Dr. Devendra Kumar Sharma
  • Founder of IRA (Institute of Regional Analysis) and SIRDI
    (Satpura Integrated Rural Development Institution)
  • Dr Sharma joined MP Government after working with a social work organization promoted by Sh. Thakkar Bapa, a Gandhian committed to Tribal People
  • He was involved with government projects in the tribal areas in MP and Chhatisgarh
  • He had a lot of empathy for tribal population
  • He observed the weekly markets (Functional Communities) in tribal areas and decided to do research in that area
  • His Ph.D. thesis on Functional Communities and later few books on the subject are part of his pioneering work
  • He took voluntary retirement from MP Government to setup two NGOs
    • IRA (Institute of Regional Analysis) and
    • SIRDI (Satpura Integrated Rural Development Institution)
  • His passion for tribal people and development of women was exceptional
  • I joined him in year 1982 and my association with him lasted till his end in 2011
  • He was a great mentor and a active thinker on rural issues
  • He looked after my growth in social work and was a part of my family too
Sh. Fatehbir Bahadur (ex IAS)
  • He was an IAS officer in MP Government .
  • His guidance in my Ph.D. work was crucial for me
  • He guided me in my social work activities
Dr. V.L.S. Praksh Rao
  • Founder Chairman, Institute of Regional Analysis .
  • I had the privilege of getting his guidance when I joined SIRDI/IRA
Prof I.S.Chauhan, (PhD Guide)
  • Ex Vice Chancellor , Barkatullah University , Bhopal
  • Prof Chauhan was head of sociology department and later Vice Chancellor of Barkatullah University, Bhopal
  • He was an exceptional teacher and guide.
  • Due to his efforts and encouragement , I could complete my Ph.D thesis
Mrs. Brij Mohini Sud
  • She was my mother in law
  • She was a very strong person
  • I learnt many things from her
  • She was my constant supporter in my work in villages
Sh. Mahendra Joshi
  • He was a multi-dimensional personality, totally immersed in social work in Indore
  • He was a mentor par excellence
  • I benefitted from his guidance for several decades
Sh. B.M. Bharti
  • He is a journalist , but a social worker first
  • I had the privilege of getting his guidance and support in my activities for almost a decade
Col P.M. Das
  • He was an engineer from armed forces
  • He was a good mentor and support for social work activities