Advisory and Insight Council

Mr. Yar Ali Khan (JKAS), Strategic Advisor for Policy and Planning
Mr. Yar Ali Khan, a Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Service (JKAS) officer from the 2008 batch, is a highly respected figure known for his honesty, sincerity, and unwavering dedication to public service. Currently serving in JKSSB Srinagar, he has built a distinguished career by upholding the highest standards of integrity and efficiency. Throughout his service, he has worked in some of the most remote districts of Jammu and Kashmir, leaving an indelible mark of transparency and commitment wherever he served.
From his early days as a Block Development Officer in Poonch to his tenure as District Planning Officer in Kupwara, Mr. Khan has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership. In positions often marred by inefficiency and corruption, he stood as a beacon of ethical governance, ensuring that every task was completed without delay or bias. His tenure in Kupwara, a district previously associated with administrative challenges, transformed the perception of public service. His subordinates and the general public alike recognized him as an officer who not only enforced discipline but also personally ensured that citizens’ issues were resolved promptly and fairly.
Despite facing challenges, including a politically motivated suspension as ACD Baramulla, he emerged unscathed, with all charges against him proven false. This episode further solidified his reputation as an incorruptible officer who could not be swayed by external pressures. His reinstatement and subsequent appointment to JKSSB reflect the trust the administration places in his integrity and competence. Mr. Yar Ali Khan’s journey stands as a testament to the power of honest and dedicated public service, earning him the respect of colleagues, subordinates, and the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

Ms. Neha Sharma, Senior Advisor – Media and Public Affairs
Ms. Neha Sharma is a highly skilled professional with a diverse background in Human Resources, Administration, Media, and Language Resources. She has served as the Manager of HR & Administration at Today Clean Energy Private Ltd. (Today Group), where she brings her expertise in HR management, office administration, and organizational efficiency to the company.
Her journey also includes valuable experience as a Language Resource Manager (LRM) for the Dogri Language under the IIT Madras AI Bharat Project with Navadata Pvt. Ltd., as well as contributing to Shaip, an AI data collection and creation company. She has worked as a Data Source Person for Dogri Language, contributing to key projects in language development.
Neha's media career is equally impressive. She has served as a News Anchor and Dogri RJ with Dainik State Samachar, where her voice resonated with audiences through both radio and media programs. She is also a published author, with her Dogri poem book titled ‘Chette di Bhuskadi’ published under Sarv Bhasha Publication.
In addition to her media contributions, Neha has worked with Jammu Diary on Dogri Radio and Duggar Malaati Programs, and as a Web RJ for Canada Radio in collaboration with All India Radio. She has also worked with NCERT for Dogri Language under the Bhasha Sangam Program, contributing to the preservation and promotion of regional languages.
Neha is also known for her achievements in arts and culture, including winning First Position in a Semi-Classic Dance Competition at YMCA, performing in various drama activities, and excelling in Art and Craft Competitions with a "Best with the Waste" theme.
With her rich blend of skills in HR, administration, media, and language, Neha Sharma continues to make impactful contributions across various domains, while also promoting the cultural and linguistic heritage of the Dogri language.

Mr. Deepak Kumar, Senior Advisor for Performing Arts and Cultural Heritage
Mr. Deepak Kumar is a distinguished theatre artist, director, and cultural activist with an illustrious career spanning over four decades. He began his journey in theatre in 1977 as an actor with Dogra Mandal, working alongside legendary directors and actors of the time. His passion for theatre took him beyond Jammu and Kashmir, allowing him to observe the national theatre scene in New Delhi and engage with some of India’s greatest theatre pioneers.
In 1984, he founded RANGYUG, a theatre group dedicated to self-realization and social change, using theatre as a powerful tool for conflict resolution and raising awareness on issues affecting women and marginalized communities. Additionally, he co-founded PATH (Preserve Art Treasures and Heritage), an initiative committed to preserving cultural heritage through community involvement.
Throughout his career, Mr. Kumar has represented Indian theatre on international platforms. In 2005, he led a groundbreaking initiative by taking the Dogri play Aaley to Lahore, Pakistan, fostering people-to-people connections between India and Pakistan. In 2008, he was invited to the United States under the International Visitors Leadership Program by the U.S. Department of Cultural Affairs to promote tolerance through arts. A pioneer in theatre education, he established the first Department of Performing Arts in Jammu and Kashmir, launching a formal theatre education program in 2024 in collaboration with RANGYUG. His contributions to street theatre, children's theatre, and skill-based actor training have shaped the region’s theatrical landscape, inspiring generations of performers.
His exceptional contributions have been recognized with numerous awards, including Best Actor and Best Director accolades for plays such as Marnopraant, Toba Tek Singh, and Raktbeej. Honored by institutions like J&K Dharmarth Trust, Rangbhoomi, and Surya Productions, he has been instrumental in developing theatre training programs across prestigious institutions like IIT Jammu, IIM Jammu, and the Cluster University of Jammu.
Apart from his extensive work in theatre, he has an impressive career in radio and television, having acted in over 50 TV serials, directed numerous telefilms and documentaries, and provided voiceovers for over 500 productions. Currently, he continues to train youth through RANGYUG, preserving Jammu’s rich cultural traditions and mentoring the next generation of artists.

Ms. Prachi Mahajan, Advisor for Cultural and Sustainable Tourism
Ms. Prachi Mahajan is a research scholar at the Central University of Jammu, specializing in Travel and Tourism Management. Her academic research focuses on the evolving trends and practices within the tourism sector, with a particular interest in the intersections of cultural heritage, sustainability, and economic development. Ms. Mahajan examines how sustainable tourism initiatives can promote environmental stewardship and local economic growth, while simultaneously fostering cultural understanding and preservation. Her work underscores the importance of integrating sustainability within the tourism industry to ensure long-term benefits for local communities and their heritage.
Beyond her academic pursuits, Ms. Mahajan has a special interest in culinary arts, particularly the role of traditional cuisines in cultural tourism. She explores how local food traditions and culinary experiences can enhance the travel experience by offering travelers an immersive connection to the region’s culture and heritage. Through her research, she highlights the role of food in promoting cultural exchange and preserving the integrity of local culinary practices, all while supporting sustainable tourism initiatives.

Dr. Ruchita Jerath, Community Health Advisor
Dr. Ruchita Jerath is a dedicated and registered homeopathic practitioner committed to providing holistic, patient-centered care. With a strong foundation in homeopathic medicine, she has successfully helped numerous patients achieve better health through natural and effective treatments. Her clinical expertise, combined with a compassionate approach, allows her to address a wide range of health concerns while ensuring personalized care for each patient.
Currently pursuing her M.D. in Homeopathy from Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed to be University, Pune, Dr. Jerath continues to expand her knowledge and refine her skills in advanced homeopathic practices. She also holds a diploma in Nutrition and Health, further enhancing her ability to guide patients toward overall well-being.
Passionate about integrating traditional healing principles with modern medical insights, Dr. Jerath remains committed to ongoing education and research. Her goal is to promote holistic wellness and empower individuals to lead healthier lives through natural and individualized treatment approaches.