Meet Our Advisors

Padma Shri
Dr. Rajagopalan Vasudevan

Padma Shri Dr. Rajagopalan Vasudevan, an Indian scientist specializing in waste management, is renowned for his innovative method of using plastic waste in road construction. Currently a professor at Thiagarajar College of Engineering, he developed a technique to shred plastic waste, mix it with bitumen, and use the polymerized mix to build cost-effective, durable roads. This method not only speeds up road construction but also helps in mitigating plastic waste pollution. Widely adopted in rural India, these roads are more resistant to heavy rain damage.

Dr. Vasudevan earned his B.Sc and M.Sc degrees from Madras University in 1965 and 1967, respectively, and completed his Ph.D. from the same university in 1974. He joined Thiagarajar College of Engineering as a lecturer in 1975 and became a professor in 1998. In 2018, he was awarded the Padma Shri, India's fourth highest civilian honor, for his contributions to science and environmental sustainability.

Dr. Suneel Pandey

Dr. Suneel Pandey is a Senior Fellow and Director of the Environment & Waste Management Division at TERI, as well as an Adjunct Faculty member at the TERI School of Advanced Studies

With over 25 years of consultancy and research experience, Dr. Pandey's expertise spans municipal, industrial, and hospital waste management, plastic waste management, waste-to-energy solutions, impact assessment, and air, water, and soil quality monitoring. He is also proficient in site assessments, performance evaluation of effluent treatment plants (ETPs), and institutional strengthening and capacity building.

Dr. Pandey earned his Ph.D. in hazardous waste characterization from Nagpur University while working as a Project Fellow at NEERI, Nagpur. He holds an MSc in Analytical Chemistry and a BSc in Chemistry, both from Banaras Hindu University, India.

Dr. Sameer Joshi

Dr. Sameer Joshi is a renowned thought leader in plastic recycling and the circular economy, celebrated for his innovative contributions, including a Guinness World Record for creating the world's largest T-shirt from plastic waste. He is actively associated with the UN Environment Program and the World Economic Forum's Global Plastic Action Group, where he extensively works on recycling and sustainability initiatives. As an author of a book on recycling and numerous publications, Dr. Joshi shares his vast knowledge and expertise widely. He also mentors startups and serves on several policy-making and advisory committees, driving forward-thinking strategies and sustainable practices in the industry.

Pankaj Agrawal

Pankaj Agrawal, a seasoned investment banker, boasts over 36 years of experience marked by innovative strategies in corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions, IPOs, and structured finance. Forbes ME Magazine recognized his leadership by listing him among the "Top 100 Indian Leaders in UAE" in June 2013, while Arabian Business ranked him as one of the Gulf's Most Powerful Indians in October 2013. Notably featured in Forbes Middle East as a Top Indian Leader in the Arab world in 2014, Mr. Agrawal founded Signature in 2005. His firm focuses on supporting entrepreneurs and companies in emerging economies during their growth stages, actively contributing to achieving operational excellence, revenue growth, and market share. With a track record of advising on transactions exceeding US$4 billion globally, Pankaj Agrawal has steered Signature into a trusted Strategic and Growth Capital Partner. Recognized for his integrity and insights, he adeptly addresses financial and investment needs, especially for companies navigating capital market challenges, demonstrating a deep understanding of various sectors and their impact on the global business landscape.