Jeet Singh Arya

Founder of Unexplored Bastar

Jeet Singh Arya, the founder of Unexplored Bastar is a visionary leader in the field of sustainable tourism, with a passion for exploring diverse tribal cultures across India. He is a passionate traveler who has explored most Indian states. After a corporate stint of 10 years on Financial market on different profiles and lastly working as a partner cum COO at an Ahmedabad-based research and consulting organization, he decided to focus on promoting tourism in his homeland of Bastar while creating and connecting local livelihood opportunities for the tribal communities through sustainable tourism.

His unique approach has earned him recognition from various media outlets and organizations such as History Channel, Your Story, Conde Nest Traveller, Times Now, Danik Bhaskar, Humans of Chhattisgarh, The Mint, VICE, and Indian Responsible Tourism Award 2023 by Outlook Traveller.

Jeet has been invited to speak at various events and forums such as TEDx by IIM Raipur, Global Responsible Tourism Summit, India’s first Tribal Entrepreneurship Summit organized by Dantewada District Administration, AAWAAZ 2018 by Naya Raipur Development Authority, and TISS – Centre of Social Entrepreneurship on South Asia conference on Social Entreprises – Values and Process. He was also part of the webinar of “Dekho Apna Desh” by the Ministry of Tourism.

He was also featured in episodes of History TV18 series OMG Chhattisgarh Season 2, Times Now, Doordarshan and Humans of Raipur.

Being the taproot of the organization, leadership skills are reflected in his ability to bind every team member with his smile and wit relishes all teammates. While camping, he entertains everyone with his ghostly stories and accounts.

Manish Panigrahi

Business Head

Manish Panigrahi, Business Head of Unexplored Bastar, has a unique background of being an artistic person with a science degree. He joined the organization early on to explore the land of Bastar and its rich tribal heritage. As a 360 Aranyak Brahmin, he has extensive knowledge about Devi Danteshwari and important festivals in Bastar like Goncha festival and Bastar Dusshera. He plays a crucial role in managing and coordinating with self-help groups for better implementation of sustainable activities that promote eco-ethno-adventure tourism. Manish is a multi-faceted team member who handles diverse tasks, including operations, community interventions, and finances. He started as an intern and has now become the second most important person in the organization.

Manish is known for his constant thinking, which may sometimes confuse people into thinking that he is overloaded with work. However, he enjoys work and needs the added pressure to thrive.

Apeksha Adwani

Sales and Marketing Manager

Apeksha Adwani is an engineering graduate who decided to pursue a career in sales and marketing. She was attracted to Unexplored Bastar because of its unique approach to tourism, which provided her with an incredible opportunity to connect with her roots and work closely with local communities. Apeksha is known for her effortless approach and utmost patience, which never ceases to amaze everyone around her. She is a complex thinker who likes to consider all sides of an issue, and she has a strong appreciation for artistry.

Apeksha's true idea of redemption is compassion, and she enjoys practicing yoga and reading complex books in her free time. She is a very open-minded individual who is always willing to take on new responsibilities, even if they don't necessarily fall within her job description. As a result, she has become a vital member of the team, and her colleagues rely on her for support and guidance.

Apeksha is the think tank of the organization, often coming up with multiple approaches to tackle any problem. She has a very strategic mindset and understands the importance of creating processes that will support the organization's long-term vision. She is always available to help her colleagues, and her determination has helped her move up quickly from an executive role to a manager role in the organization.

Akash Mali

Head Operations
Leisure and Product Development

Akash Mali is our Head of Operations at Unexplored Bastar. Prior to joining the organization, he was a dedicated and meticulous photographer and videographer. He holds a Diploma in Computer Applications and is constantly seeking knowledge in whatever he does. Akash has excellent communication skills and a friendly nature that helps him handle every situation with ease. He is committed to growth through hard work and has a vision to work closely with the community, understand their needs, and come up with possible solutions through tourism interventions.

Akash is a great communicator and always represents Unexplored Bastar in the truest form. He is the best tour leader and specializes in adventure and cultural experiences. His passion for cultural heritage and his land is evident in his work, and he believes in spreading awareness about it. With his commitment, hard work, and dedication, Akash is a valuable member of the Unexplored Bastar team.

Harsh Prabhat Nand

Community Mobilizer

Harsh Prabhat Nand is a community mobilizer who has a friendly and humble attitude that blends perfectly with his dedication to his work. Despite his colleagues finding him "sarcastic," he works hard to ensure that his work is carried out with the utmost care and attention to detail.

Harsh is known for his infectious smile and diplomatic views on international politics. He has a head full of cosmic imaginings that may be reflected in his photography skills. Currently, he is working in some of the toughest places in Chhattisgarh, working closely with some of the most primitive tribal groups in the region.

Harsh's passion for astronomy is reflected in his expertise in the subject, and he often conducts Taare Sitaare programs with the community, especially children, to share fascinating stories from the universe. His knowledge of the skies makes him an invaluable asset to the organization.

Ruchi Agrawal

Consultant

Ruchi Agrawal is a former research fellow who brings her technical academic background to the organization. She is a perfectionist who approaches every task with a unique perspective and a commitment to honesty and discipline in her work. She also enjoys infusing a bit of joy and humor into her work to keep things fun and engaging.

Ruchi has a passion for expressing her emotions through words and art, and she loves to play music on her flute in her free time. She has a curious mind and a peaceful soul that desires to travel the world on her own. Despite her busy family life, she is devoted to Unexplored Bastar and feels a strong bond with her team members.

In her role at Unexplored Bastar, Ruchi is responsible for conducting research on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and analyzing the organization's impact on the ground. She helps to evaluate the effectiveness of the organization's sustainable tourism initiatives and identify areas for improvement. Her work is crucial to ensuring that Unexplored Bastar is making a positive impact on the local communities and the environment in which it operates.

Anirudra Sarkar

Head Operations
Backpack and Adventure

Meet Anirudra Sarkar, our Head of Operations with a unique background and a passion for exploration. Born in Kolkata, he grew up in various states of India due to his father's service in the Indian Army. Anirudra's mother and younger sister taught him the value of constantly learning and expanding his horizons.

Anirudra is a unique and dynamic individual, inspired by his pet dog, Loki, to embrace his quirks and individuality. His diverse interests include travel, learning about different cultures, reading books, playing football (because he's Bengali!), mountaineering, calisthenics, and making new friends. Anirudra has even completed the Basic Mountaineering Course (BMC) from Nehru Institute of Mountaineering in Uttarkashi.

With his adventurous spirit and natural curiosity, Anirudra is a valuable member of our team at Unexplored Bastar. He brings a fresh perspective to our operations and helps us provide the best possible experiences for our guests.

Prabodh Kumar Balyan

Tourism Consultant

Meet Prabodh Kumar Balyan, our Tourism Consultant with a passion for hospitality and travel. Prabodh holds a degree in Hospitality and Hotel Administration and a master's degree in Tourism and Travel Management. He has been an avid traveler since childhood, exploring the vibrant geography of India and beyond.

Prabodh's strengths lie in his creativity, love of nature, and care for the environment. These qualities have helped him deliver outstanding results in consultancy and program management. He is dedicated to his work and a skilled team player, which allows him to establish strong relationships with stakeholders. Prabodh is always ready to take on new challenges and set new benchmarks. He plays a driving role in accelerating team cohesiveness and working towards common goals.

His previous work experience with district administrations and local bodies has enabled him to successfully develop community-driven, eco-sustainable tourism models at both the district and state levels. Prabodh has been instrumental in promoting the 'Vocal for Local' campaign, which emphasizes the promotion of local artisans, handicrafts, cuisine, home stays, raw camping, and more.

Prabodh's experience and commitment to sustainable tourism make him an invaluable member of our team at Unexplored Bastar. He helps us deliver exceptional experiences for our guests while also promoting eco-friendly practices that benefit the local community and the environment.

Priyanka Nag

Sr. Sales Executive

Meet Priyanka Nag, our Sr. Sales Executive, born and raised in Jagdalpur, Bastar. Priyanka is a Master of Arts in Political Science and has previously worked in the telecom industry for five years. She is an introvert and is known for her focus on work. In her free time, she likes to read and write stories on various topics. Priyanka loves nature, and her motivation to work with Unexplored Bastar stems from the open work culture that values freedom of thought and emphasizes the importance of people.

Priyanka aspires to become a social change maker using social media to make an impact on people's lives. Her passion for work and dedication to making a difference make her an essential member of our team at Unexplored Bastar. Her experience in the telecom industry has equipped her with the skills needed to excel in her role as a Sales Executive. With her contributions, we aim to deliver the best possible experiences for our guests while also working towards a brighter future for the local community.

Sikhar Sahu

Community Supervisor

Shikhar Sahu, the Community Supervisor at Unexplored Bastar, hails from Jagdalpur. With a Bachelor's degree in History, Economics and Political Science, he started his career in community impact roles in the tourism sector. Shikhar is an extroverted person who loves to travel, make friends easily, and learn new things. He has been with Unexplored Bastar for the past 3 years and has been primarily focused on community-centric work.

Shikhar has worked in different districts of Chhattisgarh, where he mobilizes, trains, and establishes community micro-business models. He has a strong hold in the community, and his ability to create a comfortable environment with them is admirable. Shikhar prioritizes the mutual trust and benefits of the community in all his work.

In the office, Shikhar is always talking to people, seeking feedback on topics of his interest, and understanding the perspective of different people to come up with the best possible solutions.

Sunanda Thakur

Finance Manager

Sunanda Thakur, our Finance Manager, is a driven individual with a passion for finance. With an MBA in Finance, she always knew that this was the career she wanted to pursue. When she's not crunching numbers, you'll find her cooking, dancing, or listening to music.

Prior to joining Unexplored Bastar, Sunanda worked for 6 years in the manufacturing industry, managing accounts and finance. However, she was drawn to the impact-driven work we do at Unexplored Bastar, where the community is always at the center of our efforts.

As our Finance Manager, Sunanda plays a crucial role in managing our finances, ensuring the smooth running of our operations. Her colleagues often joke that it's difficult to convince her to release more funds, but in reality, this speaks to her astute management skills and diligence in handling the organization's finances.

Priyanka Badkas

Operations Executive

Priyanka Badkas, Operations Executive, is an avid traveler, especially in the mountain regions of India. She has a passion for trekking and is friendly and easy to talk to, always interested in understanding the lives of others. She is mindful of regional cultures and enjoys experiencing them while traveling across India. Priyanka has a particular interest in leading women's adventure tours, where she connects with women and learns about their perspectives on travel. She uses her travels as a way to connect with her spiritual consciousness. Priyanka also enjoys creating content for her Instagram page. In Unexplored Bastar, she has the opportunity to learn and experience more of tribal culture and to make a positive impact on the community. In the office, everyone appreciates her friendly nature, eagerness to learn new things, and her long hair which is a topic of admiration.

Dr. Jagat Singh Parmar

Creative Head

Dr. Jagat Singh Parmar, Creative Head at Unexplored Bastar, has an interesting background as a doctor turned digital nomad. He is a passionate explorer and loves to be creative with words and designs. He started traveling to remote locations at an early age and fostered his interest in designing and writing with insightful works.

Currently, he works as a Graphic Designer and Social Media Executive for the digital presence of Unexplored Bastar. With his creative skills, he brings life to the brand's online presence through visually appealing graphics and engaging social media posts.

Yashika Burka

Research Associate

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Aryan Soni

Software Developer

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Anand Trivedi

Harvard, NITI Aayog, Nirma

Anand Trivedi is an entrepreneur-turned-policymaker focusing on technology for the public good and digital development. Previously, he led government-wide digital transformation for improved evidence-based policymaking at the Indian government, built an award-winning social enterprise for enhanced digital public services' access, and ran a development consulting firm. His special interests include public interest technology and open digital ecosystems. He is currently pursuing his Masters in Public Administration as a Edward S. Mason Fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School.

Rahul Bhusari

Founder Infinite Journeys

One of the founders of Infinite Journeys and Foliage Outdoors, Rahul is regarded as an ace administrator in the Team. An Engineer and MBA by qualification, he feels equally at-home amidst the forests and the wild denizens. Apart from his administrative expertise and penchant for perfection, he is also well-known for his great sense of humor and original PJs.

Vishal Nigam

Ex-Airforce, IIFT

Vishal Nigam is a graduate in Economics (Honours) , holds an MBA degree in Personal Management and also MBA in International Business Strategy from the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade. He was commissioned and served in the Indian Air Force for over two decades.

He understands the changing trends in international business environment and is actively involved in Geopolitical and Strategic Analysis pertaining to the trends in the aviation sector. Over the years he has published several papers and authored books related to China as an emerging technological hub in the aviation industry. With focus on issues related to national security, defence, and defence industry, he has presented research papers at prestigious conferences organized by CII, ICS, NDU (Taiwan), IFES (Russia) etc. His book titled ‘Dragon in the Air Transformation of Aviation Industry and the Air Force’ was published in 2013.

He is currently employed with Bharat Forge Limited under the Kalyani Group of companies as Associate Vice President Defence and Aerospace Strategy.

Rahul Sanghvi

IIM-A, NITI Aayog, Entrepreneur

Expertise: Market & Social Research, MIS, Financial Analysis & Gov. Inter-action

Sectors: Education, Skill Development Telecom & Technology, Health, Agriculture, Micro-Finance, Retail, FMCG, Plastics, etc.

Key Positions: Deputy Director General, Development Monitoring & Evaluation Office, NITI Aayog Started Dexter Consulting soon after passing out of IIMA

Styajit Mazumdar

Director of TISS Incube Foundation

An accomplished professional with over 42 years of experience in engineering, management, and entrepreneurship, including roles in academia, government advisory committees, and corporate boards. Currently, the Director of TISS Incube Foundation, a member of key governmental committees, and a mentor to startups and social enterprises. A recognized expert in entrepreneurship, social entrepreneurship, and strategic management, with numerous awards and global engagements, including keynote addresses, consultancy, and research contributions. Holds degrees in engineering, management, and a Ph.D. from BITS Pilani. Renowned for expertise in corporate social responsibility and growth strategy.