Nishan Team

Aridaman Jit Singh 

MA in history, and graduate of International Civil-Military Coordination from the United Nations Office on Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. His career spans two decades with the Government of India. Here he was heavily involved in anti militancy operations as well as security, vigilance, and counter intelligence operations with one of the elitist central police organization of the country. His encounters with corrupt high ranking officials ignited and fueled his endless endeavor to uphold the rights of the people and ensure justice for all.

Dr. Harjinder Kaur 

Academic by profession, human rights activist by soul and spirit.  Harjinder is a gold medalist of MA & MPhil from Kurukshetra University and completed Phd from Delhi University. She has taught at various colleges but honorably sacrificed her prosperous career in order to offer her full commitment to the Nishan, and our cause. She has worked tirelessly and remains the moving spirit of all the Nishan endeavors and is a passionate believer in mobilizing and empowering the people.

Captain Ramesh Kumar

A professional pilot who had the distinction of flying senior dignitaries of the government of India as part of the elite central police organisations. The organizational hypocrisy that is pervasive in the Indian police force took its toll on his professional career and he finally resigned. The urge to fight against corruption and the unprofessionalism of the forces drew him to Nishan. Presently Captain Ramesh is associated with Air India as a professional pilot and associated with Nishan as a crusader against corruption and injustice.

Captain Satvir Singh Gulia

Served with the Indian Army from 1996 to 2004 and is now a full-time crusader against injustice and corruption.  Captain Satvir is the driving force of Nishan field operations in relation to mobilising the masses.  He has been at the forefront of the campaign to inspire and organise the masses to rally against Special Economic Zones in the state of Haryana.

Captain K.M Thapar

An ex-Officer of the Indian Army, Captain Thapar has a long history as a social activist. At the age of 60 years he has the commitment and enthusiasm of a youthful crusader. Captain Thapar is always in the forefront of every campaign involving social justice issues.

Sh. Dharam Pal Sharma

A very successful businessman and social activist from the state of Haryana.  Sh. Dharam is the spirit behind the Power to the People campaign in the state of Haryana.  His zest and zeal to help the poor and marginalized people constantly inspires Nishan staff to carry forward the crusade against corruption.

The Nishan team is comprised of a number of volunteers from various countries bringing their skills and expertise to work for this cause.  The current team members and their roles are:

Cliona Martyn, Project Coordinator

Bachelor of Arts majoring in English and Music from National University of Ireland, Maynooth.  Cliona is planning on doing her LLM in International Human Rights Law in September.  A wish to gain practical experience and to work toward the betterment of society led Cliona to join Nishan in early April.  Cliona is a passionate and highly valued team member who works tirelessly to further the Nishan mission.

Tahlia Thompson, Campaign Coordinator

Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts majoring in International and Global Studies from Queensland University of Technology, Australia. After graduating in February Tahlia embarked on a year long trip through Asia.  A strong commitment to social justice and human rights, coupled with a desire to gain practical experience, led Tahlia to commit her expertise with us at Nishan along her journey. 

Michael Nowicki, Research Coordinator

Bachelor of Arts majoring in History from University of Concordia, Canada, and MA in European Studies and International Relation from Jagiellonian University, Poland. The challenge and adventure of traveling and working in India led Michael to contact Nishan.  Eager to gain professional field experience in international development, Michael’s enthusiasm and passion for rights and justice is a perfect fit with Nishan. 

Nishan is also greatly indebted to the work of following international volunteers who supported Nishan's endeavors and acknowledges the contributions of: