Fondly known as ‘Nutrition Man’, Mr Basanta Kumar Kar is an international development professional who has won numerous accolades and a broad experience of leading large country, regional programs and networks with demonstrable results. Through professional excellence, strategic thinking, program delivery skills, diligence and empathy; he has demonstrated how intervention programs can be suitably scaled up for maximising impact among the marginalised. He held leadership positions in credible organisations of national and international repute and represents in numerous policy, advisory and technical bodies.

For the food, nutrition and social sector contribution, Basanta was conferred with the most prestigious Global Nutrition Leadership Award(2019), ‘Hero of the Decade’ recognition for contribution to the Swachh and Swasth (Clean and Healthy) India (2019), Government of India recognition on contribution to POSHAN Abhiyaan; Honourable Prime Ministers Scheme for Holistic Nourishment (2018),‘Transform Nutrition Champion’ Award for India and Bangladesh(2016) and Odisha Living Legend Award (2016). Basanta was featured in IFPRI’s Book on Nourishing Millions and was nominated for India Innovation Award (2006). He authored numerous articles and collection of poems.