Who we are

Archana Chandra, Amit Chandra, and Anuj Bhagwati—long-time friends brought together by shared values—founded ATECF in 2013 with a common vision: to create meaningful, lasting change. From the early days of their professional journeys, each of them had embraced the responsibility of giving their time and resources to serve others.

Their commitment is inspired by values drawn from diverse sources—from Guru Nanak’s philosophy of “Kirat Karo, Vand Chakho” (work with honesty and share generously), to Chuck Feeney’s belief in “Giving While Living,” which urges people to give their best while they can.

Over time, they developed a shared conviction: that the most powerful way to use their blessings is to tackle society’s toughest challenges in a sustainable, scalable way. They believe that deep impact is only possible when driven by a committed, high-performing team, built in partnership with communities, governments, and the broader ecosystem.

Their vision is brought to life by a dedicated team of professionals from diverse backgrounds. Our team is united by a shared commitment to our vision and passion for driving meaningful change. Each of us seeks to work together to help address some of the nation’s most pressing challenges.

Our Giving Journey

The Early Years: Prior to 2014

  • A.T.E Group - 70+ years giving history

  • Chandra family commence giving in early 90s

  • Largely NGO specific grants

  • Emphasis on Education & Health

  • Contribute money and time

The Middle Years: 2015 - 2019

  • Foundation set up by A.T.E. & Chandra family

  • Focus shifts to Institution & Ecosystem building

  • Vertical Pivot to Capacity Building & Rural Development

  • Principals materially ramp up time commitment

Recent Years: 2020+

  • Aspiration for scale impact through

    • Advocacy

    • Partnerships with government and other donors

    • Open-source Tools

    • Support Movements

  • Build urban transformation efforts

board of directors
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Archana Chandra
Board Member, A.T.E. Chandra Foundation

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  • Archana Chandra is CEO of Jai Vakeel Foundation. She has over 20 years of experience in the social sector & has served on the Boards/ Advisory Boards of many leading NGOs/Trusts. She is well regarded as an expert in the field of intellectual disability and capacity building

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Amit Chandra
Co-Founder, A.T.E. Chandra Foundation

  • Amit is the Chairperson & founding member of Bain Capital’s Mumbai office. He is former MD/Board Member of DSP Merrill Lynch and has been active in the social sector for over 25 years. He has been a member of the Boards /Advisory Boards of many of India’s leading Corporates & NGOs/Trusts as well as served on numerous government committees. His social sector roles have included being a trustee of Tata Trusts, a founder/board member of Ashoka University, a board member of Give India and The Akanksha Foundation. Amit has also been a member of the advisory boards of Bridgespan India, the Centre for Social Impact & Philanthropy, and Swades Foundation. Amit was named a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum in 2007 and was on the Asia’s Heroes of Philanthropy list by Forbes in 2016, along with his wife Archana.

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Anuj Bhagwati
Head, ATE Group

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  • Anuj is an entrepreneur who leads the ATE Group. With over three decades of experience in the corporate & social sector. He has served on the Boards /Advisory Boards of many leading NGOs/Trusts and is well regarded as an Urban Governance expert

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Nikesh Jain
Board Member, A.T.E. Chandra Foundation

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  • Nikesh Jain is a fellow member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India. He has over 30 years of experience across functions: Corporate accounts & finance, business planning, investor relations, IPR, legal and commercial, administration and HR. At A.T.E. he is responsible for group finances, projects, joint ventures, and general management of the group.

OUR TEAM

ATECF is shaped and led by multidisciplinary individuals committed to experimentation, iteration, and the constant re-imagination of what’s possible.

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Kanika Thanawala
Senior Manager, Water and Agriculture

Amrtha Kasturi Rangan
Chief Operating Officer

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Aditya Jain
Assistant Manager, Water and Agriculture

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Anuj David
Manager, Water and Agriculture

Anubha Sah
Chief of Staff

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Moumita Mukherjee
Deputy Manager, Water and Agriculture

Hiralchandra Maru
Manager, Water and Agriculture

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OUR CONSULTANTS
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Naomi Noronha

Tara Verghis

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OUR senior ADVISORS

Nimesh Sumati

Rajendra Kasliwal

Venkat Krishnan

Luis Miranda

Deepak Satwalekar

Govind Iyer

Manisha Joshi

Deepa Vardarajan