Team
Saroja leads CAG’s work, overseeing the effective day-to-day operations of the organisation, including the planning, implementation, execution and evaluation of all projects. Saroja is responsible for expanding the organisation’s work, ensuring that CAG’s work is kept responsive to changing priorities and needs, both globally and locally. Saroja works to establish a positive, healthy and safe work environment which encourages the team to excel in their respective areas of work. Additionally, she also heads the area of Consumer Protection, where she leads research projects on various consumer issues, counsels consumers on consumer complaints, and engages with relevant public agencies and civil society groups to address gaps in policies and practices. She is known to be a commentator on a wide range of issues, such as telecommunications, e-commerce, and real estate, among others. She also represents consumer interests on several fora and committees, currently being a member of the Committee on Consumer Policy of the Bureau of Indian Standards, the Tamil Nadu State Consumer Protection Council, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India and is on the Consumer Grievance Cells of several telecommunication companies. She has previously represented India on the Governing Council of Consumers International, a global membership organisation for consumer groups.
Email: saroja@cag.org.in
Amudha is the Office Manager at CAG, overseeing all human resources and administrative functions to ensure smooth day-to-day operations. She manages staff coordination, office logistics, and internal processes, helping maintain an efficient and supportive work environment. In addition, she provides assistance to the accounts team, supporting financial documentation and compliance.
As the longest-serving member of the team (since 1987), Amudha is a valued repository of CAG’s organisational history, offering continuity, insight, and institutional knowledge that strengthen the organisation’s operations and culture. She also assists the consumer protection team on various projects and in managing consumer complaints.
Email: amudha@cag.org.in
Vishnu leads the Electricity Governance team, strengthening their work on environment- and energy-related issues with a focus on regulatory law, economics, and governance. He currently coordinates several key projects, including Tamil Nadu Leadership in Energy Transition, the Cool Roofs Initiative, Climate Resilience in Agriculture (CRA), Electricity Consumer Cells (ECCs), and Electricity Billing Governance (EBG).
He is a member of the State Advisory Committee (SAC) of the Tamil Nadu Electricity Regulatory Commission (TNERC). His work spans training, capacity building, information dissemination, and advocacy, with a particular emphasis on demystifying complex concepts. He regularly engages with government officials, responds to government calls for comments, and participates in public hearings.
He has a Masters Degree in Public Management from Bocconi University, Italy and Master in Economics, Madras University. Previously, he held research positions at IHP- HELP Centre for Water Law Policy and Science, University of Dundee, Administrative Staff College of India (ASCI), India, University of Paris Sud 11, Paris, and University of Turin.
Email: vishnu@cag.org.in
Shanthi has been with CAG for over 10 years, serving as the organisation’s Housekeeper. She plays an essential role in maintaining a clean office space. Her responsibilities include cleaning the office premises, washing kitchen vessels, and ensuring that shared spaces are well-kept for all staff and visitors.
Bharath Ram works on electricity and energy-related issues with a focus on regulatory law and governance. His work focuses on training, capacity building, information dissemination, and advocacy – with a specific focus on demystification. He also prepares reports, articles on the electricity sector, and leads consumer awareness programmes in Tamil Nadu.
He was a member of the Consumer Grievance Redressal Forum (CGRF) in Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation Limited (TNPDCL), a forum to solve the electricity-related consumer complaints. He is appointed as a member of the Code Review Panel, set up by Tamil Nadu Electricity Regulatory Commission (TNERC) to review and provide comments for the TNE Supply Code or Distribution Code.
He has a Bachelor's Degree in Commerce from Loyola College and a Master’s Degree in Development Management from Madras School of Social Work, Chennai.
Email: bharath.ram@cag.org.in
Benedicta's interest is in improving road safety in India by changing our on-road behaviours and attitudes to road safety. She is also motivated to protecting our environment and leaving a sustainable earth for our future generations. She is a speech therapist by profession with a master’s degree in psychology. Benedicta also works towards a more inclusive society for those with disabilities.
Email: benedicta.isaac@cag.org.in
Vamsi's work on climate and environmental governance drives the team's research, policy analyses, and community engagement, with the aim of promoting evidence-based and inclusive climate action. His work spans climate literacy, decentralised waste management, circular economy models, and energy transition, with a focus on connecting science, policy, and community perspectives to develop practical climate solutions.
He holds a Master’s degree in Sustainable Power Engineering from BTU, Germany. Before joining CAG, he worked in research and project management roles in India and Germany, focusing on renewable energy systems, techno-economic assessments, and sustainable technology deployment.
Mala works as a Researcher with the Environment and Climate action team at CAG. She writes on environmental issues and climate action. She is currently compiling a curriculum on climate change for school students, She holds an All India 28th rank in Cost Accounting and has done her MBA in finance. Her past experiences include working as a System Analyst in Toronto Dominion Bank, Canada . She has also been an educator and administrator at International Indian School Dammam, Saudi Arabia. While she is not working, she likes to express her views on domestic and academic affairs through Quora. She is a cricket enthusiast and a movie buff. She staunchly believes that giving back to society is the most fulfilling experience one can have.
Email: mala.balaji@cag.org.in
Afroz’s research explores the environmental, public health, and governance dimensions of climate change and solid waste management. He is actively involved in public engagement, particularly through the Climate Action Month initiative, where he collaborates with drama and music groups, as well as subject experts, to communicate complex issues to broader audiences. To enhance public understanding, he produces short-form videos that distill complex ideas into accessible messages. His blogs and videos focus on promoting climate action, source segregation, and sustainable lifestyles. A journalist by training, Afroz holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Convergent Journalism and a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce (Corporate Secretaryship). As part of his postgraduate programme, he completed internships with Nakkeeran, a leading Tamil investigative magazine.
Email: afroz.khan@cag.org.in
Divya is a researcher who analyses urban mobility challenges and policies to develop data-driven solutions that promote safer and more sustainable cities. As part of the Sustainable Mobility team, she collects and interprets data to support CAG’s efforts to improve road safety and public transport systems. Her work includes writing blogs and reports that analyse issues and propose solutions, developing engaging IEC materials, and collaborating with stakeholders to strengthen sustainable mobility. Before joining CAG, Divya practised sustainable architecture before shifting her focus to urbanism. She holds a master’s degree in Urban Planning from CEPT University.
Email: divya.arvind@cag.org.in
Sriram supports day-to-day operations, manages front office tasks, and takes care of housekeeping and maintenance to ensure the smooth functioning of the office. Prior to this role, he worked as a Community Organiser within CAG’s solid waste management team. He holds a Diploma in Civil Engineering with prior experience as a site engineer and electrical department supervisor in the construction sector.
Email: sriram.radhakrishnan@cag.org.in
Divya provides support within the Accounts team, assisting with financial transactions, and documenting financial records. Her organisational skills help the team manage day-to-day financial tasks smoothly.
She brings over 10 years of experience in telemarketing and accounting across private firms.
Email: divya.kuselar@cag.org.in
In her role as Researcher, Sowmya drives research and advocacy efforts that promote safer, low-carbon and people-centred transport systems. Her work involves conducting empirical studies, coordinating stakeholder engagements and translating data-driven insights into actionable policy recommendations.
With a background in Architecture and Environmental Planning, she brings together spatial thinking and evidence-based analysis to advance CAG’s mission of building equitable and climate-resilient cities.
Email: sowmya.kannan@cag.org.in
Meenakshi works as a researcher with the Consumer Protection team at CAG. She holds a bachelor's degree in Food Science and Management from M.O.P Vaishnav College for Women, Chennai, and a postgraduate degree in M.A Development (Sustainability) from Azim Premji University, Bangalore. Previously she has worked with Hand in Hand Inclusive Development and Services as Senior Project Manager - Communications. She also has experience of working with Down to Earth magazine as a reporter for three years. Over the six years of her professional life she has acquired knowledge in numerous fields, including Solid Waste Management, environment, food, health, nutrition, and biodiversity.
Email: meenakshi.sushma@cag.org.in
Kirubakaran supports initiatives that advance the clean energy transition at the grassroots level. He works closely with an accredited energy auditor to conduct energy audits of government buildings and public utilities, including data collection, analysis, and report preparation. His role also involves promoting awareness of electricity conservation and rooftop solar adoption among local communities, helping citizens understand and benefit from sustainable energy solutions. His combined experience in research, teaching, and community engagement enables him to bridge technical knowledge with practical action in the clean energy sector.
He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, and a Master’s degree in Energy Engineering, both from Anna University. Prior to joining CAG, Kirubakaran spent six years as a lecturer at engineering colleges, where he developed strong technical expertise and mentoring skills.
Email: kirubakaran.b@cag.org.in
Ashika supports CAG’s communication strategy by managing its social media channels and websites, posting content, and amplifying messaging across digital platforms to strengthen the organisation’s visibility and engagement with diverse audiences. Her role also includes coordinating digital outreach activities, assisting in content creation, producing podcasts, liaising with the press, and supporting internal, media, and stakeholder communications. She occasionally represents the organisation at workshops and meetings.
Ashika holds an MA in Communications and Media Studies and has prior experience in digital marketing.
Email : ashika.arunachalam@cag.org.in
Manikandan’s work focuses on promoting energy efficiency and advancing energy transition. His role includes conducting energy audits at government-owned premises, preparing reports and articles on the electricity sector, and leading consumer awareness programmes on sustainable energy practices.
He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and a Master’s degree in Energy Technology. He previously worked as Assistant Professor and then as Junior Research Fellow at the Institute for Energy Studies, College of Engineering Guindy, Anna University.
Email: manikandan.m@cag.org.in
Ramalingam’s research advances sustainability and environmental initiatives, focusing on environmental management, waste reduction, and resource efficiency. He combines technical expertise with practical insight, effectively bridging research and real-world application. Earlier in his career, his work in plastic waste processing, fabrication, and manufacturing provided a strong technical and operational foundation that continues to inform his research today.
A mechanical engineering graduate, Ramalingam has prior eight years of experience in the waste management sector including leading projects on zero-waste systems and resource recovery.
Poornima works on projects focusing on energy, environment, and climate-related initiatives. She conducts in-depth studies from primary background research to report writing, visual illustration, analytical assessment, and the development of policy recommendations. She brings a multidisciplinary approach to understanding the intersections between urban development, environmental sustainability, and community well-being. Her academic background, combined with practical experience in both industry and academia, strengthens her ability to integrate design thinking with evidence-based research to advance CAG’s efforts in promoting sustainable, equitable, and people-centred development.
An architect and environmental planner by profession, Poornima holds a Doctorate in Environmental Planning from the School of Planning and Architecture, Bhopal.
Email: poornima.jayaraj@cag.org.in
Meenakshi’s work focuses on supporting energy and sustainability audits at Primary Health Centres, promoting the adoption of rooftop solar systems in urban areas, and providing assistance on cool roof solutions to underprivileged households. She brings over seven years of experience with solar energy, battery storage systems, and green energy buildings to CAG’s efforts in advancing sustainable energy access and climate-resilient infrastructure.
Meenakshi holds a Master’s degree in Engineering in Solar Energy from the Institute for Energy Studies, College of Engineering, Anna University, where she also worked as a Junior Research Fellow.
Nina’s work focuses on building safer roads and shaping a more equitable, sustainable mobility system for the city. Her role involves generating clear, data-driven insights to inform policies and practices that make urban travel safer, more accessible, and more inclusive for all. Her background as a filmmaker and educator enables her to communicate urgent issues at the intersection of environmental justice and human rights with clarity and impact. She brings experience from both television production and independent filmmaking.
She has an Undergraduate degree in Zoology and a Master’s in Mass Communication.
Email: nina.subramani@cag.org.in
Subramani’s work focuses on advancing rooftop solar adoption through research, advocacy, and consumer outreach. He conducts awareness workshops and engages with diverse stakeholders to help consumers understand and benefit from solar energy.
Prior to joining the Electricity Governance team, he was the Communications Associate and then worked as Researcher within the Consumer Protection team, where he contributed to advocacy projects on hypertension management, telecommunications, and front-of-pack labelling (FOPL).
Before joining CAG, he interned with leading news organisations as a journalist and freelanced for the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL). He holds a B.E. in Computer Science Engineering, a PG Diploma in Journalism and Mass Communication, and an M.A. in Sociology.