• About CEEP

Mission

  • Fostering democratic coalitions and critical research for low carbon transition and climate justice.

Vision

  • Evolve as a platform for enabling dialogues, facilitating inclusion of diverse voices, mediating differences, knowledge sharing, building consensus and democratic action on critical issues in the domain of energy, environment and climate change.

Values

  • Evidence-based, Apposite and Transparent Research
  • Responsive, Collaborative and Democratic in Action
  • Inclusive, Just and Transformative in Practice

Team

Anshuman Gothwal

Co-Founder & Director Programs

Anuj

Research Scholar

Divija Pandel

Senior Research Associate

Faraz Ahmad

Senior Research Associate

Himanshi Talwar

Communications Associate

Lalit Kumar Pandey

Lead - Grassroots Initiatives

Lavanya Bahuguna

Communications Manager

Manideep Gudela

Research Fellow

Manish Kumar Mahto

Senior Research Associate

Nikita Tiwari

Senior Research Associate

Priyanka Goel

Senior Research Associate

Santosh Chawariya

Hygiene Officer

Shweta Chaudhary

Research Associate

Simran Grover

Founder & Chief Executive Officer

Soham Kulkarni

Research Associate

Sushil Khandelwal

Accounts

Tarun Swami

Manager - Creative Inputs

Advisory Board

Aditya Ramji

University of California, Davis​

Arvind Lodaya

Vidyashilp University

Harish Hande

SELCO Foundation

Neha Kumar

Climate Bonds Initiative

Distinguished Fellow

Saroj Chelluri

NTPC

Vikas Kamra

Valiance Solutions

Centre For Energy, Environment & People

  • location II Floor, Plot 15, Usha Colony Calgary Road, Malviya Nagar, Jaipur - 302017
  • email ceep@ceep.co.in
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Anshuman Gothwal

Co-Founder & Director Programs

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Anshuman is an engineer by education who delved into public policy research as the co-founder of CEEP. He has extensive experience in the Indian power sector in the domains of project management, regulatory economics, and power markets. He is well-versed in the functioning of regulatory authorities, generation and distribution utilities, and the power sector organisations in India. He also has experience in strategic planning and handling operations in the waste management sector.

He is a strong proponent of public participation in decision-making processes. He envisions a governance system that enshrines decision-making at the grassroots level and puts humanity as a key principle for the formulation of rules and regulations.

Anshuman admires Jean-Paul Sartre and Asadullah Khan ‘Ghalib’ and enjoys reading about classical Indian philosophy, Indian history, Hindi poetry and watching Hindi movies. He also likes to travel and discover the history behind cities and monuments.

One of his favourite quotes is, “The Personal is Political“

Anuj

Research Scholar

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Anuj, a research scholar and practitioner holding a PhD in Public Policy, possesses a profound understanding of the intricate dynamics within socio-economic and political realms. His research endeavours delve into the subtle intricacies of urbanisation at the bottom, the complexities of environmental policy formulation, and the electoral ramifications of welfare policies. With a diverse background spanning corporate, academic, and social sectors, Anuj brings a wealth of experiential knowledge to his scholarly pursuits.

Beyond his academic and professional engagements, Anuj is an avid reader with a keen interest in exploring the history of food, Indian political philosophy, Hindi literature, and cinema. His multifaceted interests and scholarly contributions exemplify a commitment to comprehensive understanding and innovative problem-solving. An astute observer of Indian politics, Anuj adopts a holistic approach to governance, drawing information from various sources to facilitate his betting endeavours on electoral outcomes.

Favourite quote: “Sab politics hai”

Divija Pandel

Senior Research Associate​

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Divija Pandel is a Senior Research Associate, working part-time at the Centre for Energy, Environment and People (CEEP). After completing her bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering, she pursued a master’s degree in Renewable Energy followed by another master’s in Energy Materials. She completed her PhD from MNIT Jaipur where she worked on Magnesium based thermoelectric materials. At CEEP, she works on collaborative research in the domains of renewable energy and environmental sustainability. 

An avid sports enthusiast, she enjoys watching sports and playing basketball in her free time. She also enjoys dancing and watching some good movies. 

Favourite quote: “Remember that life’s most valuable antiques are dear old friends.”
— H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

Faraz Ahmad

Senior Research Associate

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Faraz Ahmad is a Senior Research Associate at CEEP. After earning his master’s degree (LL.M), he is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in law. His prior experience includes working in the social sector, focusing on local governance, migration, and combatting anti-human trafficking. 

At present, Faraz is delving into the realms of electricity governance, just transition, and energy workforce in India at CEEP. With a belief in equity, affirmative action, and the constitutional values enshrined under the Preamble, he aspires to contribute to fostering equitable governance and society as a whole.

At leisure, Faraz enjoys reading, singing, and exploring socially relevant movies and books.

Favourite quote: “To discard what is unwanted, and to retain what is needed, is what reform means” – Thanthai Periyar

Himanshi Talwar

Communications Associate

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Himanshi Talwar is a lot of things but not a specialist. She has gone through a multiplicity of experiences working in numerous fields from education, start-ups, and NGOs throughout her academic life. She holds a master’s degree in social work with a specialisation in Criminology and Justice from TISS, Mumbai. Through her background in history and mass communication, she enjoys understanding the cultural and social background of people and finding ways to support their overall development.

In the past, she has accumulated field experiences engaging and networking with stakeholders from oppressed communities including women, children, persons with disability and DNT tribes in various urban and rural settings. Though a generalist, her major areas of interest include policy, sustainability, and art history. 

During her free time, she likes to read fiction and poetry, play with her dogs, and walk around neighbourhoods observing people. She believes that there are stories in every crevice of this world, we just need to open our eyes and see them. 

Her favourite quote is from the poem, Invictus by William Ernest Henley, “I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul”.

Lalit Kumar Pandey

Lead – Grassroots Initiative​s

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Lalit brings a strong governance background to CEEP’s public policy work. He leads on-the-ground research on energy public policy and related developments with civil societies, community champions and other counterparts.

He has a background in engineering and holds experience in media research and communications. Lalit brings on board a deep cultural, demographic and political understanding of Rajasthan. This enables him to engage diverse stakeholders in meaningful dialogues and foster collaboration. 

In his free time, you might find him reading Hindi poetry, and engaged in discussions with people who share similar interests.

Favourite quote: “The mind of an ordinary man is truly near the heart” – Aurobindo Ghosh

Lavanya Bahuguna

Communications Manager​

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Lavanya Bahuguna is a writer by chance with a background in science. As CEEP’s Communications Manager, she drives meaningful engagement with stakeholders across various initiatives and directly supports research teams, guiding different outputs, including publications and social media strategy.

In the past, she has worked at editorial positions for multiple publication houses and explored creative storytelling on feminism, the LGBTQIA+ community, entrepreneurship, healthcare, K12 pedagogy, fashion, travel, food, and culture. In addition to this, she has directly collaborated with marginalised communities and carried out social campaigns on issues such as hygiene and education. She has a keen interest in gender, sustainability and the development of vulnerable communities.

In her free time, she enjoys gardening, caring for stray dogs, and envisioning the design of her future retirement home in cedar woods. On weekends, she’s mostly taking jungle safaris or making cheese grazing boards for friends.

She strongly believes in this saying by Dr Daisaku Ikeda – “Gratitude makes a person modest. A sense of gratitude expands the heart.”

Manideep Gudela

Research Fellow​

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Manideep, an electrical engineer turned multidisciplinary researcher, believes equitable energy access is vital for community development. At CEEP, he studies energy policies and governance, focusing on decarbonisation and digitalisation for a just transition. He conducts independent research, engages with stakeholders, and undertakes field visits.

Manideep holds degrees in Electrical Engineering and Urban Policy & Governance. He previously worked with a distribution utility supervising the operations and maintenance. He also worked on public transportation electrification during his post-graduation. He has travelled extensively throughout India and is multilingual in Telugu, English, and Hindi. An amateur photographer and movie buff, he enjoys cooking, political satire, and observational comedy in his free time.

He derives his daily motivation from George Carlin’s – “I have as much authority as the Pope. I just don’t have as many people who believe it.”

Manish Kumar Mahto

Senior Research Associate​

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Manish comes from a legal background, having worked as a practising lawyer before joining CEEP. After spending some time in courtroom proceedings, he pursued a master’s degree with a specialisation in corporate law. It was during this academic pursuit that he developed an interest in research and policy which led him to transition from litigation to a career in research.

At CEEP, Manish is dedicated to projects relating to the subject of just energy transition, with a focus on advocating for the transition of public generation companies (gencos) and the electrification of the bus fleet at Jaipur City Transport Services Limited (JCTSL). Manish believes that there are ample resources in the world for everyone. To ensure an equitable distribution, he advocates for comprehensive policy planning supported by research and effective implementation and that each individual has a role to play in achieving this goal.

During his leisure hours, Manish enjoys engaging in activities such as reading novels and watching cartoons.

His favourite quote: “Today you, tomorrow me.” – Anonymous

Nikita Tiwari

Senior Research Associate​

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Nikita’s career trajectory has been unconventional. After earning a degree in Electrical Engineering, she started her career as a Full Stack developer in an IT company. This stint was followed by her participation in the SBI YFI rural development fellowship where she worked with a group of women weavers in Phulia, West Bengal towards their menstrual health and hygiene management. 

With an interest in technology and policy, she pursued a graduate certificate program in Advanced Public Policy. As CEEP’s Senior Research Associate, Nikita is building a symbiotic relationship with the core functional domains of CEEP and her experiential learnings, thereby furthering her career and growth in the field of policy.

At leisure, she enjoys listening to and practising Indian classical music and watching sunsets. Also, she will happily play the flute for you if requested with a KitKat.

One of her favourite quotes goes like this – “If there’s one thing life has taught me, it’s that there’s always room to grow.” – Scott Lang (movie: Ant-Man)

Priyanka Goel

Senior Research Associate​

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Priyanka is a Senior Research Associate at CEEP. Her work includes policy research in the domain of environmental sustainability, energy transition and climate governance.

She is a lawyer by training and holds a B.A.LL.B. (Hons.) from National Law University, Delhi. She practised law in the Delhi High Court and the Supreme Court of India for a few years before finding her interest in policy research and advocacy. During her study of law, she built an interest in political economy, human rights, and environmental law. 

Prior to joining CEEP, she worked as a Legal Consultant in the Coastal Regulation Zone Division, Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEF&CC). She firmly believes that understanding gaps in the governance structure is imperative to bringing effective change.

She loves travelling to the mountains for a little escape. In her spare time, she can be found sketching cartoons and painting with acrylics. She likes all things art and has an immense interest in cultural activities. 

Favourite Quote: “Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.” – Aristotle

Santosh Chawariya

Hygiene Officer

Santosh Chawariya is CEEP’s Hygiene Officer. Affectionately known as Santosh ji, her responsibilities include maintaining cleanliness in the office, supervising the pantry, and ensuring the well-being of both indoor and outdoor plants, as well as occasional four-legged furry guests that are lovingly fostered at CEEP. Santosh ji’s ginger-infused chai is team’s most preferred beverage.

In her leisure time, she enjoys spending quality moments with her husband and three children, relishing home-cooked meals, engaging in casual conversations, and watching TV. While not particularly keen on listening to songs or watching movies, she finds joy in immersing herself in various bhajans.

Shweta Chaudhary

Research Associate

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Shweta is a Research Associate at CEEP. She has an undergraduate degree in economics and geography and a Master’s in Climate Change and Sustainability Studies from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai. 

Shweta is focused on the area of climate change, specifically low-carbon pathways and just transition. She strongly believes in inclusive climate actions. CEEP offers her a platform to work on policy-level issues by connecting her to both the research and grassroots communities for taking action on climate change.

She endeavours to live an eco-friendly and sustainable lifestyle. In her free time, she loves painting and solving puzzles. Shweta also enjoys being in nature and absolutely adores dogs!

Favourite quote: “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” – Winston Churchill

Simran Grover

Founder & Chief Executive Officer

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Simran Grover is an accidental public policy professional who found his calling in the energy sector. His explorative professional journey in the domain of development and clean energy culminated in the founding of CEEP – an initiative for energy equity and climate justice.

In his evolutionary journey, Simran had the privilege of being mentored by pioneers in the domain of sustainable energy, human rights and organisational development. At CEEP, he envisions creating a meaningful environment for critical learning and evolutionary consciousness which empowers individuals and communities. In the process, he is committed to fostering leadership within the organisation and supporting leadership at the grassroots.

Simran is fond of sports and adept at quite a few, especially table tennis, squash, ultimate frisbee and hockey. Recently, he has been practising his swimming skills and trying to learn guitar once again.

Favourite quote is: “There are no accidents.” – Master Oogway

Soham Kulkarni

Research Associate

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Soham Kulkarni is a Research Associate at CEEP. With an M.S. in Manufacturing Engineering from the University of New South Wales, he was earlier part of a three-person team to launch an electric scooter in India. He also has a keen interest in circular economy and would like to understand energy sustainability through all of its paradigms. At CEEP, Soham is working on building a regulatory framework for Energy Storage Systems in India, aiding in a cleaner energy transition.

Having grown up in both Kenya and India, Soham considers himself a child of both continents. In his free time, he likes to cook and watch cat videos.

Favourite quote: “Meaning and solace aren’t to be found in the heavens, but in the trenches of everyday living.” – Exurb1a

Sushil Khandelwal

Accounts

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Sushil deals with accounts and finance. His journey started after his master’s degree in commerce from Rajasthan University. Afterwards, an enriching 8+ years of experience in accounting has made him a perfect fit for his role in CEEP. 

His inclination towards accounting can also be seen at his home, where he keeps a meticulous record of all the expenses & payments. His inquisitiveness towards learning has led him to explore the avenues of project management. 

During his spare time, Sushil travels to places such as temples and monuments. 

Favourite Quote: “Life is like accounting; everything needs to be balanced”– Unknown

Tarun Swami

Manager – Creative Inputs

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As a creative professional with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Commercial Stream, Tarun specialises in graphic design, 2D animation, motion graphics, and UI/UX design. Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, and Sketch, he has created visually striking branding materials, promotional assets and logos for effective visual communication in the fields of education, health, travel and advertising. He possesses considerable expertise in the field of photography as well.

At CEEP, he shares creative ideas with research teams to interact meaningfully with stakeholders, especially through publications, engaging animated videos, and other social media outreach content.

In his spare time, Tarun explores digital art and experimenting with different techniques and mediums. He also enjoys immersing himself in the creation of sculptures, another form of artwork.

One of his favourite quotes is – “If I could say it in words there would be no reason to paint.” – Edward Hopper