Our Founders feel deeply for their homeland – the Indian Himalayan Region, and for a decade now they have been campaigning and championing many an initiative for the region’s upliftment. They were cognizant of the fact that with their limited resources they wouldn’t be able to do much, that’s how the idea of having a platform to reach out for public support and participation took shape in the form of Himalayan Volunteer Tourism. Channelising the strength and energy of the strong member base on Facebook and their grassroot connect, they are selflessly working on their vision – ‘To inspire and encourage individuals and organisations to serve and be part of a positive change’.
Co-Founder
Panki Sood, Co-Founder of Himalayan Volunteer Tourism project and also of Sunshine Himalayan Adventures and cottages. He is a qualified mountaineer trained in advance mountaineering and Skiing by Western Himalayan Mountaineering Institute. A passionate photographer and tourism expert and on the Board of B.T.C.A. Board (Board of Biodiversity Tourism and Community Advancement) and advocate for Tirthan Valley and The Great Himalayan National Park. An active drug addiction Counsellor, member of Naya Savera Drug De Addiction Foundation and a visiting faculty in 20 Rehab Centres. He is an active member of the Kullu project and Director at Srot Rural Education and Development Foundation, focusing on giving youth a direction in life. Being part of the Hospitality sector, he has initiated many homestay projects, women’s initiatives. Panki’s dedication and expertise have made him a TEDx speaker and garnered a strong following. Connecting with the HVT volunteers and building on the base of 16000 plus volunteers is his forte.
Co-Founder
Mahima Mehra is the Co-Founder of Himalayan Volunteer Tourism project. Her search for volunteering projects for herself and the lack of a platform to connect genuine volunteers, led her to establish HVT. She is also a Director at The Srot Rural Education and Development Foundation – an alternative education centre in Tirthan valley, Kullu, for children from remote villages. She is actively working as a consultant for rural development projects, especially in Himachal Pradesh, Kashmir, Uttrakhand, Spiti and Ladakh. Mahima is also engaged in various organizations and initiatives, such as Ummeed Foundation, Nomadlawyers, Aravindam Foundation, Foundation and Spectrum. Member of All India council of Human Rights, Liberties and Social Justice, and National Council of News and Braodcasting. With her extensive experience, she writes impactful blogs about change makers and travel experiences. Her role at HVT is mainly initiating projects along with the working team, under various sectors and overall coordination.
