Sarika Panda

At the Raahgiri Foundation, Sarika leads a team of designers, urban planners, and engineers working with industry, civic groups, city governments, and communities to make road infrastructure safer—especially for the most vulnerable users—through redesign and re-engineering. She also advocates for sustainable transportation such as walking, cycling, and public transit as a way to address the climate crisis.

Sarika pioneered Raahgiri Day in India, when, on weekend mornings, city residents from all walks of life reclaim designated streets to walk, cycle, and play without fear. The initiative is transforming the narrative of Indian roads from unsafe and dangerous to friendly and inclusive, and the model has been replicated in partnership with others across 70 cities.