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Advisory board
Our esteemed Advisory Board brings together a diverse group of leaders and experts dedicated to advancing our mission. With their unparalleled experience and insightful guidance, they help shape our strategies and drive our success. Meet the visionaries who are propelling us toward a brighter future.
Advisory board
DR. W. SELVAMURTHY
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Dr. W. Selvamurthy is presently working with Amity University as President of Amity Science, Technology and Innovation Foundation, Director General for Amity Directorate of Science and Innovation, and Chancellor of Amity University, Chhattisgarh.
Dr. Selvamurthy did his Master’s (M.Sc.) in Human Physiology from Christian Medical College, Vellore (1972) and Doctorate (Ph.D.) (Faculty of Medical Science) from Delhi University (1982) and Doctor of Science (D.Sc.) from Bangalore (2006). He was also awarded D.Sc. (h.c) from five universities in recognition of his outstanding research and development contributions in Life Sciences.
Dr. Selvamurthy has served the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO), Ministry of Defence, Government of India for 40 years. At DRDO serving in various senior leadership roles, he was responsible for the research and development of all the health-related and life science-related technologies that were inducted in the Armed Forces with the sole aim to keep the Armed Forces healthy and efficient in all operational environments including extremely inhospitable terrains.
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This biomedical research immensely benefited the Armed Forces and also gave spin-offs for civil social use. His R&D contributions include the development of life support systems, CBRN technology, management and mitigation including training nanotechnology for Defence applications; importantly yoga and military psychology. He was the leader of the first Indo-Soviet scientific expedition to the Arctic Circle for polar physiology research. He superannuated from DRDO on 28 February 2013 as Distinguished Scientist and Chief Controller, Research & Development (Life Sciences & International Cooperation) and joined Amity University thereafter in his present role.
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He is a member of the High-Powered Committee appointed by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) to review its 12th Plan; Chairman of the Technology Commercialization Committee of Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). He is also the chairperson of Institutional Review Board (Ethics Committee) (IRB) of Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute & Research Centre, Rohini, Delhi; Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) of ICMR for Medical Devices and Diagnostic Secretariat (MDMS) under the Division of ITR, ICMR-Hqrs, New Delhi; Assessment Committee under the “Yoga Certification Board (YCB)”, Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India; Sub Committee for Technical/Financial recommendations on Hub proposal under Biomedical Device and Technology Development (BDTD) Programme of DST.
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Dr. Selvamurthy has also chaired the National Advisory Committee (NAC) for the formulation of policy on Scientific Social Responsibility (SSR), Department of Science & Technology, Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India. He was also the Chairman of the Program Advisory Committee (PAC) for the Plan Scheme: National Science and Technology Management Information System (NSTMIS), Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India
He has an h-index of 39 and published more than 250 research papers in journals of repute including 18 books.
He has been a member of the Indian delegation to the World Health Assembly under the Chairmanship of the Health Minister to speak about the complimentary systems of medicine including Yoga.
He has represented India at the Organization for Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) at the conference of State Parties, Executive Council, Working Group, and Confidentiality Commission.
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Technology Information Forecasting and Assessment Council (TIFAC) has entrusted the responsibility of Technology Vision (Health) – 2035 to Dr. Selvamurthy as Chairman to formulate the Vision for the Nation for Health & Medical Sciences.
In recognition of his significant contributions in the field of biomedical research and development, he has been awarded several prestigious research awards, a few prominent ones are Dr. A.P. J Abdul Kalam Award for the Most prominent scientist & educationist by OASIS WORLD RECORDS (2023), 6th Dr. B.K. Anand Memorial Award by Nutrition Society of India, Hyderabad (2018), Distinguished Science Leadership Excellence Award by World Science Congress (2017), J. Watumull Global Hospital & Research Centre, CSIR “National Award for S&T Innovations” presented by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India (2012), Academician Mirsaid Mirrakhimov award for “Contribution to High Altitude Medicine” from Kyrgyz Republic (2012), “Technology Leadership Award” by DRDO (2010) presented by Defence Minister of India, Lifetime Achievement Award from the Hon’ble President of India in the field of Clinical and Preventive Cardiology (2006), ICMR Shakuntala Amir Chand Award (1986).
JUSTICE J.R. MIDHA
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Justice J.R. Midha served as a Judge of Delhi High Court from 11th April, 2008 to 7th July, 2021. As a Judge, he presided over several jurisdictions including Judge-in-Charge of Original side of Delhi High Court. He also headed a Division Bench hearing Criminal Appeals involving life and death sentence references.
Justice Midha served as the Chairperson of Delhi International Arbitration Centre (DIAC). During his tenure, various new initiatives were successfully undertaken, namely: framing of Rules for Empanelment of Arbitrators; Empanelment of Arbitrators under the new Rules; Stage-wise disbursal of Fees to the Arbitrators; Improved Website of DIAC with added features; Audio-visual tour of DIAC on the Website; Release of first issue of DIAC Journal of Arbitration; and Guidelines for arbitration proceedings by video conference during pandemic.
Justice Midha also served as the Chairperson of Judicial Education and Training Programme Committee of High Court of Delhi and supervised the training of Judges at Delhi Judicial Academy. During his tenure, the Good Practices arising out of the judgments of Delhi High Court were uploaded on the Website of Delhi Judicial Academy.
Justice Midha also served as a Member of the Sub-Committee of the Supreme Court on use of Artificial Intelligence in MACT cases. Justice Midha served as a Member of the Advisory Board of Conservation of Foreign Exchange & Prevention of Smuggling Activities Act, 1974 (COFEPOSA) in 2015, 2016, 2020 and 2021. He presided over the Tribunal under Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 to examine the ban on the activities of United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA) in 2012.
As a Judge, Justice Midha actively initiated judicial reforms in various jurisdictions namely, Arbitration, Motor Accident Claims, Execution Cases, Maintenance in Matrimonial Cases, Compensation to Victims of Crime, Prosecution for False Claims, Prosecution of Proclaimed Offenders, etc.
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Professional Experience
1982 to 2008
Practiced Law for 26 years before various Courts including Supreme Court, Delhi High Court and other High Courts. Also appeared as a Counsel before the Arbitrators/Arbitral Tribunals. Represented Govt. of NCT of Delhi as Standing Counsel (Civil) before the High Court of Delhi from May, 2006 until elevation as a Judge in April, 2008.
Teaching Experience
1989-1992
Lecturer at Campus Law Centre, Faculty of Law, Delhi University and taught various subjects including Code of Civil Procedure, Indian Evidence Act, Transfer of Property Act, Delhi Rent Control Act, Limitation Act, Arbitration Act, Motor Vehicles Act, Court Fees Act, Suit Valuation Act, Indian Registration Act, and Indian Stamp Act.
Authored and compiled the synopsis and case material on the subjects of “Pleading and Conveyancing” and “Motor Accident Compensation” for Campus Law Centre. While teaching, organized a Lok Adalat for Motor Accidents Cases in Campus Law Centre in 1991 in which the compensation was computed by Law students and the computation was submitted to the Lok Adalat Judges in advance to assist the claimants in obtaining fair compensation.
2008-2021
Even after elevation to the Bench, continued to visit various law schools to deliver guest lectures. Had been a resource person for training of Judges in National Judicial Academy as well as State Judicial Academies.
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Current Position
Post retirement, Justice Midha is actively involved in reforming legal education. Justice Midha is Professor of Practice in National Law University Delhi and is imparting value-based education to law students. He is also Professor Emeritus at Galgotias University and Distinguished Professor with Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law (RGNUL). Justice Midha is the Chairperson of Bar Council of India Inspection Committee with respect to centers of Legal Education.
Justice Midha is also actively involved in Arbitration practice as an Arbitrator. He is also practicing before the Supreme Court of India as Senior Advocate. He is on the panel of Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC); Delhi International Arbitration Centre (DIAC); Indian Council of Arbitration (ICA); PHD Chambers of Commerce and Industry; Indian Dispute Resolution Centre (IDRC); Chandigarh Arbitration Centre (CAC) and Nani Palkhivala Arbitration Centre (NPAC).
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​Justice Midha is the Consultant to World Health Organization (WHO) on a project relating to analysis of Road Safety Laws and legal reports to persons with Road Traffic Crashes in India.
Justice Midha is the Administrator of Shri Kalkaji Mandir, New Delhi appointed by the Delhi High Court.
Justice Midha is the Administrator of Indian Orthopaedic Association, New Delhi appointed by the Delhi High Court.
Publications
Justice Midha has written three books namely, Amendments to Code of Civil Procedure in 2002, Motor Accident Claims Referencer - First Edition in 2011 and Motor Accident Claims Referencer - Second Edition in 2012.
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Landmark Judgments
In Rajesh Tyagi v. Jaibir Singh, Justice Midha framed a Special Scheme on 16th December, 2009 for time bound settlement of Motor Accident Claims within 90 to 120 days which was implemented in Delhi w.e.f. 2ndApril, 2010. Between 2ndApril, 2010 to August, 2012, about 21,820 accident cases were reported in Delhi out of which the Claims Tribunal granted compensation within 90 to 120 days in 10,762 cases by following the Special Scheme. The Special Scheme revolutionized the Motor Accident Compensation Law in as much as the claimants received the compensation within 120 days of the accident. The Supreme Court approved the aforesaid Scheme and directed all States to implement this Scheme across the country.
In Rajesh Tyagi’s case, Justice Midha framed a new improved Scheme on 8th January, 2021 for expeditious investigation as well as adjudication of all Motor Accident Claims within a period of six months to one year. Justice Midha framed the new Scheme after considering the Best International Practices and conducting extensive research of the Mandatory Formats formulated in developed countries for motor accidents cases to ensure that the procedure for settling the claims of victims of road accident is made hassle free, just and expeditious. Justice Midha also framed a FASTDAR Scheme for payment of compensation within ten days in road accident death cases. The FASTDAR Scheme was launched on 1st May, 2021 and the first case of road accident on 1st May, 2021 was resolved within ten days and the compensation of Rs.32 lakhs was deposited by the Insurance Company on 12th May, 2021.
In Rajesh Tyagi’s case, Justice Midha recommended to the Government to amend the Motor Vehicles Act to incorporate the Special Scheme formulated by the Delhi High Court. Justice Midha also advised the Government to create a Road Accident Fund for providing compulsory insurance coverage to all road users. Justice Midha also recommended to the Central Government to incorporate the new Scheme in Central Motor Vehicle Rules. The Central Government has accepted the above recommendations and has amended the Motor Vehicles Act, by Motor Vehicles (Amendment), Act 2019 which came into force on 1st April, 2022. The Central Government has also incorporated the entire Scheme along with the formats annexed to the Judgment dated 8th January, 2021 in Central Motor Vehicles (Fifth Amendment) Rules, 2022 which came into force on 1st April, 2022.
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In Karan v. State NCT of Delhi, 277 (2021) DLT 195 (FB), the Delhi High Court laid down the guidelines for payment of compensation to the Victims of Crime under Section 357 CrPC. As per the procedure laid down, the accused has to file the affidavit of assets and income within ten days of his conviction and Delhi State Legal Service Authority (DSLSA) shall conduct a Summary Inquiry to compute the loss suffered by the victims, and the paying capacity of the accused and submit a Victim Impact Report (VIR) to the Court whereupon the Court shall consider the VIR and award appropriate compensation to the Victims of Crime.
In H.S. Bedi v. NHAI, Justice Midha laid down the guidelines for prosecution of litigants who raise false claims. The greatest challenge before the judiciary is frivolous litigation. The judicial system in the country is choked with false claims and such litigants are consuming Courts’ time for a wrong cause. False claims are a huge strain on the judicial system.
In Amazon.com NV Investment holdings LLC v. Future Coupons Private Limited, 2021 SCC Online Del 1279, the Delhi High Court held that award of an emergency arbitrator is enforceable under the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996. This view taken has been affirmed by the Hon’ble Supreme Court.
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In Juhi Chawla v. Science & Engineering Research Board, (2021) 280 DLT 1, the Delhi High Court declined to grant of leave to institute the suit against 5G Technology under Section 91(1)(b) of the Code of Civil Procedure or to sue in representative interest under Order I Rule 8 of the Code of Civil Procedure and dismissed the defective suit with cost of Rs.20 Lakhs. The Division Bench of the High Court, vide Order dated 27th January, 2022, reduced the cost from Rs.20 Lakhs to Rs.2 Lakhs in view of the Plaintiff’s offer to work with Delhi State Legal Services Authority (DSLSA) to advance the cause of deprived children and women.
In Dr. Maya D. Chablani v. Radha Mittal, 2021 SCC Online Del 3599, the Delhi High Court laid down the guidelines for feeding of stray dogs. While recognising the rights of the animals under Article 21 of the Constitution and other Statutes and considering that the animals have to be treated with compassion, respect and dignity, the Court directed the enforcement authorities to ensure that no harassment and hindrance is caused to the feeders of stray dogs. The Court further held that if any Government servant indulges in cruelty to animals, action can be taken under CCS Rules.
MR. RAJEEV KHER
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Mr. Kher superannuated as Commerce Secretary, Government of India in 2015 after a career of 35 years in the Indian Administrative Service. He then worked as a Member in the Competition Appellate Tribunal for two years. He has now associated himself with some leading think tanks. He also advises a Private Equity. His field of experience includes broad areas of International Trade and Commerce, Competition Law and Policy, Sustainable Development Policy, Environmental Management, Global Governance, particularly with reference to trade and environment and Decentralised Governance. He has held several important assignments in the Central Government and the State Government of UP. Some of the more prominent once include a tenure of 9 years in the Department of Trade and Commerce, a stint of 8 years in the Ministry of Environment and The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) in Delhi and senior level assignments in the Departments of Renewable Energy, Finance, Planning and Science and Technology, besides administering two very challenging charges of District Magistrates. He is credited with bringing in the first comprehensive Foreign Trade Policy for India. His vision on international trade issues has been well respected by the stakeholder community within India and abroad. He led negotiations on behalf of his country for Trade Agreements with major blocks such as EU, EFTA, RCEP and ASEAN. His initiatives to bring discourse on India’s competitiveness in Trade in Services, evolution of Policy on Technical Regulations and Standards and India’s position on the Global and Regional value chains in the forefront of Policy making are much recognised by the stakeholder community. He is also credited with hand holding the Pharmaceutical sector in its pursuit to become global leader in Generic Medicine and his work is highly appreciated by the industry. His contribution towards creating an enabling framework for integration among 8 South Asian economies along with the CLMV segment of ASEAN has now been deeply embedded in India’s external relations.
​As Chief Negotiator in the WTO, Mr. Kher has been much applauded on having been instrumental in securing India’s interest as also of many developing nations on subsidies paid to farmers in procurements for food security and Protecting India’s interest in the Multilateral Trade Facilitation Agreement and putting our interests in Services at the centre stage of negotiations. In the area of Environment and Development Mr. Kher contributed in a significant manner to the preparation of Country’s first National Environment Policy. He led Indian initiatives in preparation of a National Strategy on Sustainable Development and preparing stakeholders for Regulatory Impact Assessments. He lectures in various institutions on subjects of his interest and has been on consultancy assignments with several multilateral, inter-governmental and bilateral institutions. He has published work on India’s Patent Policy, Trade Policy, WTO Dispute Settlement Mechanism, Product standards and Technical Regulations and several other related areas.
DR. AVINASH R. PATWARDHAN
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Dr. Avinash R. Patwardhan is a non-practicing Ob. Gyn. physician, currently also an assistant adjunct professor at George Mason University Virginia, U.S.A., teaching various courses in public health, bioengineering, and health policy. In a career spanning over 47 years, Dr. Patwardhan spent almost equal time between active medical practice in India, and in health outcomes, programs evaluation, and health economics research in the American healthcare system, and he still consults with medical device makers on regulatory affairs. He has also worked on a project for the W.H.O in 2005 and is currently on an advisory committee of the W.H.O. on Integrative Medicine related to Yoga. He serves on the editorial board of one American public health journal. Additionally, he is a retired Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES), an Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher, and a member of the International Association of Yoga Therapists. Though his formal research interests are human sexuality, Subjective Well Being (SWB), health economics, and robotics in healthcare, quantum physics, history, literature, and philosophy are his favorite hobbies and besides scholarly work, he has published in different domains of literature, writing in many languages including Sanskrit. He used to be a certified Oracle programmer from Computer society of India. He also wrote a patent to address the issue of “obesity.” Loving Indian classical music, he plays flute & used to play tabla.
DR. KUSAL K. DAS
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Dr. Kusal K. Das is the Distinguished Chair Professor (Vascular Physiology), Department of Physiology, Shri B. M. Patil Medical College, BLDE (Deemed to be University), Vijayapur, Karnataka. Dr. Das is also holding the position of Dean of Environmental Health under UNESCO Chair-Life Sciences (2020-2025). His area of research interest is on metal induced cell signal transduction in cardio and cerebrovascular pathophysiology in relation to low oxygen microenvironment. Dr. Das was a Visiting Professor of Medicine at Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, University of Leeds, UK (2014-2016) and Visiting Professor of Physiology, Hypertension and Renal Centre of Excellence, Tulane University School of Medicine, USA (2017). For his immense contributions in vascular physiology research he conferred many awards including ‘Rajyprashashti’ (State Award) from Government of Karnataka (2023), “Dr. Raja Ramanna State Scientist Award’ by Government of Karnataka (2015), “G. P. Chatterjee Memorial Prize” by Indian Science Congress Association, Government of India (2019) besides many Oration awards, fellowship from peer academies and societies from around the world.
Dr. Das is one of the Stanford University-Elsevier World Top 2% of the most influential Scientists 2023
DR. ANAND PANDURANGI
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Dr Anand Pandurangi is a household name in the north part of Karnataka, not only for his clinical prowess in psychiatry and community-based therapeutic approach but also for his philanthropic activities in the community. Dr Anand Pandurangi has his graduation in medicine from Karnataka Medical College, Hubli, and post-graduate honours from Karnataka University, Dharwad, acquiring his clinical skills training from the erstwhile Karnataka Institute of Mental Health, Dharwad. He later honed his skills working with Dr. B.M. Debsikdar, an illustrious psychiatrist, at Miraj. He was always keen on community service, wanting to render his skills to the needy in his hometown and surrounding districts, which drew him back to Dharwad. He set up a modest clinic at his home, where he welcomed the patients round the clock who sought his aid. Three decades ago, mental health awareness was virtually unheard of and was associated with extreme stigma. Dr Anand Pandurangi endeavoured towards educating the masses at every available opportunity in the community which paved the way for pleasant and non-judgmental access to aggrieved people with mental disorders. His numerous camps at various places in adjoining districts brought care to the front yard of the afflicted. Dr Anand Pandurangi always believed in imparting awareness in the young, thereby nipping stigma in the bud and creating knowledge in adolescents. To this effect, he has been addressing educational Institutions and conducted sessions for students, parents and teachers regularly. He is frequently requested for a discourse by various institutions to impart familiarity with the oft-forgotten essential information on mental health.
All of his efforts and contributions have not gone unnoticed. He is the recipient of various awards and honors like the Karnataka Rajyotsava award, Dr B C Roy award to name a few off the long list of merits conferred onto him. Dr Anand Pandurangi believes that “A healthy mind in a healthy body” paves way to a healthy and a strong nation which he strives in his might to achieve.
MS. PURVA AGGARWAL
Purva Aggarwal is the founder of Good Good Piggy, India's first EdFinTech start up. Good Good Piggy was featured as Next Leaders 2021 by Japan's Start Up Review & Finalist in Shark Tank India Season 1 on Sony Entertainment Television. She is also serving as a Board member in University of Hertfordshire. On Republic Day, Purva received the UK India 75 at 75 Achiever’s Award for her contributions to the field of Entrepreneurship.
As the Ambassador of Women in Tech India, its her impact goal to extend a global ecosystem to Indian women and girls. On the table, she brings the experience of working in the center of London in a private equity investment advisory firm. She has also been a business development specialist with International organisations in trade and policy making. Previously, Purva has worked in leading organizations such as BDO India and Grant Thornton, delivering risk based internal audits, business process reviews, internal financial control (IFC) review and IT general control (ITGC) reviews.
She majorly works with decision makers for strategizing strong research and valuation based business models. She has served large clients in industries like telecommunications, Insurance, Hospitality, Fintech, Mining, disruptive FMCG, logistics etc. Purva also keeps her writing interest alive as she writes and hosts for various editorials globally like UK based leading Private Equity publication for institutional investors. Also, she is currently enrolled as an ImpactGen Talent with Kairos Society Europe, a global community of young top leaders using entrepreneurship and innovation to solve the world's greatest challenges. She is passionate about technology and is working with Women in Tech-Global Movement to spread it in India as she is the Ambassador of India's first chapter in New Delhi.
Recommended by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, Purva has good leadership, communication, and team management skills.When on a break from numbers, Purva is seen leading teams in the Events & Entertainment Industry in multiple International level projects like Asia’s largest literature festival, arts festivals, and world music festival. During Masters in Investment Banking & Finance, she was the winner of prestigious Rising Star Dean Award & Gold Award for Employability and Enterprise. One of her current projects includes researching in the field of Strategy M&A and it's related effects for Labour Intensive & Capital Intensive businesses and companies.
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