Welcome to Northeast india Public Policy Forum

Nava Baro is a seasoned public policy and strategic communications professional with over 20 years of experience working at the intersection of government, industry, media, and the startup ecosystem. Known for his ability to build bridges between institutions and stakeholders, he has played a key role in shaping communication strategies, public affairs initiatives, and policy advocacy efforts for leading global and Indian organisations.

Throughout his career, Nava has advised and led major communication mandates for globally renowned firms such as Deloitte, PwC, KPMG, Tata Motors, and Rockwell Collins. His work has spanned public affairs strategy, media strategy, government advocacy, crisis communications, and stakeholder management, helping organisations navigate complex policy environments while strengthening their institutional credibility and public impact.

Deeply committed to the growth and development of Northeast region of India, Nava has been actively involved in building platforms that promote policy dialogue, investment, entrepreneurship, and collaborative development in the region. He is the Founder of Northeast India Public Policy Forum, an initiative dedicated to enabling informed policy dialogues, research, and stakeholder engagement on issues critical to the region’s development. He is also the Co-Founder of Northeast Angels Network, a platform supporting early-stage startups with angel funds and mentorship. He is also a Partner at CoCreate Ventures, where he works with founders and innovators to build scalable ventures and strengthen the regional startup ecosystem. Nava is also the founder of Alliance Mantra Communications, a strategic advisory firm specialising in public affairs, media and reputation management. Additionally, Nava is also a Mentor at the IIT Guwahati Technology Incubation Centre, Advisor – Web3 Assam and associated with various other organisations.

Through his work across public policy, communications, investment and entrepreneurship, Nava continues to champion collaborative growth and development for Northeast India, helping position the region as an emerging hub for innovation, enterprise, and sustainable growth.

N. C. Bipindra is a veteran in journalism with over 20 years of experience specialising in military affairs, aerospace and defence economics, diplomacy, national security, and strategic affairs. He is the editor of Defence.Capital magazine and has previously worked at the Times of India, New Indian Express, Press Trust of India, and Bloomberg News. Professionally a lawyer, he practices as an advocate in the Delhi-based Courts and Tribunals, the Delhi High Court, and the Supreme Court of India. Additionally, he serves as the Chairman of New Delhi-based think-tanks 'Law and Society Alliance' and 'Indian Strategic Interests Foundation', which focus on evidence-based policy research related to human rights, legislation, international laws, legal reforms, education reforms, self-reliance, and 'Make in India' initiatives in the aerospace and defence sectors, as well as national security and strategic affairs. He is also the Managing Trustee of the New Delhi-based 'Centre for South Indian Studies', which concentrates on research concerning the social, cultural, linguistic, economic, and political aspects of the six South Indian states and union territories. Furthermore, he is involved with the North East India Public Policy Forum, contributing to public policy development in the region.

Amit Jindal comes with over 20 years of experience in M&A, business restructuring, tax, and regulatory structuring practice in India. He assists large multinational conglomerates in joint venture structuring with Indian companies from a taxation and regulatory perspective and in processing regulatory approvals. Furthermore, he helps large Private Equity players with their acquisitions in India involving cross-border structuring, funding acquisitions, and corporate tax optimization. Mr. Jindal also supports Private Equity players in inbound investment structuring, ensuring that the evidence-based policy research is integrated into the decision-making process. His advice includes identifying suitable jurisdictions, holding/investment structures, forms of entity at various levels/jurisdictions, operational structures at the India level, carry structures, and highlighting key Indian tax and regulatory aspects to be considered. He is currently engaged as Co-Founder of Felix Advisory and President of the Government Blockchain Association India, where he contributes to public policy development, particularly through initiatives like the North East India Public Policy Forum. Prior to this, he worked with EY and has extensive experience in corporate tax, fiscal, and regulatory matters concerning the restructuring and divestment of businesses in India.

Mr. Mohd Ujaley is a seasoned journalist with over 15 years of experience who has worked with India’s major media conglomerates like The Times Group and Indian Express Group. He has extensively covered government policy regulations pertaining to education, health, technology, and various facets of Indian bureaucracy at both the state and central government levels. His work at ETGovernment included editorial oversight for the platform's growth, emphasizing evidence-based policy research and its role in public policy development. Additionally, during his tenure with the Indian Express Group, he significantly contributed to public sector initiatives, including the North East India Public Policy Forum and the Technology Sabha.

Neha Kachhwaha Mehra is a prominent business leader and board member, known for her extensive contributions to the printing and packaging industry and export development in India. As the Owner & Promoter of York Print Pvt. Ltd. (YPPL), a major player in the printing and packaging sector with a broad international footprint, Neha manages critical aspects of the business including legal compliance, export management, and HR functions, playing a key role in expanding the company’s global presence. Additionally, she serves as a Board Member at the Federation of Indian Exports (FIEO), representing the North East region of India. In this capacity, she addresses challenges faced by exporters from this region and advocates for evidence-based policy research to enhance export policies and training opportunities. Neha has been actively involved in public policy development aimed at regional advancement and has been recognized for her efforts in skill development and industry growth. Her recent accomplishments include keynote speaking engagements, receiving commendations for her advocacy work, and contributing to international trade discussions. Moreover, Neha is engaged in social projects, including child welfare and environmental initiatives, and is actively involved with the North East India Public Policy Forum and the YPO North East Chapter.

Dr. Chinmoy Hazarika is a dentist, clinician, and health-technology innovator based in Guwahati, Assam. He is the Founder of Neordent Healthcare Solutions Pvt Ltd, a DPIIT-recognized startup working at the intersection of dentistry, artificial intelligence, and digital health.

He leads the development of the GentleDental.ai ecosystem, a preventive oral healthcare platform that integrates AI, smart devices, and digital health tools to enable early detection and personalized oral care. The company’s flagship innovation, the Gentle AI Smart Toothbrush, combines imaging, biosensing, and AI-driven analytics to transform everyday brushing into a preventive health monitoring experience.

With extensive clinical experience and a strong interest in technology-driven healthcare solutions, Dr. Hazarika focuses on bridging the gap between oral health and systemic health through scalable digital platforms. His work spans product innovation, clinical research collaborations, and building integrated dental care models that combine preventive technology with modern dental services.

Dr. Hazarika is also the Honorary General Secretary of the Indian Dental Association Guwahati Branch, where he actively contributes to professional development initiatives and oral health awareness programs.

Through his work, he aims to position Northeast India as a hub for healthcare innovation while building globally relevant solutions in preventive and digital dentistry.

Dhrupad Das is a corporate litigator and founding partner of Panda Law, boasting over 15 years of experience in corporate and technology litigations. He specializes in governance, regulatory compliance, and dispute resolution, advising emerging tech businesses such as virtual asset service providers, blockchain projects, and token issuers. His expertise is particularly valuable for technology-driven enterprises operating across India and internationally, especially in navigating the complexities of public policy development within India’s regulatory landscape. Dhrupad's legal practice aligns with international standards for web3 and digital asset businesses, contributing to evidence-based policy research through his involvement with the North East India Public Policy Forum. As a founding member of the Bharat Web3 Association and an advisor to Web3Assam, he is actively engaged in discussions about the intersection of law, technology, and the ongoing digital transformation. Additionally, Dhrupad co-founded Colours of India, a pioneering artist community that connects creators and entrepreneurs within the Web3/NFT ecosystem, fostering collaboration between art and blockchain technology. A certified permaculture designer and nature photographer, he is dedicated to projects that explore the synergy between sustainability, creativity, and emerging technologies.

Sheikh is the co-founder of Digital Notice Media Labs and brings 14 years of experience in software development, blockchain technology, graphic design, social media marketing, the ecommerce industry, and digital media strategy. As a serial entrepreneur, he has founded several ventures including Royal Whitewoods, Herbarium Labs, Digital Notice Media Labs, Kartonomy Inc, Crypto News Point, Northeast Angels Network, Greenluit Constructions and Web3Assam. He is an early mover in the web3 industry, actively contributing to the global media distribution of emerging Fintech and Blockchain sectors, positioning them for success on a worldwide scale. Additionally, Sheikh is involved in evidence-based policy research and collaborates with the North East India Public Policy Forum to enhance public policy development in the region.