Nehal Raj Pradhan, is a creative practitioner and development sector professional. He completed his schooling in his hometown of Darjeeling, in the eastern Himalayas, and pursued his college education in Kolkata. Furthering his studies in Development Management and Leadership, he attended the Indian School of Development Management in Noida. Over the years, Nehal has been fortunate to be involved with various community-led organizations and projects, focusing on climate action and advocacy. He has worked closely with youth and communities across diverse landscapes, from rural grassroots to bustling urban spaces. His journey in the social sector began in Kolkata, where he initially stumbled upon the field without a clear understanding of his interests and abilities. As he gradually found his footing, he gravitated towards youth advocacy, finding a home within Extinction Rebellion—a global network of passionate youth activists and creative minds.

The challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic led Nehal to explore permaculture, eventually becoming a mentor and educator in this field. Simultaneously, he played a foundational role in establishing the Eastern Himalayan Foundation, gaining invaluable insights into grassroots community work. Launching initiatives like The Earth Circle and contributing to the creation of Muhaan, he has been humbled to work alongside dedicated individuals, striving to make a positive impact.

At Muhaan's core, Nehal and his team focused on supporting climate-vulnerable communities in the eastern Himalayan region through sustainable tourism initiatives. In 2023, he was honored to receive the 'Future is Now - Champion of Change for Climate Action' award from H.E. Shombi Sharp, UN Resident Coordinator of India, and H.E. Dia Mirza, UN Secretary General’s Advocate for SDGs—a recognition that speaks more to the relentless efforts of his friends from Muhaan. Additionally, he is a youth representative at the Climate Advisory Group with the VartaLeap Coalition.

The Earth Circle project, he is working on is a youth-centric learning and leadership exchange program that upholds cross-cultural immersion.

He expressed, “I am genuinely thrilled to participate in the One Million Leaders - Asia Pacific Fellowship. It's a chance for me to learn, grow, and inspire others while fostering collaborations that amplify our collective impact.”