Advisory Board
Leon Calleja
Leon Calleja currently serves as Chair of the English Department at Phillips Academy Andover, where he has taught English, Philosophy and interdisciplinary electives since 2015 and became Department Chair in September 2021.
He holds a J.D. (Brooklyn Law School, 2013), an M.A. in Philosophy (Harvard University, 2005), and a B.A. in English & Philosophy (Amherst College, 2000).
Leon Calleja’s academic focus on the intersections of narrative, poetic voices, law, philosophy, and identity positions him uniquely to contribute to Odisha Illuminated’s curatorial and educational mission—particularly in deepening public engagement with Odisha’s literary and artistic traditions, amplifying diverse voices, and framing regional art within broader ethical, cultural and philosophical contexts.
Sreejit Mohanty
Sreejit Mohanty is an advocate and independent law practice professional with more than twenty years of experience in litigation, corporate advisory, and regulatory compliance. A graduate of ILS Law College, Pune (B.S.L., LL.B., 2003), he began his career with Lex Orbis and went on to work with Singhania & Partners LLP, Fox Mandal & Associates, and Khaitan & Co. before establishing his own practice in 2011.
He has represented both multinational corporations and public sector undertakings before trial and appellate courts across India, known for his attention to detail and balanced approach to client advocacy. His work combines practical insight with a deep understanding of the evolving legal landscape in India.
Sreejit Mohanty’s dedication to environmental justice, economic empowerment, and ethical business practice aligns with Odisha Illuminated’s vision of strengthening artisan livelihoods through fair and transparent systems. His counsel supports the organization’s legal, governance, and policy frameworks, ensuring that its social and cultural initiatives rest on a strong foundation of legal integrity and community trust.
Dr. Ashok Kumar Panda
Dr. Ashok Kumar Panda currently serves as Director (Finance) at the Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL), one of India’s largest public sector enterprises in the steel industry. He holds a Ph.D. in Business Administration (Finance) and has more than three decades of experience across corporate finance, cost management, budgeting, and strategic asset oversight.
Since joining SAIL in 1992, Dr. Panda has played a key role in shaping the company’s financial strategy, modernizing fiscal operations, and leading large-scale digital transformation within the finance division. His expertise lies in balancing operational efficiency with long-term financial sustainability across India’s industrial ecosystem.
Dr. Panda’s deep understanding of public-sector finance and his commitment to transparent, ethical management align closely with Odisha Illuminated’s mission. His perspective helps guide the organization’s strategic development and fiscal governance, ensuring that its cultural, educational, and artisan initiatives remain financially sustainable and socially impactful.
Dr. Mukesh Mahaling
Dr. Mukesh Mahaling currently serves as the Cabinet Minister for Health & Family Welfare, Parliamentary Affairs and Electronics & Information Technology for the Government of Odisha.
Before his ministerial appointment, he was a Member of the Odisha Legislative Assembly representing the Loisingha (SC) constituency (first elected 2019) and spent 21 years as an environmental scientist with the State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) of Odisha, where he held roles including regional officer in industrially challenged areas.
Dr. Mahaling holds a B.Sc (Honours), M.Sc, M.Phil and Ph.D in Zoology from Utkal University.
His early leadership experience emerged as General Secretary of the Student Union at Anchal College, Padampur and later as Secretary of the Officers’ Association at the SPCB.
As an advisor to Odisha Illuminated, Dr. Mahaling offers a rare synthesis of environmental insight, public governance, and regional development. Drawing on his experience advancing sustainable policy frameworks and digital innovation across Odisha, he helps guide the initiative’s vision of celebrating the state’s artistic heritage through environmentally conscious curation and meaningful community engagement.