About the Speaker
With over 20 years of experience in social development, rural livelihoods, public policy, community engagement and sustainable development, Sarika Katoch Panwar has worked extensively across government, national and international organizations, leading initiatives that have empowered communities and influenced policy. Her expertise spans rural development, agriculture and agri-business, disaster management, tourism, youth leadership, women's empowerment, climate change, public health, and strategic planning.
She is the Co-founder and Head of Social Innovation at Svaksha Technologies LLP, where she leads the Rustic Himachal initiative, promoting sustainable livelihoods through farmer producer organizations (FPOs), agri-cooperatives, rural entrepreneurship, value addition, traditional crafts and market linkages.
Sarika has represented India on several prestigious international platforms. She served as India's Regional Youth Caucus Representative and later Chairperson of the Commonwealth Youth Programme, Asia Region, contributing to youth policy development, climate action, and strategic planning across Commonwealth nations. She also represented Commonwealth youth at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting and participated in global climate discussions under the Commonwealth Youth Climate Change Network.
A passionate advocate for community-led development, she has successfully led initiatives in sanitation, disaster preparedness, responsible tourism, HIV/AIDS awareness, rural finance, women's self-help groups, and emergency response. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she coordinated multi-stakeholder community support initiatives connecting government agencies, healthcare providers, volunteers and local communities.
Her contributions have earned her numerous recognitions, including the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar National Award, Divya Himachal Excellence Award, Youth Champion recognition from the Commonwealth on the occasion of the 60th Commonwealth Anniversary, and Youth Star honours from BBC WST, NACO and Doordarshan.
As a moderator at the Enoxx Himachal Conclave 2026, Sarika brings a unique combination of policy insight, grassroots experience and international exposure, enabling thoughtful, engaging and impactful conversations on the issues shaping the future of Himachal Pradesh.