About us
United by Purpose.
Driven by Heart.
Meet the volunteers building a bridge between hearts and communities
Our Mission
Rooted in volunteerism, play the role of a facilitator and catalyst to drive and deliver inclusive social change in the Himalayan region.
Our Vision
Inspire and encourage individuals and organisations to serve and be part of positive, localized change transformed by service.
The 4 S’s Beliefs
Steered by Selflessness, Sacrifice, Service, and Support, our actions are anchored on Gandhi and Mother Teresa’s messages of small things done with great love.
HVT Foundation is a Section 8, 12A, 80G, CSR 1 and Darpan registered, not-for- profit organization, running structured programs and long-term initiatives in education, skill development, and volunteering and empowering the community. We primarily work in the states in Himalayan belt.
Yet at our core, we still carry the spirit of that original question – a belief that even the simplest ideas, when rooted in community, can grow into movements that make a difference.
In 2018, amidst the quiet strength of the Himalayas, Mr. Panki Sood and Ms. Mahima Mehra founded Himalayan Volunteer Tourism (HVT) as a social initiative – a humble Facebook group created to connect volunteers with host communities across the region.
The idea was simple yet powerful: could we make a bridge to bring together people who wanted to serve, learn, and immerse themselves in authentic grassroots work with hosts who needed their skills and energy?
What began as an experimental initiative quickly gained momentum. Hosts shared opportunities. Volunteers shared stories. Connections turned into collaborations. Over time, this small Facebook group grew into a thriving community-now over 30,000 strong-of change makers, travelers, teachers, doctors, artists, and dreamers, all bound by a shared purpose: to contribute meaningfully to the Himalayan region.
We welcome you to join hands with us towards a common dream!
HVT Today
Today, HVT has grown far beyond its digital roots. We are now a Section 8 registered not-for-profit organization, running structured programs and long-term initiatives in education, skill development, and volunteering.
Yet at our core, we still carry the spirit of that original question—a belief that even the simplest ideas, when rooted in community, can grow into movements that make a difference.
Our Values
Community First
We believe in the power of grassroots connections and authentic relationships built through service.
Meaningful Impact
Every opportunity is designed to create real, lasting change in both volunteers and host communities.
Cultural Exchange
We celebrate diversity and foster understanding through immersive cultural experiences.
Sustainable Growth
We focus on long-term initiatives that build capacity and create lasting positive change.
This is more than work.
This is our calling.
This is our journey.
And we walk it together.
Leadership Team
Panki Sood
Co-Founder, Director
Panki Sood is a mountaineering and skiing expert who leads volunteer engagement, community outreach, sustainable tourism, rural livelihoods, funding initiatives, and drug de-addiction awareness across the Himalayas.
Mahima Mehra
CO-Founder, Director
A social impact leader with 10+ years of experience in rural education, women empowerment, CSR, volunteer engagement, and sustainable community development across the Himalayan region.
Ravi Shankar Rao
Head of AccountsAn MBA and retired IT Manager with 30+ years of experience, Ravishankar oversees finance, governance, and compliance at HVT Foundation while supporting digital literacy through computer training in partner schools.
Vivek Kedia
Head of EducationA CXO, consultant, life coach, and wellness practitioner, he leads HVT Foundation’s education initiatives, mentoring trainers and advancing teacher development, life skills, career awareness, and experiential learning.
Nilay Parikh
Head of VolunteeringA social impact leader and volunteerism advocate, Nilay N. Parikh leads volunteer engagement, partnerships, and impactful programs that strengthen HVT Foundation’s education and community initiatives.
Maj. Anshu Saxena (Retd.)
Head of Community DevelopmentMajor Anshu Saxena (Retd.), a decorated Army veteran and UN professional, leads HVT Foundation’s Community Development vertical, driving rural livelihoods, youth empowerment, and capacity building.
Prarthana Kapoor
Head of Digital StrategyWith 10+ years in technology consulting, Prarthana Kapoor leads HVT Foundation’s digital landscape, AI initiatives, and digital readiness programs aligned with NEP 2020.
Impact Team
Resu Prasad
Teacher TrainerA master trainer with 20+ years of experience, Ms. Resu leads teacher capacity-building, social-emotional learning, classroom management, and student well-being initiatives at HVT Foundation.
Nitasha Garg
Teacher TrainerA postgraduate educator, storyteller, and trainer, Nitasha Garg leads storytelling-based learning, phonics, and creative workshops that foster communication, imagination, and holistic child development.
Priti Sanghvi
Social Media & Slow Learners TrainersA certified interior designer, special educator, and real estate professional, Priti Sanghvi leads HVT Foundation’s social media, driving digital outreach, content creation, and community engagement.
Neeta Uchil/Khadye
Teacher TrainerAn accomplished educationist and teacher trainer, Neeta B. Khadye leads career guidance, Menstrupedia initiatives, and science-based community learning, fostering awareness on social and environmental issues.
Aditya Tiwari
AI Trainer and Inclusive Program for Special ChildrenA software engineer and banking professional, Aditya Tiwari is a trainer focused on AI, digital literacy, parenting support, and special needs awareness, empowering students and families through education.
Dr. Anupama Harshal
Teacher TrainerA Ph.D. in Biochemistry and MHRD-trained Teacher Trainer, Dr. Anupma Harshal is a STEM mentor who advances science education, teacher training, and antimicrobial resistance awareness at HVT Foundation.
Namrata Agarwal
Teacher TrainerA gold medalist with an M.A. in English and B.Ed., Namrata Agarwal is an experienced educator who supports HVT’s classroom and community programs with a collaborative approach to learning and development.
Shubhalaxmi Naik
Teacher TrainerA distinguished educationist and teacher trainer, Smt. Shubhalaxmi Naik leads BodyWise, English teaching, storytelling, and adolescent education, empowering teachers and students through learner-centric pedagogy.
Madhuri Sharma
Teacher TrainerAn accomplished educationist with 17+ years of experience, she specializes in curriculum design, teacher training, and life skills education, empowering educators and advancing learner-centred, future-ready education.
Advisory Council
Ankit Sood
Advisory CouncilA Himalayan ecotourism expert and social entrepreneur, Ankit Sood advances community-based tourism, sustainable livelihoods, and volunteer initiatives, driving positive impact across Himalayan communities.
Dr. Diti Vyas
Advisory CouncilAn educator, communication expert, and researcher, Diti Vyas serves on HVT Foundation’s Advisory Board, providing strategic guidance on education, communication, leadership, and innovation.
Dr. Kaynat Kazi
Advisory CouncilA researcher, author, and cultural storyteller, Dr. Kaynat Kazi serves on HVT Foundation’s Advisory Board, providing strategic guidance on heritage, education, culture, and community engagement.
Dr. Vrajesh Parikh
Advisory CouncilA renowned education innovator, STEM mentor, and sustainability advocate, Dr. Vrajesh Parikh serves on HVT Foundation’s Advisory Board, providing strategic guidance on education, innovation, and community impact.
Himanshu Rai Sharma
Advisory CouncilAn education and social impact leader with 20+ years of experience, he drives innovation in education, livelihoods, EdTech, and agriculture, building high-impact programs, strategic partnerships, and sustainable community initiatives.
Ayas Fallon Khan
Advisory CouncilAn educator, environmental consultant, and sustainability advocate, Ayas Fallon-Khan provides strategic guidance on fundraising, digital outreach, website development, and global partnerships at HVT Foundation.
Kunzes Dolma
Advisory CouncilA sustainable energy engineer and climate leader, Kunzes pioneers renewable energy, geothermal innovation, and women’s leadership, advancing climate resilience and community empowerment in the Himalayas.
Our Story
HVT Foundation is a Section 8, 12A, 80G, CSR 1 and Darpan registered, not-for-profit organization, running structured programs and long-term initiatives in education, skill development, and volunteering and empowering the community. We primarily work in the states in Himalayan belt.
Yet at our core, we still carry the spirit of that original question – a belief that even the simplest ideas, when rooted in community, can grow into movements that make a difference.
In 2018, amidst the quiet strength of the Himalayas, Mr. Panki Sood and Ms. Mahima Mehra founded Himalayan Volunteer Tourism (HVT) as a social initiative – a humble Facebook group created to connect volunteers with host communities across the region.
The idea was simple yet powerful: could we make a bridge to bring together people who wanted to serve, learn, and immerse themselves in authentic grassroots work with hosts who needed their skills and energy?
What began as an experimental initiative quickly gained momentum. Hosts shared opportunities. Volunteers shared stories. Connections turned into collaborations. Over time, this small Facebook group grew into a thriving community-now over 30,000 strong-of change makers, travelers, teachers, doctors, artists, and dreamers, all bound by a shared purpose: to contribute meaningfully to the Himalayan region.
We welcome you to join hands with us towards a common dream!
From Facebook to Impact
- Started as Facebook group in 2018
- Grew to 30,000+ members
- Became Section 8, 12A, 80G, CSR 1 and Darpan registered NGO
- Running structured programs
30,000+
Community Members
2,500+
Volunteers Placed
200+
Host Communities
50+
Active Projects
HVT Today
Today, HVT has grown far beyond its digital roots. We are now a Section 8 registered not-for-profit organization, running structured programs and long-term initiatives in education, skill development, and volunteering.
Yet at our core, we still carry the spirit of that original question—a belief that even the simplest ideas, when rooted in community, can grow into movements that make a difference.
Our Values
Community First
We believe in the power of grassroots connections and authentic relationships built through service.
Meaningful Impact
Every opportunity is designed to create real, lasting change in both volunteers and host communities.
Cultural Exchange
We celebrate diversity and foster understanding through immersive cultural experiences.
Sustainable Growth
We focus on long-term initiatives that build capacity and create lasting positive change.
Join Our Community
Be part of a movement that’s transforming lives across the Himalayas. Whether you’re a volunteer, host or supporter, there’s a place for you here.