Our Leadership

Hanan Pandit

Founder & Chairman

Hanan Pandit is the Founder & Chairman of Milaap Peace Foundation, established with the vision of building institutions that create measurable, transparent, and sustainable social impact. A Civil Engineer by profession and an institution builder by conviction, he believes that lasting social change is achieved not through charity alone, but through strong institutions, accountable governance, and solutions that can be scaled.

Over the past fifteen years, his work has spanned public policy, rural development, community infrastructure, affordable housing, land rights, and grassroots governance. His approach combines engineering discipline, public policy, and community engagement to address complex social challenges through practical, sustainable, and evidence-based solutions.

His public work demonstrates a consistent ability to translate vision into measurable public value. By combining engineering expertise, policy engagement, and community collaboration, he has advanced land rights for marginalised farmers through sustained legal advocacy, RTI-driven research, and constructive engagement with government, contributing to the implementation of long-pending policy reforms. He has further demonstrated how engineering innovation can expand access to dignified, affordable housing and independently led the development of pilgrim safety and accessibility infrastructure at Raireshwar Fort, improving safety and access at one of Maharashtra's most significant heritage sites. Together, these initiatives reflect a leadership approach rooted in institution building, accountable execution, and sustainable community development.

To further strengthen his understanding of public leadership and institution building, Hanan has completed advanced programmes in Constitutional Governance, Gandhian Statecraft, and Institution Building. These experiences reinforce a leadership philosophy grounded in ethical public service, democratic values, disciplined execution, and long-term institution building.

Under his leadership, Milaap Peace Foundation is being built as a governance-first, execution-driven institution that brings together communities, government, industry, academia, and philanthropy to deliver measurable outcomes in education, livelihoods, women's empowerment, healthcare, and community development. Every programme is designed around measurable outcomes, transparent governance, financial accountability, and long-term sustainability—ensuring that every partnership creates enduring value for the communities it serves while upholding the highest standards of stewardship and public trust.

"Leadership that builds. Systems that last. Impact that can be measured"

Zahir Ansari

Founder & Managing Director

Zahir Ansari has built his career on a simple conviction: technology delivers its greatest value when it improves lives, not only businesses. That belief has guided his journey from leading enterprise technology initiatives to social impact leadership, where he now works to expand opportunity for underserved communities through scalable, future-ready programs.

With more than a decade of experience across enterprise infrastructure, cloud technologies, cybersecurity, and digital transformation, he has led complex, business-critical IT initiatives, driven modernization across organisations, and built and scaled multiple ventures. Over time, his focus evolved from operational excellence to broader purpose: applying the same discipline, systems thinking, and execution rigor to community transformation.

As Founder and Managing Director of Milaap Peace Foundation, he leads initiatives in digital literacy, AI readiness, women's economic empowerment, and youth skill development. Under his leadership, the Foundation is building structured, measurable, and scalable programs that combine corporate-grade execution with grassroots relevance.

He actively collaborates with corporate CSR leaders, government institutions, industry partners, and academic organisations to create partnerships that translate shared intent into tangible outcomes for communities.

"Technology reaches its highest purpose when it empowers people, strengthens communities, and expands dignity through opportunity."

Shri Vishwas Dighe

Champion of Community Leadership

Born into a humble farming family in Mulshi, Maharashtra, Shri Vishwas Dighe has emerged as one of the state’s most respected grassroots leaders. His life has been defined by service, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to uplifting farmers, workers, traders, and underserved communities.

Respected across public institutions and leadership circles, Shri Dighe has built a reputation for turning trust into action. For decades, he has helped connect people with opportunity, resolve public grievances, and ensure that the needs of ordinary citizens reach the right forums. His influence has always been guided by one principle—to use it in the service of those who need it most.

At Milaap Peace Foundation, he provides invaluable leadership and strategic guidance, strengthening the Foundation’s mission of empowering communities through education, livelihoods, and sustainable social impact.

“True leadership is measured not by power, but by the number of lives it transforms.”