Dr (Mrs) Janak Palta McGilligan served as the first director of the Institute since June 1985 till she retired in April 2011. She worked with dedication and zeal for improving the Institute's functioning and has to her credit a number of achievements and awards. Due to her dedication the Institute achieved new heights in serving the rural and tribal women. for detailed CV click here      (late) Mr Jimmy (James) McGilligan OBE served as the first manager of the Institute till his (untimely and tragic) departure in a road accident in April 2011. He worked tirelessly  for building the Institute's premises. He pioneered the use and dissemination of solar cooking technologies at the Institute. Recognising his services towards rural  development, he was awarded the OBE - Order of the British Empire, by Her Majesty the Queen of England. for detailed CV click here