Advisory Board Members

Dr. Milind V. Kulkarni

Centre Head
C-MET

Dr. Milind V. Kulkarni, Centre Head, at Centre for Materials for Electronics Technology (C- MET), Pune, under Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Govt. of India. He is actively working for the development of Active materials (Cathode and Anode) for Li –ion & Na-ion batteries with fabrication of prototype cell/battery and all solid state, flexible, thin batteries. Recently, he is developing ‘Li - S’ batteries and ‘Li- air’ batteries for Automobile applications (Hybrid Electrical Vehicles). He also has developed and demonstrated Polyaniline based thin, flexible, light weight and ultra-low-cost batteries. His main field of current scientific interest is Nanomaterials and Polymer nanocomposites for multifunctional applications, Development of conducting/electroactive polymers and their nanocomposites, ‘Flexible and Wearable’ electronics devices, Nanomaterials for ‘ink-jet printed, ‘flexible electronics devices’. He has developed polyaniline-CNTs nanocomposite coated ‘E-fabric/smart fabric’. He is also actively working for the development of nanomaterials and glass/polymer nanocomposites for lead free, X-ray absorption/attenuation application and developed successfully a prototype light weight, lead free apron for biomedical applications. Presently, he is also engaged in the development of polymer nanocomposites for biological applications and development of ‘Electronic Nose’ (E-Nose) and ‘Electronic Tongue’ (E-Tongue) for chemical and biomedical applications.

Dr. Kulkarni has published more than 115 research papers in international journals of high repute. In 2022, he was admitted as ‘Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry’ (FRSC), London. He is recipient of the ‘Researcher of the Year -2021: Energy Storage’ award by India Energy Storage Alliances (IESA), “Fellow” of Maharashtra Academy of Sciences in year 2013 and Young Associate” award in 2009.

Dr. Kulkarni has designed & developed ‘First Indigenous & Low Cost’ “Polymer Swab” for the sample collection and testing of COVID-19 and other viral diseases.

Ashish Tiwari, IFS

Action Area Head, Air International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development, Kathmandu, Nepal

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Highly motivated Senior Executive, a member of Indian Forest Service (IFS), with more than 25 years of proven success spanning across Policy and Planning Level senior positions namely Secretary (Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Government of Uttar Pradesh), Member Secretary (Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board), Member Secretary (UP State Climate Change Authority), Member Secretary (Uttar Pradesh Environment Impact Assessment Authority) & execution level positions as Protected Area Manager and Head of Forest at district levels in diverse bio-geographic zones in the State of Uttar Pradesh.

Demonstrated history of working in the government and also with community, local stake holders, premier research/technological Institutes of Repute and international organizations like World Bank, UNEP, GIZ, JICA etc. in the fields of Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation, Environmental Conservation, Pollution Control, Bio-diversity Conservation, Forestry and Wildlife Conservation, Joint Forest Management, Eco-Development, Eco-tourism, Sustainable Harvesting Practices of Forest Resources, implementation of Forest Rights Act and recognition of Individual and Community Forest Rights.

Having successful in depth exposure at both implementation and policy-planning level, known for maximizing performance by developing and seamlessly executing plans in multi stakeholder and interdepartmental structures.

Skilled in innovative technologies application, online monitoring systems & virtual monitoring for pollution control, pollution abatement planning, environmental compliance & awareness, climate change mitigation, and natural resource conservation.

Ashish Tiwari was awarded the WWF-PATA Bagh Mitra Award for Tiger Conservation in 2015. He was also awarded a certificate of commendation by the Governor of Uttar Pradesh for Biodiversity Conservation in 2002. Certificate of Commendation was also awarded by the Government of UP for his outstanding work in the field of Environment, Forest & Climate Change in 2019.

Jitendra H. Chopra

President of Aluminium Extrusion Manufacturers Association of India, Owner & MD at Anshima Inc., Hindustan Metals

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Jitendra H. Chopra is the Owner and Managing Director of Anshima Inc. and Hindustan Metals, with over two decades of leadership in the metal and recycling industry. Anshima Inc. is a trusted name in the import of non-ferrous metal scrap, while Hindustan Metals manufactures high-quality aluminium secondary ingots, ADC 12 alloy ingots, billets, and extruded profiles. Chopra also leads Anshima Bushings & Insulators, specialising in components for electrical infrastructure.

As President of ALEMAI (Aluminium Extrusion Manufacturers Association of India), he plays a key role in driving quality standardisation and competitiveness in India’s aluminium extrusion sector. A passionate advocate of sustainability, he supports circular economy initiatives through the Material Recycling Association of India. His work reflects a commitment to responsible sourcing, industrial innovation, and strengthening India's global footprint in metal recycling and manufacturing.

A.L.N Rao

Head
Sustainability Solutions
Recykal

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A.L.N Rao is a visionary leader with over 38 years of expertise in environmental stewardship and circular economy practices, now spearheading Recykal’s Circularity division.

Throughout his distinguished career, A.L.N Rao has held pivotal leadership roles, including as CEO of Exigo Recycling and strategic positions at Attero Recycling, Aditya Birla Retail, and Videocon Group. His vast experience in e-waste management, plastics, lithium-ion batteries, and rare earth recycling has made him a pioneer in sustainable innovation.

At Recykal, A.L.N Rao is driving transformative solutions for electronics recycling, advancing circularity, and expanding the company's impact across the sector. His contributions to industry-shaping initiatives, including his role in developing battery waste management rules as part of the NITI Aayog committee in 2022, underscore his deep commitment to fostering a sustainable future. He actively collaborates with esteemed organisations such as CII, MAIT, and R2 TAC, making him a recognised voice in the industry.

Dr. Sandeep Vakharia

Honorary Secretary, Bombay Nonferrous Metals Association and Managing Director, Aashumi Chemicals

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Dr. Sandeep Kirtikumar Vakharia is a dynamic chemical engineer and a pioneering recycler with an illustrious career spanning over 38 years in the non-ferrous metals sector. A specialist in the recycling of copper, aluminium, and zinc, he has also worked extensively with other metals including iron, gold, silver, and chromium.

Throughout his career, Dr. Vakharia has collaborated with some of the most respected names in the industry such as Birla Copper, Siemens, ABB, L&T, Areva, Crompton Greaves, B.G. Shirke, and Bajaj Auto, contributing his technical expertise to advance sustainable metal recovery and circular practices.

His commitment to environmentally sound recycling has earned him international recognition, including an award in Paris in 2015 for his contributions to sustainable recycling practices. In 2021, he was appointed Secretary of the Bombay Nonferrous Metals Association Ltd. and the Federation of Associations of Maharashtra, where he plays a pivotal role in industry representation and policy advocacy.

Further cementing his leadership in the field, Dr. Vakharia was awarded a Doctorate in Recycling in 2022 by the World Human Rights Protection Commission (WHRPC), a division of the United Nations.

An active advocate for policy reform, Dr. Vakharia has been working closely with the Government of India to recognise and regularise domestic recycling, aiming to strengthen the nation’s circular economy and promote sustainable industrial growth.

Sandeep Jain

Co-Chairman, Indian Copper Development Centre and Immediate Past President, Bombay Metal Exchange Ltd

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Sandeep Jain is a prominent figure in India’s non-ferrous metals industry, currently serving as the President of Bombay Metal Exchange Ltd (BME), the apex body representing metal traders in India. He has been a Director at BME since 2006, actively contributing to policy advocacy and industry development.

He is also the Managing Director of Laurel Wires Ltd, a reputed manufacturer of enamelled copper wires. Since 1995, under his leadership, Laurel Wires has collaborated with “Typlaz Australia Pty,” bringing international expertise and quality benchmarks to the Indian market.

An alumnus of VJTI Engineering College, Sandeep holds an MBA in International Business from the University of Western Sydney, Australia, equipping him with a strong global business perspective. He represents BME across various key platforms including MCX, BSE, NSE, SEBI, and several government departments, serving as a key liaison between the industry and regulatory bodies.

In addition to his industrial achievements, Sandeep has a creative side—he is the CEO of Laurel Entertainment since 2007, and a passionate singer. He has even done playback singing with the legendary Kavita Krishnamurthy and released a music album.

Dr. Ajit Salvi

Director
RCUES of AIILSG

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Dr Ajit Vishnu Salvi is working as a Director of Regional Centre for Urban and Environmental
Studies of AIILSG, Mumbai which is supported by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
(MoHUA) Government of India (GOI)}. He worked with Municipal Corporation of Greater
Mumbai as a Dy. Chief Engineer. He has done D.M.E., B.E (Production), MBA(HRM), Dip.(
Training & Development), Phd ( Management). He is having long 35 years of experience of
Planning & Maintenance of Sewage Conveyance system, Pumping & Treatment plants. His
areas of Interest are mainly related to Environment. He has participated in various World
Bank Aided Projects related to environment. He has published various Research Papers. He is
a Resource Person for subjects related to Water, Sewerage & SWM for various Missions of
the Government such as AMRUT, NULM etc. He has also been involved in Training of
Engineers & Elected Representatives of Municipal Corporations in Western Region for Various
Government initiatives. He is a Resource Person for various Management Development
Programmes which includes Technical Subjects & soft Skills. He is a National Council member
of Indian Society for Training & Development, Mumbai Chapter. He has delivered lectures in
various National & International seminars. He is visiting faculty in various Technical &
administrative Institutes which includes Mumbai IIT, YASHADA, Pune & AIILSG, Mumbai.

Bhadresh Dodhia

Director
Dodhia Group & Former Chairman
MATEXIL

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Bhadresh Dodhia, a visionary entrepreneur and industry leader, has been driving growth and innovation in the textile and plastic recycling sectors for over 18 years. His journey began in 2007 when he joined the Dodhia Group, where he spearheaded the company's export initiatives, transforming it into a global player.

Under his leadership, the Dodhia Group has experienced significant revenue growth, and he has successfully diversified the company's product portfolio to include chemical exports. Dodhia's entrepreneurial spirit and strategic vision have enabled him to establish a strong brand presence in international markets, including Turkiye, Europe, and the USA.

As a respected industry expert, Dodhia has worked closely with Union Ministers and Government officials to address key industry issues. He was the youngest Chairman elected at MATEXIL (formerly SRTEPC) and has played a pivotal role in shaping the Man-made, Technical Textiles & sustainability landscape.

Dodhia was specially chosen by Hon'ble Shri Piyush Goyal Ji as Co-Chairman for Bharat Tex 2024. The event's resounding success led to his reappointment as Co-Chairman for Bharat Tex 2025.

Dodhia has pioneered the project of converting rPET flakes into rPET yarn, setting a new standard for eco-friendly practices in the industry. His vision for a closed-loop system for food-grade rPET bottles has significantly reduced environmental impact.

Pawandeep Singh

Vice President,
Business Development & Customer Success, Attero

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A seasoned professional in business development and market research, I bring over 26 years of experience across both international and domestic markets, with a strong focus on advancing sustainability and circular economy principles. I hold an MBA from a prestigious institution and have spent nine years managing high-net-worth individual (HNI) clients within one of the largest firms in the Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance (BFSI) sector.

My specialization encompasses the responsible management of precious metal-bearing waste and the innovative recycling of green metals, all while championing Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards.

Since joining Attero in 2011 as Vice President of Sourcing, I have played a pivotal role in driving the company's growth and expansion. I lead Attero's e-waste recycling initiatives, overseeing the processing of over 144,000 metric tons of e-waste and 1,000 metric tons of lithium-ion batteries annually. My strategic initiatives have achieved unparalleled efficiency in recovering valuable materials from lithium-ion batteries, setting a new benchmark within the industry.

I am committed to identifying new market segments and fostering sustainable business growth, while upholding a strong dedication to circularity and environmentally conscious practices. My contributions significantly enhance Attero's supply chain management strategy and advocate for responsible Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) management, reinforcing our mission to lead in environmental stewardship through innovative recycling solutions.

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