Md Aftabuddin is the Founder of Forum For Green Folk, bringing a rare combination of military discipline, corporate experience, and grassroots insight to the organisation’s rural–urban ecosystem initiatives. A graduate of Calcutta University, he served for over 18 years in the Indian Armed Forces, working across India’s diverse terrains. This experience deepened his respect for biodiversity and environmental stewardship.
Following his military service, he worked with Tata Teleservices Ltd before dedicating himself fully to community development. At Forum For Green Folk, he leads operations, field mobilisations, and grassroots programmes, ensuring that every initiative is executed with precision, empathy, and measurable impact. His leadership bridges traditional knowledge and modern approaches, empowering communities to protect the environment while building sustainable livelihoods.
Mohammad Mostak Al Farhad is a dedicated environmentalist committed to safeguarding the planet’s delicate ecosystems. Currently pursuing his PhD at Bonn University under the prestigious DAAD scholarship, he brings a global perspective to local environmental challenges. He holds a Master’s degree in Environmental Science & Technology and has worked across diverse ecological landscapes, including the East Calcutta Wetlands, Gir National Park, and the Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve.
A former member of the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), Farhad blends scientific rigour with on-ground experience to design effective, evidence-based solutions. At Forum For Green Folk, he leads network building and strategic planning, driving collaborations, fostering partnerships, and shaping initiatives that create lasting ecological and community impact.
Dr. Md. Zafar Mahfooz Nomani is a highly respected professor at the Department of Law, Aligarh Muslim University, with over 28 years of teaching and research experience. A leading authority in environmental law, intellectual property law, and corporate law, he has authored 12 books and over 198 research papers, contributing significantly to legal scholarship in India and internationally.
Recipient of the National Award for Research in Environmental Law from the International Association of Educators for World Peace (Geneva) and the Indian Institute of Ecology and Environment, Dr. Nomani’s policy recommendations have shaped national legislation, including influencing the Land Acquisition and Compensation Law of 2013–14. His current research focuses on international biodiversity law and its role in access and benefit-sharing regimes in India.
He has worked on multiple World Bank projects and holds memberships with the Global Alliance for Justice Education (USA) and the International Society for Development and Sustainability (Japan). As Chairperson of the Advisory Board at Forum For Green Folk, he guides the organisation in environmental law, governance, and academic knowledge transfer, ensuring that all initiatives are grounded in robust legal frameworks and global best practices.
Purusottam Tripathy is a Doctoral Fellow in Chemical Engineering with a joint research affiliation at IIT Mandi and SVNIT Surat, specialising in environmental science and technology. A UGC-NET qualified researcher, he holds an M.Sc. in Environmental Science & Technology and a strong academic background in zoology, botany, and chemistry.
With hands-on expertise in phytoremediation, bioremediation, greywater recycling, and advanced membrane processes, Purusottam has worked extensively on projects with the CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), including large-scale wastewater treatment and environmental impact assessments for industrial sectors. His technical skills span advanced analytical instrumentation, nanomaterials synthesis, and environmental monitoring of air, water, and soil.
He has authored multiple high-impact international journal articles and contributed eight book chapters with leading academic publishers such as Elsevier and the Royal Society of Chemistry. Recognised nationally for his research, including an award at the India International Science Festival (IISF) 2020, Purusottam guides Forum For Green Folk’s scientific strategy, environmental technology integration, and evidence-based interventions.
Shouri Shome brings a unique blend of financial expertise, environmental insight, and operational experience to Forum For Green Folk, bridging the worlds of sustainable finance and grassroots impact. A Postgraduate in Forest Management from the Indian Institute of Forest Management and a B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering, Shouri is dedicated to aligning financial systems with environmental stewardship and social responsibility.
Currently with ESAF Small Finance Bank, he has managed diverse portfolios spanning branch operations, digital and alternate banking channels, and TASC (Trust, Association, Society, Club) institutional client acquisition. Notably, he has onboarded 19+ new institutional clients, growing the TASC portfolio to ₹65 lakh within a year, and spearheaded ESAF’s e-Stamping project—overseeing research, vendor evaluation, ESG analysis, workflow design, and implementation.
His professional journey includes impactful stints with National CAMPA, CARE India, and Aaranyak, contributing to forest regeneration research, large-scale public health interventions, and community-led conservation in ecologically sensitive landscapes such as the East Calcutta Wetlands, Kaziranga, and rural Bihar. Certified in ESG, TCFD, and GHG Carbon Accounting, Shouri combines technical expertise with strategic vision to drive sustainable outcomes.
Uma Mondal leads project implementation, field mobilisation, workshop coordination, and Self-Help Group (SHG) linkages for Forum For Green Folk in North 24 Parganas. A graduate of Hingalganj College (2022) and a native of the Sundarbans, Uma brings deep cultural insight and artisanal skills to her work in women’s livelihoods and empowerment.
Talented in traditional handmade jewellery, local-theme artwork, painting, and the creation of fashion items such as bags and dresses, she blends traditional artistry with modern design sensibilities. Her leadership journey began as president of her college SHG, where she organised women artisans and strengthened income-generation activities.
At Forum For Green Folk, Uma plays a key role in livelihood development and women’s empowerment, ensuring that rural artisans, especially women from marginalised backgrounds, gain access to markets, training, and sustainable income opportunities.
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