THE TEAM
TRUSTEES
Dr. P. Gowri Shankar
Wildlife Biologist, TED Speaker
Founder Trustee
A wildlife biologist with nearly two decades of experience studying King Cobras, Dr. Gowri Shankar holds a PhD in King Cobra Phylogeography. His research focuses on evolutionary biology, specifically the phylogeography of King Cobras across Southeast Asia. He has authored and co-authored 11 scientific papers on King Cobras, along with more than 10 papers on other reptiles.
For over a decade, Dr. Shankar has studied the natural history of King Cobras in Agumbe, where he has rescued and relocated more than 400 King Cobras and monitored over 50 nests. He was instrumental in pioneering radio telemetry research, uncovering the hidden behaviors of these snakes.
In 2015, Dr. Shankar was named Herpetologist of the Year by the Swedish Herpetological Society. A TED speaker and TED Fellow (2020), he believes in the power of education for conservation and has initiated specialized workshops to spread awareness. He has also appeared in multiple wildlife documentaries, such as King Cobra and I, Secrets of the King Cobra, One Million Snake Bites, and Asia’s Deadliest Snakes, featured on BBC, Discovery, NatGeo, and other major channels.
Sharmila Rajasegaran
Founder Trustee
Sharmila, an avid wildlife enthusiast, gave up her raging career at Microsoft to follow her passion for environment and conservation. Sharmila is passionate about writing, public speaking, and exploring the natural world. Our inspiration, an epitome of passion and sacrifice. She manages the administrative and financial aspects of Kalinga Foundation. Keeps us in check and is a driving force behind Kalinga Foundation.
Showkath Jamal
Trustee
Founder of Bay of Life Foundation, Chennai. A protégé and a good friend of Gowri and Sharmila. Specialises in ocean and marine sciences, Co host of STORM Chennai and more.
Vinod Kumar
Trustee
Transmedia Storyteller & Creative Director
Vinod Gowda is a seasoned visual artist with over 20 years of experience across various mediums, including graphic design, animation, photography, and visual effects. He has directed award-winning projects such as The Cat & The Juggler and contributed to prestigious films and digital media ventures. As the founder of Jagli Media Lab, Vinod leads creative initiatives in branding and storytelling. He has also served as Chief Creative Officer at Shaale, an OTT platform for Indian arts and culture. Vinod is a recipient of the National Award for Best Visual Effects in a Feature Film (2004).
Madhusudhan Shukla
Trustee
Biodiversity Educator
In a constantly evolving world of people, business, and technology, staying in tune with nature is both a challenge and a necessity. By gathering insights from field researchers, naturalists, legal experts, and academic research, Madhusudhan gains a deep understanding of the natural world. As a biodiversity educator, he transforms these insights into impactful educational content, fostering awareness, sensitivity, and a positive attitude towards the environment.
TEAM
Dr. S. R. GANESH
Director of Research
Dr. S.R. Ganesh holds a PhD in Wildlife Biology from the University of Madras and completed a guest post-doctoral fellowship with the Andhra Pradesh Forest Department. He is now a recognized PhD supervisor for herpetological studies.
He specializes in systematic herpetology, focusing on documenting lesser-known biomes, refining species descriptions, and mapping the distribution of southern India’s herpetofauna. His work combines field research, museum specimen analysis for taxonomic research, and GIS-based mapping. Based in Madras, he has explored the Deccan Plateau, Western Ghats, Eastern Ghats, and Coromandel Coast.
He has (co-)described and named 20 new species of reptiles and amphibians from southern India. As a full-time academician, he has authored about 125 publications, including peer-reviewed articles, books, and book chapters. He also co-mentors undergraduate and postgraduate zoology students at various colleges.
Dr. S.R. Ganesh is an editorial board member and reviewer for around 20 scientific journals, collaborating with research institutes in India and abroad. He is a member of several organizations, such as the IUCN Amphibian and Reptile Specialist Group, Skink Specialists Group, Viper Specialist Group, Species Survival Commission, AmphibiaWeb and EMBL Reptile Database. He assesses projects for the Zoological Society of London and contributes to wildlife policy-making, playing a key role in establishing new protected areas such as sanctuaries and tiger reserves. As an expert advisory member for herpetofauna on biodiversity boards in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka, he collaborates with the Forest Department to update herpetological data for various protected areas.
Showkath Jamal
Operations Manager
He is a knowledge bank on anything Agumbe, passionate about cecilians and snakes he is an inseparable part of Kalinga Foundation personally and professionally.
Prashanth is a seasoned naturalist, manager, and well connected with the local communities. Prashanth’s love for exploration and forests has taken him across the entire stretch of the Western Ghats. Having trekked most of this part of the world, he is a veritable knowledge bank about life in the Western Ghats. A very kind and warm person, makes everyone feel at home at the centre. Very resourceful, a great friend to all who know him.
Priyanka Swamy
PhD Scholar , Program Manager
Priyanka Swamy is a committed and passionate researcher who enjoys the outdoors as much as working in the lab. At the lab, she has been using molecular tools such as DNA sequence data to investigate processes that generate and maintain biological diversity. She is curious to answer fundamental questions related to population divergence, adaptation and patterns of phylogenetic genetic relationships, biogeography and conservation. Apart from being a lab rat, she is always excited to work on the field and enjoys exploring new places. She is actively involved in the study to examine phylogeography and contemporary population genetic structure of the king cobra within India and reconstruct the biogeographic history of O. hannah in Southeast Asia. She also works on other taxa (frogs, lizards and snakes) to understand their systematics and phylogeny. She is adept at conducting educational sessions on reptiles along with Gowri Shankar -both nationally and internationally.
LEGAL ADVISOR
AKSHAY SWAMY
Legal Advisor
Akshay Swamy is an Advocate specializing in Criminal law, as well as Constitutional and Administrative law. Based in Bengaluru, he brings a blend of rigorous legal scholarship and practical courtroom experience to his independent practice.
Akshay’s academic foundation is as distinguished as his courtroom work. He holds a B.A., LL.B. (Hons.) from Christ (Deemed to be University), Bengaluru, an LL.M. in Constitutional and Administrative Law from the University Law College, Bengaluru and a Postgraduate Diploma in Human Rights Law from the National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru. His academic achievements are complemented by success in the UGC-NET and KSET, qualifying him for Assistant Professorship in Law.
Since enrolling with the Karnataka State Bar Council, he has worked alongside leading advocates and Government Counsel, having appeared in matters of national and social significance — contributing to prominent cases such as the Gauri Lankesh murder trial and the Gameskraft case before the Hon’ble High Court of Karnataka, Bengaluru. He has also represented clients in cases under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, Prevention of Corruption Act, Prevention of Money Laundering Act and other special legislations. His advocacy has extended to defending individuals, as well as representing public bodies such as the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) and Central Excise and Customs. His work with Resurgent India (NGO) reflects his active participation in civic action programmes such as the ‘Bengaluru needs You’ initiative. He has reported on Grievance redressal Mechanisms in offices of Elected representatives as part of his work with Political Quotient and delved into research, assisting a judicial member of the Armed forces Tribunal, Regional bench in Kochi. His diverse experience also includes legal research and assistance to Siddharth Sangal, Advocate on record before the Supreme Court of India, in matters related to Armed Forces, Leases under Transfer of Property act, termination & retrenchment under Industrial Disputes Act, Banking and Securitization and Deficiency in service under Consumer Protection Law. All of which reflect a professional breadth that spans individual rights and institutional responsibility alike.
As an educator, Akshay brings the same sincerity and curiosity that guide his practice. Whether adjudicating moot court competitions or delivering expert talks on subjects ranging from gender equality to witness examination, he approaches teaching as a dialogue — one that shapes not only students but also his own understanding of a constantly evolving legal landscape. He had also served as a Visiting Faculty at RV College of Architecture and has been invited as an adjudicator and guest speaker by reputed law schools including Christ University, Reva University and St. Joseph’s College of Law.
Beyond the courtroom and classroom, Akshay’s pursuits reflect a balanced and indomitable spirit. A dedicated long-distance runner and finisher of many half marathons such as TRORT 12 (The Run of Raramuri Tribe) organized by Iron Life, 2024, Honors Run Indian Army Veterans Half Marathon organized by Directorate of Indian Army Veterans, 2023. He finds in endurance sport the same discipline and rhythm that advocacy demands. He is an avid trekker and spends his weekends scaling various peaks across the country and has successfully trekked the Rupin Pass (15,250 ft). He has also been adjudged the Best Shooter at 67th Civilian Rifle Training Programme (CRTP) organized by City Armed Reserve Police at Bengaluru, 2023. His interest in wildlife and conservation has led him to participate in field studies and camera-trapping surveys. He is also an NCC ‘C’ certificate holder (Army wing). These pursuits reflect his discipline and commitment to continuous growth.
Passionate about justice, rights, and reform, Akshay Swamy represents the evolving spirit of India’s legal fraternity: informed, ethical, and engaged with the challenges of the contemporary world.
ADVISORS
Ramprasad V
Co-founder- Friends of Lakes (FOL) and
Federation of Bengaluru Lakes (FBL)
Ramprasad V is an environmental advocate with a postgraduate degree in Psychology and is currently pursuing a doctorate in Wetland research. Raised in Bengaluru, he has over a decade of corporate management experience and has dedicated himself full-time to environmental causes since 2011.
As a co-founder of Friends of Lakes (FOL), he focuses on 28 lakes across Bengaluru, Mumbai, Bhubaneswar, South Africa, and Australia. He co-founded the Federation of Bengaluru Lakes (FBL), representing 45 citizen-led lake groups.
He serves as a member of the Water Institute at Bangalore University and as a consulting advisor for WELL Labs, specializing in urban wastewater reuse.
Ramprasad is the director of Envi Balance, promoting sustainability, and has provided expert advice on solid waste management to various state governments.
He has developed innovative recycling projects, such as Re-Tile, a tile made from recycled plastic, and has coordinated significant initiatives like the Million Recharge Wells Campaign, creating over 200,000 recharge wells in Bengaluru.
His ongoing research focuses on governance and policy for lake rejuvenation and solid waste management, and he has participated in climate change initiatives, representing Bengaluru at COP27. Ramprasad’s extensive work and contributions have made a significant impact on the sustainability and health of urban ecosystems in his community.
R Nagendra Kumar
HDFC Bank
Zonal Head - Retail Assets Sales - South
Nagendra is an experienced banker with over 22 years in the financial industry. As Zonal Head for Retail Assets Sales – South, he is known for his strategic leadership and ability to build strong, high-performing teams that contribute to organizational success.
A passionate adventurer, Nagendra has completed more than 15 high-altitude Himalayan expeditions and led treks across the Western Ghats. He is an avid biker, having completed a cross-country ride from Bangalore to Leh on his Royal Enfield.
Nagendra is married to Shwetha J, an experienced trekker who has led several expeditions in the Himalayas.
His hobbies include Mountaineering, where he summited the Friendship Peak (15,500 ft), Mt Annapurna Base Camp (13,594 ft), and more. He has completed a cross-country ride from Bangalore to Leh,led expeditions in the Western Ghats, covering Narasimha Parvatha, Kudremukh, Tadiandamol, and other scenic treks.
Nagendra exemplifies a balance of professional achievement and passion for the outdoors.
He is a strong supporter of Kalinga Foundations efforts and programs.
Renuka Prasad Shivarudrappa
Entrepreneur, Sustainability Innovator,Co-Founder Eco Volunteers India
Renuka Prasad Shivarudrappa is an entrepreneur with successful ventures in real estate, coffee estates, fisheries and property development. His passion for wildlife and conservation led him to co-found Eco Volunteers India (EVI), a group dedicated to environmental conservation across Karnataka.
As part of EVI, he has helped train over 300 volunteers and deploy them across the country. The EVIs managed various initiatives in nature reserves, such as the Traffic Management of vehicles passing through the forest, installing Solar-Powered water pumps near Waterholes in the forest, controlling Wildfires, Crowd management during village festivals celebrated in temple in forests, and establishing Plastic-Free Zones.
Vivek Srivatsa
Serial Entrepreneur, Sustainability Living Innovator.
With over 17 years of leadership experience in the real estate industry, Vivek is a seasoned professional known for his strategic vision, operational excellence, and deep understanding of market dynamics. His guidance has been pivotal in shaping growth trajectories and driving innovation within the firm. Outside the corporate world, Vivek is a passionate advocate for nature conservation. He has a particular fascination with snakes and reptiles. A passionate wildlife photographer, he captures the beauty and complexity of the natural world through his lens—bringing attention to the delicate balance of ecosystems and the importance of their preservation. Vivek’s rare blend of business acumen and environmental advocacy positions him as a well-rounded advisor whose insights are both impactful and grounded in a deep respect for the world around us.As part of EVI, he has helped train over 300 volunteers and deploy them across the country. The EVIs managed various initiatives in nature reserves, such as the Traffic Management of vehicles passing through the forest, installing Solar-Powered water pumps near Waterholes in the forest, controlling Wildfires, Crowd management during village festivals celebrated in temple in forests, and establishing Plastic-Free Zones.
