Mallikarjuna Iytha is the Founder and CEO of the Inclusive Divyangjan Entrepreneur Association (IDEA), an organisation focused on creating entrepreneurship and livelihood opportunities for persons with disabilities. With over two decades of experience across the development and fair-trade sectors, he has worked extensively on empowering marginalised communities and building sustainable social enterprises. Through IDEA, he has supported more than 1,875 entrepreneurs with disabilities through initiatives including the Divyang Incubation Centre, Divyang Hunar Atmanirbhar Network (DHAN) and Sugamya Delhi Abhiyan.

Mr. Iytha previously served as President of Fair Trade Forum-India and has been part of the core team of Ekal Sansthan and Ekal Gramothan Foundation, supporting grassroots development initiatives in rural and tribal communities. He also co-founded Believe India Fair Trade and has authored five books on development issues. A recipient of a National Award for his contribution to disability inclusion and entrepreneurship, he holds an M.Phil in Environmental Sciences from Jawaharlal Nehru University and a Master’s degree in Microbiology from S.K. University.

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