEM, he brings invaluable international expertise and scientific guidance to the organisation's mission of promoting sustainable development and environmental conservation.