RDIF is a people-driven organization – right from the people who started it with a vision, to the people who work with us to bring change at the grassroots, to the people who support our work, and most importantly the people who we serve on the ground.
Committed, responsible people passionate to make a difference to the world around them are the backbone of RDIF.
OUR FOUNDERS
Mr. Sudhansu Pattanayak
For Mr. Sekhar Pattanayak, rural communities were never defined by limitations — but by untapped potential.
With a vision to create sustainable and dignified transformation, he founded RDIF as a holistic platform integrating education, healthcare, livelihood, women's empowerment, technology access, and human security.
Through initiatives like The PRAYAS, Donate PC, Srignite, and the SRI Security Research Institute, his leadership focuses on building strong platforms that encourage innovation and promote digital inclusion.
His mission is simple yet powerful: enable access, build capacity, and inspire lasting change.
Mrs. Kabita Pattanayak
For Mrs. Kabita Pattanayak, service and compassion have always been a way of life. As the Co-Founder of RDIF and the mother of Mr. Sudhansu Pattanayak, she has been a guiding force behind the values that shape the organization's mission.
She firmly believes that empowered women, educated children, and healthy families form the foundation of strong and self-reliant communities.
Her nurturing leadership and unwavering commitment continue to inspire RDIF's journey toward building resilient, confident, and empowered communities.
Tech for Social Good Advisory Board
The Tech for Social Good Advisory Board drives the meaningful use of technology across all RDIF initiatives by applying digital innovation to address real social and community challenges in practical and sustainable ways. It ensures that technology solutions are inclusive, accessible, and community-centered, promoting responsible innovation and scalable digital platforms that empower people and advance RDIF's mission of creating lasting social impact.
The PRAYAS Advisory Board
The PRAYAS Advisory Board provides strategic guidance and thought leadership for RDIF’s flagship transformation initiative, The PRAYAS. It supports the design and implementation of integrated development models that address education, healthcare, livelihood, women’s empowerment, and community capacity building in a holistic manner. The Board ensures that PRAYAS remains impact-driven, scalable, and sustainable by strengthening governance, partnerships, and measurable outcomes, while keeping community participation and long-term self-reliance at the core of its approach.
Donate PC Advisory Board
The Donate PC Advisory Board provides strategic direction and oversight for RDIF’s digital inclusion initiative, Donate PC. It guides the development of structured, transparent, and scalable systems that enable responsible technology redistribution and meaningful access to digital tools. The Board ensures that the initiative goes beyond device donation by promoting digital literacy, responsible usage, and long-term capacity building. Through strong governance, partnerships, and impact measurement, it supports Donate PC in expanding equitable access to technology and empowering individuals with the skills needed for today’s digital world.
Srignite Advisory Board
The Srignite Advisory Board provides strategic direction for Srignite, a global platform by RDIF that enables industry experts and leaders to connect directly with schools, colleges, and universities. The Board guides the development of a structured and scalable engagement model that brings real-world industry knowledge into academic environments. It ensures quality, credibility, and meaningful outcomes by strengthening partnerships, defining standards, and aligning interactions with evolving skill and workforce needs. Through its leadership, Srignite supports RDIF’s mission of preparing students to become confident, industry-ready professionals.
New Initiative Advisory Board
The New Initiative Advisory Board guides the identification, development, and evaluation of innovative programs within the Rural Development International Foundation. It supports the exploration of emerging opportunities, partnerships, and ideas that can expand RDIF’s impact across rural communities. By encouraging creativity, strategic thinking, and practical implementation, the board ensures that new initiatives are sustainable, community-driven, and aligned with RDIF’s mission of fostering inclusive and transformative rural development
