Alex Ozhukayil
Alex Ozhukayil, Chairman - KIFA
Alex Ozhukayil, a quantitative market researcher with 20 years of experience, initiated the Kerala Independent Farmers Association (KIFA) in 2020. As a farmer by birth, he aims to bring qualitative changes to farmers' lives through collective action, fighting against oppressions and ensuring their survival. Passionate about countering accusations from pseudo-environmentalists, he actively engages in media, addressing farming issues and human-wildlife conflicts. Playing a catalytic role, Alex leads KIFA in community mobilization, advocating for farmers' empowerment and realizing their aspirations.
Director, AGBS Kochi and Adjunct Professor, IIM-K
Prof. Biju Vithayathil, Director at Amity Global Business School, Kochi, and Adjunct Faculty at IIM Kozhikode, holds a B.Tech in Instrumentation and Control Engineering (1988) from the University of Calicut and a PGDM (1994) from IIM-B. With diverse industry experience, including a leadership role at Reliance Retail, he received the Rashtra Deepika Business Excellence Award in 2014 for his contributions to professional education.
C. N. Ramachandran Nair
Chairman of Commission for Economically Backward People in Forward Communities
C. N. Ramachandran Nair, a legal professional, graduated in 1975. With 25 years in the High Court, he became a Judge in 2001. His 11-year judicial career included roles like Acting Chief Justice and Chairman of the Kerala State Legal Services Authority. Post-retirement, he chaired key roles in the Kerala Dam Safety Authority, 10th Kerala Pay Commission, Police and Jail Reforms Commission, Vizhinjam Port Inquiry Commission, and Commission for Pay Revision of Ministers and MLAs. Currently, he chairs the Commission for Economically Backward People in Forward Communities, showcasing a distinguished career in law, administration, and public service.
Dr. Sajin Kumar K.S.
Assistant Professor, Department of Geology, University of Kerala and Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Department of Geological and Mining Engineering and Sciences, Michigan Technological University, USA
Dr. Sajin Kumar K.S. is an Assistant Professor in Geology at the University of Kerala. He obtained BSc and MSc Geology degrees from the University College, Trivandrum, ranking 1st in MSc. After varied roles in organizations like the Centre for Earth Science Studies and Department of Mining & Geology, he pursued his PhD at IIT Bombay in 2005, focusing on Geoinformatics in landslide risk assessment and management in parts of Western Ghats, Central Kerala, India. Following work with the Geological Survey of India, he joined the University of Kerala in 2012. He was awarded the UGC Raman Post-Doctoral Fellowship, which enabled him to carry out research at Michigan Technological University, USA. He also serves as an Adjunct Assistant Professor at Michigan Technological University, USA.