Adv. Balkrishna Pathak

Founder & Managing Trustee

BBA-LLB, LLM

Mr. Balkrishna Pathak is the visionary founder and managing trustee of Gyan Vyapi Educational Trust (GVET). Hailing from the rural town of Naigaon in Nanded district, Maharashtra, his life's mission has always been rooted in serving humanity and promoting justice.

Balkrishna completed his early education in Naigaon and later moved to the district headquarters for his HSC. Initially aspiring to become a doctor, he was preparing for the NEET exam. However, destiny had a different path for him. With a strong sense of justice and a voice against inequality since childhood, he found his true calling in the legal field.

An important turning point came when his elder brother called him to Hyderabad. After thoughtful discussions, Balkrishna chose to pursue law. He appeared for the entrance exam and secured admission at Osmania University, Hyderabad. As a first-generation lawyer, he was determined to understand court proceedings early and joined Thomas George & Associates as an intern. His dedication led him to be designated as a paralegal within nine months.

Later, he shifted to Mumbai with his family and, on referral from his mentor, interned under senior advocates in the city. After receiving his license on 6th December 2021, he began his independent legal practice.

Known for his approachable and social nature, Advocate Balkrishna has gained experience across various legal domains including criminal, civil, family, consumer, DRT, NCLT, revenue, environmental, and trust matters. He believes in continuous learning and completed his LLM in Criminal Law from Mumbai University alongside his practice.

Deeply moved by the plight of underprivileged clients who could not afford basic legal or educational costs, Balkrishna often extended support from his own resources. This spirit of service led him and a group of like-minded friends from Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Telangana, and Uttar Pradesh to form a charitable trust. Inspired by his passion for visiting temples, ancient monuments, and his love for Sanskrit (being a Sanskrit Pandit himself), the idea of “Gyan Vyapi” – a ‘well of knowledge’ – was born.

In April 2024, Gyan Vyapi Educational Trust was formally registered. Since then, under his leadership, the trust has been committed to spreading education, supporting the needy, and promoting kindness and service to society.

Surender Sahu

Trustee & Treasurer

Mr. Surender Sahu is a dynamic entrepreneur and devoted trustee of Gyan Vyapi Educational Trust. Hailing from Rajasthan, he is widely respected for his deep commitment to uplifting underprivileged communities through practical skill development and employment generation.

With years of grassroots experience, Mr. Sahu has trained and supported over 1,000 individuals in acquiring job-ready skills, many of whom have become self-reliant and started their own businesses. He has also facilitated driving training for 100–200 individuals, helping them gain employment in the transport sector and achieve sustainable livelihoods.

A missionary-minded individual, Mr. Sahu strongly believes in empowering people through hands-on support rather than mere charity. His vision aligns deeply with the Trust's goals of education, self-employment, and community welfare. As a trustee, he plays a key role in guiding vocational training initiatives and expanding outreach in both urban and rural areas.

Adv. Praveen Vankudoth

Trustee

BBA-LLB

Advocate Vankudoth Praveen is a practicing lawyer before the Hon’ble High Court of Telangana and a dedicated trustee of Gyan Vyapi Educational Trust. Hailing from Mahabubabad, Telangana, he is a first-generation legal professional whose journey is marked by commitment to justice, education, and social reform.

A graduate in BBA-LLB, Praveen brings youthful energy and a strong sense of purpose to the Trust. His decision to join GVET was driven by a shared vision to uplift marginalized communities through legal empowerment and educational outreach. Inspired by the founding values of the Trust, he actively contributes to its growth and cross-state collaborations, particularly focusing on legal aid and community development.

Manoj Kumar Pathak

Trustee & Secretary

MBA (HR), BBA

Mr. Manoj Kumar Pathak is a dedicated trustee of Gyan Vyapi Educational Trust, contributing his skills in management, communication, and community engagement. With a strong academic background in Human Resource Management and Business Administration, he brings valuable organizational insight to the Trust's operations.

Currently based in Navi Mumbai, Mr. Pathak is also engaged professionally in the customer service and sales sector. His interest in education, youth empowerment, and social service motivated him to join the Trust’s mission. As a trustee, he plays an active role in coordinating outreach activities and promoting inclusive development across regions.

Dilip Kumar Pathak

Honorary Advisor

MBA (Marketing & E-commerce), BBA

Mr. Dilip Kumar Pathak serves as an Honorary Advisor to Gyan Vyapi Educational Trust, supporting the organization in strategic planning, digital outreach, and vocational empowerment initiatives. With a postgraduate degree in Marketing and E-commerce and a solid foundation in Business Administration, he brings valuable academic and practical insight to the Trust's mission.

Based in Hyderabad, Mr. Pathak contributes his expertise in digital platforms, communication, and skill-based training to help design programs that prepare youth for real-world challenges. His focus remains on enhancing employability and promoting self-reliance among underprivileged communities.

Committed to the Trust’s values of education, empowerment, and inclusive growth, Mr. Pathak plays an active advisory role in shaping and guiding projects that uplift youth and transform lives through meaningful education and skill development.

Dr. Akshay Raj

Medical Advisor

MBBS

Dr. Akshay raj is a reputed medical professional with over 10 years of experience in clinical practice and educational mentorship. A state topper in NEET, he has consistently demonstrated academic excellence and a passion for guiding the youth. As an honorary advisor at Gyan Vyapi, he actively mentors students preparing for competitive exams such as NEET and UPSC, offering valuable insights into both career planning and disciplined preparation strategies.

Beyond academic mentorship, Dr. Akshay raj plays an integral role in guiding the trust's activities in alignment with its vision—promoting educational equity, holistic development, and social upliftment. His thoughtful guidance helps shape the direction of key initiatives, ensuring that Gyan Vyapi remains grounded in its mission to serve underserved communities with integrity and purpose.His commitment to empowering students from diverse backgrounds makes him a vital pillar of our mission.

Pankaj Sharma

Acting Chairman

B.Sc. (Physics Hons.), MBA (Marketing)

Mr. Pankaj Kumar serves as the Acting Chairman of Gyan Vyapi Educational Trust, bringing with him over 25 years of distinguished experience in the field of education. Originally from Jharkhand and based in Navi Mumbai for the last two decades, he has been a cornerstone in guiding and mentoring students toward academic excellence.

With deep expertise in senior school education, his focus spans Mathematics and Science for students of CBSE, ICSE, SSC, and IGCSE boards, especially for Classes 10 to 12. His approach combines clarity of concept with individualized attention, ensuring that each student achieves measurable academic progress.

Through his dedicated efforts across Kharghar, Panvel, and Kamothe, Mr. Kumar continues to embody the core mission of Gyan Vyappi—to spread knowledge, empower young minds, and nurture future leaders.

Yogesh Kumar

IT & Training Volunteer

MSC(IT), BSC(IT)

Yogesh Sahu is a dedicated volunteer with a strong interest in technology, training, and community development. He plays a key role in organizing computer literacy workshops, helping youth acquire digital skills, and assisting in administrative tasks. His enthusiasm and hands-on approach align well with the Trust’s mission to empower through education and skills.

Sameer Sahu

Technical Volunteer

B.E(IT)

Sameer Sahu brings his engineering background and problem-solving mindset to the Trust’s technical and youth development initiatives. He is actively involved in digital awareness drives, training support, and on-ground logistics. His commitment to social service and practical implementation makes him a valuable resource in the Trust's expansion efforts.

Mr. Vikash

Field Volunteer

Mr. Vikash is one of the most dedicated grassroots volunteers working actively with Gyan Vyapi. His on-ground involvement spans educational outreach, student engagement, and logistical coordination for trust-led programs across semi-urban and rural regions.

Driven by a genuine commitment to social upliftment, he plays a vital role in bridging the gap between the trust's vision and field-level execution. From identifying deserving beneficiaries to supporting awareness drives, Mr. Vikash ensures that Gyan Vyapi’s initiatives reach the communities that need them most. His presence at the field level helps maintain trust, transparency, and impact in every project we undertake.